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Fujifilm in talks with DJI to make Fuji X-T3 camera work with DJI drones
In a press release today about a future firmware update, we’ve learned that Fujifilm is in talks with DJI to make the Fuji X-T3 camera and other Fuji cameras work with DJI drones. The press release does not say with which DJI drone specifically the X-T3 will work. Could it be the DJI Inspire 3 that we expect to be released next year? In addition to working with DJI drones, Fujifilm also announced that the X-T3 camera will work in a similar fashion with Zhiyun gimbals.
First part New York’s 50-mile drone corridor receives FAA approval for BVLOS
Last week, the first part of New York’s 50-mile drone corridor received approval from the Federal Aviation Authority for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone test flights.
9to5 readers can save up to $430 on CHASING’s Gladius 4K Mini Underwater Drone
Wellbots is back with another offer exclusive to 9to5Toys readers, this time discounting the CHASING Gladius Mini Underwater Drone. Using code 9TO5CHASING at checkout will drop the 100-meter version down to $1,169 shipped. Usually selling for $1,599, like you’ll find at Amazon and B&H, today’s offer marks one of the first discounts we’ve seen and a new all-time low. Taking advantage of the promo code above will discount the 50-meter variant to $1,099, which is $370 off the price you’d usually pay. This underwater drone features an on-board camera capable of recording 4K video and capturing 12MP stills. Depending on which model you get, you’ll be able to explore depths up to 328-feet. Both versions include a wireless controller, two hours of battery life per charge, smartphone compatibility, and more. Reviews are still rolling in, but CHASING is a reputable brand.
DJI Mavic MIni firmware update explained in video
Billy Kyle explains in a video on YouTube the DJI Mavic Mini firmware update with example photos and video footage. Billy noted that the photos looked much better with fewer blown-out highlights. And it seems that DJI indeed made the Mavic Mini (from DJI or Amazon) more stable right after take-off. I haven’t had a chance to check out the firmware update myself but check out Billy’s video as he does a great job comparing the drone’s performance before and after the update.
How to calibrate the IMU and Compass on your DJI Mavic Mini [video]
Rick from Drone Valley explains in this short video how you can (and should) calibrate your IMU and Compass on your DJI Mavic Mini (from DJI or Amazon). The video contains an excellent and very detailed explanation of what an IMU is. What is does, why it is important. And why you should calibrate your Mavic Mini. So, get a cup of coffee and watch Rick’s 10-minute video.
Florida Power and Light uses DJI Phantom 4 drone for powerline maintenance
Florida Power and Light use a DJI Phantom 4 drone for powerline maintenance and repairs as the unmanned aircraft can provide a 360-degree view that is difficult to achieve otherwise. “Drones offer a huge advantage,” according to the utility’s technology manager, Eric Schwartz.
Iris Automation completes FAA approved BVLOS drone flight
Iris Automation successfully completed a Beyond-Visual-Line-Of-Sight BVLOS drone flight that was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Kansas. The flight is seen as an important step towards making commercial drone flights routine across the country. The onboard drone collision-avoidance system has been created by Iris Automation. The company said that routine flights may start taking place in a matter of months.
Drone Trainer Podcast interview about the DJI Mavic Mini with DroneDJ
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Chris Anderson for his well-known Drone Trainer Podcast. In the interview, we spoke a bit about how we got started with DroneDJ but mostly about flying the DJI Mavic Mini (from DJI or Amazon) and what my experience had been so far. If you haven’t heard of Chris’ podcast, you should totally check him out. He has been interviewing drone pilots and other people from the drone industry for some time and is up to episode 104 already. You will find the transcription below as well as a YouTube version of the podcast itself.
Rumors: DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Inspire 3 expected in 2020
Before we get into the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Inspire 3 rumors, let’s take a step back and reflect a little on what has happened with DJI in 2019. Over the last few weeks, a lot of attention has been given to the DJI Mavic Mini (from DJI or Amazon), and rightfully so, as this new sub-250-gram can surely hold its own among the other DJI Mavic drones. But why is it that this capable mini-drone is all we got from DJI in 2019? What happened to all the other DJI drones that were rumored to be released, such as the DJI Phantom 5, the DJI Spark 2, the DJI Inspire 3 and even the temporary return of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0? Where are they? And, maybe more importantly, what does this mean for 2020? What can we expect from DJI next year?
Before you fly the DJI Mavic Mini do this first [firmware update and more]
Before you fly the DJI Mavic Mini (from DJI or Amazon) do this first. I know when you receive the new mini-drone from DJI, you really only want to unbox it as fast as you can, charge the batteries and start flying. But, before you do that, do these things first, which includes a firmware update.
DJI Fly app released for the DJI Mavic Mini [Apple App and Google Play store]
With the first DJI Mavic Minis (from DJI or Amazon) arriving in the hands of drone enthusiasts yesterday, many of you were wondering when the DJI Fly app up would become available. According to DJI the Fly app would not be released until November 11th, however, earlier this morning, we were able to confirm that the DJI flight app has become available both in the Google Play Store for Android devices as well as on the Apple App Store for iOS devices. I was able to download the app earlier today and it seems to work just fine.
