Regarding drones, the DJI Phantom 3 and the Spark are two of the most popular on the market. Both have their fans, and both have their detractors, but what sets them apart?
Let’s take a closer look at the DJI Phantom 3 vs Spark.
DJI Phantom 3 Vs Spark
Size
The Spark and Phantom Iii ranges’ vastly different sizes are the first things you’ll notice. The Spark weighs a meager 300g and has a 170mm diagonal (without the propellers).
Each Phantom 3 model weighs about 1300g and has a 350mm diagonal (without the propellers). In essence, the Phantom models appear nearly three times the size of the Spark drone when placed side by side. The Spark genuinely is a little drone and is the most portable.
Camera Specs
The photographs and movies are more precise and sharp the more influential the camera is. Knowing what you’re receiving with your drone pays off because of this.
Each camera has 12 Megapixels, which is pretty much the same for still images. The difference is in the video quality. 4K video can only be captured with the Phantom 3 4K and Phantom 3 Pro. The Phantom 3 Standard and Phantom 3 Advanced are coming next. Both of them are capable of 2.7K, but the Spark is only capable of 1080p.
Despite the fact that 1080p is still regarded as HD, a camera that can only shoot at this speed is becoming somewhat obsolete. The same is valid for 2.7K video as well. For professional and semi-professional filmmakers, 4K is by far the best quality and crucial.
Time of Flight
You’ll have more fun and be able to capture more footage the longer your drone can stay in the air. Flight time is essential because of this. Look at the numbers in the table below.
As you can see, the prices for the entire Phantom series are rather consistent. The Spark, on the other hand, trails with a flying time of just 16 minutes. Of course, this is sufficient to maximize your efforts, but more would be preferable.
Amount of Speed
Which one would you predict is faster if you had to guess?
The Phantom 3 4K is noted to be capable of a top speed of 35.8 mph, a decent speed of up to 6.7 mph, and an ascent speed of 11.2 mph.
The DJI Spark typically lags behind, only reaching 31 mph in ideal circumstances. Despite the fact that it climbs and descends at 6.7 mph, the same speed as the Phantom 3,
None of these are racing drones, so if that’s important to you, check out our list of the best and fastest drones available.
Flight Distance Maximum
A key deciding factor is the maximum distance a drone can travel, whether you choose the DJI Spark or the Phantom 3. You have greater freedom in the air the farther the flight range is.
When operated by a smartphone, the DJI Spark can maintain contact over a distance of up to 100 meters; however, using a transmitter increases this range to over 2 kilometers. This is quite astounding given how little Spark is.
Purchasing a transmitter is essential if you plan to do any serious flying with the Spark because, when equipped with one, it easily outperforms the Phantom 3 in terms of distance.
When flown without a transmitter, the Phantom 3 4K’s 1200-meter range is easily 10 times greater than that of the Spark.
Positioning
There is no variation in this because GPS and GLONASS are used by all drones to locate themselves. Each model has the ability to connect to both American and Russian satellites, providing excellent coverage and accuracy.
Don’t overlook the position of your eyes. This is what? All drones, with the exception of the Phantom 3 Standard, are equipped with a variety of sensors to help them locate themselves when they are close to the ground or in places where there is no GPS signal. They can maintain a high hover accuracy thanks to this without experiencing too much displacement.
Hover Displacement Vertically:
- ±0.1 m (with Vision Positioning)
- ±0.5 m (without Vision Positioning)
Displacement of Horizontal Hover:
- ±0.3 m (with vision positioning)
- ±1.5 m (without vision positioning)
Controllers
The Phantom 3 line of controllers features two sizable steering sticks in addition to a variety of flying and camera buttons. In order to see their flight footage through the DJI app and maintain control, users can place a Smartphone or Tablet at the top of the device.
The controller is generally useful and simple to use. The main drawback is that the controller that comes with the Phantom 3 Standard is an older model with fewer buttons and a mount that can only hold a smartphone, not a tablet.
The DJI software and hand gestures are both required to operate the Spark. These techniques do perform reasonably well, but the manual flight is much more enjoyable and useful. You’ll need to buy a controller to accomplish this. Independent models don’t have one.
