DJI Spark
battery life: 16 min
max speed: 31 mph
onboard camera: yes
controller type: remote
The company DJI has produced and expanded a large line of its quadcopters. The compact DJI Spark is the first mini-drone of the company. The weight of DJI Spark drone is only 300 grams, and it is even much more compact than DJI Mavic Pro in size. Spark is not a nano drone, but it is a small, compact and portable. It has new flight modes, so anyone can enjoy it.
DJI Spark is produced for the widest range of users. It is a compact device which is comfortable to take with you. Spark is very easy to manage and ready for flying in just a few seconds.
If you want to compare DJI Spark with DJI Spark quadcopters of Mavic and Phantom series, you will notice that this DJI Spark is really more reasonable and more easy-to-use device.
DJI Spark drone can be controlled with the help of gestures. You do not need a mobile device, tablet or a remote controller (which is an optional accessory). Just wave your hand in the right direction and Spark will fly to the point you need. You can easily take a selfie, panorama photos, and short videos. It should be mention that all Spark images are bright with very little color aberration and distortion.
Drone Key Specs
AIRCRAFT
- Takeoff Weight: 300 g
- Dimensions: 143×143×55 mm
- Diagonal Distance (propellers excluded): 170 mm
- Max Ascent Speed: 9.8 ft/s (3 m/s) in Sport Mode without wind
- Max Descent Speed: 9.8 ft/s (3 m/s) in Auto Landing Mode
- Max Speed: 31 mph (50 kph) in Sport Mode without wind
- Max Flight Time: 16 minutes (no wind at a consistent 12.4 mph (20 kph))
- Max Hovering Time: 15 minutes (no wind)
- Operating Temperature Range: 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
- Satellite Positioning Systems: GPS/GLONASS
REMOTE CONTROLLER
- Operating Frequency: 2.412-2.462 GHz; 5.745-5.825 GHz
- Max Transmission Distance – 2.412 – 2.462 GHz (unobstructed, free of interference)
FCC: 1.2 mi (2 km); CE: 0.3 mi (500 m)
SRRC: 0.3 mi (500 m); MIC: 0.3 mi (500 m)Max Transmission Distance – 5.745 – 5.825 GHz (unobstructed, free of interference)
FCC: 1.2 mi (2 km); CE: 0.18 mi (300 m)
SRRC: 0.7 mi (1.2 km); MIC: – - Operating Temperature Range: 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
- Battery: 2970mAh
- Operating Current/Voltage: 950mA @ 3.7V
CAMERA
- Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS, Effective pixels: 12 MP
- Lens: FOV 81.9° 25 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.6 (shooting range: 2 m to ∞)
- Electronic Shutter Speed: 2-1/8000 s
- Image Size: 3968×2976; 1440×1080 with ShallowFocus; 2300×1280 with Pano (horizontal); 960×1280 with Pano (vertical)
- Max Video Bitrate: 24 Mbps
DJI drone has already attracted the whole world. In fact, it has a number of benefits. Firstly, it is a very compact device, so it can be easily fit in your arm. In addition to this, the DJI Spark drone has a lot of other benefits. The drone is very strong. DJI Spark is a mini-drone which allows everyone to seize the most valuable life moments. It includes new technological experience, going with its wonderful design.
DJI Spark has multiple specs. DJI Spark controller allows you to coordinate the drone with one flash of your hand. You are able to be completely inspired by your new, fresh ideas as well as with this drone. Just using hand gestures you may set DJI Spark direction.
FaceAware function wonders every drone users and not only. With FaceAware function, a little Spark lifts from your hand, recognizing your face. It takes off and floats in place for a few seconds of powering on. It is able not only to lift from your hand but also to trace you, somebody else or any other moving object.
Intelligent Flight Modes and intuitive controls are able to create amazing cinematic aerial videos, using a Smartphone or a tablet.
If you want to share life moment with friends, but do not have much time, there is a great option for you. The DJI GO 4 application contains automatic editing templates and a lot of filters. You can edit videos and share them on social networks. Now your friends and relatives, who are far from you, can be always in touch with you.
