Great review! The way I view it is get Mavic if you want some super sick drone features and a very small drone. Get Karma if you want a non fancy average drone, but a removable camera that shoots super high quality video, a handheld gimbal, a backpack, and a controller that doesn't need your phone hooked up to it. I notice a lot of people taking one side or the other but I think it is just awesome we have both these options out there now! Kind of makes all other drones out there a little irrelevant now that we have the Mavic and Karma options. I hope DJI and Gopro keep pushing each out to keep innovating and hopefully keep the prices from getting too high!
quick check. Im curious about the Karma for the same reason you described. 1 thing bothers me tho, and thats the fact that karma doesn't have a 'follow me' mode... anyone any ideas when/or GoPro is going to implement this through software updates in the near future?
I agree that having choices is a huge plus. Fanboy attitudes are destructive and simply juvenile. I have a pro and plenty happy with it but if no one was pushing competition on it I don't think it would be as good as it is.
cy6ex - Actually no, the Karma has so many more features on the camera front alone, comes with an carrying case, and a removable and mountable stabilizer. Also (while it is bigger) you don't have to mount your phone to the controller which is much less risky when doing some heavy activities, and the stabilizer on the mavic is notorious for having issues. Just an opinion though.
The mavic is a good drone until you need to land in a paddock. The karma has higher clearance so when you take off you don’t have grass wrapped around the rotors
Not so much. Prime shipping, six props, three battery packs, two memory cards, a carrying bag, and a bunch of other things. When I pull the trigger, it'll be this package, I think: www.amazon.com/DJI-Collapsible-Quadcopter-Starters-Bundle/dp/B01LY287P9/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500418531&sr=8-3&keywords=mavic
The DJI mavic Pro is probably the better drone with its better sensors, smaller profile, higher speed, and longer range. However, getting the free gimbal and a GoPro hero 5 when buying the karma in my opinion makes it a better deal.
It all depends on what you're going for. If you want a drone, buy the Mavic. If you want a gopro along with some cool accessories, buy the gopro/karma. Let's be real...the karma isn't a real drone but if you are a casual shooter and want to get some aerial footage with your gopro, then it's a good option. If you're serious about getting aerial footage you won't go anywhere near Karma.
You can get the YI 4K Action Camera and a gimbel and the DJI Mavic PRO for $1350 And just because you get a gimbal and a GoPro hero 5 with the Karma doesn't mean it's "free" lol.
Gary Coombs personally couldn't afford the mavic, but since I like to travel I did want a drone so I bought the spark. and damn it's a legitimate great drone for just 399 bucks man.
I have both and have flown them together for last 5 days. Each has its good points. They are different with different missions. You wouldn't fly a B52 mission with a F16 and vise versa. The Mavic is a great drone from the new technology built into it. Stable, fast maneuverable. More range than Go Pro. Better auto land. The go pro however is great at what it is designed for. A camera platform, with a much better camera. The Mavic camera has a lot of glare, with or without the globe. The hero 5 camera is pretty awesome. Add it to the gimbal and it makes great hand held videos. Then you can use it for a under water camera. To do the same with the Mavic you have to buy three additional pieces of equipment at a pretty hefty cost. I like the go pro orbit function better than the point of interest and the reveal function is sweet. It does fly somewhat heavy and requires more power thus a shorter flight time. The Mavic seems to have more safety features, sensors fwd, and can land almost exactly on the spot of take off. My assessment is if I want to fly for fun, fast, and far, (remember line of sight so how far can you really go) fly the Mavic. If I want to go out and take pictures and only carry one bag, Karma hands down. GoPro support is much superior to Dji from my experience, plus if you need additional, batteries or props for your Mavic, better order them when you order the Mavic. Sorry for the long reply. I do hope it helped. One other thing, if you are doing videos with the Mavic, I would suggest the tri pod mode. It makes it a slow steady platform.
the ""KARMA" doesnt have a Camera.. it has a gimbal to CARRY a camera.. :) so yeah .. WOW check out my KARMA DRONE FOOTAGE.. doesnt make sense.. because its not actually KARMA footage you are seeing its a GOpro you attached to the drone..
What about image distortion? It seems the gopro has a more pronounced fisheye aberation... and to what extent can they zoom in without losing picture quality... and still remaining stable?
DJI website now offering several refurbished Drone, all are tax included and Free shipping from their own website: click.dji.com/AIJ2G5uvXL1Lf_lJaYty?pm=link
James Palm There was so many wrong, incomplete or covered up facts that it look funny watching this video. If you want a serious review... watch iPhoneDo For crying out loud, this guy was saying that saying that Karma is quieter than Mavic based on its standby rotation and not actual flight!
I like competition, what I don't like, is something 'much more than a drone' has out-dated technology sells a high price. It's a gimmick, GoPro use the trust from their fans and play us like we are fools.
Karma is not nearly as advanced as the DJI, and DJI is alot more advanced on drones then Gopro. DJI gimbles are quiet compared to the Karma's, which is super loud
I’ve gone for the Karma, Back pack, gimbal holder and a GoPro camera together with the built in assistance to the controller has made it a brilliant buy for me. The built in simulator is excellent and map downloads are very good. I’m sure the mavic is better at doing things in similar ways but as a package I think the karma is better value. Offers great pictures and I get to take the GoPro 5 anywhere. Good review enjoyed it even though I felt the mavic was coming out on top as a stand alone drone. For me the accessories out weighed the mavic making the Karma that little bit better. It does fly great.
great video dude, i like both the drones, i don't get why people have to bash each company saying one is better than the other, heres one for you, the mavic and karma are both great for whatever people need, if you like go pro its a better drone for YOU, if you like DJI then the mavic is a better drone for YOU, i don't personally care if one goes 5mph faster then the other, at the end of the day you buy the one that suits your needs, keep the videos coming
Enjoyed your review, I liked that you were positive towards both drones show features one has over the other but not trashing one drone over the other. Great job!!
