DJI’s new drone fits in the palm of your hand

Spark is DJI’s smallest ever drone – it weighs just 300g and has a body that is roughly the size of a Nokia 3310 mobile phone, but with 4 rotors sticking out and a camera that can capture 12mp photos and 1080p high definition video.

Small portable drones, gesture controls and the ability to launch from the palm of your hand. these are all things we have seen from various drone makers over the last couple of years, but they have always seemed a little, well, gimmicky.

Most people, however, will opt to use a smartphone (via DJI’s app) to control the device from up to 109 yards away. As it does this the Spark automatically enters what’s called Gesture Mode, which allows you to control Spark’s movements via hand gestures.

Perry explained that the drone does feature the DJI stabilizing technology and autonomous tech that include two GPS/GLONASS sensors, 3D sensing, a vision positioning system, and 24 computing cores that operate simultaneously.

Unlike the DJI Mavic, the DJI Spark does not have a 3-axis, but only a 2-axis mechanical gimbal.

Drone pilots have a new, compact camera-drone option, with the DJI Spark promising not only portability but piloting so simple you don’t even need a controller.

Here’s a look at its features.

In terms of video capture, the DJI Spark is equipped with a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture Full HD video at 30p and 3,968 × 2,976 resolution images.

For example, “rocket mode” sends the drone up in the air with the camera pointed downwards.

It also has a new mode for shooting video, which allows the drone to shoot a minute of video and automatically cuts it down into a 10-second clip that’s shareable on social media.

Previously introduced Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly and ActiveTrack can also be found on Spark. DJI is adding a new activation process for the drones in the form of a firmware update at the end of this week.

Dronie – the camera faces the subject and flies slowly upward as it backs away from the subject. It also retains features like ActiveTrack and TapFly, which use the drone’s camera to automatically track and follow objects for smooth camera shots. Beyond 16 feet, the Spark can be controlled by a smartphone app up to 1.2 miles away. Sport Mode sets the gimbal to first-person view (FPV) by default, so the camera moves with you as you fly.

This is the #DJI Spark, created to capture your life’s moments. Pano creates panoramas, while ShallowFocus puts the subject in focus and blurs the background.

DJI is obviously including photo/video filters within GO 4, automated editing and exporting/uploading to YouTube, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and other social networks. The gadget will be able to return to its home point automatically with enough Global Positioning System signal. The Spark can fly a maximum of 16 minutes on a single charge. If you’re looking to include the remote controller, that kit will cost you $700, but also includes an extra battery, bag, extra propellors and guards. Pre-orders will start shipping in mid-June.