did gopro discontinue karma?

The world of action cameras and drones is constantly evolving, with new innovations emerging almost daily. For years, GoPro stood as the undisputed champion of rugged, portable video capture. So when they announced their entry into the drone market with the GoPro Karma drone, excitement reached a fever pitch. A foldable, integrated drone system designed to work seamlessly with their popular cameras – it seemed like a match made in heaven for adventure seekers and content creators alike.

However, the journey of the GoPro Karma drone was anything but smooth. From a highly anticipated launch to a controversial recall and intense market competition, its story is a compelling chapter in GoPro’s history. This trajectory has led many to wonder: did GoPro discontinue Karma? It’s a question that frequently pops up in forums and discussions, a testament to the drone’s initial promise and its eventual, abrupt exit from the market.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating, albeit short-lived, saga of the GoPro Karma drone. We’ll answer definitively whether it was discontinued, explore the reasons behind its ultimate fate, discuss what happened to its innovative components like the Karma Grip, and reflect on the lasting impact this venture had on GoPro’s strategy. Join us as we uncover the full story behind GoPro’s ambitious flight into the drone world and its subsequent grounding.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

So, did GoPro discontinue Karma?

Yes, absolutely. GoPro officially discontinued the Karma drone in January 2018, exiting the drone market completely at that time.

When did GoPro discontinue Karma, exactly?

GoPro announced the discontinuation of the Karma drone and their exit from the drone market in their Q4 2017 earnings report, released in January 2018.

Why did GoPro discontinue Karma?

GoPro cited an “extremely competitive environment” and new European regulations as the primary reasons for their decision to discontinue Karma and stop drone production.

Can I still buy a new Karma drone now that GoPro discontinued Karma?

No, unfortunately. Since GoPro discontinued Karma in 2018, new units are no longer manufactured or sold by GoPro or most retailers.

What if I own one – did GoPro discontinue Karma support as well?

While new production ceased, GoPro initially continued to provide service and support for existing Karma drone owners. However, finding parts or official repairs might be challenging now that GoPro discontinued Karma years ago.

The Ambitions Behind the GoPro Karma Drone

When GoPro unveiled the Karma drone in September 2016, it wasn’t just another product launch; it was a statement. This was GoPro’s ambitious leap into a new category, aiming to offer a complete end-to-end aerial content creation solution that integrated seamlessly with their iconic action cameras. The vision was clear: to empower users to capture stunning aerial footage with the same ease and quality they expected from their GoPros.

Initial Hype and Innovative Features

The initial buzz around the GoPro Karma drone was immense, and for good reason. It boasted several features that set it apart and generated significant excitement:

• Modularity: One of Karma’s standout features was its modular design. The removable 3-axis camera stabilizer, known as the Karma Grip, could be detached from the drone and used as a handheld stabilizer for incredibly smooth ground-level footage. This “two-in-one” functionality was a major selling point, offering versatility that few competitors could match.
• Portability: Karma’s foldable design was revolutionary at the time. Its arms could collapse, making it highly portable and easy to pack into the included backpack. This was a direct appeal to GoPro’s core adventurous user base, who valued compact and travel-friendly gear.
• Integrated Ecosystem: The drone was designed from the ground up to work with GoPro cameras (HERO5, HERO4, and later HERO6/7 with an adapter). The camera mounted directly into the front, powered by the drone, and controlled via Karma’s dedicated controller with a built-in touchscreen. This promised an intuitive, unified user experience.
• Ease of Use: GoPro aimed to make aerial videography accessible. The Karma controller featured simplified controls and pre-programmed flight paths, making it easier for beginners to get airborne and capture cinematic shots.

In theory, the GoPro drone was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the growing drone market while leveraging GoPro’s established brand loyalty and expertise in imaging. It promised to be more than just a drone; it was an extension of the GoPro experience, designed to complement the adventurer’s toolkit.

