The DJI Spark

Drones are some of the most exciting and innovative products currently on the photography market, but they’re often expensive, and can feel too complicated for the average user to consider buying one. Step forward the DJI Spark Drone: a miniature drone which is the baby brother to the DJI Mavic, with some intriguing specifications at a more affordable price point.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the new product, which was launched today in New York City.

Size and weight

One of the most compelling things about the DJI Spark is just how teeny tiny it is. Coming in at about the same size and weight as a can of soft drink, it’s exactly the kind of gadget you can chuck in a bag, ready for an action packed adventure or trip.

Camera and lens

The Spark features a 12 megapixel camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. That’s the same size you’ll find in many compact cameras, and larger than the average sensor found inside a smartphone. Using a relatively low pixel count allows for better light collection, which should make the Spark well-suited to lower light conditions. The inbuilt lens has an equivalent 25mm focal length, with an f/2.6 maximum aperture. The Spark also has a 2-axis gimbal, which should make for smooth and steady video recording.

Flight time and performance

A flight time of around 16 minutes is promised with the DJI Spark. That doesn’t sound like much on paper, but when you’re actually in the air, it’ll be more than enough to capture short clips of your adventures. Furthermore, the Spark is charged via micro USB, so you can take a battery pack with you and charge on the go to make sure you’re always topped up. The Spark can travel at 50kph (31mph), while HD video can be transmitted back to your phone from 2km away. A range of functions are designed to help keep safe control of the Spark, including a Flight Home function, Flight Protection mode and a battery estimate which lets you know if you need to land the drone soon.

Gesture controls

There are some incredibly clever technologies packed into the DJI Spark. These include Quick Launch, which enables lift off from the palm of your hand once the drone has recognised that you’re holding it. There’s also Gesture Controls, which enable a range of functions, including taking a selfie and Palm Control where the drone follows your hand movements – this means you can leave a remote control at home.

Aerial photography modes

Advanced aerial photography is made easy when you’re using a drone like the Spark. There’s a range of intelligent photography options on offer, which can help you to get the perfect high-angle shot. The Spark can track and trace a subject, follow a subject from a fixed perspective, create panoramas and even mimic the effects of shallow focus. With QuickShot you can use the Spark’s accompanying app for a range of exciting effects, such as “Helix”, which will make the drone spiral around your subject, or “Dronie”, where the spark will fly backwards and upwards with the camera locked onto your subject.

In short, the Spark is a smaller and lighter version of the DJI Mavic Pro – with a much more attractive price as a bonus. Will you be tempted to finally make the jump to a drone?