Mavic for sure is the better drone but Karma is a complete filmmaking set. With the Karma you can change different cameras when Gopro release new models so your picture and video quality gets better in the future. Unlike Mavic your stuck with the same camera. With the fisheye look that most people hate from the Gopro, it can be fix through post or you change settings from wide to linear. Also its possible Gopro can add software features to improve their drone but that my guess. And of course if your not flying the Karma, it can be used hand held, wearable, mountable, and be use underwater. I like both and its still hard to choose which one to get. Just gotta ask yourself what kind of content you'll be making.
I'm a travelling filmmaker... so, size really matters... and the flight time also. I like the Karma package but when I'm hiking, I have to bring more stuff than the drone only... Thanks for the video anyway!
I happen to own both brands and have to say this is an excellent review. It's true the mavic is a superior drone but I find myself flying the karma much more often for a few reasons. One is the backpack does hold everything perfectly and I have everything I need in it. This allows me to ride my motorcycle to a scenic location and pull everything out and know I have what I need to fly in a very convenient package. The second reason is the karma is ready to fly within a minute. I just turn it on, turn the controller on and I'm ready. It's foolproof every time. The mavic requires me to put my phone in the controller, start the app, hope it connects correctly which sometimes it doesn't, etc. This takes time and extra steps that take the fun out of deciding to go for a quick flight. In terms of battery life the karma is definitely worse but far from bad. I prefer the feel of the controller as well and the karma seems like it can handle high winds better. Also the Karma is pretty tough, I've already crashed it twice with only broken rotors to replace. I don't care about the sensors because I don't trust them anyhow lol. Don't get me wrong, as a drone the mavic is superior, no question about it. But for ease of use the karma is more convenient.
Great honest review Dom. I love the size and design of the Mavic but to have a complete package for filming in the air and land... I'm sold on the Karma.
Stick to GoPro for filming on the land only. You can buy the gimble separately which is a nice accessory. The drone is not worth it though. When they recalled the thing, they had a chance to finally get it up to the competition and chose not to. Typhoon does better than GoPro at competing in the drone market, and even it hasn't come close to touching DJI yet.
Kemp Kennedy GoPro is off to a good start for it being their first gen. I feel Karma is meant to be an accessory to your GoPro + filmmaking (not solely to compete against other drones). Still a good value for the amout stuff you get in the entire package. After all the videos I've watched on the Mavic, I'm just not sold on their video quality.
I just got the Karma and LOVE it. I have a phantom as well. I like how this fits into all the go pros I already have. It's a great system. Great video thanks for shooting it.
@3:10 the bubble is actually only to transport the quad, if left on while flying, it will prevent air flow to the aircraft for cooling while in flight.
It actually does have vents on it, and the DJI promo images all have it flying with the cover on. Apparently those vents are not the greatest and people still report overheats with it on there. I'd say keep it on if you are flying in cold weather and don't care about a little glare though.
Not an apple to apple comparison -- If you’re heavily invested in and use GoPro cameras exclusively for all your action shots, then Karma may be an option you should consider. But if you want an extremely portable flying camera with advanced features then DJI Mavic Pro is the obvious choice.
Great review bro, and well put video. I see a lot of people talking smack about the "Karma", not you "DOM", I love the honest review, I also love how you did it without all the bashing. A review is just one side to something. Until you've actually experienced it for yourself like this man who clearly has both drones, I'd ease up with all the harsh comments people. With that said I'd like to invest in both drones myself.
Great review!! I have been debating on which drone to get and I think I will be going with the Gopro Karma Drone. Although the Karma Drone does not have Prox Sensors (which do not prevent you from flying into branches) and few extra flight modes; I think overall it is a more "fixable and manageable" drone. If you google "How much does it cost to fix a Mavic Pro" you will come up with many forums with people talking about how high the cost is of fixing the Mavic Pro; their slow repair turnarounds and the fact that DJI does not sell you their parts so you can fix them yourself. This is a huge factor for me; if my drone crashes and I need to get it airborne within a few days I will want a drone I can fix myself and get right back into the sky. At least GoPro offers all their parts at Gopro.com that you can easily fix yourself and be flying in no time with their 2 day free shipping. I am not paid by GoPro but I stand behind most of their products (shop.gopro.com/mounts-accessories#prefn1=compatibility&prefv1=Karma)
When you put the drone side by side... Then you realized, 'Karma is a bitch'. It's a freaking joke, an out-dated drone with technologies 2 years older.
I agree with you. My phantom 3 4k is better than and cheaper than the Karma. GoPro got instant karma when DJI released the mavic one week after the Karma release.
Wang Max it still baffles me why would people compare Karma to Mavic, with Mavic being a breakthrough in Drone technology and in a league of its own? It's almost like an insult to the hard working DJI engineers.
You didn't mention the smart flight modes in Mavic that Karma lacks. Also 3 times the range with Mavic, obstacle avoidance etc ..all are important features for a non-professional drone...and, how could that backpack, or black Karma coffin as many would call it, be a benefit? Shouldn't GoPro pay its customers to carry a heavy load like that??? No, DJI didn't include a free case ...because it fits in your small carry on bag. I also want to add that, besides Mavic and Karma, there are other drones that deserve mentioning. Yuneec Tyhoon, Autel XStar Premium etc. they are still better than Karma, with obstacle avoidance, lighter weight(karma weighs over 4 lbs, more than a Typhoon H) ... Mavic is an engineering feat, in a league of its own. Karma should be compared to a Phantom or Typhoon H.
If you think GoPro hero 5 is a good way to decide to buy the Karma, don't. Hero 5 quality wasn't that great which is why I returned it over for the Sony FDR-X3000. Also, I have the mavic and it's amazing.
Dont be so nice with the reviews bro. U watch iPhonedo reviews then u will understand karma is shit in every aspect... Ur review is just a product description.. Peace
I bought the Mavic Pro. What I do like about the Karma is the modular design. You can get replacement arms, gimbals, everything. That would give me some peace of mind in case of crashes but the Mavic pro is just a much better experience all round and I love the footage I get from it. Plus the longer range and battery life gives me peace of mind too so I guess that balances out. I'd go with the Mavic.
Just trying to find the best drone for my 3 year around the world cycle. Keeping it light but good quality video. I have only 6 weeks to decide, and I'm loving the idea of the Mavic Pro right now.