The Inevitable Stumble: Recall and Competition

Despite its promising start, the Karma drone’s flight was short-lived and turbulent. Just weeks after its launch, GoPro faced a critical setback that would ultimately define the drone’s fate.

• The Battery Recall (November 2016): A design flaw led to a number of Karma units losing power mid-flight, causing them to fall out of the sky. This safety issue forced GoPro to issue a full recall of all 2,500 units sold. This was a catastrophic blow, not only to sales but also to brand reputation and consumer trust.
• DJI Mavic Pro’s Simultaneous Launch: Adding insult to injury, DJI, the undisputed market leader in consumer drones, launched their Mavic Pro drone almost simultaneously with the Karma. The Mavic Pro was smaller, offered longer flight times, superior obstacle avoidance technology, and a more advanced camera, all at a competitive price point. The timing couldn’t have been worse for GoPro, as the Mavic Pro quickly overshadowed Karma’s features and performance.

The combination of a devastating recall and the immediate emergence of a superior competitor meant the GoPro Karma drone lost crucial market momentum almost as soon as it gained it. The initial hype quickly turned into skepticism, and the path to recovery became increasingly steep.

Yes, GoPro Discontinued Karma: The Official Announcement

After a tumultuous period of attempting to re-launch and re-establish the Karma’s presence, the writing was on the wall. The question, “did GoPro discontinue Karma?” became a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’. The official confirmation arrived in early 2018, marking the definitive end of GoPro’s drone ambitions.

The Timeline of Discontinuation

GoPro officially announced the discontinuation of the GoPro Karma drone in January 2018, as part of a broader restructuring effort by the company. CEO Nick Woodman cited the intensely competitive drone market and the inability to achieve sustainable profitability as key drivers for the decision. This announcement effectively pulled the plug on any further development or sales of the Karma drone, signaling a strategic pivot back to GoPro’s core action camera business.

Here’s a brief timeline of the Karma’s journey:

Date	Event	Impact on Karma
September 2016	GoPro Karma Drone Launch	High anticipation and initial sales.
November 2016	Karma Battery Recall	Major setback, damaged reputation, sales halted.
December 2016	Karma Relaunch	Attempt to recover, but market momentum lost to competitors.
January 2018	Official Discontinuation Announcement	Production ceased, sales ended worldwide.

Key Reasons for its Demise

The decision to discontinue the GoPro Karma drone was multifaceted, stemming from a perfect storm of internal challenges and external market pressures:

• Intense Competition from DJI: DJI’s dominance in the drone market proved insurmountable. Their rapid innovation cycle, economies of scale, and established market presence made it incredibly difficult for a newcomer like GoPro to compete effectively, especially after the initial recall. The Mavic Pro was just the first in a series of highly capable and user-friendly drones that consistently outmaneuvered Karma.
• Manufacturing Complexities and Cost: Developing, manufacturing, and supporting a complex product like a drone proved to be more challenging and costly than anticipated. The recall alone was a massive financial hit, and the ongoing costs of R&D, production, and after-sales support for a low-volume product chipped away at profitability.
• Damage from Safety Recall: The battery issue and subsequent recall dealt a severe blow to consumer confidence. In the drone industry, where safety is paramount, such an incident can be devastating. Rebuilding trust and overcoming the negative perception proved too difficult.
• GoPro’s Strategic Pivot to Profitability: At the time of Karma’s discontinuation, GoPro was facing significant financial pressures. The company needed to streamline its operations and focus on its most profitable segments. Exiting the drone market was part of a larger strategy to reduce operating expenses, improve profitability, and double down on its core action camera business, which remained strong despite the drone venture.

Ultimately, the Karma drone, despite its innovative features, could not overcome these hurdles. The competitive landscape, compounded by internal execution issues, led to its inevitable discontinuation, a harsh lesson in market dynamics for GoPro.

The Aftermath: What About the Karma Grip and Ongoing Support?

