GoPro Karma Review
Leading up to its announcement, GoPro did a fantastic job creating buzz and anticipation for its first drone, the Karma ($799.99 on its own, $1,099.99 with a Hero5 Black action camera). Thanks to folding arms and landing gear, there wasn't another drone on the market with such a svelte form factor when it was unveiled last year. But the wind was quickly taken out of its sails by the comparatively tiny, and more capable, DJI Mavic Pro, and its rollout was marred by a recall due to a faulty battery latch design. After months of delays, the Karma is finally finished and on sale. But time has not been kind, and there are better drones out there.
Design
The Karma ( at Amazon) features a folding design, with arms and landing gear that tuck into the body for storage and transport, and a nose-mounted gimbal. It measures 4.6 by 16.2 by 12.0 inches (HWD) when ready to fly and 3.5 by 8.8 by 14.4 inches when folded for transport. It weighs 2.2 pounds, so you will have to register with the FAA...
After a rocky launch, the GoPro Karma is available for purchase. but there are better drones on the market at lower prices.
Works with Hero4 and Hero5 cameras; Includes handheld grip for gimbal; Solid tutorial for beginning pilots; Remote has integrated display; Some automated flight features; Easy offline map downloads; Includes backpack
Short 15-minute flight time; Very limited suburban operating range; GoPro camera not ideal for aerial work; Remote screen is prone to glare; Omits obstacle avoidance and follow mode