Drones are getting smaller and more affordable. The newly launched DJI Spark is just the size of a smartphone and focuses on fun personal aerial photography and ease of use.

It can launch from and land on the palm of your hand. It can also be controlled using a smartphone or even by hand gestures alone!

 

Camera

 

The DJI Spark is equipped with a 12.0 Megapixel main camera that can shoot full HD videos. It can also create panoramic images as well as blur the background of photos for a DSLR-like effect.

Its main camera is held by a 2-axis gimbal for stabilization. This allows the mini drone to shoot smooth videos while tracking a subject or following a preset flight path.

 

Flight

The DJI Spark can fly at a maximum speed of 50kph for up to 16 minutes on a fully charged battery. While in flight, it can stream HD videos via Wi-Fi to a controlling smartphone.

It can also fly autonomously by sensing obstacles, return to a preset home location, stay away from no-fly zones and prevent a dead battery in flight. These are all possible thanks to a dual-band GPS system, a powerful CPU, 3D sensing system and a Vision Positioning System or VPS.

 

Price and Availability

The DJI Spark has an official starting price of $499. That’s a little less than ₱25,000.00 for the aircraft, one battery, charger and three pairs of propellers. A more complete package that adds an extra battery, one pair of propeller, hand held remote controller, propeller guards, bag and all cables costs $699.

Pre-orders are no accepted at the DJI Store and the product ships starting mid-June 2017.