G spark. Review of DJI Spark - a professional quadcopter in a miniature body

Good day, dear reader! Today’s review is a kind of continuation and addition to ours. This time, under our close attention was its augmented modification - the DJI Spark Combo, which is also often called the flying iPhone. The gadget has such regalia for a reason.

A number of software and hardware innovations and improvements that the DJI-Innovations developers endowed it with, without exaggeration, made the quadric technologically advanced. This selfie drone combines the best practices of modern civil aviation, which we will talk about today.

The unmanned drone retained a number of color design variations, presenting to the world 5 solutions for the DJI Spark Fly More Combo: Alpine White, Yellow Sunrise, Green Meadow Red Lava and Sky Blue.

Among other things, the drone can boast of its truly innovative, high-tech filling and unique characteristics:

  • 24's nuclear processor digital, soft computing
  • Spatial positioning with VPS-mode vision system
  • Navigation in GPS and GLONASS GLONASS/GPS standards
  • Face Aware facial recognition technology
  • Front 3D sensor system
  • Two flow modes
  • High-quality mechanical 2-axis gimbal supporting digital and software image stabilization functions
  • Control the drone using a gesture control system
  • FullH video camera (CMOS with ½.3-inch matrix size)
  • Intelligent flight in four program modes
  • Smart photo and video shooting in various modes
  • Extended warranty included with DJICareRefresh
  • Quad control radius from the transmitter at a distance of 2 km
  • Housing material: durable ABS plastic
  • SDK support
  • The unit is compatible with DJI-Goggles

Equipment, appearance and design

We have already mentioned earlier about two delivery/configuration options for this UAV – Standart and Fly More Combo.


Here are the common components for both configurations:

  • DJI Spark quadcopter
  • Charger + smart on-board battery
  • Transport case
  • 4 standard main rotors + 2 spares
  • Multilingual user manual

The main difference between the Spark Combo kit and the standard kit is the following components:

  • Additional RC remote control with extended flight control zone + flight range up to 2 kilometers
  • 4 carriers + 4 spare propellers
  • Charger Hub for simultaneous charging of three batteries
  • Additional Original DJI 11.4V 1480mAh Intelligent Flight Battery
  • Transport bag
  • Screw protection
  • If desired, the copter can be equipped with special, reinforced propellers that expand the flight functionality of the device.

In terms of external parameters, the Spark attracts with painful simplicity and elegance of design. Unlike the Mavic Pro, there are no sharp lines in the body of the Spark.

In essence, it is a smooth candy bar equipped with a built-in video camera on the front and a number of sensors in the front, bottom and top of the device.

The multicopter has a compact size, but unlike new Pro The Mavic quad lost the mobility of the latter. The fact is that the handle-beams of the copter in this modification do not fold, and, accordingly, it is impossible to place the gadget in your pocket, despite its proportionality with Samsung Galaxy, is simply impossible.

Technical and flight characteristics


  • Maximum take-off speed – 10 km/h (calm weather)
  • Maximum descent speed – 10 km/h (autolanding)
  • Time spent in the air is up to 16 minutes with a maximum distance from the transmitter of 2 km at a constant speed of 20 km/h
  • Operating temperature range – 0 – 40 оС
  • Maximum speed – 50 km/h (Sport mode in the absence of strong gusts of wind)
  • Hovering time in the air - 15 minutes in calm weather
  • Operating frequency ranges – 1). 2.4 – 2.48GHz | 2). 5.7-5.8GHz
  • Frame girth – 17 cm
  • Weight – 300 grams
  • Dimensions – 14.3cm x14.3cm x 5.5cm

Software

An important event at the end of August last year for DJI drone users was the release of a critical update for flashing the copter. The upgrade received code number 01.00.0600 and offered the user optimization of various functions.

In addition to basic improvements, device support and integration with DJI-Goggles has been optimized. The developers also improved the controls in QuickShot mode (Dronie mode). Firmware updates can be done via the DJI-GO4 app. The developer also offers separate software for Assistant2 firmware.

