DJI Spark released - thoughts?

[Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 02:40

DJI's latest personal photography drone has been announced, preorders are open with delivery from mid-June. The price is USD$499 or $699 for the Flymore Combo, however the FYYA tax has been applied and Aussie customers can expect to pay AUD$859 & $1199 respectively, approx. 28% more.

In a nutshell it's a very small, Coke-can-with-arms sized fixed wing (not foldable like Mavic) drone with a heavy emphasis on POV / selfie photography…all of the shooting modes revolve around the drone recognising it's pilot and following/circling/focusing on them.

It can be launched from the hand and able to be controlled by gesture when it's in close, though you can use your phone, allegedly, to just over 100m, or ~2km wth the optional remote. Battery life permits 16 minutes of flying time in optimal conditions.

Here is the first overview by the Verge for a more eloquent version of what I've written above.

My first impressions are this is a total waste of time and money, and is squarely directed at the current "look at me look at me" generation of narcissists who feel obligated to share every moment of their life via social media - one has only to look at the cringey videos they rolled out, least of all the purple-haired douchebag vlogger whose unashamed shilling dragged on for way too long. All this device does is allow you to make hands free videos without a tripod / assistant.

The Spark really is the poorer cousin to Mavic, though they can't even be put in the same class, given the shitty iPhone-tier camera Spark boasts, lack of foldability and vastly inferior flight time.

This thing is an overpriced toy that isn't designed to be used for flights >50m from operator, hence the focus on selfie photography. I'm a fan of DJI equipment but certainly not of the Spark. Yes there's some decent tech packed inside such as obstacle avoidance, but the poor battery life, underwhelming imaging capabilities and the price (especially for Aussie consumers) for what is effectively a fancy flying selfie camera turns me right off.

What do you think about of it?

Electrical & Electronics DJI Quadcopter

Comments

  • Maverick-au on 25/05/2017 - 04:20

    I think it's a great idea for the vloggers and others who can create better videos. Couldn't care less about the selfie crowd but there is a market out there for this type of device from travellers to vloggers.

  • povo on 25/05/2017 - 06:25
    +1

    Comparisons of the Spark to the Mavic seem similar to that of the Mavic to the Inspire. It's a different consumer market and could be a great product for that market. I'm sure DJI's investment into developing this model will help advance DJI drones in the future even if that's just the miniaturization of some components.

  • eug on 25/05/2017 - 07:26
    +3

    Wow, so much hate. It's like DJI really hit a raw nerve. You should take things less seriously.

    Aussie customers can expect to pay AUD$859 & $1199 respectively, approx. 28% more.

    It's 17% more. US$499 is AUD$665. Add GST which they pay, that's now AUD$731. Some padding is expected to buffer for exchange rate fluctuations, and it costs money to contract out their local warranty repairs.

    This thing is an overpriced toy that isn't designed to be used for flights >50m from operator,

    The controller that comes with the Fly More pack has a range of 2km.

    though they can't even be put in the same class, given the shitty iPhone-tier camera Spark boasts

    It's the same size sensor as the Mavic. Quality remains to be seen.

    • ThithLord on 25/05/2017 - 07:52
      +2

      Not to mention OP's whingeing regarding the camera quality, comparing it to an iPhone. It's comparable to an iPhone 7 - the iPhone 7 has a phenomenal camera!

      • garvani on 25/05/2017 - 08:54

        Its superior to the iphone 7. iphone sensor is 1/3" - spark is 1/2.3".

        • ThithLord on 25/05/2017 - 10:10
          +1

          Not sure if it's superior - iPhone 7 does 4K. The video quality presented with the Spark seems pretty damn good, anyway, from what I've seen.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 15:51
      -5

      Add GST which they pay

      The what now? There's no such thing in the USA, most certainly not a blanket 10% "GST". 5 states pay no sales tax, another 13 pay under 5%. Nowhere charges more than 9.45%, even with combined local taxes (some metro areas ie Chicago impose city taxes which push the rate beyond 10%). Besides that, it's not uncommon for people who live in higher tax areas ie New Jersey to buy from / ship to lower tax areas close by ie Delaware.

