We’ve known about GoPro’s drone for quite a while now, nearly a year in fact. But it was only about 9 months ago what the drone by GoPro got its name: Karma. However, GoPro expected it to launch in the first half of 2016, something the company failed to do. Instead the Karma drone was released yesterday, in tandem with the company’s new action camera, the GoPro Hero5.
Furthermore, the company isn’t just releasing a base version of the Hero5, they’re releasing two different versions, the Hero5 Black and the Hero5 Session. Both boasts major upgrades to compared to their predecessors, including voice control and native waterproofing.
The GoPro Hero5 Black comes with a 2-inch touchscreen that will let you view your footage and trim it. GPS is also available as well as a sensor that takes up to 12-megapixel RAW images. Like its predecessor, the Hero4, the Hero5 shoots 4K at 30fps, 1440p at 80fps and 1080p at 120fps. It costs $399.
Meanwhile the GoPro Hero5 Session sells for $299, but the cheaper price comes at the cost of the touchscreen, GPS and RAW image support. Furthermore, the camera gets a small downgrade to a 10 megapixel sensor.
However, both cameras support voice support, letting you record in a jiffy by merely saying “GoPro start recording”, though the feature is only available in seven languages; more will be added in the future. Or if you’re a more hands on sort of person, you can record with a push of a button on both devices. Both devices can be submerged up to 10 metres without additional housing and both are compatible with GoPro’s existing mounts. The GoPro Hero5 Session and Hero5 Black can also shoot burst timelapses.
But the Karma drone is where the excitement lay. Ultra compact is a word GoPro is touting when talking about the drone. It can fold itself up (with your help) into a small compact case the size of your backpack, letting you take it with you. Furthermore, it’s tipped as being incredibly easy to fly and maneuver. A companion app will let your friends view your flight and take control of your camera mount as you focus on flying the drone. Being GoPro’s first drone and indeed first product outside its action cameras, means its success or failure will weigh heavily on the company’s future.
