does gopro make a drone?

Ever gazed at the sky, seen a sleek drone soaring overhead, and wondered, “Does GoPro make a drone?” It’s a question that frequently pops up among action camera enthusiasts, photography buffs, and drone pilots alike. Given GoPro’s undisputed dominance in the action camera market, it seems like a natural fit for them to extend their expertise into the aerial realm. After all, what better way to capture breathtaking aerial footage than with a camera specifically designed for extreme adventures?

For many years, the idea of a GoPro drone wasn’t just a dream – it was a reality. The company did, in fact, launch its very own drone, promising seamless integration with its cameras and an unparalleled user experience. This venture was met with significant anticipation, and for a brief period, it looked like GoPro was poised to revolutionize not just personal cameras but also the consumer drone industry. However, the story of GoPro and drones is a complex one, filled with ambition, innovation, and ultimately, a strategic retreat.

So, what’s the definitive answer today? Does GoPro make a drone? In short: not anymore. While GoPro certainly entered the drone market with much fanfare, their journey was fraught with challenges. Today, GoPro has shifted its focus back to its core business – creating the world’s most versatile and powerful action cameras. But to truly understand this evolution, we need to delve into the fascinating history of the GoPro Karma drone, explore what made it unique, and examine the reasons behind its eventual discontinuation. Join us as we uncover the full story and offer insights for anyone looking to pair their GoPro camera with the perfect flying companion.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Does GoPro make a drone right now?

No, GoPro does not currently manufacture or sell any drones. While they did once produce a drone, it has been discontinued for several years.

Did GoPro ever make a drone?

Yes, GoPro famously launched the Karma drone back in 2016. It was designed to work seamlessly with their Hero cameras, offering a unique modular design.

Can I still buy the GoPro Karma drone new today?

Unfortunately, no. The GoPro Karma drone was discontinued in 2018, and new units are no longer available for purchase from GoPro or most retailers.

Why did GoPro stop making their drone?

GoPro decided to exit the drone market due to intense competition and a challenging regulatory environment, shifting their focus back to their core camera business. It was a strategic move to streamline their product offerings.

If GoPro doesn’t make a drone, how can I fly my GoPro camera?

You can still easily fly your GoPro camera by attaching it to a third-party drone! Many popular drone brands have gimbals or mounting options that are perfectly compatible with GoPro cameras, allowing you to capture amazing aerial footage.

The Rise and Fall of the GoPro Karma: A Drone Story Unlike Any Other

The year 2016 was a pivotal moment for both GoPro and the burgeoning consumer drone market. On September 19th, GoPro unveiled the GoPro Karma drone, alongside its highly anticipated Hero5 Black and Session cameras. The launch was met with widespread excitement. Here was GoPro, the brand synonymous with action and adventure, entering the skies with a product designed to integrate seamlessly with its cameras. It wasn’t just a drone; it was presented as a complete ecosystem for aerial and stabilized ground footage.

The Karma was designed to be compact and foldable, a significant advantage for travelers and adventurers who needed portability. It promised ease of use, making aerial videography accessible to a broader audience. The initial reviews were generally positive, praising its design, portability, and the innovative integration with the GoPro cameras. It was seen as a direct competitor to DJI, which was rapidly dominating the drone landscape. The belief was that the GoPro Karma drone would carve out a significant niche, appealing directly to GoPro’s loyal customer base who already owned their cameras.

However, the Karma’s journey was far from smooth. Just weeks after its launch, GoPro issued a full recall of approximately 2,500 units due to power loss issues during flight. This unexpected setback, occurring at the peak of the holiday shopping season, was a devastating blow to the product’s reputation and GoPro’s financials. While the issue was eventually resolved and the drone re-released in early 2017, the initial recall created a lasting impression of unreliability and uncertainty.

Despite efforts to regain momentum, the Karma struggled to compete in an increasingly competitive market. DJI, with its relentless innovation and aggressive product cycles, quickly outpaced GoPro. By January 2018, less than two years after its initial launch, GoPro announced it was discontinuing the GoPro Karma drone, exiting the drone market entirely. The company cited a brutally competitive landscape, an unfavorable regulatory environment in Europe and the US, and insufficient margins as key reasons for its withdrawal. This marked the end of an ambitious chapter for GoPro, solidifying the answer: does GoPro make a drone? Not anymore.