Flight modes

In total, the mini drone has 4 intelligent functions that provide maximum control and convenience in creating professional photo/video materials.


Let's briefly go through each of them.

Tap-Fly auto mode, sending the drone to its destination with one tap on the remote control screen. An artificial vision system has been introduced into the quad, with the help of which the quad is able to reach a specified location, simultaneously tracking obstacles. Tap-Fly is implemented in 2 versions:

  • Direction
  • Coordinate

Gesture is a software implementation of quad control using hand gestures. The function is presented in three submodes:

  • Shallow focus – thanks to the 3D vision function, the device recognizes the subject and creates photographs with a shallow depth of field. This way you get quick, professional quality photos.
  • Palm control – movement around the sides, zooming in and out using gesture commands
  • Pano – captures horizontal and vertical panoramas with automatic adjustment of the direction of the video camera and gimbal along 2 axes


Quickshot – You can create flawless cinematic quality videos with a professional perspective with the tap of an RC remote. The UAV will record professional video footage for you up to 60 seconds long. At the end of video shooting, the system will automatically cut 10-second videos. For this “mod” there are also 4 piloting options:

  • Dronie – vertical take-off and focus on only one point
  • Circle – circle around the target
  • Rocket – vertical lift + video recording from a camera underneath
  • Helix - maneuvering around a designated object and moving away from it in a spiral
  • Profile – following a target from specified angles
  • Trace – circular, back and front target tracking

Motors

The Spark drone was equipped with high-performance brushless motors, thanks to which the device is quite resistant to strong gusts of wind when flying at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour (Sport mode).

Control panel and transmitter


To unlock the machine's potential full program The Combo version of the spark provides a special remote control that expands functionality quadric. Unlike control from smartphones, here you can more accurately program and configure both automatic and manual flight functions.

Camera

The main 12MP camera with a CMOS matrix is ​​mounted on a mechanical gimbal with control along two axes. The equipment has a maximum bitrate of 24Mb/sec with a frequency of 30 frames per second for FullHD shooting.


The integration of special features with UltraSmooth takes image quality to a new level. The hardware did not disappoint either - the operator receives a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 25mm and an aperture of f/2.6.

Wi Fi HD is another successfully integrated solution that makes Spark an ideal device for transmitting a 720p video stream over a distance of 2 kilometers.

Battery and charging

The DJ Spark quadcopter is equipped with a high-voltage battery module of an intelligent type based on lithium-polymer. 12 levels of protection make the aircraft’s flights more stable and safe. The remaining charge is monitored in real time.

The battery allows the drone to stay in the air for up to 16 minutes at full speed.

The time to fully charge the battery using a charging hub is approximately 52 minutes (one battery), and in USB charging mode – 80 minutes. In total, up to 3 battery packs can be placed in the drone.

First launch and preparation for flights


The first launch rules for DJI-Spark-Combo are not much different from similar rules for most modern mini-, nano- and standard-sized quadcopters.

First of all, you need to decide on the terrain. It's better to choose an open, empty space, like a field or stadium. It is better to carry out the first starts strictly away from power lines and high-rise buildings. For completely inexperienced pilots, we recommend watching a detailed video review of this quadcopter with a visual demonstration of preparation and first launch.

Transportation rules

The Combo package includes a special plastic case for transporting the drone. As mentioned above, despite the “mini” form factor, it is hardly possible to fit the quadric in a pants or jacket pocket due to the non-removable rays.


It seems that DJI will never cease to amaze us with its new developments and implementation of the most daring ideas. After the release of the compact Mavic quadcopter, which amazed everyone with its size and powerful functionality, it was hard to imagine that DJI specialists would go further along the path of reducing unmanned aerial vehicles and release the new DJI Spark mini-drone.

This quadcopter can rightfully become your new favorite gadget that you won’t want to part with during travel, holidays, meetings with friends, or on any other days. The incredibly compact size at first makes you unsure of what this little guy can do and whether he’s really that good at it.

In practice, Spark quickly dispels all doubts and shows itself at its best. Intelligent flight modes, high-quality video received from a camera located on the gimbal, full compatibility with the DJI GO 4 application, return to take-off modes, touch flight, object tracking and gesture control - these are what the minidrone inherited from its older brothers .

