Face off: The DJI Inspire 1 drone vs the Parrot Bebop
Which of these two drones should budding pilots and aspiring aerial filmmakers own?
With a modular detachable 12 megapixel Sony Exmor camera, you're already getting ultra-smooth, high-definition video recordings at up to 4K resolution with the DJI Inspire 1. This could challenge the quality of digitally projected films in your local cinema. But to top that off, the camera is mounted on a powered three-axis gimbal, which adjusts for the disturbance a drone experiences during battering cross-wind conditions. There's even retractable landing gear designed to allow almost 360 degrees of unobstructed camera panning. The result is an all-in-one flying camera package with footage that's perfectly smooth and level, no matter what conditions it flies in.
The Parrot Bebop has benefited from a big upgrade in camera technology from the previous version. On paper, it claims to deliver 1K resolution videos and still photos from its 14 megapixel fisheye camera, something that sounds like a match made in heaven. In practice, the footage and photos are serviceable, but don't compare to those of the DJI.
The DJI is incredibly stable, has GPS signal availability and a trio of sensors that can recognise different types of ground, and will counter crosswinds to hover in one spot. Weighing in at a hefty 2.9kg, it's agile to the point of seeming capable of stunts. With a top speed of 80km/h and an 18-minute flight time, the motors are extremely powerful, and the entire package is power efficient.
Unlike the DJI, the Bebop does not come with physical radio wave controllers. Instead, controls are touch-based and used via an app installed on your smartphone. As a result, you're left with shorter-range Wi-fi which is more prone to interference. The Bebop's saving grace the possibility to fly it in a highly immersive first-person view, as it's compatible with Oculus Rift, the Facebook-owned virtual reality head-mounted display. A manual flightplan allows you to create checkpoints on a map, and have it fly the route automatically. There's 8GB of built-in storage for all your recording needs.
Sadly, the DJI was not designed for stunt flying. You could still have a blast with its finely tuned controls and easy flight mechanics. But if you value your drone, this is not the type of flying you'd do with an Inspire 1.
The Parrot Bebop, although 30 km/h slower than the DJI, is designed with fun in mind. Programmed into the pilot companion app are various stunts you can perform with just a double tap. It's also very sturdy, so you can forget about bumps and grinds and get straight to the fun.