What Made the GoPro Karma Stand Out? Features and Ecosystem Integration

When the GoPro Karma drone was first introduced, it wasn’t just another drone in a crowded market. It brought several unique features and a compelling ecosystem approach that aimed to differentiate it from the competition, particularly from DJI.

Modular Design: The Heart of Karma’s Innovation

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the GoPro Karma drone was its modular design. Unlike most drones that came with an integrated camera, the Karma was built to carry a GoPro Hero camera (Hero4, Hero5 Black, and later Hero6 Black compatible). This meant users could easily swap out their existing GoPro cameras, or upgrade them without needing to buy a completely new drone. This approach resonated deeply with existing GoPro users, offering flexibility and leveraging their existing investments in GoPro’s camera technology. The 3-axis gimbal, which stabilized the camera, was also detachable.

Karma Grip: A Game-Changing Accessory

The detachable gimbal wasn’t just for show; it was a key component of the Karma’s ecosystem. Once removed from the drone, the gimbal could be attached to a specially designed handheld grip, aptly named the Karma Grip. This transformed the aerial stabilization system into a powerful handheld stabilizer, allowing users to capture incredibly smooth, professional-looking footage on the ground. This dual functionality was a major selling point, offering two premium stabilization tools for the price of one (or rather, as part of the Karma package). The Karma Grip proved to be quite popular on its own, even after the drone’s demise, highlighting the ingenuity of its design.

User Experience: Simplicity in Flight

GoPro aimed for simplicity and ease of use with the Karma. The controller featured a built-in touchscreen, eliminating the need to connect a separate smartphone or tablet, which was a common requirement for many drones at the time. This dedicated controller was designed to be intuitive, making it easier for new pilots to get airborne. The flight modes were straightforward, focusing on ease of capture rather than complex maneuvers, aligning with GoPro’s “capture and share” philosophy. Features like “Follow Me” and “Cable Cam” were included to help users get cinematic shots with minimal effort.

In essence, the GoPro Karma drone wasn’t merely a drone; it was an extension of the GoPro ecosystem, designed to maximize the utility of their action cameras across aerial, handheld, and mounted scenarios. This holistic vision, while innovative, ultimately faced significant hurdles that led to its withdrawal from the market.

Why Did the GoPro Karma Fail? Unpacking the Challenges

Despite its innovative features and strong brand backing, the GoPro Karma drone couldn’t maintain its footing in the fiercely competitive drone market. Several factors contributed to its ultimate failure and GoPro’s decision to discontinue drone production.

Technical Glitches and Product Recalls

The most immediate and damaging blow to the Karma was the recall of all units shortly after its initial launch in late 2016. The issue: drones were experiencing power loss mid-flight, leading to crashes. This severe technical flaw, occurring during the crucial holiday shopping season, devastated consumer confidence and severely tarnished the product’s reputation. While GoPro addressed the issue and re-released the Karma a few months later, the initial recall left a lasting impression of unreliability. Regaining trust in a product that literally fell out of the sky proved to be an uphill battle, especially in a market where safety and reliability are paramount.

Fierce Competition from DJI

The drone market, particularly in the consumer segment, was (and still is) dominated by DJI. DJI’s relentless pace of innovation, aggressive pricing, and established manufacturing capabilities proved incredibly difficult to compete with. Just one week after GoPro unveiled the Karma, DJI launched the Mavic Pro – a smaller, more portable, and technologically superior drone that often outperformed the Karma in terms of flight time, range, and advanced features (like obstacle avoidance). The Mavic Pro’s compact, foldable design was even more advanced than Karma’s, and its integrated camera offered superior image quality for many users, negating Karma’s modular camera advantage. This direct head-to-head competition, where Karma often came up short, made it incredibly challenging for GoPro to gain significant market share.

