The fans of DJI drones will be visited by a new idol of aerial photography and videography world. The latest drone of 3D Robotics brings a number of features that previously never been pinned to a quadcopter.
3D Robotics starts it by embedding a pair of Linux-based
computers that have 1 GHz processing capability - one on drone and another on
its controller. With these two computer units, the drone, named Solo, can fly
by itself. Solo can even record video by itself with a level of precision
that's claimed can exceed the talents of pro aerial videographers.
The autopilot and automatic recording feature is called
Smartshot. There are four modes you can choose: Cable Cam, Orbit, Follow and
selfie. Cable Cam will move Solo to follow a straight line, Orbit will order
Solo to orbit an object or building, Follow will make Solo following wherever
the target moves, while Selfie is intended to meet the needs of user's selfie.
When you feel the need to take over, Solo will welcome you
with open arms. The gimbal is equipped with 3-axis image stabilization system
and able to control the GoPro Hero3, Hero3 + or Hero4 in full.
Using the controller and its companion app on Android or
iOS, you can adjust the camera angle and a variety of other functions. The
simplest is you can start and stop the camera recording when Solo is being
aired.
Various settings on the camera can also be accessed during
the recording process. One example, you can change the fps setting on GoPro
camera in real-time when Solo is flying over the geysers.
This full control is possible thanks to the collaboration of
3D Robotics with the GoPro in working the Solo. Not only that, Solo can also forward
the live video recording of GoPro in HD resolution to the connected Android and
iOS devices.
The secret lies in the connection between the Solo gimbal
with the Go Pro micro-HDMI port. Thus, the video that's being recorded can be
transmitted wirelessly to a distance of 800 meters.
If you don't feel enough to monitor the recording only via smartphone
or tablet screen, you can use the HDMI connection of Solo controller to transmit
the recording video to TV, head-mounted display (HMD) or even the Jumbotron.
Important note: it all takes place in real-time.
The Controller also gets special attention. Its layout is
inspired by game console controller, and in the middle of the controller
there's a colored screen to display the Solo flight status, including remaining
battery power. If the battery starts to run out, the controller will vibrate to
alert you to immediately land the Solo.
In physical terms, the 3D Robotics Solo has a cool form, its
weight, without fitted with gimbal and camera, is about 1.5 kg, but it's able
to fly up to speed of more than 80 km/h.
The drone's 5,200mAh battery is claimed can last up to 20
minutes if it's used to record video with the GoPro camera. The controller uses
a 2,600mAh battery, and can be operated up to approximately 4 hours.
In addition, 3D Robotics is designing Solo in the
open-source package which means that the other parties are free to develop
accessories or software that could be paired with Solo.
3D Robotics Solo is scheduled to go on sale globally in June
- July. The selling price offered is about $ 999, including its controller.
Unfortunately the gimbal is offered separately for $ 400.