Introduction
Thanks to “Follow me” technology GPS drones
The first consumer GPS drones with "Follow me" appeared in 2016 and immediately received consumer acceptance. Today, a copter without a properly working Follow Me mode is considered an obsolete product or belongs to toys. Typically, the Follow me mode includes other intelligent flight and survey modes (Orbit, ActiveTrack, Points of Interest, Waypoints, Circle, Terrain Follow, etc.), which in a compartment allows you to satisfy even the most creative ideas.
A variation of the Follow Me technology
Follow Me is an intelligent flight and shooting mode that turns your drone into a film crew in a few taps. There are currently 2 types of Follow Me technology in use. GPS beacon technology “Follow Me GPS” and technology based on the latest object recognition software such as DJI ActiveTrack.
GPS beacon technology
This tracking method uses devices with an integrated GPS module, such as a mobile phone, tablet, control panel or ground station control (GSC - Ground Station Control). In this case, the drone is programmed to follow the GPS module of the paired device, and constantly keep this device in the center of the frame. Target tracking does not need to be the aircraft following the target, it can also be stationary tracking.
Software-based technology
Today it is the pinnacle of perfection in the unmanned world. This is where imaging sensors and software come into play. The sensors, coupled with recognition technology and artificial intelligence, give the drone the ability to intelligently recognize a person or object and follow it, without the need to retrofit a GPS beacon.
Mob. DJI GO4 apps.
Software
Software for the Follow Me mode is usually preinstalled in the mobile application through which the interaction with the drone is carried out. For example DJIGO 4 or Fly, Autel Robotics3DR
Some manufacturers, such as Walkera, embed software directly into a ground control station (GSC). Just a couple of mouse clicks are enough and you program what you want to follow or track.
Software is a rather complex solution that uses software algorithms and computations to track and continuously monitor an object. Most apps allow you to program the gimbal and camera for preset flight distance, altitude, and angles, giving your video a unique cinematic perspective while tracking.
Distance
Each UAV manufacturer uses a different distance to execute Follow Me mode. The first time when using the mode, it will be best to keep the distance short, until you fully familiarize yourself with all the nuances of your drone. If an extreme distance is set between the GSC and the aircraft transmitter / imaging system and the tracked object, Follow Me will be canceled. For example, DJI dronesPhantom 4 Pro V2.0, have maximum reliability at an altitude of 30 meters and at a distance of 20 meters. The latest DJI drones can follow an object and at a much greater distance than that.
Mob. DJI Fly apps.
Flight Safety
It should be remembered that the vast majority of drones in Follow Me mode do not support obstacle detection and avoidance functions. Follow Me mode is great for open spaces without obstacles.
- Before you start flying in Follow Me mode, it is recommended that you plan your route in advance, analyze any obstacles that your drone could potentially collide with. Also in the settings, you can program the drone to fly over obstacles.
- Review the aircraft settings under the RTH (Return To Home) function to configure the desired settings to determine how the aircraft will respond in the event of a loss of communication or insufficient battery power. As a rule, you can set the maximum return altitude, as well as the option of action - this is to return to the take-off site or land directly at the point of loss of communication.
- Remember to monitor the current battery charge and incoming system warnings. Do not get carried away with Follow Me shooting to the minimum battery level.
Best Follow Me Drones
Best Follow Me solutions are offered by: SkidioDJI InnovationsAutel RoboticsParrotPower VisionYuneec International
By tradition, let's start with the last 14th place. For those who do not have time to fully familiarize themselves with the rating, we have prepared a table below.
 Yuneec Typhoon H Plus | |||||||
 Yuneec Typhoon H3 | |||||||
 Parrot ANAFI | |||||||
 PowerEgg X drone | |||||||
 DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum) | |||||||
 DJI Mavic Air | |||||||
 Autel Robotics EVO | |||||||
 DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 | |||||||
 DJI Inspire 2 | |||||||
 DJI Mavic 2 | |||||||
 DJI Mavic Air 2 | |||||||
 Autel Evo 2 | |||||||
 DJI AIR 2S | |||||||
 Skydio 2 |
14. Yuneec Typhoon H Plus RS
The only hexacopter of its kind that has been able to easily compete with the best of the best for five years. on consumer and in commercial markets. Built on a foldable carbon frame with retractable landing feet. Due to the flexibility of the customizable platform, it can be equipped with various types of payloads. In particular, three 4K camera options are available for cinematic configurations, each of which works in tandem with a high-precision 360-degree 3-axis gimbal, serving as the main difference for each version of the UAV.
