Spark Drone From DJI Small Enough To Launch From Your Palm

By Edwin Kee
DJI Spark drone
This $499 drone is small enough to launch from the palm of your hand. DJI

The world of drones have definitely come a long way since its inception a few years back, and more and more technology showcases have dedicated additional floor space for drones to be advertised and make their mark. DJI is one particular name that is very famous when it comes to drones, and the company has continued to forge new grounds where drone technology is concerned. While a larger sized drone might prove to be more resilient in the face of strong winds, the disadvantage might lie in the fact that it is all too noticeable -- which is not too good if you would like to perform a covert video recording session. Enter the Spark drone. This $500 drone is so tiny, your palm is large enough a space to act as its launchpad. No surprise then that DJI’s Spark happens to be the smallest camera drone to date from the company, and even more interesting is the fact that it can be controlled through hand gestures in addition to the regular remote control method.

Folks who are constantly on the lookout for something new or better will definitely find the new Spark from DJI worth checking out. The DJI Spark tips the scales at a mere 10.6 ounces, which is far less than a regular can of soda, now how about that for lightweight? However, it is best not to judge this to be a gimmick, and neither let its diminutive form factor fool you. It packs quite a fair bit of technology to have it launch from your hand, and to receive and analyze while responding to hand gestures is definitely a novel method of getting the job done. In fact, chances are when you are flying this, people will most probably amble up to you and ask whether you are practicing the latest yoga moves or brushing up on your martial arts skill.

The DJI Spark comes with a camera that is capable of handling 12-megapixel photos as well as capturing Full HD video in 1080p resolution. Other than Gesture mode, the Spark will also sport a QuickShot mode that offers a quartet of choices: Rocket that will see the Spark fly straight up in the air while making sure that the camera is pointed in the opposite direction; Dronie that will have it fly up and away from you; Circle which will have it rotate around you; with Helix that will see it spiral away upwards as it makes its climb. Each QuickShot results in a 10-second video, so it is up to your creative juices to see how it is going to fit what you would like to present.

DJI claimed that "even if you've never flown a drone before, flying Spark is easy because the only remote controller you'll need is your hand." Each time it takes off from your hand, it will enter the Gesture mode automatically. Hopefully the learning curve will be a relatively smooth one without any bumps, since these hand gestures will be used to control its flight path, or to have it capture a selfie, or simply recall it to return to you with but simple hand movements. Of course, there is always the failsafe backup of using a remote controller or mobile device to get the job done, but let’s face it. Part of the reason you decided to part with half a grand for the DJI Spark is to have this novelty factor when flying it, is it not?

The DJI Spark will retail for $499 apiece as it ships this middle of June onward, and those who are interested will be able to place a pre-order at the moment. Each purchase comes with the DJI Spark itself, a battery, a USB charger, and three pairs of propellers. Certainly those who would like to get started with a drone might want to see the DJI Spark to be a stepping stone of sorts before moving to more expensive options, like those from the Mavic Pro and Phantom range.

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