      Some padding is expected to buffer for exchange rate fluctuations

      Nonsense + waffle. Australia is a drop in the ocean compared to the US market, there is no need to adjust for exchange rates, especially seeing as the AUD is significantly lower than the USD. Even with your bodgy $731 figure, that represents a 15% disparity. Why are you defending getting screwed over by companies like DJI (and a plethora of others) who see Aussie consumers as cash cows?

      • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:20
        +7

        The what now? There's no such thing in the USA,

        You're not reading it right.

        I'm also not going to bother entering any discussions with you because there's absolutely no point. You're just very angry at everything for some reason, and trying to communicate with someone in such a mental state will just go nowhere.

  • SydStrand on 25/05/2017 - 08:29
    +1

    It's pretty cute, and lowers the barrier to entry. Wish it could fold into a glasses-case sized box, though.

  • KitchenSink on 25/05/2017 - 09:07

    Looks pretty neat. Can get some decent B-roll footage with it at 1080p. Not going to win wonders with IQ but its damn good enough for todays standard. Wished it folded up like the Mavic and then its truly pocketable. I can see this targeting more of the selfie crowd with its gesture support.

    I saw some footage from Kai and Casey Neistat's channels respectively and yeah the IQ is not bad I must admit. It also recharges via MicroUSB which is very handy. No need to break the bank on lots of extra batteries.

    Of course compromises had to be made to make this cheaper so its kinda expected. You want a better one, shell out for the mavic or phantom 4/4 Pro

  • Gronk on 25/05/2017 - 09:38
    +1

    You might want to read up on DJI's new policy regarding manditory registration before buying any of their products -

    https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/23/15680206/dji-drone-regist…

    • eug on 25/05/2017 - 11:03
      -1

      Good on DJI. Maybe it'll reduce the number of stupid incidents, like this one where someone flew a drone into a stadium, which crashed into an empty seat between two people.
      https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/23/the-faa-gets-a-case-study-…

      Idiots like that will only encourage tougher restrictions that will affect everyone.

      • Gronk on 25/05/2017 - 11:27
        +1

        It warrants further investigation but at face value I think it's a terrible idea.

        It's effectively DRM on a quad, you pay $1000+ for the quad but can only use it on DJI's terms. I'm not going to go all 'tin foil hat' on you but it does leave a lot of possibilities open.

        Suffice to say my interest in the Mavic has been well and truly doused by this move, I'll just keep building mine.

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 11:30
          -1

          It's effectively DRM on a quad, you pay $1000+ for the quad but can only use it on DJI's terms. I'm not going to go all 'tin foil hat' on you but it does leave a lot of possibilities open.

          That's pretty tin foil hat already, I think! :)

          Don't forget that it isn't in DJI's best interests to start restricting their drones for no good reason. They're not going to make them undesirable as they'll just lose out in the end.

          Being able to make people accountable for their drone-flying actions is a good thing IMHO, as long as it isn't onerous or costly.

  • mitcheo on 25/05/2017 - 09:42
    Merged from DJI SPARK (new dji drone)

    https://store.dji.com/product/spark

    https://store.dji.com/product/spark-remote-controller?from=m…

    Drone $859
    Controller $259

    Looks cool, I was going to purchase one until i realized that is doesn't come with a controller. That was a deal breaker for me.

    • garvani on 25/05/2017 - 09:56

      It is pretty steep i agree.

      Us pricing:
      Drone $499
      Controller $149
      Total $648 usd - Converts to $866
      This is a much more reasonable price. It also falls under the gst threshold as well, all you will be stung for is shipping which you could get pretty cheaply via freight forwarding considering how small the device is (blind assumption). No local warranty is an issue of course but you could pay more for the dji warranty.

      • SimBech on 30/05/2017 - 23:04

        says free shipping to aus for orders above $460AUD on the us site

    • eug on 25/05/2017 - 11:31

      Looks cool, I was going to purchase one until i realized that is doesn't come with a controller.

      The Fly More pack is $1199 and comes with the controller, an extra battery, and a few other bits.

      • mitcheo on 25/05/2017 - 11:33
        +1

        I saw that, Id just get a mavic.

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 11:38

          The Mavic's fly more pack is way more expensive though, at least at RRP like the Spark's price.

          The lack of DNG support might be enough to push me towards the mavic too though.