When GoPro confirmed, “yes, GoPro discontinued Karma,” it raised immediate questions for existing owners and those interested in its components. What became of the innovative Karma Grip, and what kind of support could drone owners expect?

The Fate of the Karma Grip

The Karma Grip, the detachable handheld stabilizer component of the drone, was widely praised for its excellent stabilization capabilities. For a period after the drone’s discontinuation, GoPro continued to sell the Karma Grip as a standalone product. It was a popular accessory for users who wanted gimbal-level stabilization for their GoPros without investing in the full drone system.

• Continued as a Standalone: The Karma Grip enjoyed a brief second life, compatible with various GoPro models, including the HERO5 Black, HERO6 Black, and later with adapters for HERO7 Black. It offered a compelling solution for smooth, professional-looking handheld footage.
• Eventually Phased Out: However, as GoPro’s in-camera stabilization technology advanced significantly with features like HyperSmooth (introduced with the HERO7 Black), the need for an external mechanical gimbal began to diminish. The Karma Grip, while still effective, became less of a necessity. Consequently, GoPro eventually phased out the Karma Grip as well, shifting its focus entirely to integrated software stabilization, which offered comparable results with fewer moving parts and greater convenience.

Today, finding a new Karma Grip from official channels is challenging, though some retailers or second-hand markets might still have units available. For most new GoPro users, the advanced in-camera stabilization of current models makes dedicated gimbals less essential.

Current Support for GoPro Karma Drone Owners

For those who still own a GoPro Karma drone, navigating the landscape of support and parts can be tricky. While GoPro moved on from drone production, they did maintain some level of support for a period, though this has naturally diminished over time.

• Firmware Updates: Firmware updates for the Karma drone ceased shortly after its discontinuation. This means no new features, bug fixes, or compatibility updates for newer GoPro cameras were released.
• Parts Availability: Official replacement parts from GoPro are virtually non-existent now. Owners needing repairs often turn to third-party manufacturers for compatible parts (like propellers, batteries, or landing gear) or scour online marketplaces for used components. This can be a significant challenge, especially for critical components.
• Customer Service for Existing Issues: While GoPro’s general customer support remains active for their current products, specific, in-depth technical support for the Karma drone is minimal. They might be able to offer basic troubleshooting, but extensive repair services or guarantees for a discontinued product are no longer provided.
• Community Forums as a Resource: For existing Karma owners, community forums, Facebook groups, and enthusiast websites have become invaluable resources. Here, users share tips, troubleshoot common problems, and sometimes even buy/sell parts among themselves. This vibrant, albeit unofficial, community is often the best source of support for legacy products like the GoPro drone.

In essence, owning a GoPro Karma drone today means relying heavily on self-sufficiency, third-party solutions, and the collective knowledge of the user community. While it was a groundbreaking product, its discontinuation means it largely exists outside the active support ecosystem of GoPro.

Unpacking the Failure: Key Takeaways from GoPro’s Drone Endeavor

The story of the GoPro Karma drone is a classic case study in product development and market dynamics. While the definitive answer to “did GoPro discontinue Karma?” is yes, understanding the ‘why’ offers valuable insights into the challenges of innovation and competition in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The Perils of Entering a Mature Market Late

GoPro’s timing in entering the drone market was arguably one of its biggest missteps. By 2016, DJI had already established a dominant position, with several generations of refined products and a loyal customer base. Launching a new drone required not just a good product, but a truly groundbreaking one that could unseat the incumbent.

• DJI’s Head Start and Ecosystem: DJI had years of experience in drone design, manufacturing, and software. They had built a robust ecosystem of accessories, a strong developer community, and a reputation for reliability and cutting-edge technology. Karma, despite its innovative features, struggled to compete with DJI’s comprehensive offering and brand power.
• Rapid Innovation Cycle: The drone market, much like the smartphone market, operates on a rapid innovation cycle. DJI was constantly releasing new models with improved features, making it incredibly difficult for a new entrant to keep up, especially while simultaneously battling production issues.

