With the force of my hand wave, I could control a digital apparatus — a magical feeling.
Often, the Spark worked as advertised. Sometimes, it had a mind of its own. I guess its because We’re too used to operating devices via our fingers or voice controls, not hand motions. So learning just how and when to set up our hands at a stop sign-like stance to move it around, or waving to get it ring you, will take a while. Not too much of concerns as control by hand gesture certainly gets easier after several times practising.
That said, Spark is among the most intriguing new products of the year. For a start, it’s the FIRST drone to respond to hand gestures and could open the door to additional gesture-controlled consumer devices.
If we could wave controls for a drone, envision putting those very same sensors on TV sets, cellphones and the like, and all the different ways we’ll have the ability to communicate.
And in RM2550, the Spark is selling over half the cost cheaper of DJI’s previous consumer drone, the Mavic Pro, which is also compact, but much more full-featured.
Once you get it down, the Spark gets from power on to into the atmosphere faster and easier than any drone I’ve actually flown.
If you are among the very first on the block to find the Spark, then you are probably going to bring in a crowd and win lots of new friends, as I did. People loved the show of the hands telling the drone what to do.
But if you want the complete, cinematic image you are accustomed to seeing in aerial photography, then don’t expect to get it from your hand motions.
But when you use the straps to control it, the drone will only go 10 feet into the atmosphere.
DJI has many modes on its Go 4 program to operate the drone more traditionally.The unit has a battery that lasts 16 minutes. Which means, you launch it, take some video clips, land it, and the next thing you know, you’re out of juice and running to re-charge. It is therefore a good idea to have several batteries in hand.
What you Should Know:
Pricing
While the Spark starts at RM2550, the Fly More Combo that’s priced at RM3250 includes an extra battery, charger, case and video-game like controller which permits you to fly the Spark at way higher altitudes. You will want the additional battery and control.
Specs
The Spark includes a 12 megapixel camera and cellphone size image sensor for 1080p HD video. I expected it to be far inferior to the Mavic Pro, which I own, but was amazed with crisp, colorful and well-exposed images. The Mavic shoots in 4K, however, the Spark footage looks fantastic.
How it works
When you’re ready to fly, you turn on the device, hold the Spark facing you, together with the lens facing your face, click the battery button twice, and wait for it to learn about you personally. You might also wave in the drone to have it follow you in a circle.
Bottom line
If you’re trying to find a flying camera that can enjoy fun group selfies, or some thing so mild (less heavy than a soda can, DJI says) you can easily walk round town with it, the Spark could be for you. It is not that much lighter or smaller than the Mavic, however it is surely easier to bag.
However, as much pleasure as the hand waving is, do not forget that you won’t get those remarkable cinematic drone sweeps that way, or have the ability to do simple things like sending the drone on a scenic overlook or panning a sea skyline. Fortunately, there’s an app for it. But before you start it up, do not forget to stock up on extra batteries first.
I got my DJI Spark in http://www.autovacbot.com. You’re able to get your genuine DJI Spark or alternative DJI drones at autovacbot too as they sell all over Malaysia, even Kuala Lipis!
Reviewing is done for this time. Let’s off to have fun with Spark!