DJI Spark - their smallest and lightest drone yet

wow unbelievable, must contain cruise missile software.

next generation with 4K camera?
these are exiting times
 
Based upon what I see on the videos, this is the drone version of an action camera. Not a very high quality image probably but good enough for certain applications where size, weight and expense are an issue. Go Pros image look like crap, but we all use them for certain things that they excel at.
 
puredrifting said:
Based upon what I see on the videos, this is the drone version of an action camera. Not a very high quality image probably but good enough for certain applications where size, weight and expense are an issue. Go Pros image look like crap, but we all use them for certain things that they excel at.
Click to expand...

I agree, and the 30p is not an issue, really. Just slow it down to 24p in post. It will probably just make it look better anyway for the kind of content that benefits from drone footage.
 
Ive used dji's 1/2" sensors. They look fine in 4k. FHD, not so much. Line skipping moire noise fest.
Great toy drone though
 
ozmorphasis said:
I agree, and the 30p is not an issue, really. Just slow it down to 24p in post. It will probably just make it look better anyway for the kind of content that benefits from drone footage.
Click to expand...

We just did exactly that on a shoot with the Inspire 1, shot at 30p for a 24p timeline, worked great.
 
I know nothing about drones, but always interested in a new toy to play with. Do you need any kind of certificate to fly this thing, or just have to register it?
 
It looks super interesting. The only cons I see are frame-rate related: I'd also like to see 24 fps, and also 60 fps if possible.

Apart from the camera, everything looks top notch: the flight systems, communications, etc, seem to be just like in its bigger brothers, right? Having all that tech in a tiny drone that doesn't require a licence is really impressive. And the price is just about as much as I would spend on a "toy" I'm going to use only sparsely. In fact, even with the frame rate limitations, I may look into it: I also do lots of 30p on a 24p timeline, particularly on music videos and the like.
 
Watched the Kai and Neistat videos, I think I am going to order one. It seems perfect for those of us who just need casual use of a drone for an occasional shot and not having to become a Part 107 Drone Pilot is immensely appealing. I would still hire pros to do the real work on projects with a budget but for just an establishing of a building, a shot over a golf course, etc. this seems to fit the bill. Many of us just need an occasional drone shot and in a 1080 deliverable, this looks as if it would be good enough. It's cheap enough to learn on and experiment with and in tripod mode, looks as if this would pretty usable indoors for certain shots. I have a client who I have shot for for years who has an amazing multi-story atrium lobby in their building, this seems as if it would be nice to shoot a simple elavator shot in their atrium?

I am thinking yellow or red would have the best visibility against blue or gray sky? This thing is so tiny, I could see visually tracking it once you get the remote and it's a few thousand yards away, could be challenging. 1080 30p only is a non issue for me. You'd never be shooting sync dialog with a drone and 30p on a 24p timeline smooths out the imperfections.
 
If the image quality is acceptable this little thing could really simplify some projects. Even if you are a part 107 Licenses operator, not having to deal with controlled airspace, waivers, ATC clearance and all the rest is a BIG plus.
I can imagine showing up on location, unpack, shoot, done!

Good point about color selection, Puredrifting. Even the Phantoms are hard to see not very far out, so this little thing will be very hard to see.
 
I've now seen conflicting info on the weight of Spark. Sounds like it may be slightly over the .55 lb weight afterall, which would require registration and a licensed op for commercial use. Drat!
 
I think the video on this thing is perfect for what it's supposed to be: an expensive toy. DJI is smart in that they figure people will buy this to get into flying drones, then go for a more professional model when they need better video etc... Yes, some people will use this in a professional environment and I'm sure they'll make it look amazing, but this is really geared toward student filmmakers high school students. They don't need 4K or 24p. If someone wants those, they'll look toward the bigger brothers.
 
firehawk said:
I've now seen conflicting info on the weight of Spark. Sounds like it may be slightly over the .55 lb weight afterall, which would require registration and a licensed op for commercial use. Drat!
Click to expand...

Yea, I watched a review on it and the guy said it was 0.56 lbs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top