  • geeluv on 25/05/2017 - 09:54
    +1

    In my honest opinion, I would much rather invest in the Spark than any of the other DJI drones, reason being, drones are prone to crashing, if I was to get a Mavic (which will cost you at least 1400) and if I was to get the Spark, which according to Casey's review doesn't have much of a image difference to the naked eye, I would much rather feel less sad about crashing the spark.

    The other added advantage is the size. I am a vlogger and having something so tiny is a big advantage when I am going on hikes and travelling. I don't wanting to be lagging around a phantom 4 pro to get that 4K footage. In my eye Spark will suffice.

    I reckon we should be able to get the Spark for around $700 grey imports within the next couple of months.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 12:46
      -6

      Casey is a paid shill, as is that shirtlifter with the purple hair they paraded on stage at the live event, of course he's going to laud the imaging qualities, I'd be reserving judgement until it gets into the hands of some truly independent reviewers.

      • ThithLord on 26/05/2017 - 09:01

        Alright, Nancy.

  • irajohn90 on 25/05/2017 - 10:17
    +1

    if it weighed under 100g this would sit in the excluded category for operation within a controlled airspace under 120m.

  • mreddie on 25/05/2017 - 10:57

    I'll stick with the Mavic

  • dust on 25/05/2017 - 11:00

    Looks awesome. Quality not as good as Dji's other offerings but definitely fills a gap in the market. I think increased regulations (no fly zones etc) will ruin the ability the use drones.

    • eug on 25/05/2017 - 11:32

      I just wish it supported DNG!

  • klonky on 25/05/2017 - 11:17
    +1

    This would be a great unit if you are in to vlogging and amateur video work. It seems it would partner well with a Sony a6000 or other dslr with 1080p. Unfortunately, the AUD price tag doesnt sound as good as the USD499, especially when the Mavic can be had for not that much more.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 12:51
      -3

      Anyone seriously into vlogging ie does it commercially will likely have an off sider operating a drone / camera for them. There's only so mang corkscrew / backwards zoom shots you can incorporate and use the fancy app before all the vlogs start looking the same. Also, it might be nice to hover in front of you to take a picture or shoot footage but there's no sound recording on this unit…anyway vloggers, who the fk has time to watch how some narcissist wastes with their time anyway?

      • eug on 25/05/2017 - 12:58
        +3

        Anyone seriously into vlogging ie does it commercially will likely have an off sider operating a drone / camera for them.

        How large is Casey's crew when he vlogs?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 15:33
          -5

          I wouldn't know, I don't waste my time watching that jerkoff…there's definitely an ego fluffer in the background. Do you enjoy watching advertising masquerading as a vlog?

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:07
          +3

          @Sir Casm: So you don't actually know whether the most commercially-successful vlogger has an "off sider operating a drone/camera for them"?

          Why are you talking about them as if you knew everything about them, when you don't even watch them?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 16:20
          -6

          @eug:

          Looks like I found one of the fluffers lmao. It's ok, I get you're a Casey fanboi, you're probably on that subreddit devoted to his every move, sneeze & fart.

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:21
          +1

          @Sir Casm: Awww, why did you avoid the question? So you don't actually know what you're waffling on about? There there, no need to be so childish about it.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 16:24
          -3

          @eug:

          No, I can't give you the name & number of his offsider but seeing as he runs a technology company and is involved in film production I imagine he has a stable of sycophants to help with post after he's done making the latest video riding an electric skateboard down Broadway. Good luck to the guy, he's got more $$$ than I do, despite prostituting his dignity for big companies & politicians, I happen to despise to him, whereas you appear to idolise him. Good luck to you too. Maybe Casey will let you fly his Spark drone one day if you write him a nice letter.

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:27
          +1

          @Sir Casm: Oh, you're so clever. Your replies are soooooo funny, witty, and mature. Ha ha ha!

      • KitchenSink on 25/05/2017 - 13:13
        +1

        Also, it might be nice to hover in front of you to take a picture or shoot footage but there's no sound recording on this unit

        Why would there be mics on the drones? All you'd hear is the noisy propellers…

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 15:28
          -1

          Exactly, the same as if you have a drone hovering within 10ft of you…sort of defeats the purpose…how many shots do you want of said vlogger staring at the drone as it circles around you or zooms out? It's cool technology, don't get me wrong, but all I see is an overpriced hovering camera that can't fly very far or for very long.

