Who is the GoPro Karma for?

Scan drone forums to find many people like GoPro Karma for its full package, versatility and portability.

“I really like DJI but the GoPro Karma does offer a full package for mostly all elements. I will guess the Mavic Pro is a better quad hands down. But if the Karma is a solid quad in the air, the package offers a lot of versatility other than being just a portable quad. Removable gimbal to use with Karma Grip is a killer feature with a Hero 5. Would like that for my kids events, biking, vacations, etc.”

These people can also live without follow me and collision avoidance features.

“The DJI Mavic definitely has more features that appeal than the GoPro Karma BUT, and it is a big but, the GoPro Karma is first generation and it has features, such as removable camera, that will allow me to transfer my existing camera to future generation Karma’s and thus make my investment carry over to the next generation that you can most certainly expect to include features found in the Mavic. Can I live without tracking and collision avoidance and, to a degree, the range difference for now? That’s a tough one but just on the fact that in the next generation my cost will be lower because my cameras transfer (and can be used in other ways, not just flight) I would lean GoPro. With the camera being removable, I can use it in a variety of ways, how about putting that arm into a cradle on a track robot and inspect a pipe, follow a cave explorer, crawling under a house to inspect…without having to have another employee licensed by the FAA.

Technology advantages shift back and forth, I have a great deal of canon video equipment and even though the next guy comes out with more features…this year, I’m not ditching my investment in cameras and lenses to switch. GoPro looks like it is serious about making just that kind of haven for investment in equipment and opportunity to grow by creating a full product “ecosystem” that allows me to work in more than one way or arena. So, my experience is don’t get blinded by the new “features” that will stand at the front for just a short time, look at the long term effect of your investment.”

“The GoPro Karma is the first drone that made me consider getting one. I can take it for shorter biking trips in the mountains. Though Karma lacks some features like “follow me”, less features mean easier to use and less intimidating for beginners. No need to attach a phone or tablet and the detachable gimbal is also welcome. Just see the Karma what it is don’t compare it to the fully featured drones. It’s kind of point and shoot vs DSLR and many times you don’t want to drag your DSLR with you the point and shoot is more convinient. It’s extremely portable and comes with everything you need and you can save $100 if you buy the Hero5 in a package with it. ”

I think the GoPro Karma’s advantage is that you basically can remove the GoPro and use it as a waterproof action cam. But if that doesn’t matter to you because all your land videography will be done with a “real” camera, then the Karma instantly loses 90% of its appeal over Mavic Pro.

The GoPro Karma sells for a flat price of $800 while the Mavic Pro costs $999. The total cost depends on what camera you strap to it. It costs $1000 with a GoPro Hero 5 Session, and $1100 with a GoPro Hero 5 Black.

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Though Gopro Karma Grip lack a few more features, it fits my needs

Bought GoPro Karma Grip at end of Nov. Works great with the hero 5 black, great case it comes in. The grip is easy setting up and using, make sure you do update on GoPro site for camera and grip, it recognizes right away when plugging in USB to computer, it directs you every step of way. It is pretty durable and I read complaints on it being noisy, but I don’t have that problem. The device does lack a few more features as the DJI Osmo‘s, but it fits my needs perfectly. I do have a problem with how long it takes to charge, ( hours ), but once it’s charged with the GoPro camera connected, it seems to last a good while. After charging, I had it in case with camera connected about 5 days without use, and the bar lights on the grip were still full. Then I used it to film about a hour straight without pausing, and the light on bar went down only one notch, and the GoPro camera went down from 96percent to 95percent, so it seems to hold charge pretty well ( I also use the GoPro supercharger to charge ).

The stabilization is pretty good, after testing quick movements and light jogging around yard, this produces stabilized video shots, you wouldn’t think so while filming, seems like the footages are jerky, but it’s not.

