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Add to SafariWhen comparing GoPro Karma vs AirDog, the Slant community recommends GoPro Karma for most people. In the question“What are the best drones capable of shooting 4K video?” GoPro Karma is ranked 6th while AirDog 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
Question Ranking
Pros
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cons
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.
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.
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.
Con Adapter needed for the GoPro 5 models
To use a GoPro 5, you will need to get an adapter.
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.
Con Camera needs to be purchased separately
This drone doesn't come with a camera, it needs to be purchased separately.
