Yep, fixes ALL of the things wrong with the Spark (for me): RAW images, 3-axis, longer flight time (of course, even longer still would be nice).
(Actually, does it have detection cameras in the rear?)
Certainly does
That's great news too.
I tested a Spark for a long weekend, but decided against buying due to the issues above.
I'll be buying an Air (well, once the price stabilises).
Well considering their whole selling point was based around having something that you can take with you anywhere I think they've done a splendid job. Especially considering it's effectively the same if not better than the Mavic yet half the size.
Yep, fixes ALL of the things wrong with the Spark (for me): RAW images, 3-axis, longer flight time (of course, even longer still would be nice).
(Actually, does it have detection cameras in the rear?)
It's not that it's bad (it's good if you don't own a drone) but I was hoping for a Mavic 2 and instead got a Spark Pro. It's not as good as the mavic for many reasons some of which:
1) Flight Time - 9 minutes less than the platinum
2) It uses WiFi which is terrible on the spark and although better on this it will be nowhere near as good as the Mavic ie less range and more prone to interference.
3) Range - not as good as mavic due to above
3) Controller does not have any display - yes I know you use the phone but when the app crashes (and it will) it's nice to still have some readings
.
Re your comment about wifi......
As you know the Spark uses a 2.412 - 2.462 GHz 5.745 - 5.825 GHz wireless control signal when used with the controller, Mavic uses 2.400 - 2.483 GHz. I have never has the app crash. Range is indeed less than the Mavic's but it should be flown in sight anyway.
LOL what are you talking about the Mavic and Spark use totally different technology, I don't care what GHz you think you're quoting the Mavic uses Ocusync which are far superior. Between myself and my mate we have the Spark, Mavic and Phantom 4 Pro+ and I can tell you for sure that the Spark does not achieve the stated range and often looses signal after 200M and very prone to interference. Out of the lot the Mavic is the most stable and reliable, the Phantom uses Lightbridge which has some advantages however that will get video signal breakup way before the Mavic, in fact I can't remember ever having a problem or loss of signal.
If you have not had an app crash you will. I have been using drones with iOS for over a year and the first app crash was last week. My mate who uses Andriod and has had much more. So it's not a case of if but when.
Over a year eh! Wow!
Well judging from your posting style I was flying my Inspire when you were still at school.
Well I was going to say something along the lines of big drone for failing eyesight, but in respect for my elders I won't.
I was responding to the fact that you said "It uses WiFi which is terrible on the spark". The connection between user and Spark is NOT wifi if the controller is used. You did not seem aware of that. At least you know now.
Please educate us youngsters further what is it?
I already did.
With regard to range, I have managed the claimed 300 meters with the Spark and RC. The datasheet seems to suggest Mavic Air can do 500 meters outside FCC territories. It would have been nice to get Mavic Pro's radio system to make it an all-round upgrade from Spark, rather than a mediocre upgrade for an existing Spark user.
The Air looks fantastic, if I were to buy a drone now, this will be my number 1 choice. Video quality isn't really my biggest concern. Biggest selling point for me are:
Biggest reason I didn't buy Mavic Pro was because I know I will crash it and the gimbal will be destroyed. I bought a Spark in 2017 and have crashed it a few times, even once almost full sport speed into a car park metal support. Despite those crashes, my Spark still flys beautifully and I have no fear to turn on sport mode and have fun with it.
- Foldable
- 3 axis gimbal and it looks sturdy, well protected
- Backwards sensor to help with auto shots.
- Removable RC sticks for portability
- Small enough to be mistaken for a toy drone
With regard to range, I have managed the claimed 300 meters with the Spark and RC. The datasheet seems to suggest Mavic Air can do 500 meters outside FCC territories. It would have been nice to get Mavic Pro's radio system to make it an all-round upgrade from Spark, rather than a mediocre upgrade for an existing Spark user.
I have never had a drone before. I can buy a lightly used Mavic Pro with just the 1 battery, rucksack etc for £700 or a new Mavic Air for £769 (not the fly more package)
Any thought anyone? Will be used in the mountains when hiking/camping and weekends away in the caravan with the family, a mixture of video and photos.
I’ve had the Pro and have the Air now and I think the Air is much more fun, portable and just as good camera wise than the Pro except for focusing. Also the Pro has all the issues with the camera and painterly effect but I don’t see those on the Air in the time I’ve used it. It’s really up to you though, watch comparison videos and look at sample videos and images from them both.
i would get the Air, the video is considerably improved over Mavic pro.
Stills not so different.
Control seems a bit more sloppy, something of a step backwards but perfectly adequate.
Or - wait for forecast Mavic Pro II late March - it will be over £1000 though.
I'd expect a camera similar to Air and range/control/battery life similar to Pro.
i would get the Air, the video is considerably improved over Mavic pro.
Stills not so different.
Control seems a bit more sloppy, something of a step backwards but perfectly adequate.
Or - wait for forecast Mavic Pro II late March - it will be over £1000 though.
I'd expect a camera similar to Air and range/control/battery life similar to Pro.
It's just a feature of using wifi compared to Mavic Pro Occusync.When you say control is more sloppy do you mean the actual controller or the bird?
It's just a feature of using wifi compared to Mavic Pro Occusync.
There's a bit more lag and you are likely to get brief drop outs with the video feed freezing briefly at much closer range than with the Mavic Pro
It works reasonably well in FCC zones but the CE area has significantly lower power output unless you dabble.
Completely new to this drone lark so please bear with my naivety. I'm considering getting a drone, would probably be second hand. I would be looking to shift some camera gear to fund the drone and would budget for around £400. So, any gudiance on where to look etc would be great .
I've noticed the Yuneec Q500, a little over budget but I might be tempted for new as I could trade with WEX. Any good?
ta.
Avoid the Yuneec it is rubbish, the controller has a built in screen but no features and poor display. The range on it is terrible we had disconnects at a couple of hundred metres. The picture quality was OK but that's as far as it goes and it is massive!
£400 I'd look at a used phantom or save a bit more and get a Mavic Pro if you want portability - prices may drop soon if the rumoured Mavic 2 get launched.
Price drop already in full swing. Seen up to as much as £200 off the fly more package and I doubt it’ll get increased any more.
I'm bartering over a second hand Mavic Pro, he started out looking £800, will now accept £630. Check local free ads sites or facebook groupsDo you have a link please Kris?
Even cheaper at Drones Direct: https://www.dronesdirect.co.uk/p/6958265138003/dji-mavic-pro-4k-foldable-drone-ultimate-bundle
£750 on its own https://www.dronesdirect.co.uk/p/6958265134012/dji-mavic-pro-4k-folding-camera-drone
Even cheaper at Drones Direct: https://www.dronesdirect.co.uk/p/6958265138003/dji-mavic-pro-4k-foldable-drone-ultimate-bundle
£750 on its own https://www.dronesdirect.co.uk/p/6958265134012/dji-mavic-pro-4k-folding-camera-drone