          Would it be good to have in the toolkit for people who make vlogs? I imagine it could come in handy. Is it useful to the average consumer? I'm sure it's fun to fly but at the Aussie price point why wouldn't you get a more powerful drone capable of longer flight? 16 minutes is nothing!

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:34
          +2

          @Sir Casm:

          but all I see is an overpriced hovering camera that can't fly very far

          2km isn't far enough for you?

          why wouldn't you get a more powerful drone capable of longer flight? 16 minutes is nothing!

          You would be the same kind of person who'd complain about cameras like the A6500 only being able to record 29m59s of video.

          Have you seen a video with 16 minutes of continuous drone footage?

          How long are the longest drone sequences you see in a video?

          Longer flight times is always welcome, but 16 minutes is definitely enough for such a compact drone to be useful - if you know how to use it.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 16:43

          @eug:

          Just shy of 22 minutes from takeoff to landing (flight starts 22 seconds in)…getting back to the original gripe I had about prices, for what you are paying for the Spark, I reckon a Mavic is a much better value and all round aircraft to purchase than the Spark. Yes the Spark can do some cool tricks that the Mavic can't (at present - wait for upgrades), but has it got fixed-wing mode? What's it like in anything more than a light breeze? It's small but it's not compact like Mavic is. Spark seems like a drone you'd buy and give to the kids to run around in the park with & make their own movies, I'm not feeling it, at least until independent / objective reviews come out.

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:55
          +1

          @Sir Casm:

          Just shy of 22 minutes from takeoff to landing(

          Have you seen a regular video that uses aerial footage as part of the story, rather than a video about a drone that has been modified with a larger battery and antenna?

          Aerial shots are usually used to complement a story. Sequences are always short as they're not meant to be the whole story. 16 minutes is absolutely workable, especially for that weight.

          for what you are paying for the Spark, I reckon a Mavic is a much better value and all round aircraft to purchase than the Spark.

          $859 vs $1699? You realize that's pretty much double the price, right? A Mavic is certainly better, but you'd expect it to be at double the price. Not everyone needs 4K video or DNG support; for those people, there's no point spending an extra $840 for features that don't benefit them.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 16:59

          @eug:

          Enjoy your Spark drone. Casey approves. I don't use drones to perpetuate my narcissism, I fly because it's fun and interesting to explore places you can't ordinarily reach and because pretend pilot (see fixed wing mode). If I see you in the park with that stupid thing I'll swat it out of the air and step on it.

        • eug on 25/05/2017 - 17:06
          +4

          @Sir Casm: If I actually buy one and ever see you in a park, I'll definitely fly it all around your head just to see how much angrier you can get. It'll make a great youtube video too!

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2017 - 17:07

          @eug:

          Haha, I'm pretty tall, better keep it high enough!

        • KitchenSink on 25/05/2017 - 19:18
          +6

          @Sir Casm: It's DJI's entry level drone not aimed for professional use. Its main target is for the average/first timer consumer. I don't see why you're so worked up about. Normal users or first timers probably dont want to lose sight of their drone, so 50m is fine for them to do whatever they want. Besides Wifi 2.4ghz max range at around 50m. If you get the controller you can get more distance as that uses their proprietary tech to control it.

          MP4, JPEG formats are fine for average user. If you want some more pro work, then fork out for the mavic pro or higher.

          If you want more features, fork out more for the higher models. If they made the Spark compete with the Mavic on every approach then the Spark would cannibalise the Mavic's sales.

          The amount of tech they managed to squeeze in this is impressive. It's battery is 2.5x smaller than the Mavic (1480 mAh vs 3830 mAh) and can do almost the same at a slightly lesser quality/performance. 16min run is about average. GoPro's karma runs at 20mins give or take. Mavic runs at 27 but that's 2.5x the battery size for an extra 11 mins.

          Do I think its pricey for an entry level? yeah, but DJI are market leaders in their product. There's a lot of R&D and marketing that go into this product. Its not just manufacturing costs. Apple is pricey but people buy their products. Samsung is pricey too, but they also make entry level devices too.

