Drones have become very common over the past few years, with DJI leading the pack in commercial drone technology. The brand has made some of the best drones that are used by videographers and photographers all over the world. Aerial shots have become a staple part of most videos, be it for ads or for weddings; you can see some form of a birds-eye view that has been captured using a drone. Among the many models put out by DJI are the Spark and Phantom 3 and we shall compare the two to see what drone has an edge where.
The basic spec difference
The most central part in both these drones is the same, the sensor size is at 1/2.3 inches. The difference in aperture is quite small but this does factor in a lot regarding the results they can produce. The Spark is at f/2.6 and the Phantom 3 has an aperture of f/2.8. The Spark and Phantom 3 both can take images at a size of 12MP. There is a difference in video though, the Spark can shoot 1080p while the Phantom 3 can shoot 2.7K, this is a marked difference. The frame rate for both drones is the same at 30fps. The top speed for these drones is close, with the Phantom 3 being a little faster at 36mph and the Spark has a top speed of 31mph.
The difference in size and weight is a lot, the Spark is a 5th the weight and about a 4th the size of the Phantom 3. The largest effect this has is on battery power. The Spark has a flight time of 16 minutes, with the Phantom 3 coming in at a total of 25 minutes. The size also affects the range, the Phantom 3 has a stock range of 1000m. The Spark has only a 100m, but if one buys the optional remote this goes up to 2000m.
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One of the features that sets the Spark apart is the front obstacle avoidance ability, the Phantom 3 does not have any form of this and the flyer needs to visually keep it safe from banging into anything.
Advantages of the DJI Spark
The main advantage here being the obstacle avoidance capabilities. Drones are not cheap and having one crash into something would be a bummer. The obstacle avoidance at least keeps it safe from a head-on crash. The Spark’s size makes it super portable, it has been designed to fit into a relatively small space. Due to the fact that it is designed for a more beginner level of drone flying, it has been made as a machine that is easy to set up and use. It can be up in the air in less than a minute, comparatively, the Phantom 3 needs the props to be attached and its remote needs to be connected to your smartphone of tablet.
The Spark has more diverse flight modes that can be engaged at the click of a button, the Phantom 3 has some as well but they are limited. The gesture control feature that makes flying super simple is only present in the Spark. The Spark also has a newer sensor, so the sensor sizes may be the same but the Spark’s sensor outperforms the Phantom 3’s.
Advantages of the DJI Phantom 3
The advantages with the Phantom include its speed and stability, also the longer battery time. It is fitted with a better gimbal system that allows for more stable and thus more smooth shots. The speed and extended range gives it an edge for a lot of conditions where the Spark would not work, unless one bought the added on remote with the Spark.
The video quality is also a lot higher that makes this closer to a semi-professional level of device in comparison.
Which to get for you
The differences in the features and strengths let one know what their choice should be. If one is shooting smaller more random videos for their own sake vs if one needs a more heavy-duty device that can take shoot higher grade video. A compact device also works well if you plan to be travelling or camping. If one is going to be shooting videos more regularly for clients in controlled environments the larger drone can be used more easily.
These drones can be bought online. For instance for the DJI Spark, one can check on Shopsy.pk or daraz.pk etc and see what prices or package deals it is available in.
