With the power of my hand wave, I could control a digital device — a magical feeling.
Frequently, the Spark functioned as advertised. I guess its because We’re too used to working devices via our fingers or voice controls, not hand movements. So learning just how and when to put up our hands at a prevent sign-like stance to move it about, or waving to have it circle you, will take some time. Not too much of worries as control by hand gesture certainly gets easier after few occasions practising.
Having said that, Spark is among the most fascinating new products of the year. For a start, it’s the FIRST drone to respond to hand gestures and might open the door to additional gesture-controlled consumer devices.
If we could wave controls for a drone, imagine putting those same detectors on TV sets, cellphones and such, and all the different ways we will have the ability to communicate.
And at RM2550, the Spark is selling over half the price cheaper of DJI’s previous consumer drone, the Mavic Guru, which can be compact, but more full-featured.
As soon as you get down it, the Spark gets from power on to into the air faster and easier than any drone I have actually flown.
If you are among the first on the block to find the Spark, then you are probably going to bring in a crowd and win a great deal of new friends, as I did. People loved the series of their hands telling the drone what to do.
But if you would like the full, cinematic picture you are accustomed to seeing in aerial photography, then don’t expect to get it from your hand movements.
However, when you use the gestures to maneuver it, the drone will only move 10 feet into the atmosphere.
DJI has many modes on its Go 4 app to operate the drone more traditionally.The unit comes with a battery that lasts 16 minutes. Therefore it is a good idea to have several batteries in hand.
What you Should Know:
Pricing
While the Spark begins at RM2550, the Fly More Combo that’s priced at RM3250 comes with an additional charger, battery, case and video-game like controller which allows you to fly the Spark at way higher altitudes. You’ll want the extra battery and control.
Specs
The Spark has a 12 megapixel camera and cellphone size image sensor for 1080p HD video. I expected it to be far inferior to the Mavic Guru, which I have, but was amazed with crisp, vibrant and well-exposed pictures. The Mavic shoots in 4K, but the Spark footage looks great.
How it works
When you are ready to fly, you turn on the device, hold the Spark facing you, together with the lens facing your face, click on the battery button twice, and await for it to learn about you. You might even wave at the drone to get it follow you in a circle.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a flying camera which can enjoy fun group selfies, or some thing so light (less thick than a pop can, DJI says) you can easily walk round town with it, the Spark could be for you. It is not that much smaller or lighter than the Mavic, however it’s certainly easier to tote.
But as much fun as the hand waving is, remember that you won’t get these amazing cinematic drone sweeps like this, or have the ability to do simple things like sending the drone on a scenic overlook or panning a sea skyline. Luckily, there’s an app for it.
I received my DJI Spark at http://www.autovacbot.com. You can get your real DJI Spark or other DJI drones at autovacbot too as they market around Malaysia, even Kota Belud!
Reviewing is done for this time. Let us off to have fun with Spark!
Beauty in Distress 