The GoPro Karma, the company’s first-ever drone, is back on sale in the United States and available to order. The RC drone allows you to capture footage while it flies hundreds of feet in the air and for nearly 2 miles. This product is extremely versatile, as it can be mounted on your body or handheld using the Karma grip accessory.
The GoPro Karma first launched on Oct. 23, 2016. Up to 2,500 products were sold during the first launch, but they were unfortunately recalled shortly after in November 2016. Several units were reported to lose power during operation. There were no reports of damage to property or personal injuries due to the power loss. Additionally, customers were issued full refunds for the recalled devices.
In a press release from GoPro, the company confirmed a mechanical issue related to the drone’s battery. However, not all products were reported to experience this power loss, and the company reported only a small number of units actually lost power during flight. However, in February 2017, GoPro announced the Karma received a redesigned battery latch to fix any issues of the batteries disconnecting during flight, allowing the company to relaunch the product.
What Makes the Karma Unique?
The GoPro Karma was a highly anticipated gadget in 2016, leaving hundreds of customers disappointed when it was recalled. It's a lightweight drone and exceptionally compact. You can fold the drone to take it anywhere with you. When folded, the drone is only 14.4 inches long, 8.8 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. The total weight of the drone is only 35.5 ounces.
The Karma drone has plenty of power for the most rigorous adventures. It can reach a maximum speed of 35 mph and travel up to 3,000 meters, or 9,840 feet. This means you can capture footage for almost 2 miles on a single battery charge. However, the flight time on the Karma is 20 minutes, and only one battery is included with the drone. Luckily, the battery can charge within one hour, and you can buy additional batteries on the GoPro website if you desire.
Furthermore, you can capture footage from amazing heights, as the drone can reach up to 10,500 feet in altitude. It can also resist wind up to 22 mph, which makes it capable of performing well for various outdoor activities.
You operate the GoPro Karma using a handheld control pad. The pad is small, with a screen size of only 5 inches. It lasts up to four hours on a single battery charge, allowing you to get plenty of use with it, particularly if you use several batteries back to back with the drone. The control pad also is lightweight, weighing only 22 ounces.
You aren’t the only one who can benefit from the GoPro Karma. The GoPro Passenger App allows your friends and family members to view your footage right from their own smartphones. This app is available for iOS 9 and later, as well as Android 4.1 and later.
Where Can I Now Purchase the GoPro Karma?
As of February 2017, the GoPro Karma is only available for sale in the United States. U.S. customers can purchase it on the official GoPro website and from limited retailers. The drone will be released to international markets in the spring of 2017, although no official date has been announced.
You can purchase the GoPro Karma for $799, but the camera is not included. The Karma is compatible with Hero 5 Black and Hero 4 Black cameras as well as the Hero 5 Session, which will be released in the spring of 2017. Options are available to purchase the GoPro Karma bundled with a camera at an additional cost.