Spark: DJI launches company's cheapest palm-sized drone

Spark rocks a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 12-megapixel photos and shoot high-definition 1080-pixel videos.

DJI has just launched the company's cheapest drone till date called Spark. The new device's key market feature is the palm-sized design that makes drone selfies much easier.

Specs

Spark rocks a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 12-megapixel photos and shoot high-definition 1080-pixel videos. It weighs 300 grammes, captures well at 30 feet high, and flies up to 31 mph. The device has a maximum flight time of up to 16 minutes. Spark can sense obstacles 16 meters away.

Key features

DJI has taken selfies to a much higher level with this drone. This palm-sized device beats the Mavic Pro in terms of mobility. By placing it on the palm of the user's hand, the device automatically launches. Spark, however, is more than just a palm-sized drone. With its smart recognition ability, the device can be activated through facial scanning.

DJI have created four ways to control the device. Just by waving the user's hands or by using the remote controller, Spark comes back and lands on hand. It is also manageable by a mobile device or DJI goggles. Using a mobile device, this drone can be controlled by the preset movements—from dronie to circle and rocket.

Through GPS and GLONASS, the drone moves very independently and knows where it is, even if the controller does not. Obstacle sensing is a clever way of this tiny machine to detect nearby obstacles and smartly veer away from them.

The gimbal stabilisation ability used by DJI with Spark allows users to manipulate the device like a pro, giving a less shaky capture and a smoother video. With the Go 4 app, captured stills and videos can be edited immediately.

Price

Spark drone's cost could be its major selling point. Starting at US$499, the device is a heaven-sent gift available in five colour options. The Spark Fly More Combo costs US$699 which includes an aircraft, two batteries, four sets of propellers, propeller guards, remote controller, a charging hub, a shoulder bag, and cables.

Aspiring aerial photographers, travellers, and drone enthusiasts will all enjoy a premium product from a company who is widely known for manufacturing upscale drones. The market might have been engulfed with drones cheaper than Spark, however, DJI ensures consumers with a device that is as flexible and efficient as its finest quadcopter.

Pre-orders will begin to ship in mid-June.

READ MORE