Who needs the Mavic Mini? Build a Cinewhoop
The Eachine Tyro 79 is a good little 3″ FPV drone kit. Like the other Tyro models, it is a simple and affordable way to build your first drone. Unfortunately, there aren’t many DIY cinewhoop kits out there. So I figured I’d make one. The Tyro79 makes an excellent base for building a cinewhoop. Right now the Tyro79 is on sale at Banggood as part of their 11.11 lucky sale. It is only $69. Add an inexpensive frame like the Donut for $29 and you can have yourself a whoop for less than $100.
No, it isn’t the new DJI Mavic Mini. But you can build 4 of these cinewhoops for the price of one Mavic Mini, and it can do things the Mini cannot. Learn more about how to put together a cinewhoop and how to do it for about $100.
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Eachine Twig -An HD FPV quad
The Eachine Twig is an interesting 3″ FPV drone. It is a bit larger than a standard toothpick drone and is part of the growing “Twig” class. Think of the twig class as a slightly larger toothpick on steroids. Most toothpick quads are less than 50 grams and fly on 1S or 2S batteries. A twig will typically be heavier than 50 grams and can fly on a 2S-4S battery. This twig is different than most because you can get one with an HD camera. It is one of the many items that are part of Banggood’s 11.11 lucky sale. They have tons of great drones on sale from the Tello to ready-made DJI FPV drones. It’s definitely worth checking out.
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UPS Flight Forward and CVS make their first residential delivery by drone
UPS Flight Forward recently was awarded their Part 135 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, which allows them to make deliveries by drone throughout the U.S. This week, UPS in partnership with CVS made their first residential delivery by drone by dropping off prescription drugs from a CVS pharmacy directly to a consumer’s home.
Today’s Gold Box is filled with camera and racing drones with deals from $63
Today only, as part of its Gold Box Deals of the Day, Holy Stone via Amazon is discounting a selection of its quadcopter drones with deals starting at $63 shipped. One standout is on the Holy Stone HS110D FPV Quadcopter at $69.99. Usually selling for $100, today’s offer is good for a 30% discount and marks a new all-time low at Amazon. Featuring a 720p camera with 120-degree wide-angle lens, you’ll be able to capture aerial photos with ease. The camera also enables this drone’s FPV capabilities. It also sports an altitude hold mode, a modular battery system for prolonged flight times, and more. As a #1 best-seller, it carries a 4.3/5 star rating from over 840 customers. Head below for more.
HGLRC Parrot 120 — A fun FPV Twig drone
The HGLRC Parrot 120 is another twig class FPV drone. A twig is somewhere in between a toothpick and a micro FPV quad. Twigs are typically between 50 and 100 grams and can fly 2-4S batteries. This HGLRC Parrot is one of the better twig class drones I’ve flown.
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DJI Mavic Mini versus DJI Mavic Air versus DJI Spark
DJI announced its new drone, DJI Mavic Mini at its ‘Fly as you are!’ event late last month. The Mavic Mini is the latest drone to join DJI’s Mavic line of drones. The Mavic Mini keeps the classic Mavic design, adds a 2.7k camera, and 30 minute flight time in a lightweight package.
Wayne Baker joins DJI to expand drone use in Public Safety
Retired Fire Chief, Wayne Baker joins DJI as the new Director of Public Safety Integration. If that leaves you wondering where Romeo Durscher went. Well, don’t worry, Romeo has earned himself a well-deserved promotion and he is now DJI’s Senior Director of Public Safety Integration. Congratulations to both Wayne and Romeo!
DJI plays ‘textbook’ lobbying game in Washington
An article in the Financial Times yesterday said that drone maker DJI plays ‘textbook’ lobbying game in Washington by attaching itself closely to parts of the government and quickly responding to any political concerns. Especially since the trade tensions between the U.S. and China continued to increase, DJI has come into the spotlight.
Capture aerial photography with Potensic’s GPS-enabled drone: $72 (Reg. $130)
Potensic (99% positive lifetime feedback) via Amazon is offering its T18 GPS-enabled Drone with 1080p Camera for $72 shipped when the code 2929NPRP is used at checkout. Down from its $130 going rate, this is just $1 above our last mention and is the best currently available. Boasting a 1080p camera, this drone is built to capture aerial videos and pictures. Plus, the GPS means that this drone will always return to its take-off point when the battery runs low or it loses the connection with its controller. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
Cinewhoop, Toothpick, Twig. So many FPV drones
If you are new to flying FPV drones then you very well may be wondering what the heck everyone is talking about. There are cinewhoops, tiny whoops, and power whoops. There are toothpicks and twigs. A five-inch drone is clearly bigger than five inches. What are people talking about? There seem to be endless drone options. And FPV pilots rarely refer to their crafts as drones. They are quads or sometimes kwads.
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Local law enforcement powerless to stop drones used in crime
The NYT published a great and lengthy article on drones used in crime and the fact that local law enforcement is almost powerless in fighting these crimes. Below are some of the highlights of the article. If you have a minute I would suggest reading the entire piece.
DJI Argas drone fights malaria in Zanzibar
On the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, tests are underway to fight malaria with the DJI Argas drone for the first time. The unmanned aircraft are used to spray silicone-based liquid on rice paddies to prevent the malaria-carrying mosquitos from laying their eggs.
Drone footage helps scientists study killer whale behavior
Drone footage helps scientists from the University of British Columbia study killer whale behavior as the unmanned aircraft provide a rare glimps into the underwater world off the coast of B.C. The video footage was released last Monday and represents the first time that drones have been used to study the behavior of the killer whales.