When comparing DJI Mavic Air vs GoPro Karma, the Slant community recommends DJI Mavic Air for most people. In the question“What are the best drones capable of shooting 4K video?” DJI Mavic Air is ranked 5th while GoPro Karma is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose DJI Mavic Air is:
The Air has several features that make it easy to carry around. It folds into a very compact size ( 83 × 49 x 168 mm ) and can be conveniently carried inside an included case. During transportation, the gimbal is covered with a protective plastic part. The remote control is also small enough to be handy to carry in a backpack, without its sticks getting in the way, since they can be unscrewed and stored inside the remote.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Extremely portable
The Air has several features that make it easy to carry around. It folds into a very compact size ( 83 × 49 x 168 mm ) and can be conveniently carried inside an included case. During transportation, the gimbal is covered with a protective plastic part. The remote control is also small enough to be handy to carry in a backpack, without its sticks getting in the way, since they can be unscrewed and stored inside the remote.
Pro Great image quality
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 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.