Had the chance to have a maiden flight at Banyan tree Lang Co,Vietnam. Like flying all new drones I tend to be a bit more cautious in the beginning. The Mini jitter a bit when it took flight due to the strong wind, but it held it’s position.
Gaining a bit more confident, I started to push the drone forward to fly towards the sea. The image ways surprisingly stable, no drop in signal and etc. (Note that you have to keep the remote controller’s antenna perpendicular and face the mini directly.) I flew for about 1km and decide to turn it around as I am unsure if it can handle the monsoon wind. The speed is significantly slower then Mavic 2 pro but it is very stable.
One thing I notice that is really strange is the mini seems to report different height as it fly level. This is unlike Mavic 2 Pro’s experience. Not sure if this is a bug?
What I missed most from Mavic 2 pro is the ability to shoot panoramic photos, RAW photo and time lapse video.
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0063.JPGDCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0057.JPGStill photo has little lag between the time the button is press till photo is taken. Much better respond then Mavic 2 Pro
This is a welcome move by CAAS to make the airspace of Singapore safer and for drone operator to fly more responsibly. Parents should also understand that UAV more than 250g is not a toy and can kill if not operated with care. It should not be bought as a present for young kids who do not understand what kind of harm it can cause to public. The question now on hand is, how difficult will it be for the general public to register their UAV? How much will it cost? Will this move cause Singapore to slow down in adoption of new technology?
Only time will tell. Let’s wait and see. Mean while, please fly safe!
This new Mavic mini is meant to replace the spark @US$399. A drone slightly larger then most mobile phone, capable of flying for about 25 to 30min, shoots 4K@30fps, a range of about 4km and weighs only 245g (means can fly leisurely in most places in Singapore without permit).
Will you buy one? Essentially, is a Mavic Pro in a small form factor.
Skydio released their version 2 of their autonomous drone. This drone is priced at US$999 (No controller) to compete with DJI Mavic Pro 2.
The selling point of this drone is in its ability to fly autonomously in a highly cluttered environment like the forest. It has no problem navigating the complicated and narrow flight path through the tree branches.
Skydio released their R1 sometime back, featuring a drone that can fly through forest tracking a person autonomously. This time they are going to release the R2 in the fall of 2019. What kind of feature can we expect, and most importantly at what cost? Can this be a true competitor for DJI?
With AI and machine learning getting more and more advance, I think the trend in future for UAV pilots is more of plotting the waypoints to design the flightpath and the actual flying will be done by the drone itself. Would you agree?
Today, DJI launched a more compact version of their RONIN S. They called it the RONIN SC, target at the mirrorless camera user. This SC version weighs only 1.1 kg and can sustain a payload of 2kg. It can comfortably hold a Sony A7 series camera with a 24-70 GM. The Pro version also comes with the focus motor and focus wheel that allow user to pull focus easily and accurately. Personally, I have already ordered one myself and can’t wait to see how well it works.
Ronin SC Pro Combo
Just received the Ronin SC today (22 July 2019), DJI shipped within a day to me after placing the order. The feel of the gimbal is solid and I will do a full review in another post.
After two illegal incursions that disrupted operations at Changi Airport, the Government is looking to raise penalties for drone users flouting flying rules. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Drone registration will ensure that operators are made aware of their responsibilities and undertake to conduct their activities in a responsible manner, said Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min
Personally I welcome this move by the government to ensure that the limited airspace of Singapore remains safe. As UAVs gets cheaper and easier to fly, many forget that they are not a toys and are capable of causing serious injuries or damages. However, will this move slow down the adoption of UAVs in Singapore as new tools for business?
DJI has declared war with GoPro by creating something in the space where GoPro is dominating for years. Will this further seal the fate of GoPro?
Pricing just below the price point of GoPro Hero 7 Black with very similar specs, but with dual screen. Hyper Smooth vs Rock Steady video stabilisation might be the differentiation factor for end user.
With DJI moving into the action camera space, does it mean we are going to see more low cost drones from DJI without their expensive gimbal?
Also it will be interesting to see how GoPro is going to respond to this move by DJI.