Market Timing and Strategic Missteps

GoPro entered the drone market relatively late compared to some early pioneers, and perhaps at a moment when the technology was rapidly advancing beyond its initial offering. The Karma’s features, while innovative for GoPro, were quickly surpassed by competitors. Furthermore, GoPro’s decision to focus on a modular camera approach, while appealing to existing GoPro users, meant that the drone itself didn’t always offer the most optimized camera performance compared to drones with purpose-built integrated cameras. This strategic choice, while logical from a brand synergy perspective, might have limited its appeal to a broader drone market seeking the absolute best aerial imaging capabilities.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Hurdles

Developing and manufacturing complex flying machines is a challenging endeavor, even for established electronics companies. GoPro, primarily a camera company, faced a steep learning curve in drone engineering, production, and supply chain management. The issues leading to the recall highlighted these challenges. Competing with DJI’s established and highly efficient manufacturing processes and economies of scale was a significant hurdle that likely impacted profitability and the ability to rapidly iterate on the Karma’s design.

Ultimately, a combination of these factors – critical technical flaws, overwhelming competition, strategic miscalculations, and operational challenges – led to GoPro’s decision to exit the drone market. It was a costly lesson, reportedly costing the company hundreds of millions of dollars.

GoPro’s Current Focus: Beyond the Skies and Back to Its Core

Following the discontinuation of the Karma drone, GoPro made a strategic decision to divest from the drone market and refocus entirely on its core competency: action cameras. This move, while disappointing for those who enjoyed or anticipated a GoPro drone, has allowed the company to streamline its operations and pour all its resources into innovating its flagship products. The question “does GoPro make a drone?” is now firmly answered with a “no,” but the company’s commitment to capturing amazing content remains as strong as ever.

Innovation in Action Cameras

Since exiting the drone business, GoPro has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a small action camera can do. Each new generation of the Hero series brings significant advancements:

• HyperSmooth Stabilization: This in-camera electronic image stabilization has been a game-changer, rivaling the smoothness of mechanical gimbals and eliminating the need for bulky accessories in many situations. It’s a testament to GoPro’s ability to innovate within its core product line.
• Improved Image Quality: Enhanced sensors, better low-light performance, and higher resolutions (up to 5.3K video) ensure that GoPro cameras continue to deliver stunning visuals.
• Advanced Features: Capabilities like TimeWarp (stabilized timelapses), HindSight, LiveBurst, and powerful photo modes have made GoPro cameras more versatile than ever, appealing to a wide range of creators from vloggers to extreme sports enthusiasts.
• Durability and Waterproofing: Staying true to its roots, GoPro cameras remain incredibly rugged and waterproof straight out of the box, ready for any adventure without extra housing.

Software and Ecosystem Enhancements

GoPro understands that hardware is only part of the equation. The company has also heavily invested in its software ecosystem to enhance the user experience:

• Quik App: The Quik mobile app has evolved into a powerful and intuitive editing tool, allowing users to quickly import, edit, and share their footage directly from their phone. Features like automatic highlight videos and beat-synced edits make content creation incredibly easy.
• Cloud Services: GoPro offers cloud storage for automatic backups, enabling users to access their footage from anywhere and free up space on their devices.
• Mounts and Accessories: The vast array of GoPro mounts and accessories continues to expand, offering endless possibilities for capturing unique perspectives, from chest mounts to magnetic swivels and mod kits for enhanced audio/lighting.

Future Outlook: Where GoPro is Heading

GoPro’s strategic pivot has proven successful. The company has returned to profitability and continues to dominate the action camera market. Their future looks focused on:

• Further integrating AI and machine learning for even smarter camera features and simplified editing.
• Expanding their subscription services, offering value beyond just hardware sales.
• Developing new form factors or specialized cameras for niche markets, while maintaining the core Hero line’s versatility.
• Strengthening their direct-to-consumer sales channels and community engagement.

While the chapter of the GoPro drone is closed, GoPro’s story of innovation in portable cameras continues to unfold, proving that sometimes, narrowing your focus can lead to greater success.

Finding the Perfect Drone for Your GoPro Camera: Modern Alternatives and Key Considerations

So, you’ve accepted that “does GoPro make a drone?” is a question with a definitive “no” in the present day. But that doesn’t mean your dream of capturing incredible aerial footage with your trusty GoPro camera is over! While GoPro no longer produces its own drone, the good news is that the drone market has exploded with incredible options that can easily carry or integrate with your GoPro.

