DJI has slowed down in the consumer drone sector, with a recent focus on more profitable drones. . However, in the field of quadrocopters for video filming, the Chinese company has to compete only with its old devices: no one can fully challenge it in terms of quality and capabilities. However, Skydio presented a rather interesting solution with the simple name Skydio 2.
This is the same American company that previously released 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 using gestures. However, there were also disadvantages: rather impressive dimensions, 16 minutes in flight, lack of traditional control and a very high price.
Skydio 2 fixes all major flaws. The company's second drone is much smaller (223 x 273 x 74mm and weighs 775 grams), has an improved camera, can be flown like a regular drone via an optional controller, and has an optional beacon controller that's perfect for auto sports shooting. And this time the price starts at $999.
Skydio 2 looks like a really user-friendly product. R1 used 13 cameras to make a 3D model of the world. Skydio 2 is equipped with only six, which have an increased resolution (45 megapixels in total against 3 megapixels for the R1 and about 4,9 megapixels for the Mavic 2). The NVIDIA Jetson TX2 platform (based on Tegra X2) is responsible for machine vision. The new drone is almost 1,5 times faster (58 km/h), 50% quieter and noticeably more autonomous (23 minutes).
The triaxial gimbal camera has also been improved. Shooting in 4K is supported, but now at up to 60 fps and with HDR (1080p can be written at 120 fps). It uses a relatively weak 12,3-megapixel Sony IMX577 1/2,3″ sensor, complemented by a 20mm lens with f/2,8 aperture. Responsible for image processing is a 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, meaning a complete set will cost at least $1150 versus $1730 for the Mavic 2 Pro (although the latter has a significantly better camera with a 20-megapixel 1″ sensor). Each controller is responsible for its own area. A conventional radio controller with two stacks and buttons allows you to fly up to 3,5 km.
And the second option is called Beacon - it is the size of a remote control for a TV. In this case, the user gets a flight distance of up to 1,5 km, but it is much easier to use. It is enough to point at the drone, press the button and hold it so that the aircraft follows the direction of the movement of the hand. You can change the remote follow mode. It is easy to put in your pocket, so it will not interfere with sports activities. At the same time, it has a GPS sensor, and Skydio 2 will not lose the user even if he disappeared from sight.
Even when the user is flying manually forward or backward, Skydio 2 actively uses its advanced all-round sensors to avoid collisions. This not only makes it safer, but also allows you to record video, which is often very difficult for most pilots to shoot. For example, you can fly backwards through trees.
Also, the drone starts recording as soon as it takes off - this is a simple feature, but it is sometimes quite useful. Skydio 2 also supports control from a smartphone (at a distance of Wi-Fi). Unlike R1, there is no built-in storage - only an external SD card. Interestingly, despite the relatively affordable price, the drones are assembled in the US and not in China.
DJI makes great drones for videography with some machine learning features. Skydio, on the other hand, has focused on creating the perfect collision avoidance technology. This gives the product unique opportunities - perhaps the company will be able to win its place in the market. For the first time in recent years, drones have become interesting again. Skydio 2 is available for pre-order in the US starting today and will be released in November. The company said that all R1 buyers will be able to purchase the Skydio 2 at a significantly reduced price.
Source: 3dnews.ru