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DJI Spark Camera Drone – Is it for You?

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Droneflyers.com received a review model of the DJI Spark Camera Drone before the official launch. We therefore have had a few months to put the model through its paces and determine the pros and cons of this ultra-portable quadcopter. Note that we have our initial review in this article as well as a number of Spark videos at our youtube channel. These may answer many of your questions, however the below is a summary of our thoughts at the present time. We will present most of the benefits and features in the beginning of the article and list out the major “cons” (what it doesn’t do, etc.) at the end.

What is Spark and who is it for?

The DJI Spark is the first mass-market ultra-portable drone that still has most of the features of the larger and heavier models. These include a camera gimbal, front and bottom sensors, dual GPS, FPV, an advanced App and an array of photographic and other options. Up until the Spark, the closest model to this ideal was the Parrot BeBop 2 – which has many of the above features, but lacks a gimbal (mechanical camera stabilizer) – instead using Electronic Image Stabilization to remove vibrations and other unwanted movement from the video(s). Most experts will agree that the mechanical (Spark) camera gimbal results in better overall video than EIS.

The DJI Spark is available with or without an option R/C controller. When purchased without the R/C controller, the range is limited and the model must be controlled using “virtual sticks” which are on the screen. Those who have no experience with either virtual or real “sticks” will likely need a lot of practice (and reading) to become familiar with operating the Spark via Mobile Device. Still, in our opinion, the Spark represents a truly useable camera drone/mobile device combo….something that we feel is lacking with most earlier models.

Adding the R/C controller makes the Spark a much more capable device – extending the range, the control “feel” and other options enough to make it a totally different experience. The R/C controller also features a “Sport” mode – which turns the normally tame Spark into a racer/FPV model that you’ll enjoy flying around the local fields. It can also integrate with the DJI Googles – giving you the full FPV experience (our DJI goggle review is here).  [Read more…]

10 Best Quadcopters and best drones for 2017

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Which are the best drones and quadcopters to buy as of the  Spring of 2017? Read on!

UPDATED April, 2017 – We update this “best drones” listing regularly as new products are released and reviewed.
If you are looking for a ($400-$1500) “stabilized camera drone with GPS” – we have another article comparing the popular 2016/2017 models here.

Please note – one of the top pics in the 1K range, the DJI Mavic Pro, has been far backordered since launch in Oct, 2016 but is now available for quick shipment direct from DJI – click the banner below for current lead times:

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Here are some of suggested best drones and quadcopters for 2017

Please note that some of these are not for beginners! Rather they are upgrades after you’ve learned the basics of flying and know exactly what features you desire. Quads best for beginners are marked with an *

We do not suggest the very tiny “nano” thumb size quadcopters for learning or beginners! Here is why.

We currently DO NOT recommend the following brands – 3D Robotics, Walkera, OnagoFly, GoPro. Also, we have had poor luck with Parrot models in the past – however, we are going to look at more current models soon to see if reliability has changed. Also, be wary of ANY crowdfunded (Kickstarter, etc.) models.

Be sure to pick up at least one extra battery and any spares you may want to have on hand (motors, etc.)

Under $100

Micro-Sized – generally the size of your open hand including the propellers

*Hubsan X4 H107L – updated version of the most popular micro- beginners should purchase the option prop guard.

Banggood Link (worldwide and/or US Shipping).

Read the Entire Article by clicking —>> [Read more…]

DJI Mavic Pro – A Miracle Machine, but is it for you?

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The DJI Mavic Pro is a miniaturized folding ($1,000 US) camera drone with specifications that beat most other models under $2K.  The Mavic Pro started shipping to consumer in the middle of October and has quickly become the best selling consumer camera drone ever. In this post we will take a first look at this miracle machine and advise our readers as to where it fits into the current consumer drone landscape. This first look will contain information regarding the basics of Mavic Pro and address the subject who should consider buying this drone. Future articles will contain more typical review information such as flight manners, features, operation, links and more.

Nothing Like it in the World

With the introduction of the Mavic Pro, DJI has created an entirely new class of machine. Comparisons such as “Mavic vs. Phantom 4” or “Mavic vs. Yuneec” hold absolutely no weight since the Mavic is unique in most every way.

