Skydios R1 quadcopter is one of the most interesting gadgets of 2018.
Describing the R1 as a drone is like calling the iPhone a rectangle.
Both terms are correct, but neither are really accurate.
The R1 is an autonomous robot.
The R1s big selling point is that its not just self-flying, its a self-flying camera.
It mostly delivers in that department.
Credit: Nicole Gray
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Its potential is probably better described as your own personal film crew than a selfie drone.
The R1 has an onboard Nvidia computer that processes images from 13 cameras mounted on the devices body.
Through the use ofcomputer vision, it navigates its environment in the same way a self-driving car would.
It can avoid obstacles, follow a target, and capture stable footage even under less-than-optimal conditions.
The short way to put that is: it uses AI to fly itself.
It doesnt come with a remote control.
And thats a good thing.
Its instinct for self-preservation means you wont destroy an expensive gadget that I can only describe as sexy.
This is the exception to that rule.
Skydio also says you shouldnt use it in very windy weather.
During my testing I accidentally broke both of those rules.
Since it was in follow mode, it zoomed right along behind me.
In subsequent flights, under the proper conditions, its continued to function perfectly.
I was consistently impressed with the footage it took, no matter the conditions it was shooting in.
Under optimal conditions youll get gorgeous video.
And, Id actually suggest getting one if youre shooting outdoors.
And, for parents: trust me, youve never seen your family this way.
Plus, its stupid-easy to use.
It starts recording when its turned on and stops when its turned off.
You dont have to do anything to make it film, and it saves all footage to internal memory.
It can even record audio from your phone so your videos arent all silent.
No muss, no fuss.
The only way it could be easier to use is if it was voice-operated.
It also allows you to select camera effects for the drone to execute.
By default the R1 launches in follow mode.
If youre alone itll automatically track you as soon as its aloft.
Other camera effects include:
The amazing thing about these effects is that theyre done autonomously.
And, until you see it in action, its hard to understand how important this is.
But, despite it being a bit too windy, the R1 handled the entire situation with aplomb.
When I say that it flies itself Im not kidding.
Skydio isnt over-hyping this things ability to handle itself in the air.
It supports live-streaming at 720p (but I didnt get the chance to test it).
you’re able to also directly export video files from the drone to any computer via USB.
The R1 from Skydio is brilliant.
The only gripe I have with it is the cost.
Its in a class all its own.