          Another example is Tesla, they made the Model S and X and they really expensive for the average user, but they are making the Model 3 which is aimed for the general public. Yes its still expensive, but its a more affordable Tesla than the flagship Model S or X. This is exactly what DJI is doing with the spark.

          Also more people that are using drones can help them make newer and better tech for future drones and more sales will drive the prices down in the future (or can increase depending on the tech). More people using it = more data analysed = better hardware and software for future products.

          If you don't like it then just ignore it. ITS NOT FOR YOU THEN, they made a range of drones for different people/demographics.

        • gutenmuach on 25/05/2017 - 22:50
          +1

          @KitchenSink096: Well said mister

  • Ryanek on 25/05/2017 - 13:06
    +4

    I don't understand armchair critics who are so quick to criticise the efforts of others. The technology in this looks great. The price you're seeing reflects the R&D involved and as it with most things, as it gets more traction the price will eventually drop.

    Most people see just another drone the size of a coke can with $100 worth of parts, but fail to see all the effort and man hours required to bring it to market.

    • Dancasper on 26/05/2017 - 19:59
      +1

      It is going to be crazy with tech advancing at crazy paces these days. Today it may be $700, 4 years..$30?? Can you imagine going to a uni graduation ceremony with 200 hovering drones?

  • gutenmuach on 25/05/2017 - 15:47

    the 30 fps is a let down.. reasonable slow motion for this would be -20%~ (30fps to 24fps). I would definitely go more than 20% slowed down for aerial footage. any thoughts?

    • eug on 25/05/2017 - 16:36

      Hmm it does depend on what you're shooting. 30fps can work just fine. I would definitely prefer 60fps. Not having DNG support is probably the final nail in the coffin for me though. I guess they don't want to eat into their Mavic sales!

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2017 - 09:11

    I think it's a great entry and niche into the drone market. I've played with cheapies of the same size class, and phantom 3s in the same price class.

    Not my cup of tea, but anyone wanting to see what a modern flight RC would have a better idea with a spark as opposed to the JB $80 toys.

    And not sure what is up with the OP. He makes some minor valid points but he certainly negates all that with his idiotic rants.

  • eug on 26/05/2017 - 09:31
    +1

    It's $777 at Cameras Direct for this weekend btw. Unfortunately the Fly More package isn't being discounted at the moment.

  • VTS160 on 26/05/2017 - 15:36

    Wait for Mavic 2 whenever that's due

    • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2017 - 16:47

      Hmm, will they follow the smartphone business model & release (slightly) improved models annually at ever increasing prices? I don't see how much more they could squeeze into a Mavic, at it's current price point anyway…front & rear sensors perhaps? It already shoots at up to 4K and goes further than any other similar sized drone…

      • Bargaingeek on 31/05/2017 - 21:37

        keep in mind DJI doesn't drop the price much, they either cancel a model entirely or they lower the price by petty amounts like $100-$200 when a new model comes out.

        Infact Mavic Pro went up in price by $100 in the last few months due to massive demand all around the world, till today goes out of stock on regular basis.

        Resale value as a result is also very good for DJI products.

  • prinsenhof on 26/05/2017 - 22:19

    Can these things reliably track a target (thinking stalking mode), like me mountain biking on single track through trees at about 20-30 km/hr ?

    Having the camera in the air would improve things, as long as it doesnt hit a tree, or me.

  • Bargaingeek on 31/05/2017 - 21:29

    It's great for photography on the go, but not if you're looking to pilot a drone as a hobby. The technology behind it is pretty cool its so tiny.

    But The Mavic is better in combining great mobility, photography and satisfies your piloting needs.

  • Mrbean007 on 02/06/2017 - 19:38

    If your not happy with the distance it can fly pay a bit more and get a phantom 4

    https://youtu.be/QcJsUCahRS4

  • flickr on 28/06/2017 - 13:54

    Anyone know what is the max distance in AU? I saw somewhere that it can only reach up to 500m here whereas, in US, it can reach up to 2KM distance?

  • ssvdh66 on 01/07/2017 - 08:48

    I have a spark & I have not taken a selfie yet.I want to learn to fly drones & this is my entry level

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join