You entitled the mavic does 4K @ 30FPS, I took mine up today for the first time and with the latest firmware it only gave me the option of shooting 4K @ 24FPS. Keep in mind day you have to turn off HD video to the phone for 4K to be enabled, this only means the video on the phone is 720P and not 1080P. Not to much of a difference and you won't see the difference. My SD card was formatted ExtFat, and it was set to cache 2GB since I was running a 64GB card. Over all it was a good first time up, but not sure if I was missing something or if you may have misstated the 4K frame rate?
DJI cronies losing there shit everytime someone finds any type of value in another drone. for someone who does more action shooting on the ground/in the water then in the air and has multiple go pros to keep the editing streamlined, the new karma has great value. considering the grip is 300 bucks and something I actually want more then the drone itself I am getting a good drone for less than 500 and works with my existing set up. DJI is great but try not to freak out when some one doesn't like the same thing you like this isn't grade school
Dom Esposito I love karma ideas a lot more. DJI fans seems to make a lot of bad comments about karma, rarely hear Samsung and apple consumers does this way. something is not right.
chen yanfu Exactly, it is the case of Woodman market strategy back fired. Even though Yuneec came closer to unseat DJI than Karma, but no significant bad comment. When people see something as unfair, they have tendency to react strongly. And when those comment turned into public outcry, it is hard to stop! Karma should have started with "Hollywood in the bag" since the beginning, instead of "I am better than DJI" and have all major media echo that message :)
Dom Esposito back ordered? Last time I checked, it says it will be shipped in 2 days. Living in your alternative facts??? "How much did GoPro pay you? Sucker. Lol"
FlyingFilmsHD I am getting Karma soon ;)... Drone it's self is not really good... But I don't need any extra screen... And there is gimbal sold together.... Ohhh yeah and 200 dollars cheaper then Mavic
ahhaha, honestly please don't even argue about price and needing an extra screen because where in this world is someone not with there phone... yeah exactly nowhere is someone without it. yes the karma has some extra stuff that comes with it but thats to make up for how bad they know it is. camera quality's not the best but hey if you like the way gopro's look thats all your choice but don't argue over simple thing when you know damn straight the mavic comes back with the W because of what it can do plus it does everything better. also if you think it doesn't have that many thing to offer then you just have no clue about any of these products and are ignorant.
Better drone? Mavic Pro. But for me it's more suitable to buy the Karma, because I want to buy a GoPro Hero 6 anyway and I need a gimbal. Alltogether, the Karma is the better choice for me. I would say, if you still have a GoPro or will buy one in any case, definitely go with the Karma - if you only need a drone (maybe because you use other camera equipment), take the Mavic Pro. Really good review. Thanks for that!
Dom, thank you for a very comprehensive comparison of the DJI and GOPRO Drones. Kudos to your skills as a moderator, speaking at a speed and level easily comprehendable to new pilots of which I am not, I have years of experience and have two DJIs but was looking to downsize so as to carry in my RZR while roaming the deserts in AZ. It is pretty straight forward that the DJI Mavic Pro will be my order.
Nice video, man. Thanks for the info. This might be a silly question, but is there a way to cut out the buzzing sound of the drone but still capture all other sound of what you're recording?
I'm liking the GoPro Karma. Despite its lacking features, as an advanced pilot, the camera is better (now can use the Hero 6) and the detachable Karma grip is awesome.
Popular? You bet cha, Popular with real people who go out, fly, and post videos. It's easy uploading a drone pic for your profile picture. Much harder to get dressed, spend hard earned cash, and post them videos. These commenters are useless. Entertain us with a witty comment and some nice videos at least.
Excellent review. I don't know why people have to hate on this review but you brought both drones out and explained them both well. I see the Mavic is much better with the video as well as some features like follow and longer battery life and more compact, but I do like that you get a Hero 5 and a grip plus backpack with the other. I can use the grip for a lot of things when your out and about doing other things then flying. It is a complete package. Thanks again.
The salt level on this thread is great. Its like everyone came here to make themselves feel better about their purchase. I mean I got a mavic because it works much better for mapping, but the GoPro is a great setup if you are all about taking pictures of action sports or something.
Today I got GoPro Karman. Was thinking what to buy Mavic or Karma . But after watching some videos and reviews. I chose Karma . Why? Backpack , drone , camera, gimble and controller with screen. Am not pro and etc. I just want to make some nice holiday videos and all that nothing fancy. At least that's my opinion.
This is the worst comparison ever. you got all messed up with packages and options and prices, and it looks like you have just read the informations on both websites instead of having actually flown both drones (the Karma is really, like really, one of the worst drones of the year, it is huge, has no or little options, has the worst remote ever, and needs a GoPro to function. Also, it has some very cheap hardware compared to the smaller, but way better, Mavic. It just feels like a cheap toy.).
Dom Esposito I understand your frustration (receiving 20% disliked and harsh comment) However, answering your commenters by saying "how much dji paid you" isn't professional! Some of his point are valid. And you really failed to do your homework, at least those I pointed out earlier.
VTC Drone that's how most Karma buyers react to different opinions. They would call you troll, dji pays you etc...it's just a way to find their alternative facts. Dom Esposito, then how much did GoPro pay you, if they got enough cash?
the karma fish eye looks terrible, its not stable, no sensors, flight time sucks, its massive, bigger than a phantom! Also Gopro as a company suck, they are trying to shut down companies that make gopro accessories. Mavic wins in every way you look at it. If you want the grip just get a gimle for your smart phone. Buy cheap buy twice! hold on, kama is not cheap! if it was $200 it might be worth looking at.
The Karma is a heavy drone which makes me think it might be able to perform better in higher wind conditions. Wish this were tested. I bought a Karma because I had the camera and grip. After the initial setup I was impressed with the seamless integration of the camera with the components. It has a follow mode now with the upgrade. It is a bit more basic and simple. Also the flying seems to be a bit mushy, but that is good if you are primary using it for photography. I have a DJI phantom 4 and the set up to fly is a real pain. I like that the control of the Karma is separate from your phone. I am ready to fly in a much faster time. The Hero 6 is now ready to be used on the Karma with the new software update. I like that cameras can be upgraded. The Mavic is much smaller...nice but again I wonder about performance in the wind. Thanks for a great video!
