GoPro FINALLY to release KARMA - The GoPro drone
0A couple of years ago, GoPro leaked they were planning to pursue the hobby/prosumer drone market with their own ground-up drone design. After a few delays and much hullabaloo, KARMA is slated to ship on November 28th.
GoPro plans to release KARMA in three flavors: Bundled with the Hero5 Black, with the Hero5 Black gimbal, but no camera, or with a Hero4/3 compatible gimbal (no camera). They also plan to release a Hero Session version sometime in 2017.
It’s interesting to note the KARMA bundles include a “grip handle” which converts KARMA’s gimbal to a handheld steadycam. Also, each bundle seems to include a GoPro fitted backpack.
Also a nice surprise: KARMA controller has an integrated 720p color LED display (presumably for FPV?). I’m guessing this means “no mobile device required”. A nice departure from DJI, which requires a mobile device. Although it’s possible to fly 3DR’s Solo with no mobile device, access to advanced features requires connection to a mobile device running the Solo app. A standalone package from GoPro will be a great addition to the market.
With MSRP ranging from $799 for the no-camera bundles to $1,099 including a Hero5 Black, GoPro is poised to take on DJI’s Phantom 4.
But what about capabilities? Here’s the tech specs published at GoPro.com:
KARMA
Maximum Speed 35 mph (15 m/s)
Maximum Distance Up to 9,840ft (3,000m)
Maximum Flight Altitude 10,500ft (3,200m)
Maximum Wind Resistance 22mph (10m/s)
Operating Frequency 2.4GHz
Dimensions (Opened/No Propellers) Length: 12in (303mm)
Width: 16.2in (411mm)
Height: 4.6in (117mm)
Dimensions (Folded/Transport) Length: 14.4in (365.2mm)
Width: 8.8in (224.3mm)
Height: 3.5in (89.9mm)
Propeller Length 10in (25.4cm)
Weight 35.5oz (1006g)
KARMA controller
Screen Size 5in (12.7cm)
Screen Resolution 720p
Screen Brightness 900 nits
Battery Life 4 hours
Operating Frequency 2.4GHz
Weight 22oz (625g)
KARMA battery
Dimensions Length: 8in (201.3mm)
Width: 3.6in (91.62mm)
Height: 1.75in (42.7mm)
Weight 19.3oz (545g)
Flight Time Up to 20 minutes
Rating 14.8V 5100mAH (75.4Wh)
Battery Type Li-Po
KARMA gimbal
Range of motion -90° to 0° (down/up)
Camera Compatibility HERO5 Black, HERO5 Session, HERO4 Black/Silver
Weight 8oz (230g)
Number of Axes 3
Of course the first thing I noticed is the (relatively) short battery life. 20 minutes pales compared to DJI’s claim of “up to 28 minutes”. Perhaps GoPro has decided to adopt a “honesty in specifications” approach and 20 minutes is the real-world performance rather than the “it’s possible to hover in place inside a windless lab environment for 28 minutes with a brand new, freshly charged battery”?
As far as controller/software capabilities, I haven’t read through all the data yet, nor have I watched GoPro’s promo video, so I have no idea what to expect. But something that might interest @fultonmartin: KARMA folds up into a tidy package like DJI Mavic:
So… any takers? I have to say I’m interested. My Solo was stolen from my home recently, and I’m actively shopping for a replacement.
- 2 comments, 7 replies
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I’ve read / watched several comparisons between the Mavic and this, which the Mavic wins, overall. The Mavic gets knocked for having its camera integrated (only), and slightly narrower FOV (both pluses in my mind). If you already have a Hero 4 or 5 (I have a 3) this is cheaper. It does come with the case, but that package is quite a bit bigger than the Mavic.
@fultonmartin H4 and H3 are interchangeable, aren’t they?
Unfortunately my Hero was stolen too, so I’m starting totally from zero. In my case, I would prefer the removable camera. I frequently use (or I guess used is a better term now) with other drones and other hobbies. But if I still had a Hero, I totally see the appeal of the integrated camera with Mavic.
@ruouttaurmind Ya, I missed that it says “Hero 3/4” (I use my 3 with the Phantom II, which only says “…4” and it works fine.) I don’t use it with anything but drones–I tried it on my motorcycle, but it was hard to control / tell what it was doing from the rear, so I was never sure what I had until I copied it off.
Lots more ‘unboxing’ and ‘first flight’ and ‘hints’ videos out there now, so Mavics are trickling out. Mine still just shows as “paid.”
@fultonmartin Man, I’m as anxious to hear how it flies for you as you probably are to receive it! Did you order directly from DJI, or did you go through a retail vendor? If I wind up with Mavic I’ll probably go through Best Buy just for ease of accountability if there’s a problem with my order or if something doesn’t work right on it.
I use the GoPro app on my phone with “live view” to target the camera when mounting to my bike/hot rod/gun, etc. and it works very well. Plus I can quickly access the advanced settings directly from the app to change stuff like resolution, FOV, frame rate, etc. I will likely replace the stolen H3+ Black with a H5 after I read up on the motion stabilization capabilities of the new model to see if it’s worth the extra dosh.
@ruouttaurmind Direct from DJI, figuring one less middleman–although a middleman might help if there’s a problem. Amazon says “This item will be released on December 1…” I’m hoping I get mine before that, but…
I don’t think I tried the GoPro app, although I’ve had less than stellar luck with apps for other cameras. Not to mention it’d be one more thing to screw with on the motorcycle when I should be paying attention to the road.
@fultonmartin
"Not to mention it’d be one more thing to screw with on the motorcycle when I should be paying attention to the road."Agreed. I use the app to set the camera view and start recording before I drive/ride, then don’t fuss with it until I’m back home. Well… used the app.
@ruouttaurmind You’re more disciplined than I…
@fultonmartin Or maybe I’m just older, and more brittle and I break easier, so I have to avoid situations with that potential. LOL!
DOH!!!
Recalled