Can GoPro Karma Follow Me? Unpacking Karma’s Autonomous Flight Capabilities

The allure of capturing your adventures from the sky is undeniable. For action sports enthusiasts, filmmakers, and content creators alike, a drone that can effortlessly track your every move, keeping you perfectly framed, sounds like a dream come true. This concept, often referred to as “Follow Me” mode, revolutionized aerial videography, promising hands-free, cinematic footage of dynamic activities.

When GoPro, a brand synonymous with action cameras, ventured into the drone market with the Karma, expectations were sky-high. Users envisioned a seamless extension of their GoPro ecosystem, a drone that would intuitively understand and follow their epic escapades. But the critical question remains: can GoPro Karma follow me? Did this highly anticipated drone deliver on the promise of autonomous subject tracking, or did its design philosophy take a different flight path?

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve deep into the capabilities of the GoPro Karma drone, dissecting its smart flight modes, understanding its technological limitations, and directly answering whether it possessed the coveted “Follow Me” feature. Join us as we explore the Karma’s legacy, compare it to its competitors, and provide insights into maximizing your aerial videography, even without true autonomous tracking.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can GoPro Karma actually follow me automatically?

Yes, the GoPro Karma drone did feature intelligent flight paths, including a “Follow” mode. This allowed it to keep you in frame as you moved, making it great for capturing your adventures.

How does the GoPro Karma follow me function work?

It primarily used the GPS from its controller to track your position, keeping the camera focused on you. This meant the Karma could follow you autonomously while you concentrated on your activity.

What kind of “follow me” shots could I get with GoPro Karma?

With its tracking capabilities, the GoPro Karma could follow you from behind, alongside, or in front, capturing dynamic footage of sports, hiking, or any outdoor activity. It was designed to keep you centered in the shot.

Is the “can GoPro Karma follow me” feature easy to set up and use?

Generally, yes! GoPro aimed for user-friendliness, so setting up the “Follow” mode was relatively straightforward through the Karma Controller. It allowed for quick deployment to get those action shots.

So, if I want a drone that can GoPro Karma follow me, is it a good choice today?

While the Karma had this capability, it’s important to note that GoPro discontinued the drone. For current “follow me” drone needs, you’d be looking at newer models from other manufacturers that offer similar or more advanced tracking.

The Allure of “Follow Me” Drones in Action Sports

Imagine carving down a snowy mountain, surfing a perfect wave, or cycling through breathtaking landscapes, all while a drone autonomously captures your every move from a dynamic aerial perspective. This is the promise of “Follow Me” drone technology, a feature that has reshaped how we think about self-captured action footage.

What “Follow Me” Truly Means

At its core, a true “Follow Me” mode means a drone can intelligently identify a designated subject (usually a person carrying a controller or wearing a beacon) and autonomously track their movement. This isn’t just about maintaining a fixed distance; it involves dynamic adjustments in speed, altitude, and orientation, often incorporating obstacle avoidance, to keep the subject perfectly framed within the shot. It’s a hands-free, set-it-and-forget-it approach to aerial videography.

Why the Feature is a Game-Changer

For solo adventurers or small crews, the ability for a drone to track independently is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for a dedicated drone pilot, allowing the subject to focus entirely on their activity. This opens up possibilities for capturing professional-grade, cinematic footage that would otherwise require complex setups, multiple operators, or extensive post-production. From extreme sports to vlogging, the “Follow Me” feature offers unparalleled freedom and creative potential, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary aerial narratives.

Deconstructing the GoPro Karma’s Flight Modes and Features

When the GoPro Karma drone was unveiled, it was met with significant anticipation. GoPro positioned it as an integral part of its ecosystem, designed to seamlessly integrate with its Hero cameras. But how did its actual flight capabilities stack up, especially regarding autonomous tracking?

