Xiaomi’s 4k Mi Drone takes off with ‘affordable’ price tag

By | 27 May, 2016

CHINESE smartphone maker Xiaomi Inc has shaken up the drone market with the launch of its new Mi Drone, which boasts a 4k camera and is capable of being controlled over a 2km distance from the operator.

With the launch on May 25, Xiaomi is putting it up to DJI, which is widely known for its Phantom Series.

Most notable is the US$460 price tag, significantly cheaper than the DJI’s US$799 Phantom 3 4k. Those on a tighter budget can also opt for the 1080p version of Xiaomi’s drone, which costs around US$380.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljbkO1hrebk

According to engadget, the Mi Drone is mounted with a ball-shaped 4K camera beneath it and the camera uses a Sony 12.4-megapixel sensor that can capture video at up to 3,840 x 2,160 at 30 fps.

The drone can fly non-stop for nearly half an hour. Image via Xiaomi.

The drone can fly non-stop for nearly half an hour. Image via Xiaomi.

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Other noteworthy specs, as highlighted by a Xiamo fan thread, can be seen in the following:

– 4-propeller system with detachable shields
– 17.4V battery 5100mAh, 27 minutes non-stop flying
– 1080p or 4K UHD camera, with 104° wide-angle lens
– 4K camera at 3840 x 2160 pixels; supports recording of stills in RAW format
– 720p live video with low latency from up to 2km distance
– Camera attached to a 3-axis gimbal, stabilizes up to 2000 vibrations per second
– Unbelievably lightweight design
– GPS + GLONASS + vision-based positioning for max precision
– Intelligently detects low battery and returns home automatically
– Real-time location tracking for easy retrieval even post crash
– Hovers automatically at the edge of no-fly zones
– Built-in PCB antenna array in remote control for maximum reach
– Modular design and foldable landing gear

The drone is programmed not to fly in restricted areas, but will automatically hover at the edge of no-fly zones.

The drone is also beginner-friendly, with a designated button for take off and landing. It can also auto-pilot its way back to the operator at a flick of a switch.

“Drones are an expensive toy for most of the people, therefore we decided to enter to this field. We hope to create innovation that everyone can enjoy, including drones!” the company said on the fan site.



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