A high-performance 4K camera Yuneec C23 is installed on board the pre-top version of Typhoon H Plus RS, built on a 20MP 1-inch CMOS matrix, the quality of which has already been appreciated by many. Complement the list of key features of the drone: the function of detecting and flying around obstacles using the patented Intel RealSense ™ technology, 6 × preset automatic flight and shooting modes, including two options for following the object (Follow Me / Watch Me) implemented on the basis of GPS beacon technology, shooting in Hyperlapse mode, panoramic shooting modes, support for LifeView LTE / 5G / 4G video broadcasts, compatibility with FPV Yuneec SkyView goggles.
In the list of flight distinctive features: emergency landing mode on 5 engines, max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h, max. distance FPV removal 1.6 km, max. flight time 26 minutes. Release date: August 2016 Price: $ 2,333. The most detailed information about the Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter can be found in our review.
Pros
- Workmanship / Design
- 6-motors / Folding structure
- Flight quality
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intel RealSense / IPS (Optical Flow Sensor) flies around obstacles of any size even at night
- Range of versions with cameras / Quality of each image / Ability to shoot 360º
- Emergency landing mode for 5 motors
- Handheld Wizard remote / Possibility to connect FPV SkyView goggles
- Does not require UAV control skills
- Price
Cons
- Baggage dimensions
- Noisy
- The current battery charge of the drone can only be found on the display of the personal station
Video
Demonstration of the Follow-modes of the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus drone.
13. Yuneec Typhoon H3
Top cinematic solution implemented especially for those users whose life is inextricably linked with high-quality photo / video shooting. The visiting card of this Typhoon iteration is its camera - Leica ION L1 Pro, specially developed for this drone by engineers of the world-famous German company Leica Camera AG. Taking into account all the improvements made by Leica engineers, the one-of-a-kind portable hexacopter in the H3 version has received the status of a professional tool, the potential of which will allow you to easily realize any creative idea in high quality.
Key features of the Typhoon H3 include: detection and avoidance of obstacles using patented Intel RealSense ™ technology, 5 × intelligent automatic flight and shooting modes, including two options for following the subject (Follow Me / Watch Me) implemented on the basis of the time-tested GPS beacon technology, shooting in Hyperlapse mode, panoramic shooting modes, support for LifeView LTE / 5G / 4G video broadcasts, as well as Team mode (Crew mode - control / shooting).
In the list of flight distinctive features: emergency landing mode on 5 engines, max. horizontal flight speed 70 km / h, max. FPV removal distance 2 km, max. flight time 25 minutes. Release date: October 2019. Price: $ 3,292. The most detailed information about the Yuneec Typhoon H3 hexacopter can be found in our review.
Pros
- Workmanship / Design
- 6-engine configuration / Foldable design
- Flight performance
- 360-degree gimbal
- Cinematic potential with the arrival of the new Leica ION L1 Pro camera
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intel RealSense / IPS (Optical Flow Sensor) flies around obstacles of any size even at night
- Emergency landing mode for 5 motors
- Handheld Wizard remote / SkyView FPV goggles connectivity
Cons
- Baggage dimensions
- Noisy
- The current battery charge of the drone can only be found on the display of the personal station
Video
Demonstration of the Follow-modes of the Yuneec Typhoon H3 drone (video is repeated because at the moment there are no materials on the network demonstrating p Follow-modes work with the Typhoon H3 version, but since in terms of automatic following Yuneec Typhoon H Plus is no different from Yuneec Typhoon H3, we duplicated the video).
12. Parrot Anafi
Top French platform, which today implements both consumer and commercial developer solutions. Since its release, the model has established itself as a simple and reliable product with quite rich functionality that allows Anafi to easily act as a good alternative to more expensive and technologically advanced drones. To include the Follow modes in the main drone functions, the developer used both technologies (GPS beacon of the Parrot FreeFlight 6 software), which, in general, predetermined their indicative performance in practice.