The gimbal guard is not meant to be flown with. The MAVIC's cooling vent is right behind the gimbal and needs air flowing into to cool the densely compacted internal electronics and keep them from overheating (Ruining your MAVIC!).
As a hero 5 owner who wants a drone and the karma grip, do I spend the extra money and get the mavic + the karma grip? Or will the karma be sufficient despite lacking some flying features
Mavic all day long. Dji's technology is incomparable. I use my own backpack for the Mavic because it is so small and easy to travel with you don't need a suitcase backpack. For the same cost the Mavic can do so much more in every sense. Great review!
Did you notice any video lag more on one vs the other? My old ar drone had terrible video lag made FPV nearly impossible. I know this is a completely different level and not using Wifi. Just curious what kind of lag to expect. Thanks
Thank you Dom, awesome and informative review! I like the Mavic for the compact folded size, the follow me and the image quality over the benefits of the hand held gimbal. So for me I will go with the Mavic for sure.
Karma is a shitty drone. You got something wrong about the karma. It will NOT go to home!!!!! Land button will just land it wherever it is. It has no sensors so Mavic wins this one big time.
Hi Dom, Thank you for a very nice comparison. I've watched many videos about DJI Mavic Pro and have decided which one I'm going to buy. Obviously I'm going to try out the Mavic Pro although the Karma seems to be a grate drone as well. One again, thanks for the review and comparison. Best regards Richard, Esbjerg, Denmark
A fantastic review. Good job! But, I do have a major issue or query once you got to the actual test. In just about every single TH-cam review of the two drones, it has been more than obvious the Karma with the Hero 5 Black has far superior image quality. My question is are you sure you didn't have the footage mixed up between the two drones? You may want to take a look at other TH-cam reviews. Basically, my understanding is this, just in terms of image quality, the Mavic Pro is inferior to that of the Karma with Hero 5 Black as well as DJI's own Phantom 4. It is obvious the image quality the Mavic Pro is one class down from the Karma and Phantom 4.
![GoPro Karma vs DJI Mavic & Osmo Mobile - In Depth Review and Complete Comparison [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-xmqthgCvxk/mqdefault.jpg)
![GoPro Karma vs DJI Mavic & Osmo Mobile — In Depth Review and Complete Comparison [4K]](/img/tr.png)
Great review! The way I view it is get Mavic if you want some super sick drone features and a very small drone. Get Karma if you want a non fancy average drone, but a removable camera that shoots super high quality video, a handheld gimbal, a backpack, and a controller that doesn't need your phone hooked up to it. I notice a lot of people taking one side or the other but I think it is just awesome we have both these options out there now! Kind of makes all other drones out there a little irrelevant now that we have the Mavic and Karma options. I hope DJI and Gopro keep pushing each out to keep innovating and hopefully keep the prices from getting too high!
00Mandingo00 that case is the size of a backpack. It would be a big issue for traveling when airlines are charging for everything you carry!
How is it a "pretty shitty camera" when this review clearly shows the image is noticeably better with the Mavic?
quick check. Im curious about the Karma for the same reason you described. 1 thing bothers me tho, and thats the fact that karma doesn't have a 'follow me' mode... anyone any ideas when/or GoPro is going to implement this through software updates in the near future?
I agree that having choices is a huge plus. Fanboy attitudes are destructive and simply juvenile.
I have a pro and plenty happy with it but if no one was pushing competition on it I don't think it would be as good as it is.
Financial Education no contest mavric way better way smaller and has sensors and fly s father and also holds GPS way. Better then the carma drone so
This is a no brainer. The mavic pro is at a league of its own.
I agree......
yup
cy6ex - Actually no, the Karma has so many more features on the camera front alone, comes with an carrying case, and a removable and mountable stabilizer. Also (while it is bigger) you don't have to mount your phone to the controller which is much less risky when doing some heavy activities, and the stabilizer on the mavic is notorious for having issues. Just an opinion though.
Nope!
The mavic is a good drone until you need to land in a paddock. The karma has higher clearance so when you take off you don’t have grass wrapped around the rotors
I would go with the DJI Mavic Pro! Amazing 😀
Dan Mori Tech I'm also with DJI mavic Pro!it's AMAZING
Not so much. Prime shipping, six props, three battery packs, two memory cards, a carrying bag, and a bunch of other things. When I pull the trigger, it'll be this package, I think:
www.amazon.com/DJI-Collapsible-Quadcopter-Starters-Bundle/dp/B01LY287P9/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500418531&sr=8-3&keywords=mavic
Dan Mori Tech DJI Mavic Pro is better
Junk
The DJI mavic Pro is probably the better drone with its better sensors, smaller profile, higher speed, and longer range. However, getting the free gimbal and a GoPro hero 5 when buying the karma in my opinion makes it a better deal.
Cactus Tweeter you don't get the camera that's another 500 ish
It all depends on what you're going for. If you want a drone, buy the Mavic. If you want a gopro along with some cool accessories, buy the gopro/karma. Let's be real...the karma isn't a real drone but if you are a casual shooter and want to get some aerial footage with your gopro, then it's a good option. If you're serious about getting aerial footage you won't go anywhere near Karma.
Better sensors? The karma doesn't have any sensors, does it?
Chuck D nope. That's why the mavic sensors are better. Lol
You can get the YI 4K Action Camera and a gimbel and the DJI Mavic PRO for $1350
And just because you get a gimbal and a GoPro hero 5 with the Karma doesn't mean it's "free" lol.
My choice was the DJI Mavic Pro with absolutely no regrets. It's just so small and it has such high quality in both the hardware and the footage!
Gary Coombs it even has better range than the karma
Gary Coombs personally couldn't afford the mavic, but since I like to travel I did want a drone so I bought the spark. and damn it's a legitimate great drone for just 399 bucks man.
