As we know, drone/quadcopter is often used by the
photographers and videographers to enrich their portfolios. This trend is also
triggering the presence of a number of drone communities as forum to exchange
ideas, tricks, and also modify their drones.
At the same time, the general consumers also want to enjoy
the sophistication offered by a drone. Today there are many drones that have
been equipped with autopilot feature so that the beginners can operate them
easily.
This drone is different; it doesn't want to be called as a drone
despite having an ability to fly. Lily Camera was born from a project of UC
Berkeley students in 2013; it's designed to provide easy operation, leaving the
complicated setup process and complex controller unit.
Lily has a round shape like a dorayaki cake; it's equipped
with four arms where the propellers are placed. The frame is made of
polycarbonate and aluminum, with dimensions of 26.1 x 26.1 x 8.2 cm and a total
weight of 1.3 kg. Indeed Lily is created in order to fly in the air, but it's
also ready to land and float on water if needed; it has waterproof body with
IP67 certification.
Lily has been equipped with 12 megapixel image sensor and 94
degrees viewing angle lens. It's ready to record video in resolution of 1080p
60 fps, or 720p 120 fps if you want to record the precious moments in slow
motion version.
The gimbal mechanism and its image stabilization rely on
digital system, and the sensors embedded are quite standard just like other
drones in general: accelerometer, magnetometer, barometer, GPS and 3-axis
gyroscope.
A pair of 'smiling eyes' at the top of the camera is an LED
indicator which will turn blue when Lily is ready to fly, while the power
button, microSD slot and charging port are hidden in the back. Lily can fly for
20 minutes, after that, you need to recharge the batteries for about 2 hours.
Lily Camera can fly at a maximum altitude of 15 meters and a speed
of 40 km/h. The maximum distance that can be reached is 30 meters. Not too far
indeed, but Lily is deliberately created to accompany the users and record all
the users' activities.
Lily refuses to be called as drone because it is not
accompanied by a controller unit just like other conventional drones, but a
flat round tracking device with a diameter of 6 cm. This tracking device has a
battery life of 4 hours, and water-resistant casing which comes with a strap so
you can use it on your wrist.
This is what makes Lily special. You just need to activate
the tracking device, and then throw Lily into the air, after that you can start
your activities. Lily will follow wherever you move while taping the video automatically.
Both devices work in harmony: on one hand Lily Camera will
record your activities, and on the other hand, the tracking device that has
been equipped with a microphone will record all the sounds around you.
Lily Camera can be ordered for $ 499 through the official
website (www.lily.camera); add $ 30 for international shipping cost.