Best Airplane Cameras, Mounts, and Accessories

Last updated June 2026

The views from the cockpit are magnificent, and no matter how well we describe them to our friends and family back on the ground, it is hard to paint the picture. But now, picture this: the opportunity to take them all along for the breathtaking ride. Thanks to the marvels of technology, this dream can become a reality as we venture into the world of aviation filming with the help of an aircraft camera.

Cameras are small, portable and more affordable than ever. They pair with a wide range of mounts and accessories to set us up to capture incredible footage that used to cost professionals thousands of dollars to shoot.

Today we will walk you through the types of cameras to choose from, your mounting options and some great accessories that will enhance your filming and viewing experience. We will even throw in some tips and tricks to find the perfect aircraft camera and get your aviation filming adventure off to a strong start.

Ready? Lights, camera, action!

Best Airplane Cameras and Mounts at a Glance

Camera prices are approximate manufacturer figures and change frequently. Mount and accessory prices are PilotMall catalog prices and are current as of June 2026.

Best Airplane Cameras

As you plan the look and feel you want your in-flight footage to have, you will be choosing from two categories of cameras or, more likely, investing in at least one of each. This multi-camera route gives you an advantage because you can incorporate multiple vantage points in your footage.

Action Cameras

The first type of camera (and one that you are probably already familiar with) is an action camera. Action cameras are the type that you see skateboarders, skiers, airsoft players, skydivers and other athletes and adventurers use to capture first person footage of their adventures.

The most well-known brand in the action camera family is GoPro, although Insta360, DJI and AKASO have all gained ground.

The action cameras we recommend for pilots in 2026 are:

GoPro HERO13 Black

The GoPro HERO13 Black is GoPro's current flagship and our top pick for the cockpit. It records up to 5.3K at 60fps, adds the new swappable HB-Series lenses (including an Ultra Wide lens) and runs the larger Enduro battery for up to roughly 2.5 hours of continuous recording, which is a real advantage on longer cross-country flights.

Its standout feature for pilots is HyperSmooth electronic image stabilization, which delivers the smooth, stable footage of a gimbaled camera without an actual gimbal, even through turbulence and engine vibration. Horizon Lock keeps the horizon level no matter how the airframe banks. Note that the previous-generation HERO12 Black remains an excellent value if you find one on sale and do not need the HB-Series lens system.

Pro Tip: If you are unfamiliar with GoPro's naming conventions for the HERO line, the "Black" name denotes the top-tier, fully featured model. GoPro retired the older White and Silver tiers, so a current HERO Black gives you the complete feature set.

AKASO Brave 7

If you want an affordable 4K action camera, the AKASO Brave 7 (the current successor to the older Brave 4) is a strong value pick. It shoots Ultra HD 4K, includes EIS 2.0 electronic image stabilization to smooth out vibration, and ships waterproof with an adjustable wide field of view. It costs a fraction of the flagship cameras while still letting your viewers feel the magic you experience above the field.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro is the strongest GoPro alternative in 2026. It offers excellent low-light performance from its larger sensor, long battery life, and dual touchscreens that make framing a cockpit shot easy. For pilots who fly at dawn, dusk or into the evening, its low-light capability is a meaningful edge over older action cameras.

360 Degree / Virtual Reality (VR) Cameras

Now that you have your standard cockpit view covered, it is time to get creative. A 360-degree camera will deliver stunning professional quality footage. View your flight from an entirely new perspective and splice this one-of-a-kind footage in with the standard cockpit view for a fully immersive experience. A major advantage of 360 cameras is that you film everything at once and choose the angle later in editing, so you never miss a moment by pointing the camera the wrong way.

The best 360 / VR cameras for pilots in 2026 are:

Insta360 X5

The Insta360 X5 is our top 360 pick and the successor to the older X3 and X4. Its dual 1/1.28-inch sensors capture up to 8K at 30fps across the full sphere, so you can reframe any angle after the flight using the AI-powered tools in the Insta360 app. The "invisible selfie stick" effect removes the mount or stick in post, creating a floating third-person view of your aircraft that looks like it was shot by a chase plane. Crisp single-lens photos and timelapses round it out.

GoPro MAX

The GoPro MAX packs three cameras in one for versatile spherical footage. It shoots immersive 360 video, HERO-style flat video, panoramic photos and 360 timelapses. The MAX adds unbreakable stabilization powered by Max HyperSmooth, premium audio captured by six microphones, and a rugged waterproof design. It is the natural 360 choice if you already shoot on the GoPro app and want everything in one ecosystem.

