DJI Spark

[Bigplumbs]

Looks like it will be a good one to have on board

Dennis

 

[sarabande]

I can think of lots of people I might like on board. Gissa clue as to who this spark guy is. Something to do with Glastonbury ?

 

[No Regrets]

Just bought a Mavic Pro. Smaller when packed, a lot less susceptible to wind (seemingly oblivious actually!) and has collision prevention, which the Spark misses. That was the basis for my choice, I would have bought a Spark otherwise! Buy a controller though, the hand gesture isn't 100%!

 

[Hurricane]

Bit unsure about the remote controller for the Spark
They don't seem to say much about it.
I think the marketing is aimed towards using an app on a smart phone to control it.
They do also make a lot of fuss over hand gestures to control it.
Mavic also has hand gestures but I can't seem to get them to work reliably.

But, as you say, it might be fun to had a Spark to play with.
However, the Mavic is the best drone that I've had - to date.

 

[jct1981]

Got the Spark on Friday, with the controller. In Europe it has a limited range of 500m with the controller, compared to the much longer range Mavic (different comms technologies). Very easy to pick up and fly, as I believe the Mavic is, but I've never used one.

Hits about 32mph in Sports mode. I've had 16 mins from battery, but normally bring it back at 12. Having a few helps. I believe a lot of the marketing focus from DJi is to fly it without controller (£500 for that model) and just fly using either the gestures (it does have a 3d tracking capability which is new to DJi and works pretty well) or a virtual controller on the phone/tablet. However the range (distance & height) is much more limited this way.

I've had it out to about 250 metres so far with the controller, whereby you lose sight of it as it's pretty dinky; that breaks CAA rules anyway. Seen others in UK have it beyond 500m over water, so it's definitely got some capability (again, less than the Mavic). Controller is similar to the Mavic, apart from just one dial (as gimbal is 2 axis, not 3) and less customisable buttons (Spark has two).

Pleased with mine so far; got my Dad happily flying it last night with the controller. DJi software, which is across all their drones, makes it very easy.

I'd like the Mavic (for RAW photos & 4k video if nothing else), but thought I'd try this first. Carry around too much kit sometimes (DSLR & associated kit, laptop, SSD drives, GoPros etc) so wanted something quick & easy; this is.

Couple of pics from the marina on Saturday, straight from the camera. Had to downsize them to fit the uploader. Weather is, alas, not like that today! The photo of the boat is a 9 photo panorama, automatically taken by the Spark and built in the app.

I have some very very boring YouTube videos if anyone wants to see video quality (1080p).

 

[jct1981]

Worth noting the Spark does have forward and downwards collision prevention, including the new 3d forward sensor; I have regularly benefitted in the last few days!

Deactivates in Sports mode.

 

[Bigplumbs]

The spark is basically half the price of the mavic pro and nice a small I think for use on a speed boat it will be very good

I have several larger quads but want this for travelling g and holidays

 

[Hurricane]

I'd like the Mavic (for RAW photos & 4k video if nothing else), but thought I'd try this first. Carry around too much kit sometimes (DSLR & associated kit, laptop, SSD drives, GoPros etc) so wanted something quick & easy; this is.

I'm very disappointed with all drones for single shot (inc shooting in raw).
As with the Phantom, the Mavic is brilliant at video but the cameras don't seem to be that good for still photos.
Don't throw away your DSLR.

That said, it is tempting to have a Spark as well!!!

 

[jct1981]

From what I see on DJI forums, some Spark purchasers who also have the Mavic seem to be disappointed with the fewer features (2 axis gimbal, less photo/video settings, range & battery life). Seems a bit odd as the specs are there for all to see, and it's almost half the price.

I'd say if you're happy with the Mavic (and it seems you are!) then I wouldn't downgrade.

I'm really pleased with the Spark; it's fast & simple, allowing me to quickly annoy friends with 'look at what I'm doing' photos

 

[Hurricane]

From what I see on DJI forums, some Spark purchasers who also have the Mavic seem to be disappointed with the fewer features (2 axis gimbal, less photo/video settings, range & battery life). Seems a bit odd as the specs are there for all to see, and it's almost half the price.

I'd say if you're happy with the Mavic (and it seems you are!) then I wouldn't downgrade.

I'm really pleased with the Spark; it's fast & simple, allowing me to quickly annoy friends with 'look at what I'm doing' photos

No, it wasn't going to be as instead.
I was thinking as well as.
I'm sure most of us with DSLRs have pocket cameras as well.
That was my logic.

Having said that, I regretted owning two sailing catamarans.
I always wished I was sailing the other one!!

Anyway, there is a DJI addon thaI have just received - DJI Goggles.
They are great but I need to explain so I will create another thread.
Seems to be the wrong place to discuss this kind of kit but I see it as a boating addon.
I hope people won't mind but I think I will write up a Goggles report later - I'm sure some people will be interested.

BTW - I believe that the Spark works with the Goggles as well

 

[Cardo]

I have a Spark Fly More combo on order. Hoping it'll arrive some time in early July. Had my eye on a drone for some time, and almost ordered a Mavic Pro, but just couldn't justify the cost for what would be a bit of fun with some video recording thrown in. The Spark, on the other hand, is cheap enough to justify buying for fun. The Sport mode should be a hoot just to zip around.

To Hurricane, the Goggles do work with the Spark, but it's only FPV, rather than head tracking. Most likely due to the limitations of a two-axis gimbal.