The extended range is the main benefit of using a controller with the Spark. You can only travel 100 meters without one. But you can travel 1.2 miles with just one. You can activate sports mode on the controller as well, allowing the drone to reach its top speed of 31 mph.
Don’t forget to use the two control sticks and the dedicated flight buttons. So, if you do decide that you want a Spark, seek packages that also include the controller; definitely worth the effort.
Avoiding Obstacles
The Spark triumphs in this division by a wide margin. Its cutting-edge sensors can find anything up to 16 feet in the distance. These include impediments like chain-link fences, netting, and electrical wires. This actually makes it resilient as a rock.
Unfortunately, this specific obstacle avoidance feature is not available for the Phantom 3 range. This won’t matter if you’re flying in open spaces, but the Spark is a better choice if you wish to fly indoors, close to the ground, or in another risky situation.
Modes
All the best DJI drones include its standard intelligent flight modes, including:
- Users can create their own automati flying path for the drone using waypoints.
- Course Lock: This feature makes the drone’s controls work in relation to the direction of flight.
- Home Lock: This feature fixes the drone’s controls to its home position.
- Limiting speeds for new fliers enables them to practice safely.
There are a few more in The Spark:
- Using a rocket, the drone will rise while facing upward. This offers a distinctive viewpoint.
- Dronie- This makes the drone fly backward and forwards while keeping its camera locked onto a subject, enabling the taking of a variety of intriguing images.
- Circle – Makes the drone circle the target.
- Helix: This maneuver makes the drone circle a target while gradually expanding the circle’s radius.
- Gestures: In this mode, you can operate the drone by making hand motions.
Battery And Flight Duration
There is a noticeable discrepancy in the battery and flight time departments.
With an 11.4 V, 1480 mAh Lipo battery, the DJI Spark can fly for about 16 minutes before needing to land and be recharged. While not particularly noteworthy, this is still respectable.
The Phantom 3 has a lot greater endurance in the air. The Phantom 3 has a larger battery, a 15.2V, 4480 mAh battery, which allows it to hover in the air for around 25 minutes.
To avoid having to stop the fun and wait for the battery to recharge, it is always a good idea to get one or two backup batteries.
If you want a drone with a longer flight time, please check out: Best Drones For Long Battery Life
Price
These are the drone’s current prices as of this writing. For the newest ones, visit Amazon.
Maybe you need to see some other comparisons:
FAQs
For a DJI Spark, is a license required?
Before taking to the skies, every DJI Spark operator must register with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aircraft weighing more than 55 lbs (about 2 sticks of butter) are required to have an identification label that complies with regulations and to carry a Certificate of Registration (Flight ID).
- Read more: Do You Need A Pilot’s License To Fly A Drone
Has DJI Spark obstacle avoidance technology?
To prevent flying into buildings or trees head-on, both drones have obstacle avoidance algorithms. DJI Spark’s front-facing sensor system can identify obstacles up to five meters away.
Phantom 3, must it follow me?
DJI released the Phantom 3 series, which was the first follow-me drone. Follow Me, Course Lock, Waypoints, Home Lock, and Points of Interest are just a few of its several Intelligent Flight Modes. The Phantom 3 needs a remote control and the DJI GO app to activate Follow Me mode, just like other GPS-based drones.
Can Phantom3 fly very far?
Using the provided controller, the Standard model can control a distance of up to 1,000 meters. However, this is the FCC-rated number when used outside and unhindered. The range of the Advanced and Professional models is the same and is based on outdoor, unobstructed use.
Video
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best of the best, then the Phantom 3 is the drone for you. It’s got a more powerful camera and longer flight time, making it perfect for serious photographers and videographers. If you’re just starting out or on a budget, then the Spark is a great choice. It’s much smaller and easier to fly and still takes great photos and videos.
The Phantom 3 is a great choice for serious photographers and videographers. It’s got a more powerful camera and longer flight time, making it perfect for getting the perfect shot. If you’re just starting out or on a budget, then the Spark is a great choice. It’s much smaller and easier to fly and still takes great photos and videos.
