By Karma is an all-in-one drone featuring a camera and gimbal that you can detach to use as handheld stabilizer for taking pictures on the ground.
However, unlike its competitors it lacks some features, including follow mode. Furthermore, as it uses Wi-Fi instead of radio signal it cannot fly indoors.
Features
Though not on par with top-of-the-line drones from DJI and Yuneec, the Karma does have several distinctive features that set it apart. First and foremost is its removable camera; you can use it independently of its drone for handheld shots on bikes, surfboards or cars using GoPro mounts.
Additionally, the Karma fits conveniently inside the GoPro Seeker backpack for storage and transport. While not providing as much protection as a hard case would, this pack should still keep dust and damage at bay. Furthermore, the drone supports GoPro Passenger app allowing friends to watch live feeds and remotely control it.
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There are, however, certain features missing from the Karma that would make it even better: GPS and obstacle avoidance. Although understandable given its low price point, this oversight still stands out; DJI drones can fly long distances away from users due to GPS/radio signals; in contrast, Wi-Fi alone provides communications between controller and Karma which may lose connectivity at around 500ft in open areas.
Karma lacks a Follow-me mode, which would be an incredible asset given its focus on life-capture solutions. I hope it becomes part of an update software update!
However, the Karma remains an excellent option for anyone looking to capture high-quality footage on an adventurous trip. Its user-friendly controls, well-balanced body design and powerful camera output make this drone worth checking out if you’re considering purchasing one for yourself!
Design
The Karma is an attractive and small drone designed to be easy to use. The kit that comes with it includes everything necessary for flying; and when not in use, its compact form makes for convenient storage in its accompanying backpack.
This drone features a 3-axis camera stabilizer known as a gimbal that keeps the camera steady while flying, and can even be detached and used with GoPro Hero cameras to capture ultra-smooth video. Furthermore, there is also a vertical takeoff and landing mode available to novice pilots who wish to fly in tight spaces.
Although the Karma is an excellent starter drone option for newcomers to drone use, it lacks some of the more advanced features found on DJI’s Phantom 4 model. DJI’s Phantom 4 includes return home and obstacle avoidance technology built-in, as well as smartphone integration that lets users control it directly.
One reason the Karma is easy to fly is that its folding propeller arms and landing gear allow it to be thinner than its rival, the Phantom 4. Additionally, its controller features an onboard screen which means you won’t need to attach your phone; and its intuitive layout provides enough information for beginners without being overburdened with data.
The Karma may be larger than the Mavic Pro, but it still packs down relatively easily into its own backpack. Furthermore, this drone comes equipped with a battery powered Karma grip which can be attached directly to either your GoPro Hero camera or to itself to take smooth handheld shots. Plus, an optional GoPro Care for Karma insurance plan offers two years of cover if anything should happen to it!
Camera
GoPro finally released their Karma stabilisation setup last week after six months of delays, providing users with an all-in-one stabilisation setup to meet four major user issues: price, portability, simplicity and versatility.
On the flight front, Karma’s three-axis gimbal excels at keeping its camera steady both indoors and out – it is far superior to that found on GoPro Hero 5 Black which often struggles with image stabilization. Furthermore, pairing it with the GoPro Karma Grip gives even greater ground stability to Karma.
Karma does not reach the same heights as Phantom 4, or Mavic Pro drones; its performance does not compare with these powerful offerings from DJI. Karma lacks features such as ActiveTrack and TapFly modes which power these offerings, as well as Terrain Follow which allows it to automatically follow subjects up or down inclines without colliding into anything or crashing.
As well, this drone does not feature downward optical sensors and relies solely on GPS for positioning – this may not present much of a challenge when flying at sea level, but can become problematic when taking to mountaintops or tight spaces.
GoPro didn’t set out to outdo DJI; rather they focused on solving specific problems through technology development that worked together seamlessly. Their solution provided more people than expected with access to a drone product they found suitable for use.
Controls
GoPro designed Karma as an easily transportable small drone without advanced features found on many DJI drones like auto-shot paths, return to launch location and no-fly zones.
GoPro claims its battery lasts 20 minutes before needing charging; while this may be fine for some users, the Mavic Pro can fly for 25 minutes and charges significantly faster.
Karma falls short in another respect compared to its competitors: tracking and following users as they move about the airspace. DJI’s Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 both include “follow me” modes that track pilots through the sky; unfortunately this feature was left off a drone designed specifically to assist action sportspeople who could benefit most from such features.
Karma’s controls are easy to use, featuring a camera mounted on a detachable gimbal that enables handheld shooting, along with a battery-powered grip for hands-free control and an LCD screen on its controller for viewing live feed from its drone. Multiple controllers can even be paired together so one person can handle flying duties while another uses an app to monitor and change settings remotely.
The controller resembles a portable game console with joysticks on both sides and camera controls on its shoulders, creating an intuitive control scheme in which flight controls are managed with thumbs while cameras are controlled with pointer fingers.
Conclusions
GoPro Karma is an extremely capable drone with a unique look, boasting sleek folding design and an easily detachable gimbal that allows users to capture video footage while hiking or climbing without the burden of carrying around a heavy drone. Perfect for hikers and climbers.
The drone itself feels sturdy and well constructed with sturdy plastic components including its body, gimbal and controller. Furthermore, its weight is just under 1 kg making it relatively light-weight.
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On the downside, Karma lacks many of the cutting-edge features found on more acclaimed drones of recent years. There have been online comments requesting certain features but you must remember that technology development takes real human effort (and often long hours).
Karma does not feature an auto follow mode that enables it to automatically track and film subjects, nor any downward sensors; thus causing it to drift upward and downward depending on its position in the air resulting in crashes when flying over obstacles.
Another drawback of flying drones is their lack of an integrated screen for live feed, forcing you to connect via smartphone – something which may prove inconvenient when flying quickly or when your phone may not be within reach.
Karma does transmit live video feed to its remote control, providing pilots with a virtual cockpit view of flight; however, this feed lacks quality compared to DJI’s more sophisticated system.