Responsible for shooting 21MP 4K camera installed in a 2-axis mechanical gimbal with a variable camera angle (-90 ° to 90 °), working in tandem with the proprietary 3-axis electronic stabilization. The list of the main cinematic features of the drone includes: support for Adobe / DNG / RAW formats, intelligent object tracking in Cameraman / Follow me modes, video shooting in 4K HDR mode, 2.8X (1.4X in 4K), innovative digital lossless zoom, 8-programmed flight and shooting modes, as well as Hyperlapse and Slow-Motion modes.
Max. removal distance 4 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 55 km / h. Max. flight time is 25 minutes. Release date: June 2018 Price: from 650 $. More details about Parrot Anafi can be found in our review.
Pros
- Quality / Portability
- Patented material structure (Durable and lightweight)
- Unique foldable beam design
- Positioning GPS / Glonass sensor complex
- Low-noise propulsion system / Dynamic (up to 50 km / h)
- 21MP 4K HDR camera (bitrate: 100Mbps)
- 2-axis mechanical 3-axis EIS
- Auto flight and shooting modes
- Max. removal distance 4 km / Max. flight time 25 min
- Comes in a transport case
Cons
- Officially not supplied to Russia
- Does not fly around obstacles
- No 3-axis gimbal
- No 4K @ 60 fps
- Angle of view
Video
Demonstration of the Parrot Anafi in Follow me mode.
11. Power Vision PowerEgg X
Versatile all-weather 3-in-1 solution with impressively powerful hardware, combining two tools at once to implement intelligent filming from the ground and from the air. Since the release, the novelty has proven itself exclusively on the positive side, especially with regard to the quality of shooting and the operation of intelligent functions, among which the flight and shooting mode Smart Follow is available, implemented for this model on proprietary software, the algorithms of which allow you to quickly and extremely accurately work out recognition and tracking the selected object in all three scenarios (Trace / Parallel / Spotlight).
In the cinematic arsenal of 12MP 4K camera built on a 1 / 2.8-inch CMOS sensor, mounted in a high-precision 3-axis gimbal. The embedded video potential of PowerEgg X enables 4K video at 60 fps with a maximum bit rate of 75 Mbps. Complements the tandem of 5 × preset automatic flight and QuickShot shooting modes (Dronie / Oval / Helix / Rocket / Circle), Slow motion and Hyperlapse modes, all kinds of photo beautification filters and intelligent editing of footage in several taps.
Max. removal distance 6 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 64 km / h. Max. flight time is 30 minutes. Release date: January 2020 Price: from $ 899. Max. See our review for details on PowerEgg X.
Pros
- Workmanship
- Video Portability
- Transformation (drone / camera / webcam)
- 4K camera 3-axis gimbal
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intelligent functions
- Software (just filmed, processed, filled in)
- Online streaming
- All-weather operation
Cons
- Overall case size
- Waterproof housing reduces quality shooting
- Flight range is far from declared (max. in FCC mode: 2.5 km)
Video
Demonstration of the Power Vision PowerEgg X drone in Follow me mode.
10. DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum)
The first foldable solution that predetermined the future format and potential of all portable UAVs in the hobby. Despite such a compact size, especially when folded, the drone received a powerful high-performance filling, thanks to which the model is still able to compete with the best of the best.
For the implementation of the function of tracking and shooting objects, the time-tested proprietary intelligent technology ActiveTrack is involved, offering various autopilot modes such as Spotlight, Profile, Trace, Terrain Follow Mode providing various tracking scenarios at the output. Responsible for shooting 12MP 4K camera working in a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. To obtain professional-grade cinematic shots, the drone system is preinstalled with three intelligent auto-flight and QuickShot modes (Rocket / Dronie / Helix).
The list of key features of the drone: front and bottom sensor systems for detecting and flying around obstacles. OcuSync video transmission system. Max. removal distance 7 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 65 km / h. Max. flight time (PRO / PRO Platinum) 27/30 min. Release date: November 2016 Price: from $ 999. Learn more about the DJI Mavic Pro in our review, as well as what's new in the revised version of the Mavic Pro Platinum
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Pros
- Compact folded
- Handheld remote control console
- OcuSync
- Flight range
- Camera / Gimbal (image quality)
- Autonomous qualities
- Gesture control
- Object tracking mode
- Compatible with DJI Goggles
- Ready to fly out of the box
Cons
- When flying with a protective hood on recorded video / photo glare appears
- Narrow camera angle
- No mechanism or warning system about not removed gimbal lock
- Obstacle detection system is not perfect. Caution is required when piloting.