Insta360 ONE RS (1-Inch 360 Edition)

The Insta360 ONE RS uses a modular design that lets you swap between a wide-angle action lens and a 360 lens on the same body. The 1-Inch 360 Edition, co-engineered with Leica, delivers larger sensors and stronger low-light 360 capture. It is a flexible pick if you want one device that can be both an action camera and a 360 camera.

Best Airplane Camera Mounts

You have your camera, or cameras, all picked out. Now it is time to decide how best to mount them.

Mounts are important for 2 key reasons:

1. They keep your camera safe and secure.
2. They allow you to position your camera to capture the angle you are looking for.

Camera mounts come in 3 main types: suction, flat surface and clamp. They can often be purchased as a full kit with a base, arm and adapter or as individual components.

Pro Tip: You may want to invest in different types of mounts for different areas of your cockpit. Keep in mind that RAM's ball-based mounting systems are universal, so the arm and adapter from one mount can easily be moved to another mount in most cases. Pair any of these bases with a RAM double socket arm and the action-camera adapter that matches your camera.

Suction Mounts

Suction mounts are easy to move around, allowing you to reposition your camera and shoot from different viewpoints. Suction mounts work well on smooth, non-porous cockpit surfaces like glass and plastic.

The best suction mounts are:

RAM Triple Suction Cup Base with 1" Dia. Ball RAM-224-3U ($53.49)

If you have a camera and want to ensure it stays steady, this is the solution. RAM Mount amplifies stability by giving you three 3.3" locking suction cups connected to a standard 1" ball, allowing you to attach any RAM arm and camera adapter securely. It is the strongest removable option for glass or smooth panels.

RAM Twist-Lock Dual Pivot Suction Cup Base RAM-B-189B-PIV1U ($65.99)

For a single-cup mount with extra adjustability, RAM's Twist-Lock Dual Pivot suction base uses a twist lever to lock onto smooth surfaces and adds a pivot joint for finer angle control. The short profile fits into tighter cockpit spaces. It carries the same universal 1" ball, so your arm and camera adapter transfer right over.

Flat Surface Mounts

Flat surface mounts are permanent mounts that are very secure. They usually have a built-in ball feature that is great for allowing you to easily swivel the camera. They come in drill-down or adhesive styles depending on your cockpit set-up and your willingness to drill into your aircraft. Because of how they are mounted, these types of mounts work well on just about any flat surface. They are also the most secure mount style.

The best flat mounts are:

RAM 2.5" Round Base with 1" Ball & Camera Mount RAM-B-202AU ($15.49)

For the freedom to piece together your own perfect flat mount setup, start with a sturdy RAM round base. This version includes a 1/4"-20 threaded post, so it fits standard cameras and camcorders directly, and the 1" ball accepts any RAM double socket arm and action-camera adapter. The round base has pre-drilled holes to secure it to nearly any flat surface. (Note: this exact part is being phased out and stock is limited; if it sells out, build the same setup from any current RAM 1" ball base plus a double socket arm.)

RAM Adhesive and Drill-Down Ball Bases

Do not have anywhere you can screw in a mount, or do not want to make holes in your aircraft? RAM offers adhesive ball bases that peel and stick to a clean flat surface, as well as drill-down round bases for a permanent installation. Both use the same 1" ball as the other RAM kits, so your double socket arms and camera adapters work with them. Browse the full lineup on the RAM Mounts collection.

Clamp Mounts

Clamp mounts are repositionable like a suction mount, but secure like a flat surface mount. They are designed to clamp around a strut, support bar or yoke. Most clamp mounts have a long arm that swivels on a ball allowing for easy manipulation of the camera position and angle.

The best clamp mounts are:

RAM Tough-Claw Small Clamp Base with 1" Ball RAP-B-400U ($37.49)

This is our overall favorite camera mount for pilots. Set yourself up for success with a clamp-on base that can be fitted with a double socket arm and adapter for your camera. If you already have an arm and adapter for a suction or flat mount kit, they transfer over and work with this base as well.

The clamp is adjustable thanks to protective rubber pads that line the inside of the grip and expand and retract to fit around various widths and shapes of surfaces. Once the clamp is in position, simply tighten the knob to apply tension until the mount is secure. This clamp fits cylindrical surfaces from 5/8" to 1-1/2" in diameter and can also mount to flat surfaces up to 1.14" thick.

RAM Tough-Claw Medium Clamp Base with Ball RAP-B-404U ($43.49)

Need to clamp onto a larger tube or rail? The medium Tough-Claw steps up the jaw capacity while keeping the same rugged, tool-free clamp design and universal 1" ball. It is a good choice for bigger struts and roll bars where the small claw will not reach. Pair it with a double socket arm and your camera adapter for a quick, secure mount that you can reposition in seconds.

