DJI Spark Drone

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Specs

Quick Launch
16 minutes flight time
720 realtime video (up to 2km)
1080p recording, no 4K
Create with Ease
Smart, reliable, and incredibly intuitive
QuickShot
Videos with a Tap
- Ascend with the camera pointing downward.
- Fly backward and upward, with the camera locked on your subject.
- Circle around your target.
- Fly upward, spiraling around your subject.
Costly - $499
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=srs=6360633011&search-alias=specialty-aps&field-keywords=spark

Spark is a mini drone that features all of DJI's signature technologies, allowing you to seize the moment whenever you feel inspired. With intelligent flight control options, a mechanical gimbal, and a camera with incredible image quality, Spark empowers you to push your creative boundaries.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Tron

Not impressed with specs, price or range. Price should literally be half what they're asking.

The backwards flying also looks pretty dangerous given it doesn't seem to have any sensors facing that direction yet one of its key features is a flyaway shot. A lot of these are going to be smacking into trees.

eatstoomuchjam

I disagree - the only real bummer (for me) is that it's only 1080p.

Also, I'm glad DJI are finally getting on the USB charging wagon. That means one fewer bricks that I would need to carry with me if I brought it somewhere.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Tron

DJI runs on big margins. At least for all new and premium products, they use discounts weapon only to fight competition.

PauloTeixeira

Only 1080p30. The Kudrone is able to do 1080p60, 2.7K 30p and 4K 15p.

http://www.dji.com/spark/info

eatstoomuchjam

The Kudrone is also most likely garbage and/or outright fraud so maybe not the best comparison to make. It might be better to compare to something like J. Me

MikeLinn

MirrorMan

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Can get 5% off via mobile app and using code MBLMV32 at

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAWD5SE4447

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Our Cine Gear Interview

MikeLinn

MikeLinn

Wireless glasses

eatstoomuchjam

I hadn't been planning to get one of these right away, but a buddy preordered two from different stores expecting a similar train wreck to previous DJI launches and they both shipped on day 1... so I took one.

I only was able to fly it for a few minutes tonight before losing daylight, but it seems to work alright - no real surprises if you've flown any other DJI drones. I hadn't paid a lot of attention to the video/photo specs beforehand so I was a little bit surprised that there is exactly one video mode available (1080p30) and exactly one photo resolution available (and only jpg, no option for raw).

I'm thrilled by the USB charging, though - I'll be doing a 3-day hike in the near future and I intend to bring it and recharge from the cheap 20000mAh Anker USB battery that I'll be using to keep my phone and RX100 charged.

Maybe I'll make a short review for it in about 8 months (since that's about how long it's been taking me to finish my Mavic review)

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Maybe I'll make a short review for it in about 8 months (since that's about how long it's been taking me to finish my Mavic review)

How about make it long for PV, good, and in one month? :-)

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Review

https://www.cameralabs.com/dji-spark-review/

Vitaliy_Kiselev

PR

DJI will be releasing a new firmware update this week to further enhance flight safety and performance of the DJI Spark.

The new firmware update enhances Spark’s battery management system to optimize power supply during flight. In addition, the new firmware has added support to fully integrate Spark with the DJI Goggles, optimized the PalmLaunch function for better stability after takeoff, improved the accuracy of controls under the QuickShot Dronie mode and enhanced the compatibility of the remote controller when syncing up with new firmware updates.

When prompted on the DJI GO 4 App, users with internet connectivity will be able to download the new firmware to update their aircraft’s and battery's firmware. The aircraft and battery firmware updates can also be done via the DJI Assistant 2 desktop software. If the firmware of either the aircraft or the battery is not updated by September 1, Spark will not be able to take off. DJI decided on the option of a mandatory firmware update in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability which we consider as top priorities.

The update comes after DJI released new features for its Spark in early August to deliver a more powerful combination of video and photo improvements including a new gesture to start and stop video recording and enhanced QuickShot video features for more cinematic control.