60 seconds with a modular drone that packs a pro camera
We're entering a golden age of UAVs, with models ranging from hobbyist drones like the Parrot AR Drone 2.0 all the way up to DJI's DSLR-packing Spreading Wings S900 Hexacopter. So what could our Insert Coin semi-finalist drone possibly bring to the party? Ivan Stamatovski said he created the EasyDrone for one simple reason: portability. Unlike most commercial drones, the EasyDrone can be broken down into a relatively compact case and easily assembled without having to connect any wires. At the same time, it comes with all the capability of a high-end drone: video streaming, a built-in gimbal, the ability to carry heavier cameras like Sony's NEX models and a high-end navigation system from 3D Robotics.
Yet after you're done, it can be broken down in about a minute for easy transport. The very polished-looking flyer is constructed from carbon fiber and looks like it can handle a fair amount of abuse. At the same time, Stamatovski said that there are multiple ways for wannabe filmmakers to control it, either using the remote or plotting waypoints on Google maps and downloading the data into the drone. If you're interested, the EasyDrone can be pre-ordered at $985 for a complete package capable of lifting a GoPro, or $1,185 for the heavy-lifting XL model. The team expects to complete Kickstarter deliveries by the New Year, with new orders shipping after that.
Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
