3D Robotics competes with DJI with its Solo ‘smart drone’

Solo is a a stylish “ready to fly” quadcopter that challenges the Phantom

DJI gets the adventure of camera drones just right and things have been taken a notch further with its latest updated Phantom series coming with a 4k video version. And today 3D Robotics has followed the lead too with its “ready to fly” quadcopter named as Solo which is going to challenge the Phantom on so many levels.

The best bit about the 3DR Solo is that it features two cameras; one is fitted inside the drone itself and the other one is found on the controller. The computer inside is 3DR’s own Pixhawk 2 which is safe from any chances of getting over-worked from the ‘smart’ features of the drone.

Talking about the features on the drone, you can enjoy live HD (720p) streaming direct from a GoPro to your phone as well as from an HDMI outlet. The video streaming is possible from over half a mile away. In addition to this, there are several cinematic flight modescomprehensive autopilot features, and a modular/swappable “accessory bay.”

The drone alone costs $1,000 and if you want the purpose-built Solo GoPro gimbal which is a camera stabilizer then you will have to shell out $1,400. Since Solo is competing with the Phantom, it has been careful enough to fall under the same price range with Phantom costing $1,260. Colin Guinn, SVP Sales & Marketing at 3DR, says that “90-percent of our buyers already own GoPros. That means we can put more of that cost, and more of that technology into the Solo.”