The main engineers’ goal was to create the drone as compact as possible. That is why they had to sacrifice some moments. The DJI Spark camera can rotate only up or down. You cannot turn it left or right. In order to do it, you need to turn the drone itself. But, in fact, it is not a big problem.
DJI Spark is equipped with GPS and GLONASS modules, so that is why the flight plans can be built directly on the map (up to 30 meters). The DJI drone is equipped with all the necessary sensors that protect the device from falling down, as well as to face with other objects. If the drone loses touch with the console, it will fly back to the preset home point.
What concerns the flight protection, DJI has GEO system. How does it work? It informs you about where the drone may flight safety. It informs you with security concerns in order to protect the drone from various obstacles and undesirable problems. It is necessary to provide the DJI Spark flight with safety, security, and reliability.
Design and setup
The DJI Spark drone is tiny. Spark has an aerodynamic, lightweight, attractive design. With the help of its lightweight design, Spark is able to shot with a minimal wind resistance. The overall DJI Spark size is compact. Its dimensions are 143 x 143 x 55 millimeters. The weight of DJI Spark mini-drone is 0.3 kg. Although the drone is small (it would be better to call it compact), the device is able to boost its incredible features and functions.
Like the Mavic Pro, this DJI Spark drone is also built of a rigid grey frame. It has a colored cap on top. There are various colors of it: white, blue, red, green and yellow.
Spark is not foldable, though it has removable and folding propellers, which have white stripes on them. You should not remove the propellers for storage.
DJI Spark drone has the tube-like camera below.
On the bottom of the device, there are visioning sensors and another small camera which help to control the flight of drone.
The drone has 4 rubber feet. Two of them are located on the front of the drone, and the other two are on the back of the battery.
On the back of the craft is the power button on the battery itself. Above that is located a small door with “SPARK” written on it. Open this door in order to reveal micro USB port and micro SD slot (SD memory) to store images and video.
There are 2 ways to setup Spark:
Connect DJI Spark with your mobile device or a tablet, move to the DJI GO 4 and follow the instructions to activate the drone.
Go to DJI GO 4’ main page and scan QR Code. With the help of your mobile device camera, scan QR code in the aircraft’s battery compartment. Follow the next instructions to set up the drone.
Battery Life and Recharge Time
This new DJI drone has an Intelligent Flight Battery, which provides the device with power and necessary protection. Spark includes a high energy density LiPo battery, which weight is 95 grams. It has also 12 intelligent protection functions which provide a safe flight.
The maximum drone speed is 50 km/h in the sports mode. Maximum flight time is 16 minutes (where the speed can be only 20 km/h). The DJI Spark battery can be charged from a conventional external battery via a USB cable.
With the help of GPS signal, battery evaluates remaining flight time, telling you when the drone needs to land. DJI drone automatically returns to its start point. It is necessary if the battery is low and needs for a charge. DJI flies back, sensing all the obstacles in its way.
The full battery charge using USB charger will take approximately 80 minutes. Using Charging Hub, the process of battery charging will take near 50 minutes (for one battery), 55 minutes for 2 batteries and it will take 85 minutes for charging three batteries simultaneously.
It is recommended to fully charge Spark battery at least once every 3 months.
How can you charge the Drone battery?
Insert the micro USB, which comes with the drone, into the drone’s slot. When you see that the battery is charged, you’ll need to insert a micro SD-card into the drone’s card slot. And, finally, turn on the drone, pressing the power button.
Remember, that you should not remove the battery from the drone during it is charging. If you want to remove the batteries from the aircraft, you should use charging Hub. Charging Hub may help you to charge 3 batteries simultaneously.
The Camera
DJI Spark camera received a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, allowing you to take 12-megapixel photos and shoot video in the Full HD quality.
The drone makes vertical and horizontal panoramas, with the only one press of a button.
