With cheaper package is a heck of a deal. Have had mine a long time, ever since they first re-released it with no real issues but I have built my own quads and fly rc helies. You will see a lot of stuff here about crashed Karmas and fly offs and I am absolutely sure the vast majority of those incidents based on pilot error routed in inexperience and total dependency on gps stability control.
You sound like you flown some. It really helps!!
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Gotta Piggyback on JCLs comments. I've had the Karma since re-release, Unlike JCL, I did not have previous RC or flying experience. I've had a great time with this drone, flying it pretty much as far as I am comfortable in flying while staying in line of site, and I have had no real issues.
I agree with JCL's perception regarding fly-offs. I review every Gopro Karma Crash on YouTube, and while there certainly are crashes due to manufacture defect, the vast majority are user error. I've come close to crashing myself...but if I did crash... it would have been user error...not a defect with the drone...
I love the versatility of the Karma, The removable gimbals is FANTASTIC, but agree that weight and range are quite limited compared to other drones.
You are not just carrying the drone, you are carrying the batteries too, and due to the limited flight time...you want to carry two or three. they are each as heavy as a brick. I mean seriously...Each battery weighs 536 grams. by comparison the entire MAVIC AIR weighs 430 grams. With 3 or four batteries..the camera... the karma grip, the custom backpack (heavy by itself) all this weight adds up. Not a problem if you are going to "drive to" locations... or don't mind the extra weight on a short hike...but if you are flying in an airplane...this drone package is your carry-on!
Also... I don't like the Fish-eye effect of Gopro cameras in 4K, and while you can edit in post if you have the right software, it will reduce resolution. I typically film in 2.5k anyway...but I wouldn't plan on flying this drone and planning on 4k footage, unless the fish-eye effect is okay with you...
Budget wise... for a complete package with all the drawbacks...the Go Pro Karma is a great deal. Land. Sea. Air. You can film it all.
Currently I have Hero 5 and Karma drone package. I like it. I don't regret the purchase. It has done a great job introducing me to the action video world and expanding my horizons.
Ideally, I would like to have the Hero 7 and maybe the DJI Mavic 2 Pro or Zoom.
Realistically...I'm probably going to upgrade my drone to the Mavic Air due to size and weight in the near future... add an Insta 360 One X to my camera kit for the 360 videos, and stick with the Hero 5 and Karma Gimbal for action camera/underwater shots.
I really like the idea of the Hero 7, and not having to worry about the grip...but there are things that the Karma Grip can do...that the Hero 7 can't by itself...particularly when it comes to horizontal leveling.
The Air doesn't quite have the range or flight time of its other DJI counterparts...But the Mavic 2 series is a little too expensive for the incremental gains it offers, and i'm willing to sacrifice some quality for a drone with a smaller profile.