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SQUAW VALLEY, CA -- After over a year of teases, GoPro has finally unveiled its Karma drone, which works with its new Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session action cameras. It's quite a beauty.
The compact drone solves one key problem other drones like DJI's excellent Phantom 4 have: portability. Unlike its competition, the Karma is small enough to fit into most normal-sized backpacks (although it does come with its own bag).
SEE ALSO:GoPro's new Hero 5 action cameras make it easier to create epic videosWhile many drones come with an integrated camera, the Karma does not. Users can connect any of GoPro's Hero action cameras, including the newly-announced Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session as well as the Hero 4 cameras, too.
THIS is GoPro Karma and it folds up! pic.twitter.com/Oyn2da0pgs
— Raymond Wong 💾📼🍕 (@raywongy) September 19, 2016
The drone has a 3-axis camera stabilizer that keeps Hero action firmly attached and ensures footage is properly stabilized and smooth. Moreover, the stabilizer is removable and can be attached to another accessory called the Karma Grip for handheld or vehicle-mounted recording.
Karma Grip disconnects from the Karma drone.Credit: RAYMOND WONG/MASHABLEThe Karma is controlled with a gamepad-style controller with two joysticks and and a built-in touchscreen. The clamshell-like controller design kind of reminds me of the NVIDIA Shield Portable.
The Karma droneCredit: GoPro
The Karma drone, folded with rotors removedCredit: GoProThe Karma costs $799 by itself, but it will be available in a bundle with the new Hero 5 action camera for $1,099, or with the Hero 5 Session for $999. The drone will be available on Oct. 23.
"Karma is so much more than just a drone" pic.twitter.com/yI5KjDKUiI
— Raymond Wong 💾📼🍕 (@raywongy) September 19, 2016
The Karma's carrying caseCredit: GoPro
The Karma drone controllerCredit: GoPro