It’s not surprising that drones, or remote-controlled aerial imaging devices, have become the “in” thing nowadays. That’s because the advent of such technology has opened up a big room full of possibilities to capture greater, more dynamically-composed shots for casual or professional use.
In light of this, DJI, the leader in aerial imaging tech, has launched in to the local market its sleek new product called the Spark. What’s unique about the Spark is its size. With a structure that weighs just 300g (comparable to that of a regular can of soda) and a dimension smaller than an iPhone 6s, the said mini drone boasts fast access and easy operation. It’s an ideal weapon of choice for family outings or for those budding car photographer/videographers on the lookout for the perfect areal or running shot.
But the DJI Spark isn’t just about flashy looks, for its onboard tech is something even the pros in the imaging industry can utilize. For starters, controlling the Spark is as easy as using its supplied remote controller or via Android/iOS mobile device using the DJI GO 4 app.
But here’s the fun part which, pardon the cliché, comes straight out of Star Wars. The DJI Spark has this cool hand gesture mode which allows it to be controlled using the “force.” Nah! Kidding aside, the gesture mode uses sensors and face detection technologies that work in unison as explained in this short video.
In addition, the DJI Spark also has a QuickShot Intelligent Flight Mode which allows one to control it along a preset flight path while recording a short video and tracking a subject along the way. For each QuickShot, the drone will automatically create a 10-second video from the flight that’s ready to share on social media.
There are 4 QuickShot modes to choose from; Rocket (sending the Spark straight up into the air with the camera pointing down), Dronie (flying up and away from the subject), Circle (revolving around the subject), and Helix (spiraling away from a subject as it flies upward). This feature is a handy tool for presenting a quick intro-overview of a subject.
Of course, to those familiar with the DJI system, the Spark also carries such features as the Pano Mode (for panoramic shots), ShallowFocus (for DSLR-like sharp subject-blurred background effect), and Sport Mode (for rolling or chase shots up to 50 kph), among others.
Powering the DJI Spark is a high-energy density LiPo battery with a maximum flight time of up to 16 minutes. This is routed to 4 rotors and a camera with a 12-megapixel CMOS censor. Its stabilized imaging system can shoot full 1080p HD videos (720p when using the remote controller up to 2 km away).
The DJI Spark can now be availed through MSI-ECS authorized dealers in the Philippines. Of note, it’s stickered at P30,500 (includes a battery, a USB charger, and three pairs of propellers). The Spark Fly More Combo, on the other hand, costs P42,700 and comes with 2 batteries, 4 pairs of propellers, a remote controller, propeller guards, a charging hub, a shoulder bag, and all necessary cables.