RAM Yoke and Rail Clamp Bases

RAM also makes dedicated yoke clamp bases that fasten to yokes, struts, rails and other cylindrical items and add the standard 1" RAM ball. Some versions include a 1/4"-20 threaded insert that fits standard digital cameras and camcorders directly. See the current selection on the RAM Mounts collection.

Best Airplane Camera Accessories

The camera and the mount are the 2 must-have components. Now we get into all the extras that improve the function of your camera and enhance the quality of your footage.

Pilot USA Headset Audio Adapter ($45.99)

While your action cameras are great for capturing the visuals of your flights, they do not give you the full experience. Imagine overlaying your in-flight intercom and ATC audio onto the footage. The Pilot USA GA Headset Audio Adapter lets you record your headset audio directly, without cabin and engine noise drowning it out. A helicopter headset version is also available. This single accessory does the most to make cockpit video feel professional.

Spare Batteries and Fast Storage

Aviation footage eats battery and storage fast, especially in 4K and 360. Carry at least one spare manufacturer battery (cold cruise altitudes drain batteries faster) and high-speed UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards rated for 4K/8K recording. GoPro's Enduro batteries and high-endurance cards from brands like SanDisk are the safe choice. Running out of power or storage mid-flight is the most common reason pilots miss the shot.

GoPro El Grande Extension Pole

For those times when your arms just are not long enough or you need to get really creative to achieve the perfect camera angle, the GoPro El Grande delivers. Its sturdy aluminum handle extends to 38", then collapses back down to just 15" for easy stowage. The integrated ball-and-socket design lets you swivel your GoPro on the fly without stopping to un-mount.

Anti-Fog Inserts

Do not let temperature and humidity changes get in the way of capturing the perfect shot, especially when you climb from a warm ramp into cold air aloft. Slip an anti-fog insert into your camera housing and it absorbs the moisture before it ever fogs the lens. Most inserts are reusable several times if you dry them out and store them in an airtight bag.

Bonus: Tips for Recording & Putting Together the Best Quality Footage

You have the camera, the mount, the accessories. You are all set to go up and record some amazing footage. Before you take off, here are a few tips, tricks and reminders to help you get the most out of your footage.

1. Make sure your battery is fully charged, and carry at least one fully charged spare (two for long flights).
2. Help extend battery life by turning off any battery-draining features like WiFi if you are not using them.
3. Bring cleared-out, high-speed SD cards with plenty of space for 4K or 8K footage.
4. Practice and experiment with different settings at home, so you know how each works and what quality and effects they produce.
5. When mounting your cameras, think about unique angles. How can you get an unexpected perspective that makes the footage more interesting to watch?
6. Secure every camera and cable so nothing can come loose and become a hazard or interfere with the controls. Brief your mounts as part of your preflight.
7. Use your camera maker's free editing app (GoPro Quik, Insta360 Studio) to speed up editing and add reframing or stabilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best camera for filming in an airplane cockpit?

For most general aviation pilots in 2026, the GoPro HERO13 Black is the best all-around cockpit camera thanks to its HyperSmooth stabilization, Horizon Lock and long Enduro battery life. If you want to capture the entire cabin and reframe angles afterward, the Insta360 X5 is the best 360 option, and the GoPro MAX is the best 360 camera for pilots already in the GoPro ecosystem.

How do I mount a GoPro or action camera in a small airplane?

Use a RAM ball-based mount. A clamp mount like the RAM Tough-Claw Small Clamp Base ($37.49) attaches to a yoke, strut or rail; a suction mount like the RAM Triple Suction Cup Base ($53.49) sticks to glass or smooth panels; and a flat-surface or adhesive base gives the most permanent, secure hold. All RAM 1" ball bases share the same arms and adapters, so you can move one camera between several mounts.

Can I record ATC and intercom audio with my flight camera?

Yes. A headset audio adapter such as the Pilot USA GA Headset Audio Adapter ($45.99) taps your headset audio and feeds it directly to your camera or recorder, so your intercom and ATC communications are captured cleanly without cabin and engine noise. A helicopter version is also available.

Is it legal to mount a camera in your aircraft?

Mounting a camera is generally permitted as long as it is secured so it cannot interfere with the flight controls, block your view, or become a loose object in turbulence, and as long as it does not require a permanent modification that affects airworthiness. Use a secure mount, keep cables tidy, and include your cameras in your preflight check. When in doubt about permanent installations, consult your mechanic and the relevant FAA guidance.

Final Thoughts

Capturing memories of your flights and sharing them with your loved ones is priceless. All you need to do to get started is pick up an action camera, a secure mount and a few accessories, then start practicing and learning. Your footage will evolve over time, and soon you will be proudly screening cinematic masterpieces for your family and friends.