When comparing DJI Phantom 4 vs GoPro Karma, the Slant community recommends GoPro Karma for most people. In the question“What are the best drones for aerial photography?” GoPro Karma is ranked 4th while DJI Phantom 4 is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose GoPro Karma is:
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.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Beautiful camera
Has the ability to shoot in 4k, a field of view of 94 degrees, and a 3-axis, brushless, gimbal.
Pro Durable
Can survive hard falls from 10 - 15ft.
Pro Smart safety features
When the battery is getting low, or the drone has lost contact with the controller, it will return to the starting point. It is also able to detect and avoid objects that you, the pilot, may not be aware of. Then, when you're done flying, the drone can land itself.
Pro Sport mode for advanced flying
In sport mode, the Phantom 4 will fly faster and bank harder, allowing you to get a wider variety of shots. Good for more advanced pilots.
Pro Sense and Avoid capability
The Phantom 4 can sense 3D objects around it and will brake and reroute to go around them.
Pro Subject tracking
Tap the screen and the Phantom 4 will keep the subject in the shot. Great for controller-free flying and beginners.
Pro Supports livestreaming to Facebook
Stream footage from your drone directly to Facebook Live.
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.
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.
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.
Cons
Con Propellers can get in the shot
Sometimes the propellers dip into the shot when turning or speeding up.
Con Sense and Avoid only prevents head on collisions
Sense and Avoid will not stop you from backing into things and hitting things when moving sideways.
Con Sense and Avoid only works in normal mode
When in sport mode, the Phantom 4 sense and avoid functionality does not work. It will not stop itself from crashing.
Con Blades need to be removed for transporting
The blades on the Phantom 4 do not collapse, and need to be taken off when transporting the drone.
Con Only livestreams to Facebook Live
Doesn't offer support for YouTube or Periscope streaming.
Con Awkward to transport
The dimensions for the DJI Phantom 4 are 8.7 x 15 x 12.8 inches. This means that the Phantom 4 will not fit in your backpack, and when properly packaged for transportation will either require its own bag or take up about half the space in an average roller board suitcase.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.