Among the innovations, it is worth noting the quick take-off function. The quadcopter takes off from an outstretched palm, “seeing” the pilot’s face. The quadcopter is also equipped with PalmControl mode, which allows you to completely switch to gesture control, which gives you additional freedom when controlling the gadget. Mind your own business, occasionally being distracted by controlling the copter using gestures. Spark will carry out all your commands and film exactly those activities for which you take your favorite gadget with you.

As for the shooting quality, it is worth noting that a miniature camera with a two-axis gimbal and an electronic stabilization system allows you to take highly detailed photographs and videos without shaking or blurring the picture. The video signal is transmitted in HD quality with a resolution of 720p.

Spark will not leave speed lovers indifferent. It has a sport mode that controls the drone in a highly responsive manner to the pilot's control style. The copter can accelerate to 50 km/h. When using DJI Goggles, pilots can fully immerse themselves in the wonderful world of drone flight while receiving high-resolution camera images in real time.

As for the compactness of the minidrone, it is a miniature device with sides of 143 mm and 55 mm in height. It's hard to believe that such a device can not only take off, but also conduct high-quality footage, perform complex intelligent flight mode operations, and stay in the air for up to 16 minutes.

DJI decided to release a more budget-friendly product, the functionality of which, according to the plan, should not limit its owners in executing their ideas.

DJI SPARK quadcopter

So on May 25 of this year, the DJI Spark was introduced - a lighter, less durable, but twice as cheap quadcopter compared to the highly rated Mavic Pro model.

What is DJI Spark?

Much smaller than its predecessor, when folded diagonally, the length of the DJI Spark is 170 mm (the model could be even more compact, but the legs of the Spark are not retractable).

  • Dimensions: 143X143X55 mm.
  • Take-off weight: 300 g.

Due to this reduction in weight by more than half compared to the Mavic Pro (the battery, as a result, is 2.5 times weaker), the indicators of flight duration and hovering at a point drop significantly, which eliminates the possibility of a truly long-distance flight of such a “ baby." This is partly compensated by a greatly reduced range for detecting obstacles - 0.2m - 5m. Spark seems to be specially made in order to maneuver in small and rather narrow spaces.

Such lightness will also give owners a lot of pleasure; it was initially calculated that with the help of FaceAware, the copter would take off directly from the owner’s hands when turned on, which would allow them to take a lot of original selfies.

Gesture control has long been implemented on other drones of the brand, but here it’s just slightly calibrated. Wave to the copter and show a symbol so that it takes your photo from the air, plus it is possible to configure not only take-off, but also landing of your new friend on your hand.

Equipment

  • Drone body
  • Propellers (in pairs)
  • Charger
  • Micro USB cable
  • Storage container
  • Documentation

* Micro SD memory card is not included.

Models of memory cards compatible with the drone:

  • Sandisk 16/32 GB UHS-1 microSDHC
  • Kingston 16/32 GB UHS-1 microSDHC
  • Samsung 16/32 GB UHS-I microSDHC
  • Sandisk 64 GB UHS-1 microSDXC
  • Kingston 64 GB UHS-1 microSDXC
  • Samsung 64 GB UHS-I microSDXC

What's new

In addition to its more compact size, Dji claims that the Spark boasts an improved PalmControl mode for gesture control, and it also includes new feature QuickShot.

QuickShot is shooting with minimal operator participation: you set the mode, press one button, and then the copter takes off and shoots itself. Very convenient modes for both beginners and advanced users and bloggers; you can choose several options for the movement of the device when shooting:

  • slowly moving the copter away from you in reverse with a gradual rise;
  • strictly vertical lifting with downward shooting;
  • a circle around a given point for a panorama;
  • spiral takeoff.

This is not the only new intellectual filling compared to the “big brother”. This has significantly expanded the TapFly sub-mode, through which you can control the copter not with the remote control, but by clicking on the desired place on the tablet screen (if you press it for a long time, the copter will move in the indicated direction without stopping).

