When comparing AirDog vs DJI Spark, the Slant community recommends DJI Spark for most people. In the question“What are the best follow drones?” DJI Spark is ranked 5th while AirDog is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose DJI Spark is:
It's easy to learn how to control the Spark, since it has simple controls. It also has an automatic stabilization system and anti-collision sensors that help prevent impact that can cause permanent damage.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Works on its own, with behavior adjusted to each sport
This drone is made to work in its own, automatically, while you're practicing your sport. When you turn on the drone, it will offer various sports modes to optimize the drone’s behavior for the best results. For example, it will follow your exact trajectory downhill and will land next to you when a sport like snowboarding or mountain biking is selected. For windsurfing, it will take a wider filming approach and will return to the starting point instead of landing with you. The list of sports is constantly being updated.
Pro Compact, wearable controller, made for sports
The included controller is wearable on your wrist and it acts as a beacon to tell the drone where you are. Additionally, it has a couple of sensors to send data to the drone about your speed, position and altitude among others. It is waterproof and even allows you to change a few settings while in the middle of the action.
Pro GoPro compatible
The drone doesn’t have a built in camera, but it is GoPro compatible. Since a lot of sports enthusiasts already have a GoPro, they can use their existing ones, ensuring high quality content.
Pro Travel friendly
The drone itself is lightweight and has a fully foldable body small enough to fit in a backpack. Just remove the propellers, fold the landing gear and arms and you’re all set. Folding the arms also turns the drone off.
Pro Beginner-friendly
It's easy to learn how to control the Spark, since it has simple controls. It also has an automatic stabilization system and anti-collision sensors that help prevent impact that can cause permanent damage.
Pro Includes high-end smart features
Pro Great image quality for the price
Pro Controllable with gestures
This drone can be controlled via physical gestures, which can be especially useful for beginners, since it provides an intuitive way of controlling flight.
Cons
Con No collision avoidance system
The drone doesn’t have any collision avoidance systems, so it is important to select the right sport mode and evaluate the surroundings to minimize potential damage to the drone.
Con Lengthy, regular calibrations needed
The drone needs to be calibrated every once in a while, which can be a lengthy process and might keep you from filming straight away.
Con Adapter needed for the GoPro 5 models
To use a GoPro 5, you will need to get an adapter.
Con GoPro controls are separate from drone controls
The controls for the GoPro are separate from the controls of the drone, so you’ll have to turn the camera on and off manually.
Con Camera needs to be purchased separately
This drone doesn't come with a camera, it needs to be purchased separately.
Con Camera is not of professional quality
The Spark's camera can't be compared to the cameras of more advanced drones. For example, it's not 4K and it only has 12MP.
Con 2 axis gimbal
The Spark's gimbal only has 2 axis, unlike those with 3 axis of high-end drones.
Con Doesn’t come with a remote by default
The Spark doesn't come with a remote by default. If you get the more basic version, you have to control the drone via an app installed on your smartphone or tablet. If bought separately, the remote costs $149. Getting the Spark's "Fly More" Combo, which includes the remote, among other accessories, costs $699.
Con Short flight time
This drone's maximum flight time is 16 minutes, which can feel quite short.