DJI Spark Update: New Video and Photo Features

DJI’s latest firmware update comes with a number of new and improved features for the DJI Spark.

The new features, according to a DJI statement, deliver a powerful combination of video and photo improvements to Spark users worldwide. These include:

• A new gesture to start and stop video recording
• Enhanced QuickShot video features for more cinematic control
• A 180-degree photo shooting mode and improved photo image resolution

“We are excited to make Spark even better with these new features and improvements, many of which are the result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback and requests we received from customers around the world,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “These updates deliver on our vision to make Spark an easy and fun camera drone that anyone can use, even if you’ve never flown a drone before.”

New Record Gesture

The Spark’s 3D Sensing System allows for features such as Gesture Mode and PalmControl. Users can control Spark with hand movements, giving it commands to follow them, take aerial selfies, send the drone away and beckon it back.

With the addition of the new Record gesture, users can now start and stop video recording with a simple arm movement, giving them the freedom and flexibility to capture beautiful, smooth videos whenever the right moment strikes using Spark’s image stabilized 1080p HD camera.

More control in Circle & Helix Modes

Spark’s QuickShot Intelligent Flight Modes that make creating professional videos fun and easy have also been enhanced. Using QuickShot, Spark automatically flies along a preset flight path while recording a short video and tracking a subject along the way. Users can now control which circular direction the drone flies during Circle and Helix

Users can now control which circular direction the drone flies during Circle and Helix modes to give them more cinematic control when filming. Other QuickShot modes have also been improved by increasing the height gained during Dronie mode and smoothing the camera’s pitch in Rocket mode.

Better Resolution in Gesture and ActiveTrack Modes

The latest firmware update also adds some features to maximize the camera’s capabilities. In addition to the existing Vertical and Horizontal Pano modes, a new 180 mode stitches 21 individual photos together to capture 180-degree panoramic images.

The photo resolution when shooting in ActiveTrack and Gesture Modes has been improved to capture images at 12-megapixel resolution of 3968×2976 pixels.

There are also more general updates to the overall performance of the Spark, including better responsiveness to input from the remote controller, enhanced connectivity between the aircraft and remote controller and flight logging for the Intelligent Battery system.

Latest Firmware Required to use New Features

If you want to take advantage of the Spark’s new features, you’ll need to download and install the latest firmware on your drone and remote controller. You’ll also need to download and use the latest DJI GO 4 mobile app. With concerns over hackers modifying their DJI drones, this is perhaps the first of many updates to make DJI drones more secure, not just better to fly and shoot with.