It has Mechanical Gimbal Stabilization. The device has two-axis stabilization and UltraSmooth technology. It helps DJI drone to release shake and rolling shutter effect, maintaining stable, detailed and clear images.
The transfer of powerful HD video transition over Wi-Fi is available at a distance of 2 kilometers. It allows making real-time video transmission at a distance up to 2 km.
The camera includes a powerful f/2.6 wide-angle lens with a 25 mm focal length equivalent.
With the help of TapFly mode, you may only choose the most desirable shoot for you and Spark will capture it. Using vision technology on your mobile device, you need only tap your phone screen in the point you want. DJI drone flies in the direction you choose, avoiding all the obstacles on its way.
ActiveTrack function automatically recognizes objects of different shapes and sizes. How does it work? ActiveTrack tracks the objects, according to what they are where they move. You can track the object in various ways: track it from in front or behind, circle around it and more. Fix the object and trace it. You may perform various actions: play tennis or basketball, dance, celebrate your friend’s party and more. All these actions can be tracked with DJI drone, which will not disturb you, but it will professionally perform its role, tracking your movement and taking desirable photos or making videos.
QuickShots make amazing professional shots for you. So, the best live events are easy to fix. Now you will be able to make short movies in the distance you want. The DJI Spark video looks like the cinematic composition. In addition to this there are 4 camera options, so you may choose the most suitable for your inspiration picture:
Rocket
DJI Spark drone ascends with the camera pointing downward.
Dronie
DJI Spark flies backward and upward focused on the subject.
Circle
DJI Spark circles around the subject.
Helix
DJI Spark flies upward, turning around the subject.
Catching the most interesting, funny and important life moments becomes easier with Gesture Recognition. This function allows you to take selfies with simple hand motions. Just wave your hand, and Spark’s PalmControl mode will do everything itself. Raise or wave your hands, make a frame with your fingers- all this will work with Spark to shot desirable recourse photos. If you want, DJI Spark can slightly land on your arm and make a portrait photo.
DJI Spark’s camera has a 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor. It allows you to shoot video at 1080p and stills at 12 MP. Spark is very sensitive to light, but its pixels allow it to shot in the best way. It records in more detail way, so all your videos or photos will be clear, bright and colorful. DJI Spark camera specs allow you to take photos with the intervals from 2 to 60 seconds.
Spark adopts all two new shooting modes:
Pano
Automatically adjusting its gimbal and heading, Spark drone is able to shoot horizontal and vertical panoramas.
ShallowFocus
3D vision technology helps capture photos with a shallow depth of field. ShallowFocus with its 3D vision technology allows taking photos with a shallow depth of field.
Accessories and Upgradability
Spark Intelligent Flight Battery
The DJI Spark drone has a Lipo 3S 1480 mAh intelligent flight battery band with a voltage of 11.4 V. The battery has a capacity for 16 minutes flight on a single charge (where speed is 20 km/h).
After you powered up your Spark, to update each batter you need to update them all at once.
DJI Spark Remote Controller
DJI Spark with Remote Controller has a great range. The remote controller is DJI Spark range extender. The remote controller includes a new Wi-Fi signal transmission system, which allows controlling the camera at a maximum 2 km (1.2 mi) transmission range. Maximum transmission range can be accessed in the open areas with an approximate altitude of 120 meters. It is a great benefit which allows you to capture amazing landscapes. If you use Spark in Sports Mode, you may notice that the remote controller allows the drone to fly up to 31 mph.
Do you want to enjoy live feed? Connect the controller to your Smartphone. On your mobile device, you will be able to enjoy live feed from the DJI Spark’s onboard camera. DJI Spark with Controller can connect to your mobile (iPhone, Android) or a tablet wirelessly, displaying a live video via DJI GO 4. Using only a phone your drone can fly approximately 100 m away. Max life of the remote controller battery is 2, 5 hours (built-in battery 2970 mAh).