Size and weight are, of course, the first obvious differences.  To illustrate how vast the difference is, here are the square inches (total cubic size) of 4 well known drone models in their box or backpack:

Mavic Pro – 340 cubic inches (box size) -machine =1.62 lbs
GoPro Karma – 1587 (backpack) – machine = 4.3 lbs
Phantom 4 – 1645 cubic inches (included case size) – 3 lbs
Yuneec H – 3588 cubic inches (included foam packing size) – machine = 4.3 lbs

The Mavic Pro is a mind blowing 10% of the volume of the Yuneec H – yet it outpaces the Typhoon H in specifications such as range, obstacle avoidance, flight time and overall number of features. Of the models listed above it is the only one that is truly portable. If portability and stealth is your #1 concern, you may not have to read any further – the Mavic Pro may be calling your name. However, the purpose of this article is to educate consumers on why they may want – or not want – the Mavic Pro…so read on for more. [Read more…]

Drone Aerial Photography at the Golden Hour

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The Golden Hour often begins when the tours buses depart that iconic location, tired people head home for dinner or (in the morning) when you just want to hit that snooze button one more time. However, this time period offers a special bonus to Camera Drone pilots.

If filming at golden hour was convenient, then everyone would do it. It takes commitment – but getting up early, or staying up late for that shot is totally worth it. It’s the magic hour or so after the sun rises and before it fully sets that truly can make your images come alive.

Golden House - Credit: Brent Foster

Golden Hour – Credit: Brent Foster

Why? Well, it’s simple. The higher the sun gets, the less shadows you see, therefore the flatter your images look. Alongside the shadows, the sun makes the world feel warmer due to the sun’s rays having to penetrate more atmosphere during that magical hour.

Of course, too many clouds in the sky can completely ruin the shot you’re setting out to achieve and make you wish you’d slept in, but the times you set up and have the perfect conditions will make you come back again and again.

Below are a few tips (outside of getting your butt out of bed!) to maximize your golden hour capturing experience:

Vineyards at Golden Hour (Droneflyers.com)

Vineyards at Golden Hour (Droneflyers.com)

1) Lower is often better:
Flying high can work for some images and video, but staying low can often be more effective and really demonstrate the power of a drone vs a full-scale helicopter. Planning your shot, and treating the drone like a production tool such as a crane, jib, or slider can be much more powerful than simply flying until you’re out of battery. [Read more…]

DJI Phantom 4 – Computer Vision – Part 3 of our Review/Rating

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In part one and part two of our first look at the DJI Phantom 4, we explored the improved construction and upgrading of the various assemblies. At first glance it would appear a Phantom 4 is a “perfected” Phantom 3 Pro. However, there is one major new innovation which makes this a revolutionary model- Computer Vision! This feature – and the current and future ramifications – will be explored in this post.

Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Obstacle Avoidance – what does it all mean? [Read more…]

Drone Sales Forecasts released by CTA

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July, 2016

The CTA (Consumer Technology Association) has released their projections for the US and worldwide Drone market for the years 2016-2020. Droneflyers.com was proud to provide essential data and consulting to the CTA (produces of the CES Show in Las Vegas) in order to help them provide the most accurate projections possible.

After studying their new report we conclude that they did a fine job in comparison to their earlier models. Here are some of the highlights and some editorial on their projections and the market in general.

Highlights – and some of our opinions!

The US represents approx. 25% of all Consumer Drone revenue worldwide. This figure is probably lower than the former 30% as the ROW (Rest of World), especially China and Europe, increase in sales and importance.
[Read more…]

ALTI – Double hybrid VTOL UAS Announced

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The ALTI Transition is a radically new VTOL unmanned aerial aircraft, developed from the ground up as an advanced fixed wing system with the ability to take-off and land vertically, anywhere. A powerful electric VTOL system allows the Transition to take-off and land in confined spaces and once at altitude, a 20cc four stroke petrol motor keeps the system airborne for up to 6 hours with support for a wide range of payloads and sensors that can quickly be swapped out and setup. Fully featured autonomous PX4 based open and proprietary software and hardware avionics system with easy to use ground control systems to suite. [Read more…]

How Video and Photography Drones Work

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How Video and Photography Drones Work
For Beginners and those who want to know the basics behind these miracle machines.

Drones are in the news almost daily with millions being sold and flown. However, many are not familiar with the mechanics of how they work. This article will provide a basic explanation of the systems that keep a modern Camera Drone flying.

Is it Magic?

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” – Arthur C. Clarke

For our more logical minds, it may help to rename magic to “sensor fusion” which is defined as:
“combining of sensory data or data derived from disparate sources such that the resulting information has less uncertainty than would be possible when these sources were used individually.”

