GoPro’s new HERO 10 Black Bones is GoPro’s latest release, catering to a very specialized market. Previously, FPV drones would use either heavily modified GoPros or very small cameras like the HERO 5 Session, but GoPro’s technologies have evolved a great deal since the Session was last updated. Besides, with Sessions being hard to come by, and their built in batteries having exhausted their recharge cycles, having a lightweight GoPro on an FPV drone has become increasingly difficult for those not wanting to dismantle their GoPro. So finally, GoPro has answered the calls of those who want GoPro quality without the weight of a standard HERO 10 Black.

While this camera shares the important bits, like the lens, sensor, and processing, it is bare bones beyond that. No screen of any kind, and no battery. It also only weighs 54 grams. For a point of comparison, the HERO5 Session is 88 grams with cage and 72 grams without. The HERO 10 Black is 152 grams. So it is significantly lighter at just over 1/3rd the weight.

But, what it isn’t is waterproof, or really useful as a standard action camera if you need any camera controls or setting info without using a remote controller or app. It gets power from a 3pin power connector common on Lipo battery packs. It also isn’t any cheaper than a Hero10 Black despite having no battery or screen.

Drone operators have been stripping down GoPros for years, and using rubber bands or 3D Printed cases. The only real difference here, is that you don’t void your warranty, don’t have to worry about screwing it up in the process and don’t have to figure out how to connect everything to make it work. Plus it looks a lot better. So I applaud GoPro for catering to a niche (but quickly growing) market.

Read their press material below: