DJI Spark

DJI Spark review

Update: We're still waiting for news on a sequel to the DJI Spark, but a recent leaked image and catalog ad have given us a sneak preview of the upcoming DJI Mavic 2. The new drone was originally due to launch on July 18, but DJI has now pushed that date back.

Awesome drone, but...

Awesome little drone, but set-up is pretty complicated and instructions, like most Chinese products, aren't great. Heck, they aren't even good. Plan on watching several YouTube videos to get this set up. But hey, at least the videos are there, and once you get flying it will all be worth it.

Easy handle

The way the drone handles it is really easy for a beginner like me to take great video footage.

DJI Spark Review

The DJI Spark is a $500 palm-size gesture-controlled selfie drone for the masses, but it's hampered by short flying time and an app that could be easier to use. DJI wants everyone to be able to fly a drone. At least, that's the message it seems to be sending with the Spark ($499), the company's smallest aircraft yet. It's a selfie drone you can interact with just by waving your hand. It's also a short-range quadcopter that can be controlled with your smartphone, complete with forward obstacle avoidance and subject tracking capabilities. Add an accessory remote and you've got a very capable bird, with a 31mph top speed and a robust operating range. Can it be all things to all people? Not really. It works well for selfies and quick shots, but battery life is short, the video editing process isn't as easy as promised, and flying with your smartphone is kludgy. If you want a drone, but don't want to have to worry about learning to fly one like a pro, the Spark is worth a look. But if you want a more versatile quadcopter in a small form factor, and are interested in learning to fly it manually, the DJI Mavic Pro is a stronger, albeit more exp...