However, the system remains unfinished, since the Spark sensor system is still not trained to recognize obstacles smaller than 20 by 20 cm. The drone often hits protruding single tree branches and hanging from above.

At the same time, the Return To home function captivates with its accuracy. Each time it rises, the drone independently takes a photo of the take-off site, and when you press return, it returns exactly to its place with an error of a maximum of a couple of centimeters! The function works automatically when the signal from the copter is lost.

A GEO subprogram has been introduced for European buyers; it informs the owner of the equipment if he tries to launch it in an area where drone flights are prohibited.

Specifications

Max. lifting speed: 3 m/s;
Max. descent rate: 3 m/s (autolanding);
Max. flight speed: 50 km/h (in sport mode);
Flight time: up to 16 minutes at a speed of 20 km/h;
Max. hang time: 15 minutes (no wind);
Navigation: GPS/GLONASS;
Camera Matrix: 1/2.3″ CMOS, Number of effective pixels: 12 MP
Lens: Viewing angle 81.9°, 25mm (35mm format equivalent), f/2.6(2m to);
ISO Range: 100-3200, Photo: 100-1600;
Max. image size: 3968 X 2976;
Operating range of rotation angles: tilt: -85°…0°;
Photo modes: Single frame, Continuous: 3 frames, Automatic exposure compensation (AEB): 3 frames in 0.7EV increments, Interval: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s;
Battery: Lithium polymer 3S INTELLIGENT FLIGHT BATTERY;
Capacity: 1480 mAh;
Power: 16.87 Wh;
Max. Wi-Fi signal transmission radius: 100 m horizontally, 50 m vertically (in an open area).

Advantages and disadvantages

The big minus of the model is many indicators ( maximum speed, transmission of HD video over a network at a distance of 2 km) are available only with the owner of a special remote control, but the difference in the cost of a drone in the basic configuration and in the extended configuration with a remote control will be about $200.


Plus, the characteristics of the lens have remained virtually unchanged and allow you to capture photos of the same quality as with more “professional” drones. True, the number of video modes has been sharply reduced and the maximum video bitrate does not exceed 24 Mbit/s.

What do we have in the bottom line?

DJI SPARK will appeal to those who want to “play around” with modern gadgets, spending less on a copter, but at the same time trying out all its special features. True, you will have to pay extra for a complete set with a remote control.

Since Spark's flight range does not exceed 50 meters, and it needs to be charged every 16 (in fact, with constant wind every 10) minutes, it cannot be considered as a copter for more ambitious projects and camera filming, even with a fairly large selection of different shooting modes .

However, DJI SPARK managed to occupy its niche and release a “cheap” quadcopter for beginners and the curious. A great car to see if you need something more powerful and satisfy your interest.

Watch a detailed video review of Dji Spark:

We present to your attention the compact pocket selfie drone DJI Spark.

A little about the manufacturer:DJI Innovations produces quadcopters High Quality for many years and has enormous experience in developing these gadgets. To date radio controlled models, produced by the plant, occupy TOP positions in terms of price-quality ratio. In these drones, unlike models from other manufacturers, all functions work like a Swiss watch, and there are practically no glitches. Previously, the company released Phantom, Mavic, Inspire - these models are well known and have collected a huge number of good reviews.

So, today we’ll talk about Spark. It fits in the palm of your hand. The Spark is not foldable like the Mavic, but it is a very compact quadcopter. Cute design with various options colors, glowing lights under the engines and robotic filling and, very importantly, a good “polished” program ( mobile app).

About the “stuffing”:

GPS and GLONASS sensors provide stable orientation in space, and the more satellites captured, the better the coordinates are calculated.

Obstacle detection sensors - this is a development from DJI and can only compete with it developed by Intel Real Sense in large Yuneec* models. Other selfie drones do not have such sensors on board. This system is needed in order for the gadget to stop independently in front of obstacles. For selfidrons this is very important parameter, because the shooting takes place close to people, close to faces, and the risk of injury is very high.