Video
A demonstration of the DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum) drone in ActiveTrack mode.
9. DJI Mavic Air
The first and only Mavic Air to receive the best-in-series appearance, which later became the hallmark of the first AIR iteration. Despite such a compact size, the potential of the model turned out to be so good that from the first reviews the drone has earned the maximum recognition of the consumer and is still in great demand. In the arsenal of the quadcopter, the time-tested technology of the first generation ActiveTrack Follow Me, which does not require an external GPS beacon to track, is enough to simply highlight the desired object on the display of the paired smartphone and the drone is ready to follow it. The technology can recognize up to 16 objects / people.
Since this drone came after such popular hobbyist DJI models as the Phantom 4 Pro, Mavic Pro or Spark, experience has shown that the ActiveTrack applied in the Mavic Air works much more accurately. There are three standard object tracking scenarios available for the user to choose: Trace Mode / Spotlight Mode / Profile Mode. Complementing the advanced tracking technology are as many as six preset intelligent auto flight and QuickShots modes (Roket / Dronie / Circle / Helix / Asteroid / Boomerang), Tripod mode, Cinematic modes, TapFly and Points of Interest. And with the advent of such a mode as SmartCapture, it became possible to control the drone using hand gestures.
A 12MP 4K camera built on a 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS sensor is responsible for shooting. A 3-axis mechanical gimbal is responsible for stabilization. The visualization of the surrounding world, and at the same time safe piloting, is provided by the front, rear and lower 3D obstacle detection and avoidance system, capable of planning an automatic flight in advance during the flight.
Max. removal distance 4 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 68.4 km / h. Max. flight time is 21 minutes. Release date: January 2018 Price: from $ 599. Learn more about the DJI Mavic Air in our review.
Pros
- Performance
- Portability
- Flight performance / Range up to 4 km
- Intelligent flight modes
- Camera (quality and shooting capabilities)
- Flies around obstacles / APAS / VIO
- FlightAutonomy 2.0
- Improved SmartCapture
- Flight time up to 21min
- Compatible with DJI Goggles
Cons
- Video transmission over Wi-Fi
- Rotors non-collapsible
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Mavic Air in ActiveTrack mode.
8. Autel Robotics Evo
Time-tested solution implemented by the developer as a powerful American answer to the high-tech DJI Mavic Pro. Became the first foldable drone to shoot 4K video at 60 fps. At the heart of EVO is a powerful patented 3D visualization system of the surrounding world, built on the basis of a binocular front, rear and lower sensory system, which allows you to create a three-dimensional environment in real time and plan a route in advance, taking into account obstacles encountered, even in low light conditions. And so that the drone can easily compete with the top-end object tracking system DJI Active Track, Autel Robotics engineers have developed from scratch a unique technology for recognizing and tracking objects with the ability to handle occlusion - Dynamic Track (includes three sub-modes: Follow / Tripod / Parallel), eliminating the loss of an object even if it disappears from the system view for a short time, which at the output provided fewer failures in Follow mode.
Autel Evo is equipped with a powerful camera system working in tandem with the high-performance Ambarella H2 chipset to record stunning HDR video in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second at up to 100 Mbps in H.264 or H.265 codecs... The camera lens uses high quality glass optics, making the EVO equally stunning 12MP aerial photos with wide dynamic range.
Max.removal distance 7 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h. Max. flight time is 30 minutes. Release date: January 2018 Price: from $ 799. More details about Autel Evo can be found in our review.
Pros
- Foldable design
- Compact and convenient control panel with wide information OLED display
- Mobile application (convenient and informative interface)
- Flight performance holding position (confidently holding position even in strong wind)
- Positioning accuracy
- 4K at 60 fps (overall image quality)
- Front and rear obstacle detection sensors
- Distance up to 7 km
- Standalone flight modes
- Ready to fly out of the box
Cons
- In tracking mode prone to object loss
- Rear sensors are extremely demanding on the structure of the recognized surface
Video
Demonstration of the Autel Robotics Evo drone in p Dynamic Track mode.
7. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
The top solution of the legendary Phantom series and by far the best drone on the market in terms of price / performance ratio. recognition of professionals in all spheres of human activity where the use of UAVs is required. It is positioned by the developer as a professional entry-level drone with a powerful 5-way obstacle avoidance system, which works in tandem with the time-tested ActiveTrack technology supporting three object tracking scenarios (Profile, Spotlight, Circle, Terrain Follow), as well as with such flight and shooting modes as Draw Waypoints, TapFly, Tripod and Gesture.
The hallmark of the P4 Pro V2.0 is its powerful camera system. A professional high-performance 20MP 4K camera with a variable aperture and a mechanical shutter, built on a 1-inch CMOS matrix, is installed on board. Coupled with a highly accurate and incredibly smooth 3-axis gimbal, the drone effortlessly works in areas such as cinematography, cartography and 3D modeling.
The list of key features of the model also includes: OcuSync digital video transmission technology, D-Log M color profile, DNG photo formats (RAW), H.264 / H.265 video codecs. Max. FPV removal distance 10 km. Max. flight time 30 min. Max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h. Release date: May 2018 Price: from $ 1,599. Learn more about the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 in our review.
Pros
- Quality
- Design
- Modified low-noise power setting
- Flight characteristics
- Standalone qualities
- Video transmission system OcuSync
- Camera / Mech. shutter / Gimbal (the best shooting quality in a niche)
- Distance up to 7 km
- Price
Cons
- Side obstacle sensors are not active for all flight modes
- Bulky baggage during transportation
Video
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Drone Demonstration in ActiveTrack Mode.
6. DJI Inspire 2
Is the best professional available, with the potential to match that of expensive cinematic tools. In addition to a powerful video system built on the basis of three high-performance quick-change cameras (Zenmuse X4S / X5S / X7), the machine received no less powerful software that allows it to operate in a fully automatic flight and shooting mode. The user has as many as seven auto modes at his disposal, of which two (Spotlight Pro and ActiveTrack) are implemented to ensure object tracking in various scenarios of execution at speeds up to 94 km / h.
In the list of key features of the drone: body made of magnesium and aluminum alloy, carbon beams with variable position (Flight / Landing), 4-sided visualization of the surrounding world, duplicating inertial navigation system complex (not afraid of failures), powered by two batteries with a heating function, the ability to work at an altitude of 2500 - 5000 meters, Frontal FPV camera for separate control of the drone (pilot / videographer), a number of professional cameras on a 3-axis high-precision gimbal with a 320-degree rotary range, processing and storage video: RAW 6K @ 4.44 Gbps, supported video codecs: H.265 / H.264, image processing system CineCore 2.1, supported video formats: Adobe CinemaDNG 6K / AppleProRes 5.2K, support for DJI CINESSD drives, support for a number of professional add-ons. accessories.
Max. removal distance 7 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 94 km / h. Max. flight time 27 min. Release date: November 2016 Price: from $ 3,299. For the most detailed information about the DJI Inspire 2, see our review.
Pluses
- Quality
- Design
- Reliable (complex of redundant sensors 2 batteries)
- Flight performance (Controllability / Dynamic)
- Professional cinematic potential
- Supported cameras
- Separate control capability (Drone / Shooting)
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Flight time
- Price
Cons
- Dimensions
- Noisy
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Inspire 2 drone in ActiveTrack mode.
5. DJI Mavic 2
Despite the close resemblance to the first version, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom drones received a significant package of improvements in almost every aspect, including improved camera performance, transmission video, flight time, flight speed, less noise, omnidirectional obstacle detection, intelligent flight modes and the unique Hyperlapse function. The Mavic 2 drones can detect obstacles from all 6 directions. They can also fly around obstacles from the front and rear using the Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS). The arsenal of new intelligent functions includes: ActiveTrack 2.0, Hyperlapse shooting mode that does not require post-processing, six preset QuickShots modes, automatic flight mode and second generation Points Of Interest (POI 2.0 or Point of Interest), Waypoint Navigation, Cinematic Mode.