Karma’s Core Design Philosophy

The GoPro Karma was designed with portability and ease of use in mind, particularly for travelers and action sports enthusiasts. Its foldable design, integrated three-axis camera stabilizer (the Karma Grip, which could be detached for handheld use), and deep integration with GoPro Hero cameras were its standout features. The emphasis was placed on a user-friendly experience for flying and capturing stable, high-quality footage, rather than pioneering cutting-edge autonomous flight technology. It aimed to be a versatile tool for capturing cinematic shots, empowering users to be both pilot and subject, but often requiring a manual touch.

Available Smart Flight Paths (NOT “Follow Me”)

While the Karma did not feature an explicit “Follow Me” mode, it did offer a suite of “Auto Shot Paths” designed to simplify cinematic aerial shots. These were pre-programmed flight patterns that allowed users to execute professional-looking movements with relative ease:

• Dronie: This mode flies the Karma up and away from the subject, creating a dramatic reveal shot. The drone moves backward and upward simultaneously, progressively widening the frame.
• Cable Cam: Perhaps the most versatile of Karma’s smart modes, Cable Cam allowed users to set two points (A and B) and have the drone fly a straight path between them. You could control the speed and direction of the flight along this path, making it useful for tracking subjects moving along a predictable line. However, it required manual setup of the path and didn’t dynamically adjust if the subject deviated.
• Orbit: In Orbit mode, the Karma would fly in a perfect circle around a designated point of interest. Users could adjust the radius and speed of the orbit, creating compelling revolving shots around a static or slow-moving subject.
• Reveal: Similar to a reverse dronie, Reveal mode starts close to a subject and flies backward, revealing the surrounding environment. It’s designed for dramatic unveiling of a scene.

It’s crucial to understand that these “Auto Shot Paths” are distinct from a true “Follow Me” mode. They are fixed, pre-programmed movements that require the pilot to define the path or point of interest. They do not dynamically track a moving subject that changes direction or speed unpredictably.

The Karma Controller and Passenger App

The GoPro Karma was operated via an intuitive, clamshell-design controller featuring a built-in touchscreen. This controller provided direct manual control over the drone’s flight and camera settings. For a more collaborative shooting experience, Karma introduced the Passenger App, allowing a second person to view the live camera feed, control the camera, and even take over certain flight controls from a separate mobile device. This highlighted GoPro’s emphasis on pilot-driven creativity rather than fully autonomous operation.

Why Karma Lacked True “Follow Me” Tracking

The absence of a dedicated “Follow Me” feature in the GoPro Karma wasn’t an oversight but rather a result of specific technological capabilities, design choices, and the competitive landscape at the time of its release.

Technological Limitations at Launch

When the Karma was in development and at its initial launch, robust, consumer-grade visual tracking technology was still nascent. True “Follow Me” capabilities rely heavily on advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify, lock onto, and track a subject in real-time. This often requires multiple vision sensors (cameras) and significant on-board processing power. The Karma, while sophisticated in its camera integration and stability, did not incorporate the necessary sensor array or processing architecture for dynamic visual tracking. Its primary method for positioning was GPS for the drone itself, not for dynamically identifying and following a subject.

Design Choices and Market Positioning

GoPro’s design philosophy for Karma appeared to prioritize simplicity, portability, and excellent camera stabilization over cutting-edge autonomous flight. The removable Karma Grip, which effectively turned the drone’s gimbal and camera into a handheld stabilizer, was a significant differentiator. This focus suggested GoPro aimed to provide a versatile filming tool that could be flown or carried, rather than a fully autonomous aerial companion. At the time, GoPro’s core strength was its cameras, and Karma was designed to enhance that experience, offering a stable aerial platform for existing GoPro users.

The Evolution of Drone Tracking Technology

The drone industry evolved rapidly, and by the time Karma was released, competitors like DJI were already introducing drones with sophisticated tracking features. DJI’s ActiveTrack, for instance, used computer vision to follow subjects, avoid obstacles, and even recognize different subjects (people, vehicles, animals). This technology continuously advanced, incorporating more intelligent algorithms and better obstacle avoidance systems. The Karma simply didn’t keep pace with these developments, leading to a significant gap in autonomous capabilities compared to its rivals.

