ElectronicsPhotographyDrones

What are the best drones to use with a GoPro camera?

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GoPro Karma vs AirDog

Specs

Weight

2.2 lbs

Max Flight Time

20 minutes

Flight Radius

Up to 9,840 ft (3,000 m)

Dimensions (Opened/No Propellers)

Length: 12 in (303 mm); width: 16.2 in (411 mm); height: 4.6 in (117 mm)

Flight Altitude

10,500 ft (3,200 m)

Weight

-

Max Flight Time

-

Flight Radius

-

Dimensions (Opened/No Propellers)

-

Flight Altitude

-

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Great value package

When you buy the drone, you also get a handheld gimbal system with control buttons. The stabilizing gimbal is useful as it can be mounted on other GoPro compatible accessories. The package also includes additional propellers and a backpack with a built-in shoulder mount where you can attach your camera.
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Pro
 Helps beginners to learn how to fly it with a virtual learning mode

The Karma has a virtual learning mode for beginners, allowing them to fly this drone virtually, with the remote, while learning the basics.
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Pro
 Simple to use controller

This drone's controller only has a few intuitively placed buttons, which are easy to learn. There’s no need to attach a smartphone, since the controller comes with a built-in touchscreen. The information layout on the screen is simple and won’t overwhelm you.
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Con
 Controller's screen is hard to see under direct sunlight

The controller's screen is glossy, making it hard to use under direct sunlight.
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Con
 Over-reliance on GPS may lead to random drifting

The Karma doesn’t have any obstacle avoidance or downward sensors, relying solely on its GPS signal. This means it may drift randomly in the air if the GPS signal isn’t strong enough. At worst, it may cause collisions with objects in its path. Fortunately, the controller can somehow compensate this effect.
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Con
 Lack of an obstacle avoidance system may cause crashes

If the drone loses connection with the remote and takes a straight course home, it can crash somewhere, since it lacks an obstacle avoidance system.
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Con
 No automatic tracking mode

As of July 2017, there is no tracking mode where the drone can follow an object around. This feature would have been useful when you want the drone to follow a subject doing outdoor sports or driving a vehicle. GoPro has promised to add this in a future update.
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Con
 Limitations when filming in 4K

Filming in 4K gives a “fish eye” effect which can be removed later, but it also reduces the maximum resolution down to 2.7K.
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Pro
 GoPro compatible

The drone doesn’t have a built in camera, but it is GoPro compatible. Since a lot of sports enthusiasts already have a GoPro, they can use their existing ones, ensuring high quality content.
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Pro
 Compact, wearable controller, made for sports

The included controller is wearable on your wrist and it acts as a beacon to tell the drone where you are. Additionally, it has a couple of sensors to send data to the drone about your speed, position and altitude among others. It is waterproof and even allows you to change a few settings while in the middle of the action.
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Pro
 Works on its own, with behavior adjusted to each sport

This drone is made to work in its own, automatically, while you're practicing your sport. When you turn on the drone, it will offer various sports modes to optimize the drone’s behavior for the best results. For example, it will follow your exact trajectory downhill and will land next to you when a sport like snowboarding or mountain biking is selected. For windsurfing, it will take a wider filming approach and will return to the starting point instead of landing with you. The list of sports is constantly being updated.
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Pro
 Travel friendly

The drone itself is lightweight and has a fully foldable body small enough to fit in a backpack. Just remove the propellers, fold the landing gear and arms and you’re all set. Folding the arms also turns the drone off.
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Con
 GoPro controls are separate from drone controls

The controls for the GoPro are separate from the controls of the drone, so you’ll have to turn the camera on and off manually.
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Con
 Lengthy, regular calibrations needed

The drone needs to be calibrated every once in a while, which can be a lengthy process and might keep you from filming straight away.
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Con
 Adapter needed for the GoPro 5 models

To use a GoPro 5, you will need to get an adapter.
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Con
 Camera needs to be purchased separately

This drone doesn't come with a camera, it needs to be purchased separately.
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Con
 No collision avoidance system

The drone doesn’t have any collision avoidance systems, so it is important to select the right sport mode and evaluate the surroundings to minimize potential damage to the drone.
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