Camera and two-axis gimbal for video stabilization. The 12 megapixel camera records video in FullHD 1920*1080 format at 30 frames per second, photographs measuring 3968 by 2976 pixels. The gimbal can be controlled from a mobile application or remote control by turning the camera up and down.

Excellent program and video transmission up to 2 km! The DJI GO mobile application has really been brought to perfection, there are no glitches, everything works clearly and quickly. Everything is intuitive, even taking into account the fact that the program is based on English language. (although DJI plans to release it in Russian). FPV - that is, image broadcasting works via a radio channel if you control it with a remote control, or via Wi-Fi, which is distributed by the copter itself, if you use only a smartphone (without a remote control). In the latter case, the flight range will not exceed 100 meters. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a remote control.

About functions:

Hand-held takeoff – the copter takes off directly from the palm of your hand and hovers in the air. Also, the model can land on the palm.

Palm tracking - flying left and right, up and down, back and forth. It is necessary to set the distance in the mobile application at which the gadget will follow the palm and you can start performing “tricks”.

All this is possible thanks to sensors that see the distance to the object.

The tilts of the camera gimbal follow the tilts of the smartphone - an interesting new feature that means that you can turn on this function, turn the mobile phone up and down and the camera will repeat these tilts online.

New Quick Shots features allow Spark to take off and simultaneously start recording video with just one button press:

The following modes were already present in the DJI Mavic Pro and were inherited by its smaller brother:

  • Gesture function for quick photography - the subject of the photograph raises his hands up, the camera focuses on him, placing him in the center of the frame. Next, the person shows the drone a “photo frame” combination of palms, which means that a photo needs to be taken. The camera takes photographs 2-3 seconds after detecting a “photo frame”, notifying you with signal lights.
  • Tripode mode – this mode “slows down” the movements of the copter so that video shooting is high-quality and smooth, and not sharp. It is also recommended to use this mode if you are indoors.
  • Active Track is a mode for pursuing an object that was selected on the smartphone. This can be not only the pilot, as in most self-drones, but absolutely any object, person, car or animal that the pilot selects on the smartphone.
  • Tap Fly – to implement this function, you need to select a point on the map in the mobile application. The drone will independently build a route to this point and fly to it, avoiding obstacles on its way.
  • Automatic return to the take-off location with visual memorization of the point means that the drone checks the landing data with the take-off data and lands exactly at the starting position.

All photos and videos are recorded on a micro SD card or in a mobile application. Built into the app good editor Photo and video. After processing, the footage can be immediately posted on social networks or Youtube.

Watch the video review from Turbopult:

DJI Spark is an excellent gadget with a huge range of functions, this is its main advantage over other selfie drones. The Spark is a smaller Mavic Pro with a shorter range and a simplified camera. You can call him Mavic's smaller brother.

This quadcopter will appeal to teenagers (both girls and boys) and adults for taking photos and videos for the family archive. This model is not suitable for professional activities, for example, for video filming celebrations. And for entertainment and publishing photos and videos in in social networks- that's it!

*At the time of writing (June 2017)

COPYRIGHT "TURBOPULT". COPYING CONTENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.Google LAW OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION OF 07/09/93. No. 5351-1 “ON COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS”

Currently in effect good coupons on DJI Spark Combo


I purchased the basic version. IN this moment A combo version is already available in which you additionally receive a control panel that increases the flight range to 2 km, an additional battery, a charging hub, propeller protection and a bag for transportation.

Equipment


The drone came in a compact box, one corner was slightly wrinkled. I have a Chinese version of the drone, as I know, there is also an EU and USA version.


The nice thing was that the package was not opened and the seal was not damaged.


Inside there is a dense foam box, as well as a cardboard box with a cable and charger.


On one of the ends there is a sticker with the name of the WiFi point and password; this data is necessary to connect the phone to the drone. The same sticker is on the drone under the battery.




Inside is a Spark and a pair of spare propellers. For clarity, I removed the battery and placed it in the battery compartment. The maximum capacity of the case is 3 batteries.


The charger supports QC3.0 5V - 3A / 9V - 2A / 12V - 1.5A


USB to MicroUSB cable with long plug.


