DJI Spark Release Date, Specs, Rumors, and Pictures/Video
Updated May 24, 2017

DJI Spark FPV Drone Kit Bundles

The drone experts at DJI may be breaking into another market, if the rumors are true. Leaked photos and a video reveal a brand new drone, the DJI Spark (or Mavic Mini), rumored to be DJI's initial foray into the ultra-portable selfie market. While the Spark did not make its debut on April 23, as many had guessed, the latest news from DJI indicates that an upcoming event may be the launchpad for this highly anticipated drone. "Seize the Moment" is this next event, which is scheduled for the rapidly approaching Tuesday, May 24, 2017.

The pictures show a Mavic Mini that is 17 cm x 14 cm, with fixed arms. A leaked video illustrates the first fully functional view of the DJI Spark, although no details are currently available regarding the YouTube channel nor how they obtained the drone. Some sources report the DJI Spark supports 4K video shooting and utilizes a gimbal constructed from plastic material with 6 dampers. Also of note is the weight, which is reported as 190g without the battery. This is significant because if the DJI Spark weighs under 250g, it will not require FAA registration, making it a more accessible drone for would-be owners. Pre-order the DJI Spark by filling out our simple form at the bottom of this page!

Video:

 

Rumors:

The drone experts at DJI may be breaking into another market, if the rumors are true. Leaked photos and a video reveal a brand new drone, the DJI Spark (or Mavic Mini), rumored to be DJI's initial foray into the ultra-portable selfie market. The pictures show a Mavic Mini that is 17 cm x 14 cm, with fixed arms. A leaked video illustrates the first fully functional view of the DJI Spark, although no details are currently available regarding the YouTube channel nor how they obtained the drone. Some sources report the DJI Spark supports 4K video shooting and utilizes a gimbal constructed from plastic material with 6 dampers. Also of note is the weight, which is reported as 190g without the battery. This is significant because if the DJI Spark weighs under 250g, it will not require FAA registration, making it a more accessible drone for would-be owners. 

The latest video also includes footage that is presumed to have been shot with the DJI Spark (seen above). This footage has been added to already released video clips showing the DJI Spark being held indoors. The 90 seconds of new footage is from the Spark's persepctive, and depicts a short flight around an empty parking lot. At this point, DJI has refused comment about the leaked footage. If you're interested in getting your hands on this newest DJI creation as soon as it debuts, sign up to pre-order at the bottom of this page!

Release Date:

While the Spark was not released on April 23th as so many predicted, a new event on May 24 might just mark the launch of DJI's latest drone:

DJI Event Announcement

Rumors continue to surface about this hotly anticipated drone, including some about the gold squares situated on the bottom. It's been reported that DJI has filed patents about battery exhanging base stations, meaning a drone could automatically land, charge or swap the battery, and takeoff again without any human element. 

One of the most fascinating and exciting rumors coming out of the rumor mill surrounds compatibility with the newly released DJI Goggles. Many in the industry predict that these exciting Goggles could fit quite nicely with a brand new, extremely portable drone. 

Pre-order the DJI Spark at the bottom of this page and sign up to receive updates on DJI's latest and greatest drone!

Leaked Pictures:

DJI Spark (Mavic Mini)

DJI Spark (Mavic Mini)

DJI Spark (Mavic Mini) side view

DJI Spark (Mavic Mini) overhead

 

DJI Spark Interior

Specs:

Given the video, photos, & rumors online, the DJI Spark has the following features:

  • Optical flow, 2-axis camera (no yaw axis)
  • Weight: 190g
  • Possible dual lens, akin to the iPhone 7 Plus; one with wider angle and another with standard focal length, about 50mm full frame equivalent
  • Infrared front obstacle avoidance
  • Downward facing VPS and Sonar sensors (could point to a selfie style of drone, stabilizing in midair for the perfect photo)
  • Compatible with DJI FPV Goggles
  • Controlled by both RC and Mobile app, like the Mavic Pro
  • GPS included (GPS+Glonass, like the Mavic)
  • Underside charging for use with a docking bay or charging station, similar to the Apple Watch 
  • Quick release folding propellers (12cm, 5 inch long)
  • Sport mode, only when controlled by RC. Gesture mode will be included, due to the orientation to the compact selfie drone market.
  • Flight time of approx. 15 minutes (drones of this size typically have 15 minutes of flight time)
  • Underside removable battery
  • Charged via USB 
  • Brushless motors
  • 2.4ghz (control)
 

DJI Spark (Mavic Mini)

DJI Spark (Mavic Mini) and Mavic Pro side by side

The compact size of the DJI Spark is illustrated above in comparison to the DJI Mavic Pro. With fixed arms, it appears to be about twice as wide, and slightly smaller in length than the Mavic.

Downward optical flow and ultrasonic sensors indicate that the Spark is not a FPV racing drone, but the fixed arms and rugged overall look could tell a different story. The use of an oval camera housing suggests a dual lens system, because otherwise a round camera housing would be utilized.

In addition to the possibility of a two lens camera with a wide angle an standard focal length, it's equally possible the Spark will house a high resolution camera and analog 5.8ghz video feed – a feature typically associated with FPV racing drones. We are anticipating a Summer 2017 release, in both white and black colors.

Possible Price Range

The price points for other ultra-portable drones give us some insight into the possible selling price for the DJI Spark. Dobby, Wingsland S6, the Yuneec Breeze 4K, and other portable drones are priced between $300-$400. Given that price point, it would make sense for DJI to price their drone in that range in order to remain competitive. That being said, DJI is the world's #1 drone maker, and could very well push the price higher ($500+), knowing their loyal fan base is willing to pay more for a higher quality aircraft. 

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