Comparing Karma to “Follow Me” Capable Drones

To fully understand why the question “can GoPro Karma follow me” often leads to disappointment for those expecting autonomous tracking, it’s essential to compare its capabilities with drones that truly offer this feature. The difference lies not just in a single mode but in a fundamental architectural approach to drone intelligence.

Key Differences in Autonomous Capabilities

Drones with true “Follow Me” capabilities employ a combination of technologies that Karma lacked:

• Visual Tracking: These drones use on-board cameras and advanced computer vision algorithms to visually identify and lock onto a subject. They analyze pixel data to track movement, even if GPS signals are weak or the subject changes direction unpredictably.
• Obstacle Avoidance: Crucially, many “Follow Me” drones are equipped with multiple sensors (front, rear, downward, upward, side) that allow them to detect and autonomously navigate around obstacles (trees, buildings, people) while tracking a subject. This ensures safety and uninterrupted footage.
• Dynamic Subject Recognition: Some advanced systems can differentiate between subjects, re-acquire a lost subject, or even predict a subject’s movement patterns.

In contrast, the GoPro Karma relied primarily on GPS for its own positioning and pre-programmed flight paths for its “smart” modes. It did not have the visual tracking sensors or the computational power to perform dynamic, real-time subject tracking or intelligent obstacle avoidance.

The User Experience Gap

The user experience between Karma’s “Auto Shot Paths” and a true “Follow Me” mode is vastly different:

• Karma:
  • Requires manual setup of flight path (e.g., setting Waypoints A and B for Cable Cam, or the center point for Orbit).
  • Subject generally needs to follow a predictable route or remain relatively stationary for best results.
  • No dynamic adjustment if the subject changes speed or direction unexpectedly.
  • No autonomous obstacle avoidance, requiring pilot vigilance.
  • Still heavily reliant on the pilot to monitor and intervene.
• True “Follow Me” Drone (e.g., DJI Mavic series, Skydio):
  • Pilot selects a subject (often by drawing a box on the screen or selecting a person/vehicle).
  • Drone intelligently tracks the subject, adjusting its speed, altitude, and position in real-time.
  • Actively avoids obstacles, ensuring a smooth and safe flight path.
  • Requires minimal to no pilot intervention once tracking is initiated.
  • Allows the subject to focus entirely on their activity.

A Quick Comparison of Key Autonomous Features

This table illustrates the fundamental differences:

Feature	GoPro Karma	Typical “Follow Me” Drone (e.g., DJI Mavic Air 2)
True “Follow Me” (Dynamic Subject Tracking)	No	Yes (e.g., ActiveTrack, FocusTrack)
Visual Tracking Sensors	No (primarily GPS for drone positioning)	Yes (forward, backward, downward vision sensors)
Obstacle Avoidance	No	Yes (multi-directional)
Pre-Programmed Flight Paths (e.g., Dronie, Orbit, Cable Cam)	Yes	Yes (often more advanced versions)
Real-Time Subject Adjustment	No (fixed paths)	Yes
Integrated Gimbal for Camera Stability	Yes (removable Karma Grip)	Yes

Maximizing Your GoPro Karma for Dynamic Shots (Without “Follow Me”)

Even without a “Follow Me” mode, the GoPro Karma was a capable drone for capturing stunning cinematic footage, particularly due to its excellent camera stabilization and tight integration with GoPro cameras. If you own a Karma, there are still many ways to achieve dynamic, action-packed shots.