The Importance of Flawless Execution

Even with a compelling concept, execution is everything. The Karma’s recall for power loss was a fatal flaw that GoPro simply couldn’t recover from, especially in a product category where reliability and safety are paramount.

• Recall Impact on Trust: For a product that flies above people and property, safety failures are unforgivable. The recall not only cost GoPro millions but also irrevocably damaged consumer trust. It planted a seed of doubt about the Karma’s reliability that persisted even after the fixes were implemented.
• Missed Opportunities: The time and resources spent on the recall and subsequent re-launch diverted attention and funds from further innovation and market development, allowing competitors to widen their lead.

Strategic Focus vs. Diversification

GoPro’s core strength has always been its action cameras. Diversifying into drones, while seemingly synergistic, stretched the company’s resources and focus at a critical time.

• GoPro’s Core Strength: GoPro built its empire on rugged, portable action cameras. This was their expertise, their brand identity, and their primary source of revenue. The drone venture, while exciting, pulled resources away from potentially strengthening their core product line.
• Resource Allocation: Developing and supporting a drone required a different set of engineering, manufacturing, and marketing skills than action cameras. This diversification likely diluted GoPro’s focus and investment in its primary business, leading to compromises in both areas.

The Karma drone’s failure serves as a stark reminder that even a strong brand name and innovative ideas aren’t always enough to succeed in highly competitive, specialized markets without flawless execution and a sustained strategic focus.

Beyond Karma: GoPro’s Continued Role in Aerial Content (Without Karma)

The answer to “did GoPro discontinue Karma?” is a resounding yes, but this doesn’t mean GoPro has abandoned aerial content creation entirely. Instead, the company has pivoted, leveraging its core strengths and adapting to the evolving landscape of drone technology. GoPro’s role now is less about building the drone itself and more about enhancing the aerial capture experience through its cameras.

Alternative Aerial Solutions for GoPro Users

Even without its own drone, GoPro cameras remain a top choice for aerial videography. The focus has simply shifted from an integrated system to a modular approach where GoPro cameras are paired with third-party drones.

• Using GoPro Cameras with Third-Party Drones: This is the most common and effective solution today. Drones from manufacturers like DJI, Autel Robotics, Skydio, and others often feature mounts or adapters designed to carry a GoPro camera. This allows users to benefit from the advanced flight capabilities and reliability of dedicated drone companies while still utilizing the superior imaging power and versatility of their GoPro. Many professional FPV (First Person View) drone pilots, for instance, prefer to use lightweight GoPro models (like the GoPro Hero Session or custom-modded naked GoPros) for their cinematic footage due to their image quality and robust stabilization.
• Newer GoPro Stabilization (HyperSmooth): One of the key reasons the Karma Grip became obsolete, and indeed lessened the need for complex external gimbals, is GoPro’s groundbreaking HyperSmooth stabilization technology. Introduced with the HERO7 Black and continuously improved in subsequent models (HERO8, HERO9, HERO10, HERO11, HERO12 Black), HyperSmooth offers incredibly smooth, gimbal-like footage directly from the camera, even in turbulent flight conditions. This significantly simplifies the aerial setup, requiring less bulky and expensive stabilization equipment.

The Evolution of Action Camera Integration

The trend for aerial content creation with GoPros now leans towards lightweight setups and advanced in-camera processing.

• Focus on Miniaturization and Software Stabilization: Modern GoPros are becoming more compact, lighter, and more powerful, making them ideal payloads for a wider range of drones, including smaller FPV rigs. The emphasis is on internal software stabilization that can rival mechanical gimbals, reducing the overall weight and complexity of the aerial setup.
• Drone Mounts for GoPros: The accessory market is rich with custom-designed mounts that allow various GoPro models to be securely attached to almost any drone. These range from simple clips to elaborate vibration-dampening systems, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

What the Karma Discontinuation Means for GoPro’s Strategy

The failure of the GoPro Karma drone ultimately led to a clearer, more focused strategy for the company:

