GoPro Karma

The GoPro Karma, introduced in 2016 by the action‑camera company GoPro, marked the brand’s first venture into the world of aerial imaging. Unlike traditional aircraft, the Karma is a compact, fold‑able drone engineered to complement GoPro’s HERO line of cameras, offering users a portable platform for high‑definition video and still photography. Development began in 2014, with GoPro collaborating with aerospace engineers and drone specialists to create a system that would combine the company’s reputation for rugged, waterproof imaging with an intuitive, user‑friendly flight experience.

Key features include a three‑axis gimbal that stabilizes the HERO5/6/7 series cameras, a 25‑minute max flight time on a single battery, and a modular design that lets the camera detach for ground‑based shooting. The Karma’s proprietary Flight Control System incorporates GPS, vision‑based obstacle avoidance (in later firmware updates), and a “Push‑to‑Fly” start‑up sequence that simplifies takeoff for novices while retaining manual controls for advanced pilots.

Its significance lies in democratizing aerial cinematography: by bundling a professional‑grade camera with a ready‑to‑fly drone, GoPro lowered the barrier for filmmakers, athletes, and hobbyists to capture footage from the sky. Though production ceased in 2018, the Karma’s influence persists, having spurred wider adoption of integrated camera‑drone solutions across the broader aviation and consumer‑drone markets.