2024 UPDATE: The drone stopped working in 2023, out of the blue. GoPro support WILL NOT help you in any way now. There is a company in France that offers a repair service. The claim to have the blessing & equipment from GoPro. I’m not sure how valid a claim this is however I took the risk and sent the drone (and camera & controller) to France. Paid the fees via Paypal and the drone was back within about 6 weeks, fully working.
We purchased this drone in 2018, but it is unfortunately no longer made. We got it to use with our GoPro Hero 6 Black camera, and it works brilliantly.
The drone comes in its own case which is a wearable backpack. The propellers come in a box, with a couple of spares, that nestle under the controller at one end of the case. The charging unit comes with two ends – one to charge the Karma battery and one is a USB C connection to charge your camera, controller and the Karma Grip (which is also included). The drone itself had fold-able legs and rotor arms, and takes up the main body of the case. In the front of the drone is the detachable GoPro Stabilizer (sic – American spelling). This amazing bit of kit is what makes your drone video footage nice and smooth. It has the camera harness built in, and when you detach it you can attach it to the Karma Grip thereby giving you a Steady-Cam-esque rig that you can walk around with. We have used this probably more than the drone!
Karma Controller
When it comes to flying, everything is easy. Open up the touch-screen controller, which resembles a hand-held games console, and tap on Take Off. In normal flying mode, the drone uses GPS to work out where it is. In the event a GPS signal is unavailable, there is a Professional advanced mode, which I have yet to be brave enough to try out. There are also several different programs available such as Follow Me. I stick to manual flying, as it is so simple. The footage created when flying is very smooth, despite a novice such as myself maneuvering the drone in a less than smooth fashion.
We love the GoPro cameras and this is a prefect accompaniment to them All in all, I would highly recommend getting one of these while you can, as they are still available to buy online.
Please note that you now require a Flyer ID and an Operator ID to own and fly drones in the UK. Full details can be found on the CAA website by clicking here: CAA Registering Yourself To Use A Drone Or Model Aircraft.
Posted 10th January 2021.