DJI launched its tiny drone today, called the SPARK and it really should spark your interest. This drone is packed full of features, including awesome video capture. Get your order in now, by clicking the banner below.
DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial technology, Tuesday revolutionized personal flight by introducing Mavic Pro – a portable, powerful and easy-to-use drone featuring DJI’s most innovative flight technology in a sleek, foldable package that enables creative fun wherever you go.
Mavic Pro is DJI’s first personal drone designed to be taken just about anywhere. Small enough to toss in a bag and easy enough to launch quickly whenever the time and place are right, its unique folding design compresses the entire drone to practically the size of a water bottle.
The compact body of Mavic Pro holds a drone built for uncompromising performance. Equipped with a stabilized 4K camera and a visual navigation system, with a 4.3 mile (7 km) range and 27 minute flight time, Mavic Pro sets the new standard for compact drones.
“DJI has spent a decade making it easier for anyone to fly, and by rethinking everything about how a drones look, we have created an entirely new type of aerial platform for anyone to explore their creativity,” said Frank Wang, DJI’s CEO and founder.
“Mavic Pro is a technological triumph filled with features that once again show how DJI leads the industry. Most importantly, Mavic Pro allows you to reach the skies easily, see the world with new eyes and tell your stories like never before.”
Mavic Pro is designed to be ultra portable and quick to launch so it can take to the skies as soon as you need it. With four folding arms and propellers that tuck neatly away against its streamlined body, it can be easily carried in a purse or backpack, saving you the trouble of mounting propellers before a flight. It can be operated by the powerful long range remote controller, or simply by your smartphone at shorter range. When controlled by a smartphone, the whole system can be set up and airborne in less than a minute to capture every key moment.
Unparalleled Flight Experience
DJI’s commitment to unparalleled stability, maneuverability and safety is clear in Mavic Pro’s new FlightAutonomy system. FlightAutonomy is Mavic Pro’s brain and nervous system, a complex network of hardware and software consisting of five cameras, GPS and GLONASS navigation systems, a pair of ultrasonic range finders, redundant sensors and 24 powerful computing cores.
FlightAutonomy can position, navigate and plan routes for Mavic Pro, enabling it to avoid obstacles in various environments, with or without the help of satellite signals. FlightAutonomy provides a significant boost in working range and can cope with complex 3D environments. For navigation and obstacle avoidance, FlightAutonomy provides a superb speed-range envelope to make Mavic Pro self-navigational in various intelligent flight modes, and will avoid most obstacles at speeds up to 22 mph (36 kph).
An ultra light and aerodynamic airframe, together with DJI’s state-of-the-art propulsion and battery system, enables Mavic Pro to fly for up to 27 minutes. To experience the pure joy of flying, Mavic Pro can be switched to Sport Mode, which allows speeds of up to 40 mph (64.8 kph), increasing the drone’s agility and responsiveness. Mavic Pro flies smoothly and will remain stable in winds of up to 24 mph (38.5 kph), and uses DJI’s GEO geofencing system to help identify restricted areas, preventing flight in locations that might raise safety or security concerns automatically, and helping pilots make smarter decisions about when and where to fly.
As with all DJI drones, Mavic Pro is set to automatically return to its launch location if it ever loses contact with the controller or reaches critically low battery levels. The new Precision Landing feature records a burst of video with two stereo cameras every time Mavic Pro launches, then uses both video and satellite information when it returns to land within an inch of where it took off. If a pilot lets go of the controls, the drone will simply hover in place.
Advanced Stabilized Camera System
Mavic Pro’s small size is packed with powerful features. DJI’s advanced technology now includes our smallest-ever three-axis gimbal for shake-free photos and video. The autofocus camera features a minimum focusing distance of just 19 in (0.5 m) and can be flipped 90 degrees to portrait mode for vertical selfies and video. Mavic Pro records 4K video at 30fps and full 1080p HD at 96fps. Its 12-megapixel camera with Adobe DNG RAW support has been expertly tuned for aerial images. With the help of the high-precision gimbal, you can confidently shoot 2-second-long exposures in the air to get the most jaw-dropping aerial images.
