Photokina 2016 – Go Pro Karma Drone

Too little too late or will the Go Pro Karma really hit the spot?

Go Pro yesterday released full details of their new Karma Drone and video system at Photokina 2016 in Germany. Check it out in all its typical Go Pro glory below:

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Having flown a DJI Phantom and then, after qualifying as a CAA certified drone pilot, the DJI Inspire 1, I was always keen to hear more about the Karma from Go Pro as soon as the rumours started appearing.

I have been a fan of Go Pro since their first cameras but over the past couple of years, had started to wonder what had happened to them…after all, the HD Hero 5 missed its usual, annual release date and we have heard very little in the meantime.

The reason for this was more than likely the Karma Drone and its development…

Go Pro Karma Drone

The Karma isn’t just a drone as many of us had expected. It is actually a very neat, incredibly compact and well thought out video system.

The system includes:

Karma Drone
Karma Stabilizer + Harness (Gimbal)
Karma Controller
Karma Grip (Hand Held Stabilizer…Cool)
Karma Charger
Karma Battery
6 Propellers
Karma Mounting Ring
Karma Case (For Everything Above)

However, it doesn’t come with a camera.

But…the Karma Drone is compatible with the new Go Pro HD Hero 5, the Hero 5 Session and the HD Hero 4 (Black and Silver). This is a good move for those of us that already own the HD Hero 4.

One of what I think will be the biggest selling points for the Karma Drone, is the inclusion of a hand-held stabilizer…the Karma Grip. You will be able to land the Karma Drone, whip off the camera and gimbal assembly and put it right on the Grip in seconds.

This is similar to the DJI Inspire 1/Osmo set up albeit a LOT simpler, more portable and cheaper!

Karma Drone Features

A superb characteristic of the Karma Drone is its portability. The whole drone folds into its own compact case (included) that you can wear like a small rucksack when skiing, cycling or hiking allowing you to set up and fly within minutes.

Like most modern drones, the Karma is easy to fly whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional drone pilot.

It will also let you share the experience and utilise friends as camera operators by hooking up their smartphones or tablets to the Karma to either watch and enjoy the experience or to assist with camera operations.

Here are the main specs for the Karma Drone:

Maximum Speed: 35 mph (15 m/s)
Maximum Distance: 3280ft (1000m)
Maximum Flight Altitude: 14,500ft (4,500m)
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 Features

Neat, fold-able and compact with a game-style design, smart controls and a touch display.

Screen Size: 5in (12.7cm)
Screen Resolution: 720p
Screen Brightness: 900 nits
Battery Life: 4 hours
Operating Frequency: 2.4GHz
Weight: 22oz (625g)

Go Pro Karma Grip

I think Go Pro have been watching the drone industry closely and paying particular attention to DJI. They have clearly taken on board what people want (and need) and have included a superb hand held stabilizer with the Karma Drone…kudos Go Pro.

All in all, and starting at just £720 in the UK, this looks to be a great kit for starter pilots or people like myself that are already qualified and working in this industry. I am already thinking how great and easy to carry this would be for my upcoming skiing holiday.

The rucksack is light enough to wear whilst skiing and being able to fly the Karma Drone at the drop of a hat or mount the camera to a superb hand held stabilizer is brilliant.

For me, this would be more of a “toy” or something I would use for mostly leisure shooting as there are limitations for professional use such as (as far as I can tell at this stage):

No “follow me” or smart features
No 360 degree camera view
No Lightbridge video feedback system
The Go Pro HD Hero 5 still seems to have that annoying lens distortion

However, I am being picky and have to admit that I am impressed…and if I wasn’t already invested heavily into DJI, I would be all over this : )

The Karma Drone and full kit will be available on October 23rd so start saving!

More info at Go Pro Karma

Photokina 2016 – Go Pro Karma Drone was last modified: September 20th, 2016 by Nick

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