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Screengrab via GoPro/Youtube

GoPro’s previously recalled Karma drone is officially back on the market, and it’s a beast

Hollywood-quality video comes at a price.

 

Phillip Tracy

Tech

Posted on Feb 1, 2017   Updated on May 25, 2021, 2:16 am CDT

GoPro’s Karma drone is available to purchase. Again.

The aerial unit, which was originally launched and recalled last year, is being sold at most major electronics stores including Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo Video, at a hefty price of $800 for the device itself, or $1,100 with a GoPro Hero5. 

It’s right in DJI Phantom territory. Where GoPro may have a leg up is in the video department. The company is well know for having popularized personal action cameras for outdoor and extreme sports use. The Karma’s camera implementation is unique in that its self-stabilizing camera module can be removed from the drone for handheld and mounted use.

Here is a launch video showing the different ways you can use the drone and included Karma grip:

The drone comes with built-in no-fly zones, and preset flight patterns for things like dronie (a selfie taken from a drone), orbit, reveal, and cable cam.

The battery will last 20 minutes before needing a recharge, and LED battery indicators let users know when the drone is on the verge of free-falling.

The list price comes with GoPro’s infamous accessories, including a touchscreen controller, harness, and stabilizer.

The original Karma was recalled after GoPro learned of a “small amount” of units experiencing power loss mid-flight. GoPro will need a seamless release if it hopes to compete with other drone companies that have quickly established a large and dedicated following.

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*First Published: Feb 1, 2017, 1:24 pm CST