• Doubling Down on Core Competencies: GoPro has since recommitted to its core business: developing world-class action cameras, accessories, and the software ecosystem that supports them. This focus has led to significant advancements in image quality, stabilization, and user experience.
• Emphasis on Software and Services: Beyond hardware, GoPro has heavily invested in its software platforms (Quik app) and subscription services (GoPro Quik subscription), offering cloud storage, unlimited edits, and camera replacement. This creates a more robust and recurring revenue model.
• Strategic Partnerships (Indirect Aerial Capture): Rather than building the drone itself, GoPro now indirectly participates in the aerial market by ensuring its cameras are the best possible solution for other drone manufacturers and pilots. This is a far more capital-efficient and strategically sound approach.

The Karma’s journey serves as a powerful reminder for GoPro about understanding market fit and focusing on where they can truly excel. While the drone dream ended, GoPro’s vision for enabling incredible aerial content creation lives on, albeit through a different, more refined approach.

Conclusion

The journey of the GoPro Karma drone is a compelling tale of ambition, innovation, and ultimately, the harsh realities of a fiercely competitive market. To definitively answer the pressing question, “did GoPro discontinue Karma?” – yes, the company officially ceased production and sales of the Karma drone in January 2018.

Its demise was not due to a lack of innovation, but rather a confluence of factors: a critical product recall that eroded consumer trust, the overwhelming dominance of competitors like DJI, and the significant financial and operational strain that a complex new product category placed on GoPro. The innovative Karma Grip, initially a standout feature, also eventually faded as GoPro’s in-camera stabilization technology, such as HyperSmooth, rendered external gimbals less essential.

The discontinuation of the GoPro drone marked a significant strategic pivot for the company. Instead of trying to conquer the drone hardware market, GoPro refocused on its core strength: developing the world’s best action cameras and the software ecosystem to support them. Today, GoPro cameras continue to be a popular choice for aerial videography, integrated seamlessly with third-party drones, allowing users to capture breathtaking footage without GoPro having to build the drone itself.

The Karma’s story is a valuable lesson in product lifecycle management and market dynamics. It underscores that even a strong brand can stumble when faced with intense competition and critical execution challenges. While the Karma drone may no longer fly, its legacy has undoubtedly shaped GoPro’s current strategy, pushing the company to innovate further in its core competencies and solidify its position as a leader in personal content capture, both on the ground and in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did GoPro discontinue the Karma drone?

Yes, GoPro officially discontinued the Karma drone in January 2018. This decision was part of a larger restructuring effort for the company, moving away from the competitive drone market to focus on its core camera business.

What led to GoPro’s decision to discontinue the Karma drone?

Several factors contributed, including intense competition from established drone manufacturers and lower-than-expected sales. An initial recall shortly after its launch also damaged consumer confidence and added to the financial strain on the program.

Can I still buy a new GoPro Karma drone today?

No, new GoPro Karma drones are no longer manufactured or sold by GoPro or its official retailers. You might occasionally find used or refurbished units available through third-party sellers, online marketplaces, or auction sites.

Does GoPro still provide support or spare parts for the Karma drone?

GoPro’s official support for the Karma drone is very limited, primarily offering resources like user manuals and troubleshooting guides on their website. Finding official spare parts can be challenging, though some third-party accessories and parts might still be available.

Which GoPro camera models were compatible with the Karma drone?

The GoPro Karma drone was primarily designed to be compatible with the HERO5 Black, HERO6 Black, and the HERO7 Black cameras. Newer GoPro camera models released after its discontinuation are generally not compatible with the Karma drone’s gimbal.

Are there any alternatives if I want to use my GoPro camera with a drone?

While GoPro no longer manufactures drones, many third-party drone manufacturers offer models with mounts or gimbals designed to carry GoPro cameras. Alternatively, most popular drones today come with their own integrated high-quality cameras, removing the need to attach a separate GoPro.