I have both and have flown them together for last 5 days. Each has its good points. They are different with different missions. You wouldn't fly a B52 mission with a F16 and vise versa. The Mavic is a great drone from the new technology built into it. Stable, fast maneuverable. More range than Go Pro. Better auto land. The go pro however is great at what it is designed for. A camera platform, with a much better camera. The Mavic camera has a lot of glare, with or without the globe. The hero 5 camera is pretty awesome. Add it to the gimbal and it makes great hand held videos. Then you can use it for a under water camera. To do the same with the Mavic you have to buy three additional pieces of equipment at a pretty hefty cost. I like the go pro orbit function better than the point of interest and the reveal function is sweet. It does fly somewhat heavy and requires more power thus a shorter flight time. The Mavic seems to have more safety features, sensors fwd, and can land almost exactly on the spot of take off. My assessment is if I want to fly for fun, fast, and far, (remember line of sight so how far can you really go) fly the Mavic. If I want to go out and take pictures and only carry one bag, Karma hands down.
GoPro support is much superior to Dji from my experience, plus if you need additional, batteries or props for your Mavic, better order them when you order the Mavic. Sorry for the long reply. I do hope it helped. One other thing, if you are doing videos with the Mavic, I would suggest the tri pod mode. It makes it a slow steady platform.
Tom Sharpe hahah which experience are you having
the ""KARMA" doesnt have a Camera.. it has a gimbal to CARRY a camera.. :) so yeah .. WOW check out my KARMA DRONE FOOTAGE.. doesnt make sense.. because its not actually KARMA footage you are seeing its a GOpro you attached to the drone..
You can buy it with the camera or without
What about image distortion? It seems the gopro has a more pronounced fisheye aberation... and to what extent can they zoom in without losing picture quality... and still remaining stable?
Karma doesn't have any sensors... this is simple machine only. This is not compare to Mavic sorry. Two different stories.
+Michał Majchrowicz (MULTIMOTO) except no. Lol
Dom Esposito because you got a lot of facts wrong I deem this comparison inconclusive.
DJI website now offering several refurbished Drone, all are tax included and Free shipping from their own website: click.dji.com/AIJ2G5uvXL1Lf_lJaYty?pm=link
James Palm There was so many wrong, incomplete or covered up facts that it look funny watching this video. If you want a serious review... watch iPhoneDo
For crying out loud, this guy was saying that saying that Karma is quieter than Mavic based on its standby rotation and not actual flight!
Philip Gregory Why bother get a Mavic Pro if DJI sucks 🤔
I am a 4K Drone Pilot in Los Angeles, CA & I will say I LOVE THE DJI MAVIC PRO more then any other drone on the market!
I went with the Karma Drone! Great footage, and easy to fly. The grip completely changes the game for film making and quick videos.
still use Karma Drone?
I think the dji is a better drone and karma is more of a gimmick
suraj .k how is it a gimmick? it's a pretty good drone for what it does.
If you mean 'falling from the sky', it surely did that ;)
Wang Max But they fixed that. It's like people don't want DJI to have mainstream competition
I like competition, what I don't like, is something 'much more than a drone' has out-dated technology sells a high price. It's a gimmick, GoPro use the trust from their fans and play us like we are fools.
Karma is not nearly as advanced as the DJI, and DJI is alot more advanced on drones then Gopro. DJI gimbles are quiet compared to the Karma's, which is super loud
I didn't notice if you pointed out that the Karma is an American company and the DJI is Chinese...
I’ve gone for the Karma, Back pack, gimbal holder and a GoPro camera together with the built in assistance to the controller has made it a brilliant buy for me. The built in simulator is excellent and map downloads are very good. I’m sure the mavic is better at doing things in similar ways but as a package I think the karma is better value. Offers great pictures and I get to take the GoPro 5 anywhere. Good review enjoyed it even though I felt the mavic was coming out on top as a stand alone drone. For me the accessories out weighed the mavic making the Karma that little bit better. It does fly great.
great video dude, i like both the drones, i don't get why people have to bash each company saying one is better than the other, heres one for you, the mavic and karma are both great for whatever people need, if you like go pro its a better drone for YOU, if you like DJI then the mavic is a better drone for YOU, i don't personally care if one goes 5mph faster then the other, at the end of the day you buy the one that suits your needs, keep the videos coming
Bought the Karma drone and l love it! Great image quality, easy to fly and the gimble is amazing.
Mavic Pro is the winner
Enjoyed your review, I liked that you were positive towards both drones show features one has over the other but not trashing one drone over the other. Great job!!
Mavic for sure is the better drone but Karma is a complete filmmaking set. With the Karma you can change different cameras when Gopro release new models so your picture and video quality gets better in the future. Unlike Mavic your stuck with the same camera. With the fisheye look that most people hate from the Gopro, it can be fix through post or you change settings from wide to linear. Also its possible Gopro can add software features to improve their drone but that my guess. And of course if your not flying the Karma, it can be used hand held, wearable, mountable, and be use underwater.
I like both and its still hard to choose which one to get. Just gotta ask yourself what kind of content you'll be making.
bro from a production side of view, great job! Love the review but also love all the camera angles, very professional man. you got a new sub
I'm a travelling filmmaker... so, size really matters... and the flight time also. I like the Karma package but when I'm hiking, I have to bring more stuff than the drone only... Thanks for the video anyway!
I happen to own both brands and have to say this is an excellent review. It's true the mavic is a superior drone but I find myself flying the karma much more often for a few reasons. One is the backpack does hold everything perfectly and I have everything I need in it. This allows me to ride my motorcycle to a scenic location and pull everything out and know I have what I need to fly in a very convenient package. The second reason is the karma is ready to fly within a minute. I just turn it on, turn the controller on and I'm ready. It's foolproof every time. The mavic requires me to put my phone in the controller, start the app, hope it connects correctly which sometimes it doesn't, etc. This takes time and extra steps that take the fun out of deciding to go for a quick flight. In terms of battery life the karma is definitely worse but far from bad. I prefer the feel of the controller as well and the karma seems like it can handle high winds better. Also the Karma is pretty tough, I've already crashed it twice with only broken rotors to replace. I don't care about the sensors because I don't trust them anyhow lol. Don't get me wrong, as a drone the mavic is superior, no question about it. But for ease of use the karma is more convenient.
