GoPro Karma – Spotlight on the New Release

The GoPro Karma is hitting the shelves on the 23rd of October this year, and from what we have seen of the design, its possible that those who prefer Dji may have enough inspiration to switch up their preference.

This is a concept that was obviously a further completion of what was already a killer product: it’s just going to be up to the consumer which new drone from the usual group of heavy-hitting manufacturers they pick.

The company has come quite far as of late under the guise of a promise that the Go Pro drone Karma is “much more than just a drone”.

There is a removable gimbal that is to be used with the included Karma Grip, a fantastic handheld option that packs quite a bit of punch in the stability department for video.

Lately the rage seems to be in making cinema-quality shots easier for the pilot, and the Karma scores high in this area.

GoPro did a great job with this one of including everything needed to fly besides the camera right in the box. The design is very futuristic: white outline for the landing gear and outer edges of the drone, and black on the inside of the main hull.

The appearance of the Karma is a bit more less jagged than the Dji Mavic at first glance: emphasis seems to be on curves rather than 90-degree angles.

Which of the Go Pro camera lines are compatible with this device?

The mounts for the included gimbal will be able to fit the new Hero 5, Hero 5 Session, and Hero 4 Black and silver. One new feature that will no doubt receive a lot of love from pilots is the “Auto shot paths” option.

Using this, users can take preset paths, and select one that suits them to enable for professional shooting. If you don’t have a partner helping you monitor video, this will take even more of the difficulty out of steering the airborne drone, which Dji’s Mavic has successfully done as well.

The unleashed potential of different paths

The “dronie path” option directs the Karma by starting at and focusing on your present location, then zooms out perfectly as it flies up and far from the subject.

The “Cable Cam” path allows you to set two points in space as your reference, then smoothly fly back and forth between them, and shoot stunning images with your choice of GoPro camera.

When this company set out to make a GoPro drone, we knew that there would be several obvious differences from the Mavic, but some of them are ingenious, such as these valuable flight paths.

You can utilize the “orbit” path to fly in a complete circle while focusing on the center, and the “reveal” path allows you to travel forward while gradually shifting the camera from a downward-pointing focus point to straight ahead.

Following a subject on a jogging or biking path, upping the ante on real estate photography, and even making eye-popping instructional videos are all possibilities with these options.

The “flight simulator” on the remote allows for those who are new to piloting to get their feet wet before flying.

This could likely prevent many accidents, and give some a chance to feel what it will be like to fly before the task falls immediately and daunting on their shoulders.

Right after the release of the Karma, the “Passenger” app will be available to allow anyone else you wish to be able and view your flight, or control the camera through a smartphone.

Imagine the possibilities: someone who couldn’t make the sporting event could watch from above, or if you were looking over a farm or otherwise vast expanse, you could show someone in another location while communicating through text or phone.

What will this really mean for the competition?

One of the biggest issues that is being discussed is about the “follow-me” or object avoidance that some think the GoPro drone line should have to establish itself as a true stronghold in the competition marketplace.

It has been reported that the Karma will NOT have these features, and some have already taken the large leap of thinking that this will drastically affect the Karma’s marketability.

The general opinion in the industry is that the obvious rival who is currently offering those two features does not have them developed enough to assure the value heavily trumps the drones without these features.

Pilots who pick the Karma will be sold on its portability, how convenient it is, and the ability to use cameras that already have a world-class reputation.

The important low-down: specs on the Karma

• Maximum speed: 35 mph
• Maximum distance: 3,280 feet
• Maximum flight altitude: 14,500 ft
• Maximum wind resistance: 22 mph
• Operating frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Dimensions: 303mm x 411mm x 117 mm (when open); 365.2mm x 224.3mm x 89.9 mm (when folded)
• Propeller length: 10 inches
• Weight: 1,006 G

Controller Specs:

• Screen Size: 5 in (12.7cm)
• Screen Resolution 720p
• Screen Brightness: 900 nits
• Battery Life: 4 hours
• Weight: 22oz. (625 kg)

Battery Specs:

• Dimensions: Length: 8 in (201.3mm)
Width: 3.6 in. (91.62mm)
Height: 1.75in. (42.7mm)
• Weight: 19.3oz (545g)
• Flight Time: up to 20 minutes
• Rating: 14.8V 5100mAH (75.4Wh)
Stats on the Charger:

• Rating: 16.8V 5A
• Charging time for Karma Battery: 1 hr.
• Charging time for Karma Controller: 2.5 hrs
• Charging time for Karma Grip: 2 hrs.

How much will the Karma set me back?

On its own, the Karma costs $799. If you do not already have a GoPro camera for use, you can bundle it with the GoPro camera Hero 5 Black for a total of $1,099, or with the Hero 5 Session for just under $1000.

This pricing point is another element that allows the Karma to truly go head-to-head with the Dji Phantom 4 this fall.

What will users like about the controller?

Users are definitely going to like the controller: The Dji Phantom 4’s controller is still functional, and pretty easy to get used to with a tablet attached to the top, but this one admittedly may steal the show as far as ease of use It’s just two knobs, and the flip-up touchscreen gets rid of the need to use your smartphone, or bring along a tablet for a day of flying.

Another plus about the Karma setup is that you are not buying a drone with a camera, you are getting a GoPro camera that you can choose to use in conjunction with a drone, or on its own.

Mountain bikes, ziplines, airplane rides, and many other action sports such as long boards can put the GoPro drone to use before you even decide to launch it up in the air. The stability that the Karma will offer for video will most likely be one of its best selling points.

GoPro drone was one of the first innovators in a category that finally morphed its way on up into something that futuristic gadgets such as the GoPro Karma now represent. For awhile, Dji was at the forefront of manufacturing the product of choice for many, but this year that may change.

Pilots who will be flying the brand new Dji Mavic are going to love it: there is simply a lot to appreciate. However, we think the differences are cool enough with this model, that perhaps you will want to give that piggy bank a big shake, and proudly own both!

Further Reading

Quadcopter with GoPro – by Dronethusiast

Kennedy Martinez

kennedy@dronethusiast.com

Kennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.