DJI has been on a roll. It redefined what a drone could look like with its Mavic offering and has now gone even further by introducing a smaller and more friendly unit with its $499 Spark.
After launching the Mavic in October of last year, DJI is back, with a drone that is even smaller. Today, the firm launched the Spark, a $499 drone that is aimed at being fun and easy to use.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Spark is its size. It is roughly the size of a cola can and weighs in at just 10.6 ounces. Although small, it still offers decent hardware, featuring a camera that has a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor, and which can capture 12MP still photos and shoot stabilized video at 1080p. The Spark utilizes a 2-axis mechanical gimbal and something that DJI is dubbing UltraSmooth technology, which it says will make sure that footage comes out looking extra smooth.
One interesting aspect of the drone is that it can be controlled using hand gestures. But, if one chooses, they can also control it in a more ‘traditional’ manner, using a remote control or supported Android or iOS device.
For those worried that DJI might have stripped its drone of safety features, the Spark will offer its FlightAutonomy system that will consist of its “main camera, a downward-facing vision system, a forward-facing 3D Sensing System, dual-band GPS and GLONASS, a high-precision inertial measurement unit, and 24 powerful computing cores”. This technology will allow the Spark to fly accurately and also sense and avoid obstructions from up to 16 feet away.
The DJI Spark will be available for pre-order starting today and will begin shipping in mid-June. The drone will come in an array of colors like Alpine White, Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Lava Red, and Sunrise Yellow. Those looking for a more basic experience can opt for the $499 package, while those looking for something a bit more substantial will want to go for the $699 offering, which includes the drone, an extra battery, an additional set of propellers, a remote controller, propeller guards, a charging hub, and a shoulder bag.
Source: DJI
