What devices are compatible with GoPro?

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What devices are compatible with GoPro

GoPro cameras are compact action cameras that are designed to capture high-quality photos and videos during sports, adventures, and other activities. They are known for their durability, portability, and ability to capture immersive point-of-view footage. As versatile cameras, GoPros can connect and pair with many different devices to enhance the functionality and user experience.

Smartphones

One of the most popular devices used with GoPro cameras are smartphones. There are a few ways smartphones can connect and interact with GoPros:

  • The GoPro App – This free mobile app allows you to control your GoPro remotely using your smartphone or tablet. You can view live footage, change settings, start/stop recording, and more. The GoPro App is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
  • Wireless connectivity – Most GoPros have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth that allow you to connect to the camera directly from your smartphone or tablet without cables. This gives you remote control and live streaming capabilities.
  • Playback – You can playback and share GoPro videos and photos directly from the GoPro App. The app allows basic editing and sharing to social media.

By pairing your smartphone with your GoPro, you have complete remote control and a way to instantly review and share your footage on the go. The wireless range between smartphone and GoPro depends on model and conditions, but is generally up to 10-15 meters.

PC/Mac Computers

You can connect your GoPro camera to a computer to access, edit, and share your footage in more detail. There are a few options to connect the cameras:

  • USB Cable – Use the included USB-C cable to plug your GoPro into your computer. This allows you to directly access the files on your GoPro and transfer files for editing/sharing.
  • SD Card Reader – Remove the SD card from your GoPro and insert it into an SD card reader attached to your computer. This also gives you access to the files.
  • Desktop App – The GoPro Quik desktop app allows you to import and edit your footage on Mac/PC. You can connect your camera via cable or SD card. Advanced editing can be done with video editing software like Adobe Premiere.

Once connected to a computer, you have full access to your high-quality videos and images to edit, enhance, share, and store. Large files are easily transferred for editing and archiving.

External Displays

GoPro cameras can be connected to external monitors and displays to provide a larger live preview of your camera feed. This helps when framing shots and monitoring footage in real-time. There are a few options for connecting display devices:

  • HDMI Cable – Use a HDMI cable to connect your GoPro to any monitor, TV, or display with an HDMI input. GoPro cameras output up to 4K resolution via HDMI.
  • USB-C Cable – Some external monitors accept USB-C input, allowing you to connect via the same cable used for charging and computer connectivity.
  • Live Streaming – With the right hardware encoding equipment, GoPros can live stream footage directly to platforms like YouTube and Twitch for real-time monitoring.

Larger displays let you see minute details and help when composing wide shots or overhead footage. Great for monitoring the action when your GoPro is mounted in hard-to-see places.

Drones

Mounting your GoPro camera to a drone is a popular way to capture stunning aerial footage. Many consumer and professional drones are compatible with GoPro cameras. There are a few ways to mount your GoPro for drone use:

  • Integrated Mounts – Some drones like the DJI Phantom 4 have an integrated mount specifically for GoPro cameras. This provides secure attachment and often camera control integration.
  • Removable Gimbals – Higher-end drones allow you to remove the built-in camera and replace it with a GoPro on a stabilization gimbal.
  • External Mounts – For drones without integrated mounts, you can use strap mounts or clamps to securely attach your GoPro to the body of the drone or landing gear.

When mounted to a drone, you can capture unique aerial views and sweeping footage. Camera angles and field of view options allow for creative shots.

GoPro Remotes

To directly control your GoPro without a smartphone, you can use dedicated GoPro remote controls. These accessories allow you to remotely start/stop recording, snap photos, adjust settings, and more.

  • Wearable Remotes – These compact remote controls strap to your wrist or mount on equipment, giving you access to camera controls while your GoPro is mounted out of reach.
  • Smart Remote – This remote has an LCD screen with a range up to 600ft. You can see camera info, change modes, and monitor battery levels from a distance.
  • Voice Control – Some newer GoPro cameras have voice control for hands-free operation using wake words and commands.

GoPro remotes give you full wireless camera control from afar. Great for activities where you are distanced from your GoPro or want hands-free control.

GoPro Karma Drone/Grip

The GoPro Karma drone series integrates tightly with GoPro cameras for aerial and handheld filming. It includes:

  • Karma Drone – This folding quadcopter drone ships with an integrated handheld grip that can also be used independently as a stabilizer.
  • Karma Grip – The grip houses your GoPro and provides camera controls. It stabilizes handheld video and offers smooth timelapse motion.
  • Karma Harness – Wearable harness attaches your GoPro to your body while the Karma Grip stabilizes the camera.

When paired with the Karma series accessories, you get aerial, handheld, and body-worn video stabilization along with complete camera control.

360 Cameras

Some 360 degree cameras are designed to integrate with GoPro cameras and accessories, including:

  • Insta360 – Insta360 ONE series cameras can connect directly to GoPro mounts like the Karma Grip and custom mounts.
  • GoPro Max – GoPro’s own 360 camera has dedicated slots for dual GoPro Hero cameras to capture 360 and standard perspectives.
  • Kandao – The Kandao Obsidian camera has an integrated GoPro-style mounting socket for compatibility.

When connected to 360 cameras, GoPros can capture both the 360 spherical view and forward-facing standard perspective at the same time. Integrated GoPro mounts and controls provide versatility.

Mounts and Accessories

There is a huge range of mounting and connectivity accessories that are compatible with GoPro cameras, including:

  • Chest Mounts
  • Head & Helmet Mounts
  • Surfboard Mounts
  • Suction Cup Mounts
  • Handlebar Mounts
  • Pole Mounts
  • Vented Helmet Straps
  • Floating Handles
  • Wrist & Leg Mounts
  • Body Suits
  • Harnesses
  • Dog Mounts

The variety of mounts allow you to attach your GoPro to almost anything imaginable. Combined with remotes and wireless connectivity, you can capture the action from unique perspectives.

