The DJI Spark drone – 13 reasons to buy one this weekend

The DJI Spark, the youngest member of the DJI drone family is in many ways one of our favourite drones off all time. So while you are recovering from your Thanksgiving dinner and surfing the internet on your phone, let us explain to you why the Spark is such an awesome little drone and why right now is the best time to buy one!

Size matters

Contrary to what you may believe, size does matter and the Spark wins hands down in this department. Like photographers tend to say the best camera is the one you have with you. It is the same for drones. The best drone is the one you have with you and when it comes to portability the Spark is hard to beat. It is lightweight, it lacks small and there is always a spot where you can fit the Spark in. So where the Phantom and the Mavic Pro are left at home, I always bring the Spark along.

Flying characteristics

The Spark is compact and lightweight and when it comes to its aerial characteristics these things matter. The Spark is agile and nimble. Easy enough for any newbie to start with and learn to fly a drone. For the more advanced pilots, put the Spark into Sports mode and you will have a blast. The drone changes its personality and turns into a super agile little drone which is a blast to fly.

DJI software

DJI has this stuff figured out. All their drones are precise and accurate in the way you’re able to control them. When you first start out you can fly it in beginner mode and take things slow until you get comfortable. Then of course you have the normal flying mode and the sports mode as well as they intelligent flight modes.

Intelligent flight modes

DJI has a number of intelligent flight modes that you can tap into. Switch on tripod mode when you want to take some landscape photos. Use active track mode if you want the drone to follow you and record your actions on the ski slope. Point of Interest, this is mode where the drone will circle the subject and provide an aerial perspective. Tap to fly, tap the screen on your smart phone to plot the course the drone will fly. It really doesn’t get any easier then this. And there is more on offer.

Fly by hand

You can direct the DJI Spark drone by hand. It will move when you direct it with your palm. It will take photos (dronies) of you when you tell it to do so with handgestures. It will also land in the palm of your hand. Pretty awesome stuff.

Obstacle avoidance

The DJI Spark drone comes with special sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. This work really well and will help you to prevent flying trees and buildings. Keep in mind that there are no sensors at the back of the drone so watch out when flying backwards and the sensors are deactivated in sports mode. Apart from that the DJI Spark has got your back.

Versatility

Next to portability comes versatility. The DJI Spark can be flown with the controller or directly from your smartphone. This makes it very easy to simply bring the Spark drone along and fly whenever you have the chance. No controller. No problem. Keep in mind though that the range is limited when flying from your phone and the sports mode is not available.

Frequent updates

DJI frequently updates both their software as well as their firmware, continuously improving the way the Spark flies. At times DJI adds new features as well such as the new Sphere mode that allows you to take 360 degree panorama photos. DJI keeps improving their products even after you have bought them and that is a good thing.

The accessories

DJI has all the important Spark accessories you would want to buy. From backpacks to propeller guards, batteries, hand guards or even a portable charging station. You name it, DJI has it.

DJI Goggles

The DJI Spark drone is compatible with the DJI Goggles allowing you to experience the emersive first-person point-of-view or allow another person to see what the drone see during its flight. I have one and it takes drone flying to a whole other level. Be sure to get one.

DJI, the brand

DJI is the largest commercial and enthusiast drone manufacturer in the world with an estimated market share of 60-70%. When you buy a DJI drone you are not buying just any drone, you’re buying a drone from the leading drone manufacturer that has been paving the way in many ways with new developments like obstacle avoidance, intelligent flight batteries and Aeroscope. You can trust them to stick around for a while.

Safety

The DJI Spark is a safe drone to for any kind of drone pilot. For the emerging pilot there is the beginner mode. For the more advanced pilots you will have the normal and sports modes. There is an obstacle avoidance feature built-in to the drone to prevent the drone from flying into trees and buildings. Then there is the return home feature that can be activated at any time manually or that will kick in automatically when the drone runs out of juice.

The DJI Spark drone is outfitted with an Intelligent Flight Battery that communicates the level of charge back to the drone pilot. It will warn the pilot when the drone needs to come home. If this is ignored than the drone will return to home automatically. Furthermore the Spark can be ordered and outfitted with propeller guards that will allow you to fly the drone indoors or that will at least protect your fingers.

The price

The DJI Spark is a great drone for a novice drone pilot or an advanced drone operator. This weekend the Spark is on sale like we have never seen before. Our colleagues from 9to5toys have been able to secure a special deal for you where you can pick it up for USD $341 which is the absolute lowest price ever. If you prefer you can also buy the Spark directly from DJI for $399, and in that case it will ship with a landing pad, propeller guards and a hand guard, including free shipping and no sales tax. Either way you can’t go wrong with the Spark.

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving and enjoy flying your drone!

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