The remote control has a great control benefit. Using joysticks and dedicated buttons, you may appreciate its easy operating system. It also allows you to fly easily and provides you with large visibility. Using your mobile screen you may lose this visibility. Fingers, trying to choose the appropriate distance, become to be the obstacles. That is why you will not be able to see exactly what the drone sees via the camera. It may lead to problems. But DJI Spark remote controller solves this problem easily.
Spark Quick-Release Folding Propellers
Spark propellers are light and foldable. It is quite good because the drone is not heavy itself. Light propellers allow Spark to move easily, performing various moving options.
The great importance of DJI Spark work leads in its upgradability. DJI often releases firmware updates for their products and this drone model is not the exception. Upgrading is very valuable for the work of drone. It fixes bugs, improves functions and adds new features.
A new firmware upgrade improves the Spark battery management system, optimizing its power during flight.
Thanks to the DJI GO 4 app the process of DJI Spark firmware upgrading is simple even for a beginner. DJI GO 4 allows making a clip with the help or recorded video and any music.
DJI Spark Case
There are a lot of DJI Spark cases: Oukey DJI Spark case, Myriann carrying case, Nanuk cases and more. Cases are important for the drone. They are necessary for its storage and transportation. If you do not buy some case, your drone may be accidentally damaged.
The best cases of this drone are:
- MYRIANN EVA Portable DJI Spark Backpack
- PolarPro DJI Spark Case
- Deyard Waterproof Portable DJI Spark Carrying Case
- HermitShell Hard EVA Palm DJI Spark Case
- Hobby-Ace Hard Carry Case for DJI Spark
DJI Spark Upgradability
Here are some tips which will help you to upgrade your device.
Step 1
Before Spark’s upgrading, you need to download the DJI GO app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Connect your mobile device to the Internet. Check the mobile battery (it should be fully charged). Connect the mobile device to the remote controller and aircraft (both the remote controller and aircraft should be 100% charged).
Step 2
If you have already checked your mobile device, aircraft and remote controller battery go to the next step- Spark firmware updating. You will do it with the help of DJI GO app (as it was mentioned above). When you have downloaded the DJI GO app to your mobile phone or a tablet, you need to launch the app. All you need is to tap “Update now” in order to go to the update firmware option. Then, tap “Download now”. It will lead you to the latest DJI update. Change to your DJI Spark’s own Wi-Fi signal. Go to the DJI Go 4 app and select “Start Update”. Wait until the process finish and do not turn the drone off. If you notice the drone upgrading is installed, click “OK”. You will notice the banner at the top of your screen. Restart DJI Spark. Make sure that your overall status reads “Normal” before using the drone.
What are the purchasing options for Spark?
There are 2 purchasing options which may show you the possible ways (purchasing options) to buy the drone. The first option to buy the drone as it is: the only drone that is ready to use with the help of your mobile phone or hand gestures.
The second possible way (purchasing option) is the Spark Fly More Combo. Using this option you’ll get charging hub and extra battery, a carrying bag and a lot of other smart options. This option will be more expensive, but you’ll get the valuable option for your drone- a useful remote control for the DJI Spark drone. The DJI Spark’s Remote Controller is created to control the drone direction in flight. In addition to this, remote controller helps to take photos and record videos.
Ease of Use
DJI Spark is completely easy to use, even for a beginner. You can choose the way which will be the most comfortable for you to control the drone. You may use gestures, phone or tablet. As the additional option, you can buy a remote controller. It is very easy to control the drone with gestures. Spark is able to automatically identify you and track your movements. Remember, before you start using the drone, read DJI Spark controller manual attentively.
PROS
CONS
Drone review: Bottom line
This DJI Spark drone is equipped with the latest technology: intelligent flight modes, smart intelligent flight battery, mechanical stabilization, and a great camera that guarantees desirable video and photo images. Its design and compact size are very attractive. If you like traveling, you may take this drone and put it into your bag. Making amazing pictures and videos will be not very easily, but also comfortably. DJI Spark is perfect for those people who like to travel, and those who do not need a video in 4K Ultra. The DJI Spark has a compact size and great features. It makes this drone more desirable to own and operate.