Now when using this and looking at your filming while recording, the bracket bar does hinder some of your viewing, but it’s not too terrible. I did think though when using the camera off of Karma Grip, it does have good stabilization when you go into menu and set this up, but when you connect the camera on to grip, that stabilization cut’s off and you now use the grip internal stabilizer, would be nice if it could hold camera and grip stabilization, you would even double the stabilization. So when the Karma Grip shuts your camera stabilizer off, you have to remember to set it back in menu when not using the grip. I have not used this in heavy sports action like biking, etc… but it suits my needs when I want to pull out quickly to do some videoing in close quaters and semi fast movements. I can also use my voice commands when using this grip. I would highly recommend this.

Scan GoPro forums and Amazon to discover a long topic of “Karma Grips button’s don’t work”.

“I fully charged the Karma Grip, hooked up my Hero 5 Black and tried to turn it on. The grip showed 4 lights, the stabilizer kicked in but the camera did not turn on. I manually turned on the camera and tried to use the shutter button on the Grip. It did not work.”

“Don’t buy this. I was so looking forward to this stabilizer, as I think the GoPro 5 (which I love) makes the best camera for a stabilizer. But this Karma Grip is so buggy. I turned it on and off 20 times (I counted) and only once, did it turn the camera on, and never could I get the “record” button to work on the grip. I’m all for trying to make things work, but this buggy out of the box is a huge red flag. ”

Many owners have the same issue and returned it for repair.

“I returned my Karma Grip for a replacement, I hope the replacement works, I find the build quality of the grip to be good, it was good to see the grip charging the GoPro but all functions around recording and power on/off where unresponsive.”

I think it’s the firmware problem, maybe firmware update makes it works with the Karma Grip.

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GoPro Karma review-Video

I have been interested in the GoPro Karma since the launch last year. But there are a lot of negative reviews on this, and lots of comparisons to DJI’s Mavic Pro. I do like the GoPro Karma bundle given the grip, the detachable camera plus the drone, allowing me to use it for multiple different scenarios. But how bad/good is the drone? It would be good to get some insights from actual users. I especially am concerned about this review from IPHONEDO on Youtube.

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I tested the Karma Grip, the GoPro stabilizer

I tested the Karma Grip during a day of skiing. I initially made a grip in the hotel room to test the functions and then I used the Karma Grip on the ski slopes: by filming camera by hand and hanging the stabilizer On the GoPro Seeker backpack. I also compare two images filmed at the same time: one with the Karma Grip and the other without.

The result is unmistakable: the film is extremely stable and the difference in picture quality between a stabilized video and a non-stabilized video is enormous.

Otherwise, I saw in a video that the brushless motors were noisy to the point of hampering the sound.

The announced autonomy of 1:45 seems perfectly accurate. At the end of the day, I had only one level used that the 4 that the stabilizer has.

The Karma Grip is sold for $372.

Accessories to go further

• Remote: This is the waterproof remote control for the HERO5 Black and the HERO5 Session ™. Very useful for starting and stopping recording or taking pictures when the stabilizer is on a headphone for example. Its price: $96. Accessory that greatly improves the comfort of shooting.

• Karma Grip Extension Cable: The Karma Grip handle can interfere, for example, by attaching the Karma Grip to the torso or to a helmet. GoPro had the good idea to propose this extension cable to connect the handle and the stabilizer. The handle can then be attached to a strap or stored in a backpack pocket. The accessory is not yet for sale. As soon as it is released, I buy it because this accessory seems to me indispensable for filming.

• Seeker backpack: This is the GoPro backpack designed for GoPro cameras: chest attachment (Hero5 Black), shoulder strap and numerous camera storage. Its price: $201. If your backpack satisfies you, go for a Capture shoulder or Capture Pro Peak Design and its GoPro adapter. This is what I use to hang my GoPro on my hiking backpacks.

• Supercharger: allows simultaneous charging of two GoPro devices worldwide and up to 20% faster for HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session, up to 45% faster Dual Battery Charger (HERO5 Black) and up to 45% faster ‘To 70% faster the Karma Grip thanks to the USB-C 3 A cable included. Price: $58.

The Karma Grip is a super efficient stabilizer and really easy to handle. Undeniably, GoPro makes it possible for everyone to make videos stabilized excellent qualities. But as we always want more, I would have liked a waterproof stabilizer with some additional functions like the automatic tracking of a subject or the programming of a timelapse in motion.

