GoPro's Karma Grip Gimbal Takes Aim at DJI

Already dominant in the action camera arena, GoPro has been trying to move into the rapidly growing aerial cinematography market, where DJI has long reigned supreme. Unfortunately, GoPro’s first major attempt was the launch of the Karma Drone—an effort that literally crashed shortly thereafter as Karmas began falling from the sky, got recalled, and caused the company to order mass layoffs.

GoPro’s latest product, the Karma Grip, was meant to accompany the drone of the same name. Now, it is being sold as a standalone product that is clearly intended as a direct rival to DJI’s Osmo; both are hand-held image stabilizers meant to capture smooth imagery from small cameras.

The Karma Grip seems like a relative bargain at $299 compared to the Osmo’s $569. But there’s a major difference: DJI’s model comes with a 4K camera, while the camera is sold separately from GoPro’s gimbal. If you add the cost of GoPro’s HERO5 Black camera to the Karma Grip, you’re looking at close to $700, making the total exceed that of the Osmo.

The unit is ideal for someone who already owns the HERO5 Black or HERO4.

Therefore, the unit is ideal for someone who already owns the HERO5 Black or HERO4 (or someone who is receiving a HERO5 in exchange for a recalled drone). It’s compatible with both cameras and charges and downloads seamlessly without having to un-mount them. GoPro also offers some nifty extra gadgets and ideas for how to mount the stabilizer on your body to film the perspectives made famous by action cams while still capturing steady footage.

Karma Grip with a camera attached.Credit: GoPro

Tech specs

Karma Stabilizer

• Dimensions: 6in x  4.3in x 3.3in
• Weight: 8.5oz (242g)

Karma Grip Handle

• Dimensions: 8in x 1.7in x 1.7in
• Weight: 8.62oz (244.6g)
• Battery Life: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Voltage: 5-15V, 3A
• Charging Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (Supercharger)
• Charging Time:  6 hours (Standard 1A Charger)