However, it’s crucial to understand a key difference: modern consumer drones often come with their own high-quality, integrated cameras. These cameras are specifically designed and optimized for aerial photography and videography, often outperforming a separate GoPro in terms of gimbal stability, zoom capabilities, and smart flight features. For many users, a drone with an integrated camera might be the superior choice. Nevertheless, if you’re committed to using your existing GoPro, or if you want the flexibility of swapping out cameras, there are still excellent solutions.

Top Drone Brands to Consider (Many with Integrated Cameras)

When looking for a drone today, particularly one that can deliver high-quality aerial footage, you’ll inevitably encounter these industry leaders:

1. DJI: The undisputed market leader. DJI offers a wide range of drones, from beginner-friendly options like the Mini series (under 250g, often with 4K cameras) to professional-grade platforms like the Mavic and Phantom series. Their drones boast incredible stability, advanced obstacle avoidance, long flight times, and often superior integrated cameras.
   • Recommendation: For portability and excellent video, consider the DJI Mini 4 Pro or Mavic 3 Pro. For a more budget-friendly option, look at the Mini 3 Pro.
2. Autel Robotics: A strong competitor to DJI, Autel offers drones with excellent cameras, long battery life, and often omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Their Evo series is well-regarded for its robust build and performance.
   • Recommendation: The Autel Evo Lite+ or Evo II Pro offers great features and image quality.
3. Parrot: While not as dominant as DJI, Parrot still produces capable drones, particularly in the professional and inspection sectors. Their consumer drones like the Anafi series are known for their portability and unique camera features.
   • Recommendation: Parrot Anafi for a portable, distinct option, though less common for new purchases now.
4. F.P.V. (First Person View) Drones: For those seeking extreme speed, agility, and immersive flight experiences, FPV drones are a fantastic (though challenging) option. Many FPV pilots will mount a GoPro specifically designed for FPV (like the Hero10 Bones) or a stripped-down standard GoPro to capture their flights. This requires significant piloting skill and often custom builds.
   • Recommendation: This is a niche for advanced users who build or buy custom FPV quads.

What to Look for in a Drone Today (Even Without GoPro’s Logo)

When selecting a drone, consider these key factors:

• Camera Quality: If you’re using an integrated camera, look for 4K video capabilities, good low-light performance, and a stable 3-axis gimbal.
• Flight Time & Range: Longer flight times mean more footage. Consider your needs – casual flying vs. professional shoots.
• Obstacle Avoidance: Crucial for beginners and advanced pilots alike, this feature helps prevent crashes.
• Portability: Foldable designs are standard now, making drones easy to transport.
• Ease of Use: Look for intuitive controllers and user-friendly apps with helpful flight modes.
• GPS & Smart Features: GPS for stable hovering, Return-to-Home, and intelligent flight modes like “Follow Me” or Waypoints enhance the flying experience.
• Legal Requirements: Be aware of local drone regulations regarding weight (e.g., under 250g often has fewer restrictions), registration, and flight zones.

Integrating Your GoPro with Non-GoPro Drones

If you absolutely want to use your GoPro camera with a drone, here are your options:

1. Specialized FPV Drones: As mentioned, many FPV drones are designed to carry a “naked” or de-cased GoPro for lightweight, high-quality recording. This is the most common way to integrate a GoPro onto a non-GoPro drone.
2. DIY or Custom Builds: For the technically inclined, building your own drone from components allows you to design a frame that can accommodate your GoPro and a compatible gimbal. This requires significant technical knowledge.
3. Outdated/Niche Drones: Some older drones (e.g., 3DR Solo, certain Yuneec models) or niche market drones might have specific mounts for GoPro cameras. However, these are often less technologically advanced than current integrated-camera drones.
4. Dedicated GoPro Mounts for DJI Drones (Limited/Aftermarket): While DJI drones primarily use their integrated cameras, there might be aftermarket mounts or accessories (often 3D-printed) that allow you to attach a small GoPro (like a Hero Session or a “naked” Hero) to some DJI models. *However, be extremely cautious:* this can affect flight stability, battery life, and may void your drone’s warranty. It’s generally not recommended for optimal performance or safety with most modern DJI drones.

