Autel Robotics has released EVO 2 drone with 8K version at CES 2020. It features with 8K camera and omni-directional obstacle avoidance of collision sensors. Autel EVO 2 said to be the world’s first foldable 8K drone, is it worth to buy or not?
This Autel review give you an all-around overview fromfeatures, performance, appearance, functions topros and cons. To provide a real reference for your purchase.
1. 8K Camera
Shoots With a Maximum Resolution Up To 48mp (8000*6000)
Records HDP 8k Videos At 25 fps, 4k Videos At 60 fps
1/2” CMOS Image Sensor
100-3200 ISO Range
Zoom 1-8x (Max 4x Lossless)
120mbps Max Bitrate
The main advantage of EVO2 is up to 8K camera, and being able to record 4K at up to 60fps, which allow you shot better video quality in the air. It greatly helps for projects those requires full HD materials. To some extent, 8K is going to be a new standard higher than other drones.
2. The Folding Drone
The orange color is bright, whether you like or not. EVO 2 is quite a compact and lightweight drone. It is only 2.5 lbs(1150g) with a 7000mAh battery installed, the body is small as a shoe when folded. Due to its size, you can easily to carry , store and launch it without needing too much space. For another thing, the tall legs on drone, make it easy to take off and land without a pad. That means the drone can take off from any worse surfaces. Folding and removing the gimbal cover is also an ease job, only requires to fold the legs in all horizontally direction.
EVO 2 drone is equipped with 12 visual sensors for omnidirectional obstacle detection. It has a 8GB internal storage space for those who had already filled SD card.
3. The Flight Time
Autel helps users to stay in the air longer, it is said to have longest battery time of 40 minutes. Compared to other drones, 40 minutes is a long flight time on a single battery for fun or commercial. You can record more beautiful moments or search missing person in the longer time. 40 minutes of flight time is realistic, but users should realize that working on a single battery can’t support a full day of shooting, with 1-2 extra batteries, that shouldn’t be an problem anymore.
Additional single Battery for Autel EVO 2 will cost $219, you can also choose the EVO 2 Rugged Bundle to have 2 batteries and 1 hard carrying case. Thus, your drone will have the ability to fly more than one hour without recharging.
4. The Remote Control
The controller is quite lightweight, and has a color screen that will display a live scene from the camera. It can be used as a monitor, dispensing for basic photo and video operation. Without a phone or tablet, now you are able to put your drone up in the air as long as you have a charged remote. (requires a MicroUSB). What is exciting is that you don’t need extra investement on an expensive smart controller.
Autel said to have a 5.5 mile max transmission signal distance which beyond other competitors on market. In terms of flight, the drone and controller work together well. For speed enthusiasts, can switch to “Ludicrous Mode” for an enjoyable flight. The EVO 2 can even flies steadily when temperature dropped below -12°C or the winds were blowing.
The Autel EVO2 also provides additional functions: Voice Command and Gesture Control. A microphone icon will appear on the bottom of screen when using voice command, you can make commands like “take off” to operate the drone. The drone will flicker its lights to alert after your gesture when starting the function, giving you time to pose.
Autel EVO 2 PROS vs. CONS
PROSCONS
Records 8kAt 25 fps, 4kAt 60 fpsDo not supply cables
Compact, easy to carry and storeDo not support panorama mode
40 minutes flight timeSoftware could be improved
Omnidirectional obstacle detection
Steady remote control and flight
Phone-free, tablet-fee operation
Good fight modes
Voice command
Gesture control
Autel EVO 2 Pricing
EVO 2 standard (8K) – $1495 USD
With 8K aircraft, battery, gimbal holder, remote control, charger, and 3 cables.
EVO 2 rugged bundle (8K) – $1695 USD
With additional hard carrying case & one battery, others same as standard.
EVO 2 Pro standard (6K) – $1795 USD
With 6K aircraft, battery, gimbal holder, remote control, charger, and 3 cables.
EVO 2 Pro rugged bundle (6K) – $1995 USD
With additional hard carrying case & one battery, others same as standard.
Battery for Autel EVO 2 / EVO 2 Pro – $219 USD
One additional single battery
Conclusion
The Autel EVO 2 is a best folding drone money can buy for those serious videographers. It beats other competitors in 8K video, longer flight time, and nimble airframe. If you don’t require panoramasare and digital zoom function, EVO 2 is an ideal option. In addition, with mapping tools built in, which could be the first choice for many. If you are searching a drone used for entertainment or commerce, why not consider it?
For purchase, I will recommend the EVO 2 in rugged bundle which including 2 batteries and a hard case for store and security. Considering only a single battery will cost $219, the additional $300 would be worth the price.