Quad-cotter type radio control "AR Drone 2" movie & photo review that can shoot HD movies from the sky

Operate with iPad / iPhone connected via wireless LAN 4 "with feathersAR Drone"Is a unique product that combines a radio control camera and a camera that can shoot images and photos during flight.

First generation modelAlthough the performance of the camera was VGA (640 × 480 pixels) and it was a little unsatisfactory feeling, this timeShizuoka Hobby ShowIn the next-generation machine "AR Drone 2" that was on display at the exhibition, it greatly improved the power corresponding to the HD image quality of 1280 x 720 dots. The application for operation has already been updated, and it supports not only movie recording but upload to YouTube. So in the translation, it is a selling agencyKyoshoI went to the booth to show the demonstration of the actual machine and put it in the movies and pictures.

The exhibition booth looks like this.


Only the main body and iPad are necessary for flying and shooting.


It is about this size to have with an adult male hand. Sensually it is a place with a large cushion size.


Looking from the bottom like this.


The front is like this.


From the top you can see that there are 4 feathers.


The greatest feature of the new model is that the performance of the camera has been upgraded to HD image quality.


This is a new camera part.


The part connecting the rotor and the main body is like this.


It seems that it is equipped with a chip that newly measures atmospheric pressure and it is possible to stably fly even in a higher place.


I tried to remove the styrofoam frame that protects the rotor when flying indoors.


When using it outdoors, attach another body cover.


If you turn on the power of "AR Drone", it will be recognized as an access point from the iPad, so tap it and establish connection. Communication distance is about 50 meters.


Select an application by launching an application.


The camera image is displayed on the screen at hand like this.


If you tap the "Take off" icon, it keeps the level automatically and "Furari" rises up.


You can control the direction of "AR Drone" by tilting the iPad while pressing the icon in the part touched by the left hand. There was a considerably more stable feeling compared to heli radio controlled, so I was able to enjoy piloting without trouble for the first time.


Actual skipping is as follows.



So, please check out the movie that you can see well how it works like below.

A state of flying radio control "AR Drone 2" capable of aerial shooting of HD movies - YouTube


The state of the hand you are steering on the iPad can be seen in the following movie.

How to operate radio control "AR Drone 2" which can take aerial shots of HD movies with iPad - YouTube


The recorded movie is saved in the library so you can watch it later.


The image is fairly clear, and despite the fact that it was taken in a dimly lit place, the surrounding landscape is clearly shown, and there is almost no rattling shake.


You can upload movies you have uploaded to YouTube directly from the application.


Also, a demonstration movie that connects posted images from users uploaded to the official website is a must-see because it is making something so exciting.

AR.Drone 1 year of User Videos: Thank You! - YouTube


AR.Drone Best Of User Videos # 2 - YouTube


Although the release date and price are undecided, on May 19 (Sat) and 20 (Sunday)The 51st Shizuoka Hobby ShowIf you go to the venue, you can see real machines and demonstrations.