New Remote and Live View Performance
A revolutionary new compact remote controller has been designed to provide a fully ergonomic experience with optimum comfort, and can accommodate a smartphone or control Mavic Pro on its own. Its built-in LCD screen displays essential telemetry data, while dedicated buttons for functions such as Return-to-Home and pausing during Intelligent Flight modes ensure a confident flight every single time. The video link system, OcuSync, represents new heights in DJI’s communication technology. It supports a range up to 4.3 miles (7 km) and live view resolutions up to 1080p.
The new band management algorithm makes OcuSync more robust in environments with many frequencies in operation. Mavic Pro is equipped with dual-band WiFi as a secondary link, allowing easy control via your smartphone for close range operation or for quick downloading of content from Mavic Pro straight to your device.
Most Intelligent Drone Ever
The powerful systems inside Mavic Pro are easy to use, even for beginners. Using just your phone’s touchscreen, you can use TapFly to direct Mavic Pro to go wherever you want, avoiding obstacles along the way. When you want to take a hands-free selfie, FlightAutonomy makes it possible to control the drone completely with just your gestures.
In Gesture mode, you can use gestures to have Mavic Pro locate you, center you in the frame and take the perfect shot as Mavic Pro’s flashing lights count down to the photo. Sharing your best aerial moments has never been easier with live streaming to Facebook Live, Periscope and YouTube through the DJI GO app.
An updated version of DJI’s ActiveTrack recognizes common subjects such as people, bicyclists, cars, boats and animals, which then sends Mavic Pro to follow behind, lead in front, circle above or track alongside the subject, keeping the camera focused on the subject while you concentrate on flight maneuvers. The new Terrain Follow mode means that you can race up a slope behind a subject while remaining at a constant height between 1 ft (0.3 m) and 33 ft (10 m).
At the other extreme, the new Tripod Mode is designed for indoor use, slowing and fine-tuning Mavic Pro’s position and angle based on controller movement inputs to allowing for precision framing and safe indoor flight.
Immerse Yourself
Mavic Pro also pairs with DJI’s new immersive DJI Goggles, displaying an 85-degree view from the drone in full 1080p for a true bird’s-eye view of the world below. With built-in OcuSync, the goggles receive video directly from Mavic Pro in the air and not through the controller, reducing lag to a minimum – and allowing you to share the in-flight view with a friend.
Specially designed for aerial first-person view (FPV) applications, DJI Goggles allows you to flick between third person view and FPV in under a second. You can comfortably wear your glasses while wearing the goggles and quit FPV mode instantly by flipping the mask up.
Price and Availability
Mavic Pro’s U.S. retail price will be $999 with the remote controller included, and $749 without the remote controller. Additional Mavic Pro Intelligent Flight Batteries will cost $89. A Mavic Pro Fly More Combo, which includes a Mavic Pro, two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, extra propellers, a charging hub, an adapter, a car charger and a shoulder bag, will be available for $1,299. If you are in the UK, you can also purchase the Mavic Pro here.
Mavic Pro is immediately available for pre-order at dji.com/mavic and will begin shipping October 15. It will also be available in mid-October at DJI’s three flagship stores in Shenzhen, Seoul and Hong Kong. Mavic Pro can also be ordered on Apple.com and will be available in Apple Stores in early November.
DJI Care Refresh
A new optional protection plan, DJI Care Refresh, is available in select countries and provides peace of mind for Mavic Pro owners. DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage to the Mavic Pro aircraft, gimbal or camera during normal use for up to 12 months, and for an additional charge will offer up to two full replacements that are new or equivalent to new. DJI Care Refresh is available for $99 before a new Mavic Pro is activated, or within the first 48 hours after activation.
Last Monday was a very exciting day for me. I have been reviewing technology, along with a good mix of digital and action cameras for almost ten years. OK, so I am not a surfer or skydiver, but the flexibility that an action camera offers for mounting in awkward places, is amazing. My current GoPro has been on the outside of my BMW many times and it always results in amazing video footage.
