RUMOR: GoPro Karma Drone & Grip Upgrades On The Way

GoPro has been making continuous improvements in it’s product lines, while also growing them in a very competitive environment.

Case in point is the GoPro Karma Drone.  Recalled just weeks into it’s launch in one of the most professionally managed recall campaigns in memory, it re-emerged a few months later and has seen steady adoption by growing legions of new and existing GoPro fans.

In fact, in recent earnings conference calls, GoPro has been happy to share that the Karma is the #2 recreational drone in the US.

GoProLeaks.com is reporting this week that the anticipated GoPro HERO6 action camera will be released on September 28th, more details are emerging about upgrades for the Karma drone and grip.

The Verge is reporting that the Karma grip which is allows operators to use it as in independant handheld GoPro stabilizer is being enhanced.  Word is more options on the grip including a joystick for directional control which would make it much more competitive with DJI’s Osmo and Osmo Mobile handhelds.

This rumor is also consistent with the HERO6 also have digital zoom, meaning it would/could be accessible via the controls on the Karma grip.

Increased chatter is also telling us that a “follow me” mode is coming for the Karma Drone, bringing it up to speed with DJI’s active tracking modes.  And this is an area where the GoPro Karma actually has a lead on DJI; the Karma’s built-in flight modes (called Auto Shot Paths) are the envy of many DJI Mavic Pro pilots.

Finally, @konrad_it shared some photos (above) on Twitter that he found in GoPro’s staging environment showing side-by-sides of the Fusion, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO Session5.

With further announcements coming from the likes of DJI this fall, we’re really looking forward to the emerging product cycle.

If you’re into action cameras, drones and the amazing photos and video that go with it you should be too.