My next purchase is gonna be the DJI Mavic makes more sense to me and what I'm gonna use it for
Great honest review Dom. I love the size and design of the Mavic but to have a complete package for filming in the air and land... I'm sold on the Karma.
Stick to GoPro for filming on the land only. You can buy the gimble separately which is a nice accessory. The drone is not worth it though. When they recalled the thing, they had a chance to finally get it up to the competition and chose not to. Typhoon does better than GoPro at competing in the drone market, and even it hasn't come close to touching DJI yet.
Kemp Kennedy GoPro is off to a good start for it being their first gen. I feel Karma is meant to be an accessory to your GoPro + filmmaking (not solely to compete against other drones). Still a good value for the amout stuff you get in the entire package. After all the videos I've watched on the Mavic, I'm just not sold on their video quality.
D C an 'accessory' shouldn't cost you over $700...just saying
You totally missed the point. I just bought the Karma Drone and it's amazing. All-in-one moment capturing package.
Karma wins it all for me. Mavic pro doesn't handle well in wind because of its size.
I'd go with DJI Mavic Pro
I just got the Karma and LOVE it. I have a phantom as well. I like how this fits into all the go pros I already have. It's a great system. Great video thanks for shooting it.
@3:10 the bubble is actually only to transport the quad, if left on while flying, it will prevent air flow to the aircraft for cooling while in flight.
The Meza Family Vlogs thanks, I never know that
It actually does have vents on it, and the DJI promo images all have it flying with the cover on. Apparently those vents are not the greatest and people still report overheats with it on there. I'd say keep it on if you are flying in cold weather and don't care about a little glare though.
Not an apple to apple comparison -- If you’re heavily invested in and use GoPro cameras
exclusively for all your action shots, then Karma may be an option you should consider. But if you want an extremely portable flying camera with advanced features then DJI Mavic Pro is the obvious choice.
It's a clear decision for me. The Mavic Pro is the clear winner here.
Great review bro, and well put video. I see a lot of people talking smack about the "Karma", not you "DOM", I love the honest review, I also love how you did it without all the bashing. A review is just one side to something. Until you've actually experienced it for yourself like this man who clearly has both drones, I'd ease up with all the harsh comments people. With that said I'd like to invest in both drones myself.
I like the dji drone better. It has a really nice size for portability
There is no comparison. DJI Mavic Pro all the way.
Great review!!
I have been debating on which drone to get and I think I will be going with the Gopro Karma Drone. Although the Karma Drone does not have Prox Sensors (which do not prevent you from flying into branches) and few extra flight modes; I think overall it is a more "fixable and manageable" drone.
If you google "How much does it cost to fix a Mavic Pro" you will come up with many forums with people talking about how high the cost is of fixing the Mavic Pro; their slow repair turnarounds and the fact that DJI does not sell you their parts so you can fix them yourself.
This is a huge factor for me; if my drone crashes and I need to get it airborne within a few days I will want a drone I can fix myself and get right back into the sky. At least GoPro offers all their parts at Gopro.com that you can easily fix yourself and be flying in no time with their 2 day free shipping.
I am not paid by GoPro but I stand behind most of their products
(shop.gopro.com/mounts-accessories#prefn1=compatibility&prefv1=Karma)
AxionP Productions I think it’s just that the karma is a lot cheaper.
Really nice reviews - articulate, not a lot of drama and the stars of the show are the products being reviewed, not the reviewer!
Great comparison, still going to go with the Mavic as our upgrade!
Enjoyed the review, very informative and neutral.
When you put the drone side by side...
Then you realized, 'Karma is a bitch'. It's a freaking joke, an out-dated drone with technologies 2 years older.
I agree with you. My phantom 3 4k is better than and cheaper than the Karma. GoPro got instant karma when DJI released the mavic one week after the Karma release.
Wang Max it still baffles me why would people compare Karma to Mavic, with Mavic being a breakthrough in Drone technology and in a league of its own? It's almost like an insult to the hard working DJI engineers.
Bushangels they are just comparing it because of the price range even know it's more comparable to a phantom 3
You mean those American GoPro drones that falls out of the sky for no reason? LMAO....
DJI replaced my Phantom 4 with a new one for free (I bumped it into Prime Tower, the tallest building in Zurich).
You didn't mention the smart flight modes in Mavic that Karma lacks. Also 3 times the range with Mavic, obstacle avoidance etc ..all are important features for a non-professional drone...and, how could that backpack, or black Karma coffin as many would call it, be a benefit? Shouldn't GoPro pay its customers to carry a heavy load like that??? No, DJI didn't include a free case ...because it fits in your small carry on bag.
I also want to add that, besides Mavic and Karma, there are other drones that deserve mentioning. Yuneec Tyhoon, Autel XStar Premium etc. they are still better than Karma, with obstacle avoidance, lighter weight(karma weighs over 4 lbs, more than a Typhoon H) ... Mavic is an engineering feat, in a league of its own. Karma should be compared to a Phantom or Typhoon H.
Bushangels ye
If you think GoPro hero 5 is a good way to decide to buy the Karma, don't. Hero 5 quality wasn't that great which is why I returned it over for the Sony FDR-X3000. Also, I have the mavic and it's amazing.
Agreed 100%, I have a cheap amazon action cam that takes better pictures than my friends Hero 5. That detachable gimble is pretty slick though.
I have the Karma and flew it for the first time today and I loved it. Much better than some of the other ones I have had in the past.
Dont be so nice with the reviews bro. U watch iPhonedo reviews then u will understand karma is shit in every aspect... Ur review is just a product description.. Peace
well said
agree!
true
True.
Just no comparison, Karma is junk.
one thing I would give to the Karma... not having to use a smart phone or tablet would be nice... they get hot and stop working
DJI Mavic Pro, no doubt!
I bought the Mavic Pro. What I do like about the Karma is the modular design. You can get replacement arms, gimbals, everything. That would give me some peace of mind in case of crashes but the Mavic pro is just a much better experience all round and I love the footage I get from it. Plus the longer range and battery life gives me peace of mind too so I guess that balances out. I'd go with the Mavic.
Dji would be the better of the two. Great for travel, and the footage looks a lot better than the Karma. Definitely would cop.
