DJI has slowed down in the consumer drone sector, focusing more recently on the more profitable . However, the Chinese company finds itself competing in the field of video capture quadcopters only with its own older models: no one can fully challenge it in terms of quality and capabilities. Nevertheless, Skydio has introduced a fairly interesting solution with the straightforward name Skydio 2.
This is the same American company that previously released a quite , based on the NVIDIA Jetson TX1 platform (Tegra X1 processor). It was equipped with a very advanced machine vision system, could effectively avoid obstacles, and was controlled with gestures. However, there were drawbacks: quite significant dimensions, 16 minutes of flight, lack of traditional control, and a very high price.
In Skydio 2, all the main shortcomings have been corrected. The second drone from the company is much smaller (223 × 273 × 74 mm with a weight of 775 grams), has an improved camera, can be controlled like a regular drone via an additional controller, and includes an additional beacon controller, which is perfect for automatic sports shooting. And this time, the price starts at $999.
Skydio 2 appears to be a truly consumer-friendly product. The R1 used 13 cameras to create a 3D model of the surrounding world. Skydio 2 is equipped with only six, which have a higher resolution (45 MP in total compared to 3 MP for the R1 and around 4.9 MP for the Mavic 2). The machine vision is powered by the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 platform (based on Tegra X2). The new drone is nearly 1.5 times faster (58 km/h), 50% quieter, and noticeably more autonomous (23 minutes).
The camera on the three-axis gimbal has also been improved. It supports 4K recording, but now at a frame rate of up to 60 fps and with HDR (1080p can be recorded at a frame rate of 120 fps). It uses a relatively weak 12.3 MP Sony IMX577 1/2.3″ sensor, complemented by a 20 mm f/2.8 lens. Image processing is handled by the Qualcomm QCS605 chip with 8 Kyro 300 cores, Adreno 615 graphics, and Hexagon 685 DSP. Video is recorded in HEVC/H.265 format at 100 Mbps, and photos can be taken in JPG and DNG.
The most significant change is the addition of two controllers, which cost $150 each, making the complete set at least $1150 compared to $1730 for the Mavic 2 Pro (though the latter has a significantly better camera — a 20-Mp 1″ sensor). Each controller serves its own area. The standard radio controller with two stacks and buttons allows flight up to 3.5 km.
The second option is called Beacon — it is about the size of a remote control for a television. In this case, the user gets a flight distance of up to 1.5 km, but it is much easier to use. Just point it at the drone, press a button, and hold it for the aircraft to follow the motion of your hand. You can change the follow mode with the remote. It easily fits in a pocket, making it convenient for sports activities. It also has a GPS sensor, and Skydio 2 won't lose track of the user even if they go out of sight.
Even when the user is flying in manual mode forward or backward, Skydio 2 actively uses its advanced all-around sensors to prevent collisions. This not only makes it safer but also allows for recording videos that are often very difficult for most pilots to capture. For instance, you can fly backward through trees.
The drone also starts recording as soon as it takes off — a simple feature, but it can be quite useful. Skydio 2 supports smartphone control (within Wi-Fi operating distance). Unlike the R1, there is no built-in storage — just an external SD card. Interestingly, despite its relatively affordable price, the drones are assembled in the USA, not in China.
DJI makes excellent drones for video recording with some machine learning features. Skydio, on the other hand, has focused its efforts on creating perfect collision-avoidance technology. This gives the product unique capabilities — perhaps the company will manage to carve out its niche in the market. For the first time in a while, drones have become interesting again. Skydio 2 is available for pre-order in the USA starting today and will be released in November. The company announced that all R1 purchasers will be able to buy the Skydio 2 at a significantly reduced price.
Source: 3dnews.ru