Charging Devices

Keeping your GoPro powered is essential. There are a few device options for charging:

  • Wall/USB Chargers – The included wall/USB charger tops up your GoPro battery when not in use.
  • Portable Batteries – Compact external batteries from Anker, Xiaomi, and RAVPower can charge GoPros on-the-go.
  • Solar Chargers – Portable solar panels from RavPower, Powertraveller, and Joos let you charge your GoPro off-grid using the sun.
  • GoPro Supercharger – GoPro’s fast-charging wall charger provides quick top-ups while not filming.

With the right chargers and backup batteries, you can keep your GoPro powered up for the entire duration of any activity or trip.

Waterproof Housings

To protect your GoPro and extend its use underwater or in wet conditions, specialized waterproof housings are available:

  • Standard Housing – The bundled housing takes your GoPro up to 60m underwater.
  • Dive Housing – For deeper diving, GoPro’s specialized dive housing provides protection up to 60m underwater.
  • Extended Housing – Third party accessories like the CamKix housing extend GoPro underwater use up to 91m depths.

Waterproof GoPro housings allow you to capture HD footage underwater, whether snorkeling in a reef or recording deep sea adventures. Some also provide flotation when needed.

Microphones

To enhance and customize audio being recorded by your GoPro, various external microphones can be used:

  • 3.5mm Mic Adapter – This adapter allows you to plug in any 3.5mm external mic like Sony and Rode models
  • USB-C Mics – Microphones like the Rode VideoMic Me-L plug directly into your GoPro’s USB-C port.
  • Wireless Mics – For full wireless control, mics like the Comica CVM-WM100 transmit audio over WiFi to your GoPro.

External GoPro microphones help capture enhanced sound in noisy environments and improve audio quality over the built-in mic.

Lighting

To provide extra illumination when filming with your GoPro, you can connect external lighting accessories:

  • LED Light Panels – Compact on-camera lights plug into your GoPro’s USB-C port for brightening scenes.
  • GoPro Light Mod – This compact LED light snaps directly onto your GoPro for bright, forward-facing illumination.
  • Flash Accessories – Products like the CamKix Zeus Flash add a powerful external flash to your GoPro for lighting in any conditions.

Portable GoPro lighting accessories make shooting possible in low-light situations and provide creative lighting effects.

Gimbals

Camera gimbals are motorized stabilizers designed to produce smooth, stable footage. Many popular gimbals are GoPro compatible such as:

  • DJI Osmo Action – Has an integrated mount for GoPro cameras to provide 3-axis stabilization.
  • Zhiyun Rider-M – Compact handheld gimbal stabilizes GoPro cameras with sliders and timelapse modes.
  • FeiyuTech a2000 – Splashproof gimbal with a GoPro mount ideal for ground and aerial filming.

When paired with a compatible gimbal, your GoPro footage benefits from professional stabilization for clear, cinematic shots.

Teleprompters

Teleprompters are accessories that mount over a camera lens and reflect text for reading off a script hands-free while filming. There are several teleprompter options for GoPro cameras:

  • Parrot Teleprompter – Compact and lightweight teleprompter that works with GoPro cameras.
  • GLIDE Gear Helmet Prompter – Mounts to helmets for POV prompting with GoPros and action cams.
  • Opteka Prompter Kit – Affordable teleprompter kit provides everything needed for GoPro mounting.

Teleprompters help capture polished professional dialogue when recording with a GoPro.

FPV Systems

First Person View (FPV) setups allow you to see a real-time first-person perspective from your drone or RC vehicle while filming with your GoPro. Compatible options include:

  • DJI Digital FPV System – Provides low latency FPV live feed from your GoPro to DJI FPV Goggles.
  • SkyZone FPV System – Transmits a realtime FPV feed from your GoPro to SkyZone goggles.
  • Eachine FPV System – Affordable beginner FPV package works with your GoPro for immersive live views.

Mounted to drones, cars, bikes, and more, FPV systems let you experience and capture a visceral first-person view with your GoPro.

VR Headsets

For viewing immersive 360 degree, 3D, and virtual reality content captured with your GoPro camera, these VR headsets are compatible:

  • Oculus Go – Standalone VR headset plays back 360 and 3D GoPro footage.
  • Google Cardboard – Simple DIY VR viewer holds smartphones to view GoPro VR videos.
  • Merge VR Goggles – Soft durable foam goggles for holding your iPhone and playback GoPro VR footage.

Compatible VR headsets and viewers take your immersive 360 and 3D GoPro content and bring an interactive viewing experience.

GoPro Subscription

The GoPro Subscription provides a complete accessory and storage solution for your GoPro:

  • 50% Discount on Mounts and Accessories – Save money expanding your accessory collection.
  • Unlimited Cloud Storage – Automatically upload your GoPro footage for access anywhere.
  • No-Questions-Asked Replacement – Get up to two camera replacements per year for any damage.
  • VIP Support – Get live chat and phone support from GoPro experts.

The GoPro Subscription enhances your experience with discounted gear, secure automatic backup, and direct support.

Conclusion

From smartphones to VR headsets, there is an ever-growing range of accessories and devices that work seamlessly with GoPro’s action cameras. With a few key components, you can connect and control your GoPro remotely, stabilize it, light scenes, capture pro-quality sound, view footage in real-time, and more. The full ecosystem around GoPro enables you to capture any activity or perspective with professional quality and control.