Go Pro, Drone, Or Nikon Camera?
I'm really into photography and adventuring and I wanted to start making videos and taking nicer pictures to post online and make YouTube videos. Which of those three do you think I should invest in and would be better?
A "Nikon camera" doesn't tell us much… They make like 40 different models. A Nikon DSLR would be the best choice to start with, adding the GoPro and/or drone as your skills progress. With the DSLR, you can shoot video or still, learn how to actually take photos that someone else may want to see, and explore what it is that you actually want to do.
A GoPro is a useful tool, but not for a general use camera. The main limitation is that very wide angle lens, along with lack of actual photographic controls. It can take stills along with video, just like a DSLR, but it is not nearly as flexible as a DSLR.
A drone would probably be the last thing to get, even though they are a blast to play with.
GoPro is good for action videos where you need a fisheye lens. For example, those who mount the camera on the handlebars of their motorcycle, or put it on their helmet. All of these people need a fisheye lens to capture them, their entire body and the surrounding environment. The downside is that the fisheye lens creates a huge amount of distortion which makes all action cameras like GoPro a very bad choice for normal video usage.
Drones are drones, and they're not to be used as photographic tools. They are for video and video only. Yes, there are some that can take photos, but the quality is not good enough for anything other than posting a a small photo to the internet.
Nikons are great for photography, but they are among the lowest rated camera on the market for video. Without question, there really isn't a worse DSLR for video. Even the Nikon D5, at $6,500 just for the body, get horrible reviews for it's video capabilities. Some of the Canon DSLRs are good at video, but none are as good as the Sony mirrorless cameras or the Panasonic GH4/GH5 cameras. The Sony A7S ii, and the Panasonic GH5 are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to digital cameras for video and photos.
You have to understand what and for whom these devices are designed. Deciding between a GoPro and a DSLR is like trying to decide between a motorcycle and a pickup truck. If you need a waterproof video camera that is super small and can be mounted anywhere, then go with an action camera. Otherwise go with something else. If you're going to be using the device mainly for video and sometimes for stills, then go with a camcorder that shoots 4K. With a 4K camcorder you'll have the ability to get 8MP shots which is far more than what you'll need for posting to the internet and it can print up to about 8"x10" prints.
If the photo capabilities of a camcorder does not meet your needs, then go with a Sony or Panasonic mirrorless camera and just skip DSLRs. Both Sony and Panasonic are years ahead of Canon and about a decade ahead of Nikon when it comes to video.
Nikon for photography, Gopro if you're going to be using the equipment a lot in the elements, and a drone if you want more interesting perspectives. Nikon worse for video than Gopro and in general drones are better at video than Nikon. If you can find a drone with a camera that has manual controls, manual focus and can be used independently of the drone, then you may want to consider that. I think the biggest advantage to a Nikon would be manual controls and manual focus. A drone may be far more tricky to do the same with and Gopro has fixed focus so not ideal for photography or video. A Nikon won't necessarily make better images than a Gopro unless you learn how to use the manual controls, then there's a significant chance that you can make better photos with a Nikon.
A entry level D-SLR would be your best bet.
IF you want to LEARN the basic fundamentals of photography and have a skill for the rest of your life, where you can properly compose images and get great or well exposed images through proper use of light and shadows… Get a Nikon DSLR, preferably a mid-range beginner camera and kit zoom lens. What you learn in still photography will carry over into other forms of photography (digital video, for example).
IF you're only interested in having fun with a new toy, the drone is a pretty nifty toy but you can't use it when it's raining or snowing, or even indoors.
IF you want to mount a fun-toy on a bike's handlebar or wear it on a helmet to capture the sights everywhere you go… That's what the Gopro excels at. NOT really recommended for night time shooting or in the rain or snow.
Given the choice, I'd opt for the Nikon DSLR. You can use it beneath an umbrella when it's raining or snowing, and you can use indoor when it's raining or snowing or at night. You can make a light tent out of a cardboard box and pieces of white translucent plastic (from a plastic shopping bags; check the Internet) and practice product photography (you'll be entertained and occupied for hours) and even photograph toys (have you heard of the new craze, photographing action figures, desktop photography and Forced Perspective photography… Check it out on the Internet). You can also have fun taking family photos, or at special family events/get-togethers while developing your skills and gaining experience. Heck, you can even join the school newspaper or join a photography club and really learn a lot!
I use a Nikon and once you figure out how to use it and understand the settings, its rather easy to use. I get really good results and I'm young and inexperienced.