DJI launches its lightest and smallest drone priced at $499

Drone manufacturing company Dji, on Wednesday, May 24 launched the smallest drone in its line-up, named Spark. This mini-camera UAV is so small that one can lift it off from the palm of their hand. Spark is the first DJI drone to come with hand gesture control, which means that the owner can use hand gestures to communicate specific commands to the drone’s management system.

DJI Spark gesture mode

The best part about Spark is that the drone’s remote control is none other than your own hand. Once Spark lifts off, the in-built Gesture Mode automatically turns on, enabling advanced gesture controls such as the PalmControl. In this mode, users can control spark with only their hand movements.

While the drone is in Gesture Mode, the user can also send it away from him/her to take a selfie and can also call it back with the help of hand gestures. The UAV has been designed keeping portability in mind. The small drone weighs just 10.6 ounces and can be easily bundled into any bag.

Apart from hand gestures, Spark can also be controlled with the help of a controller and a smartphone. The drone is available in five different colors: Sky Blue, Alpine White, Sunrise Yellow, Meadow Green, and Lava Red.

Spark’s flying options

DJI’s Spark comes with an array of flight modes, each serving a specific function. The brand new QuickShot Intelligent Flight Mode in the quadcopter lets it fly along a predetermined path, tracking a locked-in subject, all the while recording a short video along the way. Four subtypes of QuickShots are available for use in the Spark drone, namely Rocket, Dronie, Circle, and Helix.

The Rocket QuickShots mode lifts off the drone straight up in the air with the camera pointing down at the ground.

The Dronie mode captures pictures and videos while going up and away from the subject. The Spark will capture videos while rotating around the subject if the user opts for the Circle mode. Lastly, the Helix mode will send the drone spiralling upwards from a subject.

The DJI drone can capture a quick 10-second video from each of the Quickshot modes. Apart from these fly modes, DJI’s previously developed TapFly and ActiveTrack can also be used on the Spark. The UAV also comes with a Sport Mode that can be unlocked with the help of the remote controller. The Sport Mode in Spark will enable the drone to fly at a speed of 31 mph.

Spark shoots like a pro

The Spark has a 12MP camera that has a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, which can record HD quality videos at 1080p.

Apart from this, the UltraSmooth technology coupled with 2-axis mechanical gimbal helps in reducing the shaking and rolling shutter effect. With Spark, DJI is introducing two new shoot modes – ShallowFocus and Pano - along with the old ones.

Price and availability

The DJI drone costs $499, and this package includes an aircraft, a USB charger, a battery, and three pairs of propellers. The Spark Fly More Combo package which has been priced at $699 comes with one aircraft, four pairs of propellers, two batteries, propeller guards, remote controller, a charging hub, all essential cables, and a shoulder bag. The drone can be pre-ordered from the company’s flagship stores, authorized dealers, or from its online store.