The second generation of ActiveTrack is responsible for object tracking. There are three scenarios for following the Trace / Spotlight / Parallel object. The technology has become an order of magnitude more productive and provides recognition of up to 16 objects / people. The speed range is expanded to 72 km / h. The drone now automatically adjusts its flight to track a person or object. AT algorithms even allow momentary loss of an object from the field of view, which contributes to more reliable tracking performance without interruption.
The video footage of the Mavic 2 is amazing. Both versions of the Mavic 2 are equipped with the latest camera systems that ensure smooth, stable 4K footage in almost any situation. For professionals, coupled with a wide range of settings, various color profiles are available.
The list of key flight features of the M2: Max. distance of removal 10 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h. Max. flight time 31 min. Release date: November 2018 Price: from $ 1,349. For the most detailed information about the DJI Mavic 2, see our review.
Pros
- Portable
- Sturdy
- Zoom / Pro Cameras (Capabilities and Quality)
- Dynamic [1303
- APAS
Cons
- Does not shoot 4K @ 60fps
- No water resistant and dust
- The ability to change cameras only through the service center
- Unlike its predecessor, it does not have a Wi-Fi connection (it is impossible to launch a drone from a smartphone, which, for example, is very important during a bike ride, when the aircraft is operating in the automatic tracking mode of the ActiveTrack object). As a result, you have to constantly bother with fixing the tandem (smartphone remote control) on the steering wheel.
Video
A demonstration of the DJI Mavic 2 drone in ActiveTrack 2.0 mode.
4. DJI Mavic Air 2
The second fully reworked version of the popular hobbyist predecessor. Despite the mid-price position of the product, the developer put into the new product such a powerful potential that the relevance of buying premium Mavic 2 was questioned for many, and some time after the release, the new product earned the title of the best GPS drone in terms of quality, manufacturability and price....
MA2's key features include an excellent 3-way imaging system working in tandem with a powerful new set of intelligent FocusTrack modes, combining both the top and completely new versions of the top Follow Me modes - Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 3.0 and POI 3.0 (Points Of Interest) allowing in various scenarios to intelligently recognize and track the objects selected by the user for shooting. Also in the arsenal is an advanced third-generation pilot assistance system APAS 3.0, 48MP 4K camera built on a 1/2-inch Sony IMX586 CMOS matrix with a pixel size of 0.8 μm with a built-in Bayer color filter array, 3-axis high-precision mechanical gimbal, digital video transmission technology OcuSync 2.0.
Max. FPV removal distance 10 km. Max. flight time 34 min. Max. horizontal flight speed 68.4 km / h. A complete package of QuickShot modes. D-Cinelike color profile and H.264 / H.265 video codecs. Release date: April 2020. Price: from $ 799. Max. For details on the DJI Mavic Air 2, see our review.
Pros
- Portable Design / Foldable
- Front / Back and Bottom Surround Imaging System
- OcuSync 2.0 Digital Video Transmission (Max. FPV distance 10 km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max.flight time 34 min
- 48MP 4K camera (the best shooting quality among competitors) / 4K @ 60fps
- The best potential in photo / video shooting (thanks to various modes and functions that improve the quality of the filmed material)
- D-Cinelike color profile (more freedom in post-processing)
- FocusTrack Intelligent Follow Mode Set
- APAS 3.0 (Safe Control)
- Price
Cons
- Not detected
Video
A demonstration of the DJI Mavic Air 2 in ActiveTrack 3.0 versus Skydio 2 in Motion Track.
3. Autel Evo 2
The top portable platform from Autel Robotics with a quick-change payload, which can be used to solve many different tasks of a modern person in such areas activities such as high quality photo / video filming, mapping, inspection, monitoring, law enforcement, firefighting and emergency situations. It was implemented by the developer as an uncompromising response to the high-tech DJI Mavic 2 Pro.
Key features of the model include: comprehensive obstacle detection and avoidance system, patented Dynamic Track 2.0 ™ system (recognizes and tracks up to 64 objects, including people, animals and vehicles), more than 8 new intelligent flight and shooting modes, three quick-change cameras (optional 48MP 8K / 20MP 6K / 48MP 8K Thermal Imager), 10-bit A-LOG Color mode, 10-bit 4K HDR video mode.
Max. removal distance 9 km. Max. flight speed 72 km / h. Max. flight time 40 min. Release date: January 2020 Price: from $ 1,349. More details about Autel Evo 2 can be found in our review.
