The DJI Spark or the Parrot Bebop 2 Power, that is the question. Anyone looking to buy a high-end consumer drone this holiday will have to choose between two of the market’s high-flying models.
The DJI Spark Fly More. Image: DJI via AFP Relaxnews
Gesture control for simple shooting
The Spark is a mini-drone that’s packed with top-end technology developed by Chinese manufacturer DJI, the world’s drone market leader in terms of sales. This perfectly portable drone is billed as a nimble, reliable and intuitive flyer. The Spark has a maximum range of 100 meters when piloted via a mobile device or up to 2 kilometers with the remote control. However, it also has an original gesture control system.
This tiny drone can notably lift off from its owner’s hand simply by recognizing their face, or take a high-res selfie by means of a simple hand gesture. It offers various shooting modes, as well as immersive real-time playback of what’s being filmed via a smartphone or a virtual reality headset (sold separately). The drone can even automatically avoid obstacles when traveling between two points. Due to water sensitivity, avoid use in humid weather or fog.
The DJI Spark Fly More pack (with remote controller, spare battery, case, propellers, propeller guards and more) sells for $853 (about P43,000). The drone can also be purchased alone for $499 (about P25,000).
The Parrot Bebop 2 Power. Image: Parrot via AFP Relaxnews
Total immersion in the action
Parrot has unveiled a sleek rival to the DJI Spark with the Bebop 2 Power. This drone has two piloting modes and new aerial shooting functions for spectacular results. Highlights include onboard image composition assistance to get the best out of breathtaking scenery by keeping the right thing in shot, as well as automatic movements to take perfect “dronies” (selfies from the sky).
The Bebop 2 Power has two piloting modes: “Sport” for sky-high races with a top speed of 65 kilometers/hour, and “Video” for shooting top-quality footage of the scenery. With the drone’s Wi-Fi remote, the Skycontroller 2, users can pilot the device at a distance of up to 2 kilometers. The Cockpitglasses 2 headset offers an immersive in-flight experience for virtually soaring over landscapes with a 96-degree angle of view.
The Parrot Bebop 2 Power pack (with remote control, battery and 3D glasses) is available for $549.99 (over P27,000). JB
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