So, back to Monday … GoPro announced some amazing new products including two new HERO5 cameras. The new HERO5 Session now offers voice activation and 4K video capture, all in its diminutive cube form factor. Alongside this, we are also being treated to a new HERO5 Black camera, which now sports a touchscreen. This flagship model is also waterproof without the need for an external housing.
As if that was not enough, the GoPro Karma drone was also announced. It folds down into a very compact package which you can carry to your destination in the “included” backpack. Taking it to the skies is straightforward too, with auto take-off and landing controlled by this neat controller with a built in screen. In contrast to my previous drone experience, this looks far superior, with no need to mess around connecting a smartphone or tablet to the controller.
To further extend the flight and recording experience, it is possible to have a friend join the action with their smartphone and control the camera, whilst you fly the Karma drone.
Not content with literally taking our video creativity to new heights, the Karma has a clever trick up its sleeve. You can remove the gimbal from the front of the drone and attach it to a hand-held unit or even to an existing mount (perhaps on the strap of your backpack). This allows you to capture super smooth footage and ground level or indeed up in the sky.
I am extremely excited about the potential the new Karma drone and GoPro HERO5 will bring and will be bringing you full reviews and ongoing videos produced with these new products. Stay tuned.
Full press release …
SAN MATEO, Calif., (September 19, 2016) – GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) today unveiled new products and services that dramatically simplify the process of capturing, editing and sharing engaging content, establishing GoPro as an end-to-end storytelling solution.
GoPro’s founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman, introduced a new line of HERO5 cameras, cloud-based software, and drone, Karma, to international press at the base of Squaw Valley, CA, near Lake Tahoe. The event was broadcast live and can be seen HERE.
“With these new products, we’re delivering on our promise to make it easy to capture and share engaging stories,” said Woodman. “HERO5’s ability to auto-upload photos and videos to a GoPro Plus account dramatically simplifies mobile, on-the-go editing, sharing and enjoyment. This is a game-changing experience that we will continue to build upon.”
Woodman adds, “We’re stoked to launch Karma and show how much more it is than a drone. Karma packs Hollywood-caliber aerial, handheld and gear-mounted image stabilization into a backpack for $799. It’s so easy to use, a beginner can have fun straight away.”
In addition to significant gains in performance and convenience, GoPro’s all-new HERO5 line of cameras can auto-upload photos and videos to GoPro Plus, a cloud-based subscription service that makes it easy to access, edit and share GoPro content anytime, anywhere using a phone or computer.
HERO5 Cameras – Cloud-Connected and Simplified.
HERO5 Black – The Best GoPro, Ever. For $399.99.
HERO5 Black is the most powerful, easy-to-use GoPro, ever. Exciting features include:
• 2-inch Touch Display + Simplified Controls
• Video Resolutions up to 4K at 30 Frames per Second
• Professional Quality 12MP Photos
• Auto-Upload of Photos and Video to Cloud when Camera is Charging*
• Voice Control with Support for 7 Languages (additional languages coming)
• Simple 1-Button Control
• Waterproof Without a Housing to 33 Feet (10m)
• Compatible with Existing GoPro Mounts, Including Karma
• Stereo Audio Recording and Advanced Wind Noise Reduction
• Professional-Grade Electronic Video Stabilization
• Distortion-Free Wide Angle Video and Photos with New Linear-ViewSetting
• RAW and WDR Photo Modes
• GPS
HERO5 Black will be available October 2nd for an MSRP of $399.99. Learn more HERE.
HERO5 Session – The Best, Only Smaller. For $299.
HERO5 Session shares the same small design and brilliant convenience of the original HERO Session camera, but benefits from significant performance upgrades:
• Video Resolutions up to 4K at 30 Frames per Second
• Professional Quality 10MP Photos
• Auto-Upload of Photos and Video to Cloud when Camera is Charging*
• Voice Control with Support for 7 Languages (additional languages coming)
• Simple 1-Button Control
• Waterproof Without a Housing to 33 Feet (10m)
• Compatible with Existing GoPro, Mounts Including Karma
• Professional-Grade Electronic Video Stabilization
• Distortion-Free Wide Angle Video and Photos with new Linear-View Setting
HERO5 Session will be available October 2nd for an MSRP of $299.99. Learn more HERE.