 

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1st impressions of the Karma Grip

When using a camera while traveling or during an outdoor activity, the image has an unfortunate tendency to move in all directions. The Karma Grip stabilizes the image and resolves all shake and right horizon problems. ” With the Karma Grip, everyone can make videos worthy of the Hollywood studios, without any tremor effect! “Said Nicholas Woodman, the founder and CEO of GoPro.

The Karma Grip is a 3-axis handle stabilizer that can be held by hand or attached to a GoPro mount and Karma drone. It is compatible with the new GoPro Hero5 Black, Hero5 session (a few functions less) and Hero4 cameras.

The functions of the Karma Grip

• Record button: Starts or stops video or takes a photo. You can press and hold the record button to power on the gimbal and start recording quickly.
• Mode/Power: Change between photo/video modes, and power on/off the gimbal.
• Highlight button: Quick Set a highlight tag so you can quickly identify it later in your edit.
• Lock Orientation button: This allows you to keep the camera level to the ground or set at a specific orientation or direction.

 

At the end of the handle, the usb port is used to simultaneously connect the karma grip and the camera to recharge the batteries or transfer the images (function not available for the Hero Session). The Karma Grip weighs 486 g (242 g for the stabilizer part and 244 g for the handle).

Under the 4 buttons, we finally find the level of charge of the battery. GoPro could not be simpler.

1st impressions of the Karma Grip

The Karma Grip comes with a sturdy carrying case, an adapter for the Hero5 Black (Sessions and Hero4 adapters are sold separately), a Karma Grip mounting ring on GoPro accessories, a USB-C charging cable and A tether strap and wrist strap. I just regret the mediocre quality of the zip of the case.

The installation of the Hero5 Black camera is childish. There is a flap to be removed on the camera and then the camera is fitted on the stabilizer. Note for the users of Hero4 that the camera is mounted without the box and is therefore not at all watertight. But well, anyway, the Karma Grip is not waterproof either. It is better to avoid using it in the rain or falling too often on skiing.

The handle is impressive and much better than the Feiyu G4 and MG I had previously used with my Hero4 Black.

 

 

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Put GoPro Karma grip gimbal to good use at such a price

( Video via Abe Kislevitz )

The GoPro Karma grip is GoPro’s 1st party gimbal.  For years 3rd parties have made various GoPro gimbals, and they’re pretty awesome. Now with Karma Grip gimbal, GoPro has their own offering.

The Karma Grip Base is officially the piece that holds the Karma gimbal, so basically, it’s the handle. This comes with the Karma drone kit, or can be purchased separately for $299USD. Note, it doesn’t come with a camera – you’ve gotta supply that yourself.  You can see how it pulls out below from the drone and the attaches to the grip base.

The GoPro Karma grip gimbal has controls for shutter buttons, changing camera modes, changing stabilizer angle, and powering the camera on and off. Plus, you can specify highlights on the fly.

A few buttons allow you quick access functionality:

Record button: Starts or stops video or takes a photo. You can press and hold the record button to power on the gimbal and start recording quickly.

Mode/Power: Change between photo/video modes, and power on/off the gimbal.

Highlight button: Quick Set a highlight tag so you can quickly identify it later in your edit.

Lock Orientation button: This allows you to keep the camera level to the ground or set at a specific orientation or direction.

Next, you can then mount the grip to any GoPro compatible mount. For example you could snap it on the GoPro backpacks (Karma Case or Seeker bags), as well as just about any other GoPro mount you’ve got (such as pole mounts or whatever else).

Alongside with the Karma Mounting Ring, which allows you to mount it to existing GoPro mounts and thus put it on things like bars, bikes, and stripper poles. Really, anything roundish. This year they’re planning a Karma Grip extension, which is basically like a giant selfie-stick.

The Karma Grip gets two hours of battery life, and can be recharged using the new GoPro charging accessories as well.