Pros
- Portable (Folded size)
- 3 camera options with quick change options
- Shooting quality 6K camera
- 10-bit A-LOG Color mode (more freedom in post-processing)
- 10-bit 4K HDR video mode
- Dynamic (up to 72 km / h)
- Controlled
- Comprehensive Obstacle Avoidance and Avoidance Operation / Dynamic Track 2.0 Operation
- Max. flight time 40 min
- Max. FPV removal distance
Cons
- Not supplied officially in RF / No service support in RF
- No protection against water and dust
- Doubtful shooting quality 8K camera (possibly corrected with the next firmware updates)
Video
Demonstration of the Autel Evo 2 drone in Dynamic Track 2.0 mode.
2. DJI Air 2S
Today's best all-in-one entry-level solution, in which DJI has managed to fit almost all of its top technologies and offer a product at an affordable price. In other words, there are simply no similar mid-budget offers on the market that can compete with Air 2S.
The key arsenal of the bright model included: a flight weight of 595 grams, a 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 microns, a four-way obstacle detection and flying system, a set of intelligent tracking modes FocusTrack (Spotlight 2.0 / ActiveTrack 4.0 / Point of interest 3.0), Advanced Pilot Assistance System APAS 4.0, DJI AirSense Safety System, Pioneering Intelligent Flight and MasterShots function, 6 × automatic flight and QuickShot modes, 4-mode 4K Hyperlapse, 3-mode panoramic shooting, 10-bit color profile Dlog-M, RAW with dynamic range up to 12.6 stops, DJI O3 digital video transmission technology (OcuSync 3.0).
Max. removal distance 12 km. Max. flight speed 68.4 km / h. Max. flight time 31 min. Release date: April 2021 Price: from $ 999. The most detailed information about the DJI Air 2S can be found in our review.
Pros
- Portable design / Foldable design
- 4-sided imaging system
- OcuSync 3.0 digital video technology (Max. FPV distance 12 km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max.flight time 31 min
- 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 μm
- 10-bit Dlog-M / RAW color profile with a dynamic range of up to 12.6 stops
- ActiveTrack 4.0
- DJI AirSense / APAS 4.0 Security Systems
- MasterShots Pioneering Intelligent Flight and Capture Function
- Price
Cons
- 8 GB internal memory
- There is no scroll for EV control on the remote control
- Editing with the application is limited to 1080p
- Working HDR HLG process for professionals only
- Raw images are not automatically transferred to smartphones and tablets
Videos
DJI Air 2S Drone Demonstration in ActiveTrack 4.0 Mode.
1. Skydio 2
The intelligence of this drone is the envy of all solutions on the market today. At the heart of the top computing platform for AI - NVIDIA Jetson Tegra X2, working in tandem with a 256-core Pascal GPU, Denver 2 processor with 4GB RAM and 6 × 200 ° 4K cameras located in a trinocular configuration, which allows this machine to carry out stabilized high-quality aerial photography in the modes of intelligent tracking (Motion Track / Fixed Track), in almost any environmental conditions (room, city, forest). Rounding out the hi-tech configuration is a 12MP 4K HDR 3-axis mechanical gimbal, a 1 / 2.3-inch Sony IMX577 CMOS sensor paired with a Qualcomm RedDragon ™ QSC605.
The drone can be controlled by one of three devices: a smartphone (iOS / Android), a portable controller Skydio Beacona remote control paired with a smartphone
Max. removal distance 3.5 km. Max. flight speed in automatic mode 58 km / h. Max. flight time 23 min. Release date: November 2019. Price: from $ 1349. Details about the smartest Skydio 2 drone can be found in our review.
Pros
- Portable design / Quality
- Developer's warranty
- A unique system for determining and flying around obstacles implemented on AI algorithms
- Dynamic (up to 58 km / h in auto mode)
- Powerful 4K photo / video system
- 3-axis mech. gimbal
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Controls: Smartphone / Beacon / Remote Smartphone / Apple Whatch
- Max. distance 3.5 km
- Compatible with DroneDeploy
Cons
- Non-folding structure
- No landing feet
- Officially not supplied in the Russian Federation
Video
Demonstration of the Skydio 2 drone in Motion mode Track.
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