All equipment is in the photo.

Specifications

  • Size: 143 × 143 × 55mm
  • Weight (including battery): 300g
  • Flight time: up to 16 minutes
  • Removable battery: Yes
  • Maximum speed: 50 km/h
  • Distance from operator: 100 meters via Wi-Fi, 2 km with controller
  • GPS and GLONASS: Yes
  • Auto-follow function: Yes
  • Auto-take-off and auto-landing function: Yes
  • Obstacle avoidance function: Yes
  • Photo format: JPEG
  • Video format: MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
  • External card support: Yes, Micro-SD

Camera

  • Matrix; 1/2.3" CMOS; 12MP
  • Optics: FOV 81.9°; 25mm (35mm Format equivalent); f/2.6; focal length range - from 2m to infinity
  • ISO Range: Video 100 ~ 3200, Photo 100 ~ 1600
  • Maximum photo resolution: 3968 × 2976
  • Maximum video resolution: Full HD 1920 x 1080p, 30fps, bitrate 24 Mbps

Appearance





On the back, under the spark sign, there is a microSD card slot and a microUSB charging port.




The propellers are folding type, just unfold them before flight, this decision I think it’s successful, since on my old Dji Phantom 3 Advanced the screws, and indeed the entire quad, take up a lot of space.








At the bottom there is a landing chamber and visual positioning sensors.


The DJI Spark camera has a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 81.9° field of view with f/2.6 aperture.
Two-axis suspension, mechanical, operating temperature range from 0° to 85°.
Above the camera there is an obstacle detection sensor, front parking sensors, and a response range of 5 meters.




Flight time on one battery is up to 16 minutes; in fairly strong winds I managed to fly on one battery for 12 minutes. Battery capacity 1480mAh 11.4V. Full charging time ~ 50 minutes.

Photo examples

Example photo without processing







This photo has been processed.


Archive of photographs in full quality - tyts

Example Video

Control using hand gestures

One of the “chips” of Spark is the ability to control the drone using hand gestures


Selfies- put your fingers together to form a frame and Spark will take a photo


PalmControl- the drone can move away, move closer, and also move from side to side in accordance with the movement of your hands. It can also take off and land from the palm of your hand.

In fact, these features are still very poorly implemented, but with the release of new firmware, the manufacturer is improving them.

Intelligent Flight Modes

QuickShot
In this mode, presets are available for shooting cinematic effects; you simply indicate which frame you want to take and Spark starts shooting.
QuickShot mode has the following presets:
  • Rocket – vertical take-off, camera looking straight down. This shot allows you to zoom out from a close-up to a wider frame and show the surroundings of your main subject.
  • Dronie - the copter flies away from you in reverse, slowly back and up, while the camera monitors the starting point. The frame is reminiscent of the previous Rocket mode, except that the copter is not flying vertically upward, due to which it looks completely different.
  • Circle - Spark will fly around a certain point you specify and give a certain panorama of what is happening around. The flight occurs at the same altitude.
  • Helix – take off in a spiral around a specified point. As you understand, the same as Circle, only with a climb
Each mode is described in more detail in this video.

conclusions

DJI Spark is perfect for travel enthusiasts and people who do not need video in 4K Ultra quality. The quadcopter is very compact; the Tigernu backpack fits a quadcopter, a camera, a dji osmo in a case, a bottle of water, and there is still enough space for things.
Am I happy with my purchase? Yes, I got a compact solution for traveling; not in every country or everywhere you can easily shoot with a DJI Phantom, while the Spark will attract less attention. The ability to charge the battery from a power bank is a huge plus, as a minus I would write down the flight time and control range via WiFi, but these minuses are eliminated by additional batteries and a remote control, I have already ordered a couple of batteries and a remote control, I will try to make a review and talk about the maximum flight range.

Spoiler

Alternative option group selfie;)

Unboxing video

You can buy DJI Spark

I advise you to subscribe to the telegram channel GearBest store where current discounts and sales are posted, as well as prize draws.



Loading...
Top