DJI Spark Test Flight

We wrote about the DJI spark arrival and we have just taken one out to test the gesture mode.

Gesture controls

One of the highlights of the Spark is the motion controls. We were really looking forward to testing the gesture controls.

Setting up the gesture controls

In gesture mode, you pick up the Spark and look directly at the camera, the lights will indicate that it has locked onto you and your face. Then the spark will hover in front of you awaiting a command.

Moving the quad with your hands

Placing your palm towards the spark activates the position control. Wherever you move your palm the spark will follow.

Follow me mode

Follow me tech began with GPS sensors in the transmitter, so you had to carry the transmitter or a beacon with you. DJI simply uses the camera to lock on to you, and provided you are not moving more than 50kPh it will keep up with you.

Waving at the spark sets it into follow me mode.

Follow me mode face on

As the spark only has a sensor in the front, it will not move backward in the standard follow me mode. Normally you are moving forward and the Spark is following you, but if you are moving backward, towards the spark, it will not move backward to keep you in focus. Instead, it will stop tracking you. You can bypass this through the app and allow the spark to move backward, but it comes at the risk of hitting something. The best way to avoid a collision is to slightly walk around the spark and it will rotate around with you.

We found that instead of moving directly under the spark, slightly walk around the side and it will rotate around with you. That way you can keep the sensors working and the spark safe.

Taking a photo

DJI have programmed this system really well and it is quick to detect and respond to your gestures. Although, the follow me mode took a few attempts at waving to engage.

Motion Sensors

The spark has a multi sensor in the front and a position sensor in the bottom giving it the ability to detect an object in front and below. DJI have used both the front camera and infrared sensor to detect objects up to 30 meters in front of the quad.

If an obstacle is detected it will alert on the screen, if it continues to move towards an object it will increase altitude until it is above the obstacle and then keep moving forward.

On the bottom, you have another sonar sensor for landing and takeoff.

Sensors like this were included in other smaller models such as the Wingsland S6, which we tested last year. This is a step up and uses the camera along with sensors to make a more accurate and responsive obstacle and tracking system.

The App

You can totally control the spark from the DJI GO app, or pair it with the transmitter and use both together.DJI has been developing their software for years and the app offers both during flight control and after flight video production.

DJI has been developing their software for years and is one of their advantages over other brands. The app offers streamlined setup, very deep in flight controls and video recording options. Then after the flight, the video production part of the app takes over and quickly lets you create a fully edited video.

From setup to publishing your video, DJI makes the process slick and easy.

The transmitter

The compact transmitter folds out to accommodate your smartphone. Once connected to your phone it can be comfortably held in your hand.

The transmitter gives you a real physical feeling of control. If you are using a smartphone all you have is the touch screen.

Aside from the joysticks you can,

• Control the gimbal;
• Activate sports mode ( a faster flying mode);
• Control the camera;
• Return to home.

The Camera

When you are not using the spark, the gimbal is bare and should be protected by using a rigid quad case or alternatively there are small covers you can get to put over the front end to totally secure and protect the gimbal. If you go down that road just don’t forget to take it off.

Does the DJI Spark Overheat?

The Spark gets hot during flight but has no effect on performance, it can handle the hot summer in Hong Kong. What did happen tho,  the smartphone we were using (a Xiaomi 5s) would get hot in the sun and overheat causing the app to freeze.What worked for us tho, was to just make sure the phone was in the shade when we were flying. Not an issue unless you have hot 35 degree summers.

What worked for us tho, was to just make sure the phone was in the shade when we were flying. Not an issue unless you have hot 35 degree summers.

Spark Safe

If something did happen with your device or the transmitter during flight, it will return to where it originally took off (return to home) and land.

Sensor limitations

The smart sensors are in the front, so you still need to be aware of the rear and sides, as it cannot detect obstacles.

DJI have really impressed us by injecting their advanced video and flight control system into a small and affordable quad. The worlds best consumer quad brand has now become more affordable.

For even more details, including the many more video recording modes and scenes, visit our full DJI Spark spec page now.