In conclusion, while GoPro’s own drone is a thing of the past, the spirit of aerial adventure with your GoPro lives on through a vibrant and innovative drone market. Choose wisely, fly safely, and prepare to capture truly spectacular perspectives!

Evolution of Consumer Drones: Karma vs. Modern Options (Illustrative Comparison)

Feature	GoPro Karma (2016)	DJI Mini 4 Pro (2023) – Example Modern Drone	DJI Mavic 3 Pro (2023) – Example Prosumer Drone
Camera	Requires GoPro Hero4/5/6 (e.g., Hero5 Black: 4K/30fps, 12MP)	Integrated 4K/60fps HDR, 48MP photos	Triple Camera (20MP Hasselblad, 2x 4/3 CMOS; 12MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS; 12MP 1/2-inch CMOS) up to 5.1K video
Gimbal	Detachable 3-axis (Karma Grip compatible)	Integrated 3-axis mechanical	Integrated 3-axis mechanical
Max Flight Time	~20 minutes	~34 minutes (standard battery)	~43 minutes
Weight	~1006g (without camera)	~249g (no registration needed in many regions)	~958g
Obstacle Avoidance	None	Omnidirectional Visual Sensing (360 degrees)	Omnidirectional Visual Sensing (360 degrees)
Connectivity Range	~1 km	~10 km (FCC, O4 transmission)	~15 km (FCC, O3+ transmission)
Portability	Foldable design, backpack included	Ultra-compact, foldable	Foldable, larger than Mini series
Key Innovation	Modular design, Karma Grip	Sub-250g with advanced features, omnidirectional OA	Triple camera system, pro-level video codecs
Status	Discontinued (2018)	Currently available	Currently available

Conclusion: The Legacy of a Drone and GoPro’s Enduring Vision

The question, “Does GoPro make a drone?” elicits a journey through a fascinating, albeit brief, chapter in the history of action cameras and consumer drones. While the answer today is a definitive “no,” GoPro’s venture into the skies with the GoPro Karma drone was a bold move that left a lasting impact on how we think about integrated camera ecosystems. It highlighted the potential for a seamless experience between ground and aerial footage, and though it ultimately faltered, its innovations like the Karma Grip were ahead of their time.

GoPro’s strategic pivot back to its core business – relentlessly innovating in action camera technology – has proven to be a wise decision. The company continues to produce industry-leading cameras that empower adventurers, creators, and everyday users to capture their world in stunning detail and with unparalleled stability. From HyperSmooth stabilization to an ever-evolving software ecosystem, GoPro remains at the forefront of portable imaging.

For those seeking to capture breathtaking aerial footage, the market is now rich with fantastic drone options, many offering integrated cameras that deliver incredible quality and advanced features. While you won’t find a GoPro drone on shelves today, your GoPro camera can still be the heart of an amazing aerial setup, particularly within the dynamic world of FPV drones or through creative custom solutions. The spirit of adventure that GoPro champions lives on, whether on the ground, in the water, or soaring high above the clouds – just now, with a little help from other flying companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GoPro currently make or sell a drone?

No, GoPro does not currently manufacture or sell any drones. Their primary focus remains on action cameras, software, and related accessories.

Did GoPro ever release a drone product?

Yes, GoPro did release a drone called the GoPro Karma in 2016. It was designed to integrate seamlessly with their Hero action cameras, offering a compact and foldable design.

What happened to the GoPro Karma drone?

The GoPro Karma drone faced significant challenges, including a recall shortly after its launch due to power loss issues. GoPro ultimately discontinued the Karma drone in early 2018 as they exited the competitive drone market.

Can I still buy a GoPro Karma drone?

While GoPro no longer sells or supports the Karma drone, you might occasionally find used units available through third-party resellers. However, official parts, software updates, and customer support are no longer provided by GoPro.

Why did GoPro stop making drones?

GoPro decided to exit the drone market primarily due to the Karma’s poor sales performance and the high costs associated with product development, support, and a challenging competitive landscape. The company chose to refocus on its core action camera business.

What drones are compatible with GoPro cameras today?

While GoPro doesn’t make drones, many third-party drone manufacturers offer gimbals or mounting solutions designed to carry GoPro cameras. Brands like DJI (older models), Autel, and various custom FPV builds often provide options for integrating your GoPro for aerial footage.