Creative Workarounds and Manual Techniques

• Mastering Cable Cam: This is arguably Karma’s most powerful “smart” mode. While not true tracking, if your subject is moving along a predictable path (e.g., a straight trail, a fixed rail, a river), you can set points A and B, and manually control the drone’s speed along that path to keep the subject framed. It requires anticipation and timing but can yield excellent results.
• The “Operator as Follow Me” Approach: If you have a friend who can pilot, the Karma is fantastic. One person can focus on the action, while the other skillfully flies the drone, manually tracking and framing the subject. The Karma Controller’s intuitive design makes this easier than with more complex drones.
• Pre-Planned Flight Paths for Predictable Action: For activities with clear, repeatable movements (e.g., a skateboarder performing tricks in a specific area, a diver jumping from a platform), you can meticulously plan your flight path using the Dronie, Orbit, or Reveal modes to capture the action from various angles. Practice is key here.
• Utilizing Altitude and Distance: Sometimes, flying the drone higher or further back can give you a wider shot that encompasses the action without needing precise tracking. This can be great for capturing the scale of an environment alongside the subject.

Leveraging the Karma Grip

One of the unique advantages of the GoPro Karma was its removable gimbal stabilizer, the Karma Grip. This feature offers a fantastic alternative for capturing action:

• Handheld Tracking: Attach your GoPro camera to the Karma Grip, and you have a professional-grade handheld stabilizer. This allows you to follow subjects on foot, bike, or even from a vehicle, capturing incredibly smooth footage without the need for the drone.
• Mounting Options: The Karma Grip can also be mounted to various GoPro accessories, like helmets, chest mounts, or vehicle mounts, providing stabilized, first-person or third-person perspectives that complement your aerial shots.

By using the Karma Grip, you effectively separate the stabilization unit from the drone, giving you two powerful tools for different types of dynamic tracking shots.

Best Practices for Cinematic Karma Footage

• Smooth Stick Inputs: Even with stabilization, jerky controls can ruin a shot. Practice smooth, gentle inputs on the Karma controller for more fluid movements.
• Vary Your Shots: Don’t just fly straight. Experiment with orbits, reveals, and cable cam movements. Combine aerial shots with handheld Karma Grip footage for a diverse edit.
• Consider the Background: Pay attention to what’s in your frame. Use the environment to add context and visual interest to your subject’s action.
• Learn to Anticipate: Since Karma doesn’t autonomously track, you’ll need to anticipate your subject’s movements. This is especially true for manual flying or setting up Cable Cam shots.
• Shoot in Protune: If your GoPro camera supports it, shooting in Protune gives you more flexibility in post-production for color grading and exposure adjustments, making your footage look even more cinematic.

The Legacy of Karma and the Future of GoPro Drones

The story of the GoPro Karma is a complex one, marked by innovation, setbacks, and ultimately, its discontinuation. Understanding its legacy provides crucial context for its capabilities, particularly in answering the question, can GoPro Karma follow me?

Karma’s Market Performance and Discontinuation

Launched in September 2016, the Karma faced an uphill battle almost immediately. Just weeks after its debut, DJI released the Mavic Pro, a highly portable drone featuring an advanced folding design, obstacle avoidance, and a robust “Follow Me” mode (ActiveTrack). This direct competition highlighted Karma’s lack of advanced autonomous features.

Furthermore, in November 2016, GoPro issued a recall of all Karma drones due to a power loss issue during flight, a significant blow to its reputation. Although the issue was resolved and the drone re-released, it struggled to regain market momentum against DJI’s rapidly evolving offerings. By January 2018, GoPro announced it was discontinuing the Karma, exiting the drone market entirely to refocus on its core camera business. The decision cited an “extremely competitive environment” and “unacceptable margins.”

GoPro’s Shifting Strategy

The discontinuation of Karma marked a strategic pivot for GoPro. The company recognized that developing and competing in the rapidly advancing drone market required an immense investment in R&D, particularly in areas like autonomous flight and sensor technology, where they were lagging behind specialized drone manufacturers. By exiting the drone space, GoPro doubled down on its strengths: action cameras, accessories, and the software ecosystem that supports content creation. They refocused on innovating their Hero line, developing cloud services, and enhancing their mobile editing apps.

