Can DJI Avata Carry GoPro (Explained)

DJI Avata is one of the latest FPV drones released by DJI with fantastic performance packed into a small cinewhoop frame. 

Can the DJI Avata carry a GoPro?

Despite weighing only 410 grams, the DJI Avata is capable of carrying a full-size GoPro and still flying. Please be aware that mounting a full-size GoPro on top of a DJI Avata may not be the best idea as it adds extra weight, reduces the drone’s flight time performance, and can affect motors if done improperly.

There is much more information to be covered and critical data to consider if you want to mount a GoPro on top of a DJI Avata.

Please continue reading together before you buy a GoPro to attach to the DJI Avata.

Why would you need a GoPro on top of DJI Avata?

Drone pilots, in particular FPV drone pilots, do prefer to attach an additional GoPro on top of the DJI Avata or any FPV drone capable of carrying it in order to get the best video recording you can get.

The DJI camera that belongs to DJI Avata is decent to record but not as good as a GoPro Hero 11, one of the most current GoPro cameras.

For this reason, in the FPV world, a GoPro is a necessary camera to attach to a capable FPV quad and get the best footage ever – better stabilized, higher resolution, etc.

Is GoPro a heavy camera? What types of GoPro can we attach to DJI Avata?

GoPro has always been known for being a tiny camera capable of extraordinary video quality and performance. 

There are dozen of GoPro versions, emerging into 11 generations, where GoPro Hero 11 Black is the latest one capable of recording 5.3k or 4k 120fps, a leading camera mainly designed for extreme sports.

But there are more types of GoPro cameras, and one specifically designed for FPV drones.

A standard GoPro Hero 11 Black weighs around 150 grams, which is relatively heavy for the DJI Avata. Although the camera is extremely lightweight as cameras go, it may affect the drone’s performance.

The mini version weighs only 133 grams.

But with the 10th version of GoPro, they released GoPro Bones – Hero 10 – an extremely lightweight camera weighing only 60 grams, stripped of all unnecessary parts not needed when flying FPV, and reduced to a bare minimum to maximize recording capabilities.

There are many versions of GoPro that we can attach to DJI Avata. However, we need to consider a mounting option, a frame for the GoPro to connect to the drone – those are challenging to find.

But before we do, let’s look over three popular GoPro options – the GoPro Hero 11 Black, 11 Black Mini, and GoPro Bones Hero 10 size & weight, shall we?

	GoPro Hero 11 Black	GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini	GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones
Dimensions	71.8mm (W) 50.8mm (H) 33.6mm (D)	52.4mm (W) 51.2mm (H) 38mm (D)	68mm (W) 50mm (H) 29mm (D)
Weight	153 grams	133 grams	60 grams
Battery	Yes, removable	Yes, embedded	Requires power 2s-6s Li-Po (5-27V)

The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is the middle ground between Hero 11 Black and Hero 10 Black Bones.

There is only a slight difference in weight between GoPro Hero 11 Black and the mini version, which does not have a screen or removable battery.

» MORE: Best ND filters for GoPro

What mount frame do we need?

Firstly, we must remember that DJI Avata is a reasonably new drone, and there are not many 3rd party manufacturers covering different GoPro mounts for Avata.

This is also because it’s tricky to safely attach a GoPro and ensure the drone’s stability, to be lightweight and be able to fly it.

There could be more options, but FPV pilots also often consider custom 3D printing their own attachable frame for the GoPro on DJI Avata or using other methods, such as using double tape, which is riskier.

» MORE: GoPro vs Drone: Which One Should You Choose?

What are the disadvantages of mounting a GoPro camera to DJI Avata?

The main advantage to cover when you use your GoPro camera (newer models) to attach to the DJI Avata is that you can now capture fantastic videos compared to before.

But there are disadvantages, and you will need to be aware of those.

• The GoPro will drastically reduce your DJI Avata battery life.

• If you attach the GoPro improperly to DJI Avata, the power of the motors could become unbalanced, risking overheating, making it more challenging to maneuver the drone, etc.

• It would be challenging to perform acro freestyle with your DJI Avata if you have the GoPro attached; the drone structure will not allow you to do it well.

• If you fly manually without active stabilization sensors, the flight style could be more chaotic because the center of gravity has been modified.

Regarding the drone’s structure, mounting a GoPro on top is risky because it decreases the stability due to the motors’ locations. 

What do we need to know when mounting a GoPro on DJI Avata?

There are a couple of things you have to remember if you want to add a GoPro camera to DJI Avata:

• Ensure that the way you attach your GoPro to your DJI Avata is safe, and nothing impedes the propeller’s functioning in a way that would affect the drone’s functionality.

• Understand how the total weight you add to your drone will affect performance. On top of the GoPro weight, please consider the weight of the mount you choose as well.

• The drone can be unstable when flying at high speeds, in the wind, making sudden turns, or doing any type of acro style while having a GoPro attached.

• The Return to Home function may not calculate the battery appropriately required to return the drone safely, as the weight of the GoPro can massively influence these calculations.

• For the above reason, beware of the distance you are sending your DJI Avata with the GoPro, particularly if you want to fly long-range above water. 

If you opt for the GoPro Hero Bones version, which is deprived of all functions to the bare minimum to record in order to be as lightweight as possible, this doesn’t have a battery.

You will be required to power it from 2s to 6s current manually (5v to 27v), which may seem nearly impossible to do with DJI Avata without opening it up.

If you want to continue to attach a GoPro Hero Bones permanently, please beware that you will have to open up the aircraft and add a direct power line to the GoPro.

In this case, you will lose the warranty and risk damaging the aircraft. 

For advanced FPV Drone pilots, this may be a solution. 

Are there alternatives to GoPro to attach to DJI Avata?

Insta360 One R is a fantastic alternative to attach to DJI Avata instead of GoPro.

The Insta360 One R is around 158 grams, and its size is quite similar to the GoPro, with a slightly better protection camera guard. 

But remember that if you fly your DJI Avata high speed and crash your GoPro or Insta360 One R, neither will likely survive a direct impact.

The Insta360 R sensor size is 1″, and larger than the latest GoPro Hero 11.

DJI Osmo Action 3 is another spectacular alternative to attach to DJI Avata, this time the same DJI product as Avata. 

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is an excellent lightweight camera alternative, at around 145 grams only, but with insignificant flight performance improvement over having a full-size GoPro attached to Avata.

» MORE: Is DJI Owned By Apple?