Just trying to find the best drone for my 3 year around the world cycle. Keeping it light but good quality video. I have only 6 weeks to decide, and I'm loving the idea of the Mavic Pro right now.
mavic pro flymore combo offers a lot of cool stuff just at 1200 bucks including a traveling bag.
Awesome video! Did you ever had Any Connectivity issues on the Karma or the Mavic?
The lack of obstacle avoidance on the Karma is a deal breaker in my opinion
Duncan Butler I don't like the karma but obstacle avoidance is pretty dumb, it takes a complete idiot to crash a phantom
detailed, crisp, and informative! thanks Dom!!
isn't that rectangular black thing a coffin? how is that a benefit for karma?
You entitled the mavic does 4K @ 30FPS, I took mine up today for the first time and with the latest firmware it only gave me the option of shooting 4K @ 24FPS. Keep in mind day you have to turn off HD video to the phone for 4K to be enabled, this only means the video on the phone is 720P and not 1080P. Not to much of a difference and you won't see the difference.
My SD card was formatted ExtFat, and it was set to cache 2GB since I was running a 64GB card. Over all it was a good first time up, but not sure if I was missing something or if you may have misstated the 4K frame rate?
DJI cronies losing there shit everytime someone finds any type of value in another drone. for someone who does more action shooting on the ground/in the water then in the air and has multiple go pros to keep the editing streamlined, the new karma has great value. considering the grip is 300 bucks and something I actually want more then the drone itself I am getting a good drone for less than 500 and works with my existing set up.
DJI is great but try not to freak out when some one doesn't like the same thing you like this isn't grade school
One of the best drone reviews thus far!
Its better to spend some more money and get the Mavic Pro... It is gonna be worth it...
JM TechReview ... the karma with hero 5 is $1099 USD vs the mavic at $999 USD
哪都能见到膜法师_(:з」∠)_
+1S
One of the best videos you have done. How long did the FPV go before you were out of range on each?
"Two most popular consumer drones out there..."
Really? How many units of Karma has Gopro sold? And how much were you paid by Gopro?
+wwbdwwbd well they are currently backordered. How much were you paid by DJI? Sucker. Lol
Well, you have to be fair, Karma videos became very popular when the drone was falling from the air!! :-)
Dom Esposito I love karma ideas a lot more. DJI fans seems to make a lot of bad comments about karma, rarely hear Samsung and apple consumers does this way. something is not right.
chen yanfu Exactly, it is the case of Woodman market strategy back fired. Even though Yuneec came closer to unseat DJI than Karma, but no significant bad comment. When people see something as unfair, they have tendency to react strongly. And when those comment turned into public outcry, it is hard to stop!
Karma should have started with "Hollywood in the bag" since the beginning, instead of "I am better than DJI" and have all major media echo that message :)
Dom Esposito back ordered? Last time I checked, it says it will be shipped in 2 days. Living in your alternative facts???
"How much did GoPro pay you? Sucker. Lol"
Thanks for taking the time and comparing the two drones and sharing. Both seem very, very nice.
Solution don't buy the karma
GO DJI!
FlyingFilmsHD I am getting Karma soon ;)... Drone it's self is not really good... But I don't need any extra screen... And there is gimbal sold together.... Ohhh yeah and 200 dollars cheaper then Mavic
ahhaha, honestly please don't even argue about price and needing an extra screen because where in this world is someone not with there phone... yeah exactly nowhere is someone without it. yes the karma has some extra stuff that comes with it but thats to make up for how bad they know it is. camera quality's not the best but hey if you like the way gopro's look thats all your choice but don't argue over simple thing when you know damn straight the mavic comes back with the W because of what it can do plus it does everything better. also if you think it doesn't have that many thing to offer then you just have no clue about any of these products and are ignorant.
Philip Gregory
enjoy the disgusting fisheye footage!
You do realize you can turn that off...
Better drone? Mavic Pro. But for me it's more suitable to buy the Karma, because I want to buy a GoPro Hero 6 anyway and I need a gimbal. Alltogether, the Karma is the better choice for me. I would say, if you still have a GoPro or will buy one in any case, definitely go with the Karma - if you only need a drone (maybe because you use other camera equipment), take the Mavic Pro.
Really good review. Thanks for that!
The better drone is mavic, but the karma is way better value
Dom, thank you for a very comprehensive comparison of the DJI and GOPRO Drones. Kudos to your skills as a moderator, speaking at a speed and level easily comprehendable to new pilots of which I am not, I have years of experience and have two DJIs but was looking to downsize so as to carry in my RZR while roaming the deserts in AZ. It is pretty straight forward that the DJI Mavic Pro will be my order.
Clearly the DJI Mavic Pro
Nice video, man. Thanks for the info. This might be a silly question, but is there a way to cut out the buzzing sound of the drone but still capture all other sound of what you're recording?
DJI Mavic Pro is awesome compared to the GoPro Karma. Its Gopro's first drone anyways while its like 10th drone for DJI
Awesome video!!!!!! Beautiful editing beautiful detail, beautiful lighting absolutely awesome great work. You got your self a follower.
I think dji mavic pro it's more better then karma
more better? :D rly?
I LOVE this little drone! I got mine and I am SO happy with it! :)
DJI Mavic Pro for the win
I'm liking the GoPro Karma. Despite its lacking features, as an advanced pilot, the camera is better (now can use the Hero 6) and the detachable Karma grip is awesome.
If your buying a drone you are buying a drone, not a rucksack.
Nice comparison. Your delivery and explanation was very clear. Thank you.
Karma , a popular drone > ? ? Whahahahahahahahhahahhahahahahahahahaha you funny man
Well they were backordered right after they went back on sale... sooo I'd say yes. lol
Popular? You bet cha, Popular with real people who go out, fly, and post videos. It's easy uploading a drone pic for your profile picture. Much harder to get dressed, spend hard earned cash, and post them videos.
These commenters are useless. Entertain us with a witty comment and some nice videos at least.
One thing people seem to always miss is the fact that the Karma seems to have bigger motors,which means more agility in windy conditions.
That crispiness tho!!!!