What We Learned from Karma

The GoPro Karma drone, despite its challenges, left several important lessons:

• The Importance of “Follow Me” and Autonomy: Karma’s struggle underscored the market’s strong demand for intelligent, autonomous flight features, particularly “Follow Me” and obstacle avoidance, for action-oriented drones. Users wanted drones that could simplify complex shots, not just provide a stable platform.
• Innovation Pace in Drones: The drone market’s rapid pace of innovation, especially in AI and computer vision for autonomy, proved challenging for a company primarily focused on cameras.
• Ecosystem Integration: Karma did excel in its integration with GoPro cameras and the removable Karma Grip was a truly innovative feature, demonstrating the value of a cohesive product ecosystem.

While the Karma drone itself is no longer produced, its story is a poignant reminder of the fierce competition and technological demands within the drone industry. For consumers, it solidified the expectation that a premium action drone should offer robust autonomous tracking capabilities.

Conclusion

So, to definitively answer the question: can GoPro Karma follow me? The straightforward answer is no, not in the way modern drone users understand “Follow Me” mode. The GoPro Karma drone did not feature dynamic, autonomous subject tracking that could intelligently identify and follow a moving person while actively avoiding obstacles. Its “Auto Shot Paths” offered pre-programmed cinematic movements like Dronie, Orbit, Cable Cam, and Reveal, but these required manual setup and did not adapt to unpredictable subject movement.

The Karma’s design philosophy prioritized portability, robust camera stabilization through the innovative Karma Grip, and seamless integration with GoPro Hero cameras. While it was a capable platform for capturing smooth, professional-looking aerial footage, it simply lacked the advanced visual tracking sensors and computational intelligence necessary for true “Follow Me” capabilities, a feature that was rapidly becoming standard among its competitors.

For those who still own a GoPro Karma, it remains a valuable tool for specific types of aerial videography, especially when leveraging its Cable Cam mode creatively or utilizing the Karma Grip for handheld stabilization. However, if autonomous subject tracking is a critical feature for your adventures, you would need to look towards drones from other manufacturers that have specialized in this advanced technology. The legacy of Karma reminds us that while innovation can take many forms, the demand for intelligent, hands-free aerial companions continues to drive the evolution of drone technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the GoPro Karma drone follow a user automatically?

Yes, the GoPro Karma drone did include a “Follow” mode designed to track a user. However, it wasn’t a visual object-tracking system like many modern drones; instead, it relied on the GPS signal from the Karma Controller to follow the person holding it.

What type of follow-me features did the GoPro Karma offer?

The GoPro Karma primarily offered a GPS-based “Follow” mode. It would maintain a set distance and altitude relative to the Karma Controller’s GPS position, effectively following the person carrying the controller. It also included “Cable Cam” for pre-set flight paths and “Orbit” mode.

Did the GoPro Karma drone have advanced object tracking for follow me?

No, the GoPro Karma drone did not feature advanced visual object tracking. Its follow-me functionality was based on GPS tracking of the Karma Controller, meaning it didn’t visually identify and follow a person or object independently.

How reliable was the GoPro Karma’s follow-me mode?

The reliability of the GoPro Karma’s GPS-based follow-me mode was generally considered adequate but not as precise or dynamic as visual tracking systems. It worked best in open environments with clear GPS signals and limited obstacles, as it lacked obstacle avoidance capabilities.

What were the limitations of the GoPro Karma’s follow feature?

The primary limitations of the GoPro Karma’s follow feature included its reliance on the controller’s GPS, rather than visual tracking, and the absence of obstacle avoidance technology. This meant it couldn’t dynamically navigate around trees or buildings while following, making it less versatile in complex environments.

Can I still use a GoPro Karma for follow-me photography or videography?

While the GoPro Karma drone did have follow-me capabilities, it has been discontinued by GoPro since 2018. If you still own a functional unit, the feature should technically still work, but finding replacement parts or official support would be extremely difficult.