GoDrone Vertical GoPro Frame
I do not understand why GoPro doesn’t make Vertical frames today when people consume media from mobile devices and when most of the images on social media are in portrait format! Yes, you can turn your camera in a portrait mode using the pivot arms but DONT! Check out GoDrone and get yourself a Vertical Frame asap!
There are so many use cases when a vertical framing of your shot makes absolutely 100% sense and using the standard frame that comes with your GoPro will just be a waste. You will lose space on top of the frame (or at the bottom) and you will have too much empty space on the sides. The GoDrone Vertical Frame is exactly what it sounds like – it`s a vertical frame!
GoPro cameras have important access points on either side so I assume this is one of the reasons GoPro hasn’t made a vertical frame but GoDrone has bypassed this by offsetting the mount slightly so you can still access the side button. It does make it a bit harder to reach the button, especially if you happen to wear gloves but it`s doable.
The GoDrone Vertical GoPro Frame is a 3D printed frame made from Alfaplus plastic. (There is no information on the material on DoDrone home page but I reached out to them and got the material information.) ALFAPLUS is the latest bio-based technical polymer in FILOALFA’s range of filaments and represents a step ahead in 3D printing. Its bio formulation respects the environment, have high mechanical characteristics and, after an easy treatment, excellent heat resistance characteristics. ALFAPLUS has a tensile strength of 430 Kg/cm2 (measured on a 3D printed test), which is equal to +80% compared to a common ABS (230 Kg/cm2 measured on a 3D printed test).
The strength of the material was my number one concern when testing the frame because I was using it while Kitesurfing and I have lost a GoPro once and broke it off from my board when landing har 3 or four times. On those occasions, the amazing Bodhy Floaty has saved the camera from drowning but it`s not possible to fit the floaty to the Vertical Frame. Fortunately, the frame held up perfectly during the first session. I didn’t have too many hard landing so time will tell if the frame can resist the impacts, so just to be sure I attached a lanyard to where the screw attaches to the frame.
The overall build quality is a bit “rustic”. Since it`s not a molded product and comes from a 3D printer the edges look a bit sloppy and you can see the printing lines. If you are a fancy prude you might find it unappealing but I have absolutely no problems with it as long as the frame is durable and does its job. The Vertical GoPro Frame sits very tight around the camera so you need to pull squeeze the frame tight to make it close. There’s nothing much more to say about the design since it is a really really simple product other than you can order it in different colors. I had a bright blue frame just so it would be easier to find if I happen to lose it.
GoDrone Vertical GoPro Frame is AMAZING
I have been soooo annoyed at having to limit myself to horizontal framing when attaching my GoPro to the tip of my kite board. It cuts off from the top and leaves unused space on the sides so I always end up cropping the photos too much. It`s impossible to attach the GoPro to a board using the pivot arms – they will just break off and adding too many fail points the framing will we out of wack as soon as you hit hard on the water no matter how tight the screws are.
The great thing about the Vertical frame is that the attachment point is on the left side of the camera (where the options button is) so that once you mount it the lens is not close to the surface, giving you a better framing angle. Yes, the downside is that it`s harder to reach the button but its a fair tradeoff in my mind.
Just take a look at how much better the framing is if the end goal is a vertical image. Standard GoPro frame on the left, GoDrone Frame on the right. Pay no attention to my condom suit, it`s cold still 😀
This test was done 100% kitesurfing but I highly suggest getting the frame if you ever shoot a situation where the subject is vertical. Kitesurfing, surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding, skateboarding, etc, etc. or if you are 100% sure the picture will end up in social media and in a portrait format.