+Aadhavan Lenin 🔥🔥🔥
Excellent review. I don't know why people have to hate on this review but you brought both drones out and explained them both well. I see the Mavic is much better with the video as well as some features like follow and longer battery life and more compact, but I do like that you get a Hero 5 and a grip plus backpack with the other. I can use the grip for a lot of things when your out and about doing other things then flying. It is a complete package. Thanks again.
Love GoPro but they kinda lose at this competition, tendency to crash Karma is so high
Good luck with your Karma
Philip Gregory lol really? numbers don't lie bro.
The salt level on this thread is great. Its like everyone came here to make themselves feel better about their purchase. I mean I got a mavic because it works much better for mapping, but the GoPro is a great setup if you are all about taking pictures of action sports or something.
Today I got GoPro Karman. Was thinking what to buy Mavic or Karma . But after watching some videos and reviews. I chose Karma . Why? Backpack , drone , camera, gimble and controller with screen. Am not pro and etc. I just want to make some nice holiday videos and all that nothing fancy. At least that's my opinion.
This is the worst comparison ever. you got all messed up with packages and options and prices, and it looks like you have just read the informations on both websites instead of having actually flown both drones (the Karma is really, like really, one of the worst drones of the year, it is huge, has no or little options, has the worst remote ever, and needs a GoPro to function. Also, it has some very cheap hardware compared to the smaller, but way better, Mavic. It just feels like a cheap toy.).
+AnatoleH1 how much did DJI pay you 😜
I think that they are using the Karma to introduce the GoPro
Dom Esposito I understand your frustration (receiving 20% disliked and harsh comment) However, answering your commenters by saying "how much dji paid you" isn't professional! Some of his point are valid. And you really failed to do your homework, at least those I pointed out earlier.
AnatoleH1 ouch...lol
VTC Drone that's how most Karma buyers react to different opinions. They would call you troll, dji pays you etc...it's just a way to find their alternative facts.
Dom Esposito, then how much did GoPro pay you, if they got enough cash?
Not a bad video Dom, although you didn't mention the various packages you can buy with the Mavic.
the karma fish eye looks terrible, its not stable, no sensors, flight time sucks, its massive, bigger than a phantom! Also Gopro as a company suck, they are trying to shut down companies that make gopro accessories. Mavic wins in every way you look at it. If you want the grip just get a gimle for your smart phone. Buy cheap buy twice! hold on, kama is not cheap! if it was $200 it might be worth looking at.
The Karma is a heavy drone which makes me think it might be able to perform better in higher wind conditions. Wish this were tested. I bought a Karma because I had the camera and grip. After the initial setup I was impressed with the seamless integration of the camera with the components. It has a follow mode now with the upgrade. It is a bit more basic and simple. Also the flying seems to be a bit mushy, but that is good if you are primary using it for photography. I have a DJI phantom 4 and the set up to fly is a real pain. I like that the control of the Karma is separate from your phone. I am ready to fly in a much faster time. The Hero 6 is now ready to be used on the Karma with the new software update. I like that cameras can be upgraded. The Mavic is much smaller...nice but again I wonder about performance in the wind. Thanks for a great video!
They say the Karma is a drone? o.O
Vitor Costa they say you are a awsome dude 0.o
The gimbal guard is not meant to be flown with. The MAVIC's cooling vent is right behind the gimbal and needs air flowing into to cool the densely compacted internal electronics and keep them from overheating (Ruining your MAVIC!).
there is no competition karma sucks!
Kevin Talbot well you both are perfect for each other, look, you also suck
Someone is triggered...
As a hero 5 owner who wants a drone and the karma grip, do I spend the extra money and get the mavic + the karma grip? Or will the karma be sufficient despite lacking some flying features
DJI Mavic Pro!
Mavic all day long. Dji's technology is incomparable. I use my own backpack for the Mavic because it is so small and easy to travel with you don't need a suitcase backpack. For the same cost the Mavic can do so much more in every sense. Great review!
GoPro is garbage and has been around forever and is still always breaking. Why would anyone trust a drone by them?
Did you notice any video lag more on one vs the other? My old ar drone had terrible video lag made FPV nearly impossible. I know this is a completely different level and not using Wifi. Just curious what kind of lag to expect. Thanks
Ur video comes as fast as ur shirt's logo.
+Aadhavan Lenin 😂😂
Thank you Dom, awesome and informative review! I like the Mavic for the compact folded size, the follow me and the image quality over the benefits of the hand held gimbal. So for me I will go with the Mavic for sure.
Karma is a shitty drone. You got something wrong about the karma. It will NOT go to home!!!!! Land button will just land it wherever it is. It has no sensors so Mavic wins this one big time.
TheMrCaveman lol it has a come home feature when you lose connection or anything
Mavic Pro wins by KO!!
Thanks for this comparison, love the video! Greetings from the Where2fly team
Mavic pro won. Peace
Hi Dom,
Thank you for a very nice comparison. I've watched many videos about DJI Mavic Pro and have decided which one I'm going to buy. Obviously I'm going to try out the Mavic Pro although the Karma seems to be a grate drone as well.
One again, thanks for the review and comparison.
Best regards
Richard, Esbjerg, Denmark
Your review is bad. The best reviewer is iPhonedo.
Agree really did not like this review.
A fantastic review. Good job! But, I do have a major issue or query once you got to the actual test. In just about every single TH-cam review of the two drones, it has been more than obvious the Karma with the Hero 5 Black has far superior image quality. My question is are you sure you didn't have the footage mixed up between the two drones? You may want to take a look at other TH-cam reviews. Basically, my understanding is this, just in terms of image quality, the Mavic Pro is inferior to that of the Karma with Hero 5 Black as well as DJI's own Phantom 4. It is obvious the image quality the Mavic Pro is one class down from the Karma and Phantom 4.
+Alex Fu nope footage was not mixed up. I'm sure of that. And I'd disagree. I think DJI has better image processing.
this both of the drones r really amazing.
why would you need a backpack for the mavic? Its meant to fit in your pocket and any bag you want. So I'm confused of why you would need one?
Karma is a piece of garbage
morgannewyorker no
You are, not karma