Some fancy words…for sure! An example might help. Most modern automobiles have anti-lock brakes which use various sensors and computers to acheive a better result than a human driver would. Based on the slippage of the tires, the steering angle and other such inputs, the anti-lock systems makes decisions which help your car stay on the road. It is only the combination of these sensors (sensor fusion) and the proper programming which makes the system function as intended.

Modern camera quadcopters, such as the Phantom 3 or Phantom 4 series, need to have control of multiple systems:

The flying machine itself
The camera/gimbal combination
Radio Control between the ground and the drone.

Keeping the drone AND the camera steady and under control results in the desired end – butter smooth video and stunning photographs.

Multirotor Flight Control Sensors and Instruments [Read more…]

5 Reasons Why DJI GO Only Scratches the Surface of your DJI Drone Potential

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By: Kevin Mukai – http://www.nvdrones.com

DJI GO is the primary application that many DJI pilots use to fly their drone. However, while DJI GO is great for most users, it often does not sufficiently satisfy the many tastes diverse pilots around the world yearn for.

Thanks to DJI’s SDK (Software or Solutions Development Kit), there are now other applications that DJI pilots can easily install on their mobile device for a completely different (and many times, superior) flying experience. It’s not uncommon to hear pilots say that they don’t trust 3rd-party applications – for the record, I don’t blame them. Your drone is a big investment and you don’t want to risk anything happening.

With that said, the top 3rd-party DJI apps have thousands of users and substantial flying hours and testing under their belts. I’ve had conversations with many pilots who trust these 3rd-party apps more than they trust DJI GO because of better connectivity, control, and other factors that I’ll outline below.

Without further ado, here are 5 reasons why DJI GO only scratches the surface of your DJI drone’s potential. [Read more…]

Yuneec Typhoon H Hexacopter – Is it for you?

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Yuneec Typhoon H Hexacopter – Is it for you?

Another year – and another batch of new drones which are heralded as “revolutionary” or “game changers”. Such descriptions are thrown about by many in this industry – but we here at Droneflyers.com prefer the old fashioned items called “Facts”, “Specifications” and “Experiences”. Differences in various models can be measured against each other to provide a true indication of value.

First Pilots are Reporting Problems

The Yuneec Typhoon H (shortened to H) hit the market (June, 2016) – and without the RealSense obstacle avoidance modules which were promised. The current model is being offered for $1299 – quite a bit less than the $1799 first advertised. The addition of the RealSense module, when available, will bring the price back up the range original quoted.

No amount of factory testing or engineering can replace thousands of users flying a new drone.
All of the initial orders have been delivered and many have started flying the H. Unfortunately, there have been many malfunctions, crashes and QC problems. You can read for yourself over at the Yuneec Pilots Forums – but the problems seem to be:
1. GPS Problems- Yuneec has admitted to this.
2. Camera Quality – experienced photographers have declared the camera to be sub-par and not up to the level of the DJI equipment. There are also many Quality Control problems (out of focus, etc.) with the included camera.
3. Lack of Documentation – poor or non-existent documentation is causing many problems.

Large numbers of the first buyers have had to send their drones back to Yuneec for repair. Some of the crashes and malfunctions are not covered under warranty (Yuneec does not warrant against crashing).

The Elephant in the Room – Comparison to DJI Models

Customers shopping for a low cost camera drone have very limited options. At present there are two companies which together represent over 80% of this market – DJI (70%) and Yuneec (10%). This makes it obvious why initial articles about the Yuneec H compare it to DJI…and why prospective customers are looking for accurate and/or unbiased information on both brands.

The Yuneec Typhoon H is a Flying Camera!

Yes – somewhat obvious! This is the entire reason for the existence of this ($500-$1500) market segment. Yet, for some reason, many of the articles about the H seem to gloss over those two words:

Flying (reliability, etc.) – How far does it fly? How well does it fly? How safe is it to fly? What type of systems are integrated so that it doesn’t fly where you don’t want it to (crash, etc.)?

Camera (Image Quality, etc.) – How good is the camera? What is the bitrate (one indicator of quality) of the camera and how good is the lens? Are the settings easiy accessible and can budding pilots get the most out of the camera easily?

In our opinion, these two metrics determine the reasons why a consumer would choose one model over another. There are others but they are of lesser importance:
Warranty and Customer Service
Build Quality
Portability
Style/Design
Expandability/Flexibility
Community (other experts who help users)
Brand Loyalty

Let’s start with the quick summary of both of these important metrics so those who don’t want to read a long article can get a sense of whether the H offers something new and revolutionary.
[Read more…]