Drones have been getting smaller and smaller, but even with a decrease in size, it has not resulted in a loss of functionality. Today, DJI unveiled the Spark a new $499 drone that is incredibly smaller. Yes, it is small then the DJI Mavic and comes in about the size of a small smartphone, think iPhone SE, or a soda can. The Spark weighs in at just 10.6-ounces, and that is remarkably light.
While there are other smaller or mini drones on the market, DJI is a leader in this category. The DJI Spark is controllable through hand gestures, meaning that it can take off from the palm of your hand. Gesture Control and Palm Control allow you to launch Spark in the air, move it in any direction, take a selfie, and so much more. And if you don’t want to control the Spark with your hand, there is a physical controller or a mobile device that can be used.
The Spark can shoot 12-megapixel stills and stabilized 1080pHD videos through a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor. DJI did put a gimbal onboard; it is a 2-axis mechanical gimbal with Ultra Smooth technology. Pano mode will allow you to take horizontal or vertical panoramas by using the adjustable gimbal. While Shallow Focus will allow you to play around with the depth of an image, this is similar to Portrait Mode on the iPhone 7 Plus.
You can expect a 16 minute flight time from a LiPo battery on the Spark. The drones FlightAutonomy system is made up of the primary camera, a downward-facing vision system, a forward-facing 3D Sensing System, dual-band GPS and GLONASS, an inertial measurement unit, and 24 computing cores. It can detect obstacles from up to 16 feets away and then safely navigate around them. DJI’s Return to Home feature is onboard as well, which will get your drone back home safely. There are also several new flights modes with the Spark including QuickShot Intelligent Flight Mode which is made up of several other modes. The Spark will work with DJI’s upcoming FPV goggles and can fly at up to 31 miles per hour.
DJI’s Spark will be available in Alpine White, Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Lava Red, and Sunrise Yellow. For $499 you get the Spark, a battery, a USB charger and three pairs of propellers. The $699 Fly More Combo includes the drone, two batteries, four pairs of propellers, a remote controller, propeller guards, a charging hub, a shoulder bag and all necessary cables. Pre-orders start today for the DJI Spark, and it will begin to ship in mid-June.