KARMA – Much More Than a Drone.
Karma features a compact, fits-in-a-small-backpack design and includes an image-stabilization grip that can be handheld or mounted to vehicles, gear and more. Karma makes it easy for anyone to capture amazingly smooth, stabilized video during almost any activity.
Karma features a painless out-of-the-box experience unlike any other drone in the market:
• Compact and foldable, the entire system fits into the included backpack that’s so comfortable to wear during any activity, users will forget they’ve got it on.
• A game-style controller features an integrated touch display, making it fun, fast and easy to fly without the need for a separate phone or tablet to see what your drone sees.
• The 3-axis camera stabilizer can be removed from the drone and attached to the included Karma Grip for capturing ultra-smooth handheld and gear-mounted footage.
Karma will be available October 23rd in the following bundles:
• Karma without a GoPro camera for $799.99 MSRP
• Karma bundled with HERO5 Black for $1099.99 MSRP
• Karma bundled with HERO5 Session for $999.99 MSRP (available in early 2017)
Learn more about Karma HERE.
GoPro Plus and Quik Apps – Access, Edit and Share Anytime, Anywhere.
GoPro Plus – Game-Changing Convenience.
Offloading and enjoying footage from a GoPro is now as easy as plugging it in to charge. When a HERO5 camera is charging, it can auto-upload photos and videos to GoPro Plus, a cloud-based subscription service that makes it easy to access, edit and share GoPro content anytime, anywhere. Editing and sharing has never been easier with this game-changing experience.
A GoPro Plus subscription also unlocks additional premium benefits:
• Access to an Expansive Library of Music Soundtracks for Editing
• 20% off Mounts and Accessories at GoPro.com
• Exclusive Access to GoPro Apparel
• Premium Support
GoPro Plus supports all camera models* and costs $4.99 per month after a free trial. It will be available in the United States on October 2nd and in additional markets beginningJanuary, 2017. Learn more HERE.
Quik App – Mobile and Desktop Editing Made Awesome.
Editing and sharing content is easy thanks to the Quik app for mobile and desktop. As the name implies, Quik enables users to quickly produce high-quality videos that are fun to create and easy to share.
Using Quik for desktop is simple. Import your videos, pick your favorite moments, choose a soundtrack from a library of songs, and Quik will automatically edit your video to the beat of the music.
The Quik Mobile App – with more than 17 million downloads -- is a fast, easy way to create awesome videos. In just seconds, Quik analyzes your photos and video clips to find the best moments, adds beautiful transitions and effects, and syncs everything to the beat of the music.
Learn more about Quik for mobile and desktop HERE.
Additional New Products
GoPro is also launching several new accessories later this year:
• Quik Key, a key-chain, micro-USB card reader that plugs into your phone to quickly transfer photos and videos from your GoPro.
• REMO, a voice-activated remote that extends the voice control range of HERO5 cameras while providing one-button remote control.
Learn more about GoPro’s new mounts and accessories HERE.
About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO)
GoPro, Inc. is transforming the way people visually capture and share their lives. What began as an idea to help athletes self-document themselves engaged in their sport, GoPro has become a standard for how people capture themselves engaged in their interests, whatever they may be. From extreme to mainstream, professional to consumer, GoPro enables the world to capture and share its passion in the form of immersive and engaging content.
GoPro, HERO, Karma, and Session, and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, visit www.gopro.com or connect with GoPro on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, and GoPro's The Inside Line.
*GoPro Plus is a subscription service available in select territories. Visit gopro.com/plus for info and availability. Only HERO5 Cameras support auto-uploading to the cloud while charging. Other GoPro camera models can upload to GoPro Plus via the Quik App for desktop.
