After months of rumors, DJI today held a VIP unveiling event in New York City’s Grand Central Station to introduce its most portable (and most colorful) drone, the palm-sized Spark. DJI’s tagline for the event, “S(e)ize the Moment,” was an ode to the drone’s incredibly compact size, which allows it to fly through tighter spaces than any of the manufacturer’s previous models and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The Spark features PalmControl, meaning it can be controlled with simple hand gestures.
In a room filled withVIP media insiders and journalists, DJI’s Director of Strategic Partnerships Michael Perry told the crowd that DJI’s goal in creating the Spark was to create “immediacy in storytelling,” in a way that hasn’t been available to drone users before. He continued, “The Spark is DJI’s smallest, smartest, and simplest drone to date. It’s designed to go with you but also allows you to capture immediate moments and tell personal stories.”
DJI says that personality is reflected in the colors. The Spark is available in Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Alpine White, Sunrise Yellow and Lava Red. Weighing less than a can of soda, the Spark can easily be thrown in your bag, like a pair of headphones.
With Spark’s QuickLaunch and FaceAware, the drone can launch from your hand by recognizing your face. Simple Control allows the drone to be controlled using just hand gestures, without the need of a remote controller or mobile device. It’s so easy to use, DJI’s guest vlogger was able to teach his non-tech savvy mom to use the drone with very little instruction:
Selfies with the Spark are as simple as making a frame gesture with your hands, and the drone can also follow your hand movements and take off and land on your palm.
Immediacy in storytelling is made even easier with DJI’s updated editing software, DJI GO 4. Editing takes seconds because the software automatically takes your best shots, adds transitions and uploads it to your devices…all within seconds.
The Spark offers a max flying speed of 31mph in Sport Mode, and offers a long 16 minute flight time for its size. It also comes with interchangeable batteries, as well as a micro USB charging port, making it easy to recharge on the go. One of the coolest new features is the immersive flight experience when paired with DJI Goggles. Perry says it makes the drone user “feel like you are inside the drone when flying.”
The Spark’s Fly Autonomy system allows drone users to fly with confidence, as the drone senses obstacles from 15ft away. The mini-drone hovers consistently making it safe to fly indoors or outdoors.
Shipping in mid-June, the DJI Spark is available for pre-order today for $499.
DJI Spark Key Features:
- 12 MP
- f/2.6 wide-angle lens
- 25mm equivalent focal length
- Full HD video at 30fps
- 2-Axis Mechanical Gimbal Stabilizers
- 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor
- Flight Modes: ActiveTrack, Updated TrackFly
- 2 New Shooting Modes: Automatic Panorama and Shallow Focus