At $300, we certainly think this is an expensive add-on to buy for your GoPro, so make sure you plan on putting it to good use! We also noticed the gimbal does block part of the screen — making it a little harder to see what you’re filming.

We think the Karma Grip is a great bundled bonus when you buy the Karma drone. But separately for $300 is it tech we want? While we like that it gets the job done and works nicely with your GoPro, we do think it’s a little expensive. Keep in mind there are other options out there for under $200 that are also compatible with smartphones.

 

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What to expect from the relaunched GoPro Karma?

The famous manufacturer of miniature cameras GoPro presented on September 20 his long awaited quadcopter, the Karma drone, putting an end to a long campaign of mouthing. But he took it off the market 20 days later, on November 10: the drone was likely to go out suddenly in flight and fall in free fall.

Nearly three months later, GoPro identified and solved the problem.GoPro has improved the battery latch of the device to avoid it from slipping out of place which leads to a loss of power. This design reportedly keeps the battery intact and in place even when there are strong vibrations of the drone.

Aside from this, the GoPro Karma drone maintains its portability compared to other drones available to the public. It was reported that the drone also has the removable gimbal stabilizer.

The GoPro Karma is basically available in the two options. One is Karma without a GoPro camera which costs $799.99 and the other is Karma bundled with GoPro Hero5 Black which will cost $1099.99. There is also a Flight Kit for Karma Grip owners which will be available in April for $599.99.

Nick Woodman, GoPro Founder and CEO said:

“Karma is the ultimate aerial, handheld and wearable stabilization solution for the GoPro community. As the consumer drone market continues to grow, Karma delivers the most versatile solution at a very accessible price.”

GoPro remains number one of the miniature camera, but it is in difficulties. This announcement effectively succeeds several waves of layoffs and precedes the presentation of a new quarter of losses.

The brand counts more than ever on its Karma drone to take a new flight. Certainly, the convincing DJI Mavic Pro, of the number one of the drone, imposed itself in the meantime.

The GoPro Karma differentiates itself from the wide variety of drones on the market by having a removable stabilizer gimbal, which you can attach to the the included Karma Grip handle.Fans are looking forward on the improvements introduced for the redesigned GoPro Karma drone. Are you excited to try the re-released drone from GoPro?

 

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Will you go with Karma grip GoPro or DJI Osmo?

I Bought the Karma grip GoPro at end of Nov. It works great with the hero 5 black, great case it comes in. The Karma grip is easy setting up and using, make sure you do update on GoPro site for camera and grip, it recognizes right away when plugging in usb to computer, it directs you every step of way. It is pretty durable and I read complaints on it being noisy, but I don’t have that problem, you here very little noise when putting up to your ear. Now the Karma grip GoPro does lack a few more features as the Osmo’s, but it fits my needs perfectly. I do have a problem with how long it takes to charge, ( hours ), but once it’s charged with the GoPro camera connected, it seems to last a good while after charging. I had it in case with camera connected about 5 days without use, and the bar lights on the Karma Grip were still full, then I used it to film about a hour straight without pausing, and the light on bar went down only one notch, and the GoPro camera went down from 96 percent to 95 percent, so it seems to hold charge pretty well ( I also use the GoPro supercharger to charge ).

The stabilization is pretty good, after testing quick movements and light jogging around yard, this produces stabilized video shots, you wouldn’t think so while filming, seems like the footages are jerky, but it’s not…

Now when using Karma grip and looking at your filming while recording, the bracket bar does hinder some of your viewing, but it’s not to terrible. I did think though when using the camera off of grip, it does have good stabilization when you go into menu and set this up, but when you connect the camera on to grip, that stabilization cut’s off and you now use the grip internal stabilizer, would be nice if it could hold camera and grip stabilization, you would even double the stabilization. So when the grip shuts your camera stabilizer off, you have to remember to set it back in menu when not using the grip. I have not used this in heavy sports action like biking, etc. but it suits my needs when I want to pull out quickly to do some videoing in close quaters and semi fast movements. I can also use my voice commands when using this grip.

Will you go with Karma grip GoPro or DJI Osmo?

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