Mavic Air/Spark more stealthy?

[flp]

I have had a Phantom 3 standard for several years. The main thing that prevents me from flying it more is the size, I am very self conscious of the drone and don't like attracting attention. Just wondering for those who have made the switch from phantom to mavic air or spark (the regular mavic still seems too large) what was it like. I really like the size of the mavic air or spark, it seems like it would come across as more a "toy" rather than a drone which is exactly what I would prefer people think it is. for example, i would never think of whipping out my phantom 3 when there are people around, it's just too conspicuous and attention grabbing.

 

[msinger]

The only downside of the Mavic Air is its high pitched sound. It's certainly not something I'd buy if I was going for stealthy. Then again, no DJI drones are really stealthy.

 

[Starz]

Mavic Air isn’t a toy drone at all.
(But it do make some noise)

 

[msinger]

Mavic Air isn’t a toy drone at all

Nope! It's a fantastic drone. One of my favorites.

 

[Starz]

Little buzzer is real fun!

 

[Former Member]

If you want cheap stealth and an excellent overall drone, get a Mavic Pro Platinum. The MPP is not much bigger than the Air, has Occusync, is cheaper to repair, and quieter. Prices these days are not much different and resale price is better on the MPP.

Best stealthy drone now is the Mavic 2. Whisper quiet and handles like an F35, but that might be too big for you.

 

[Former Member]

Sorry to digress. If I had a choice between a Spark and an Air, the Spark would win. For what I do, the Spark combo works. It is currently priced at $399 or less for the combo with controller. The AIr is still $699 or more. Neither has Occusync, Spark has no 4k, but it's cute, quiter than an Air, and so easy to transport.

Neither of them are too loud at 100+ feet. Onyx Black will draw less attention.

 

[flp]

Sorry to digress. If I had a choice between a Spark and an Air, the Spark would win. For what I do, the Spark combo works. Now priced at $399 or less for the combo with controller. The AIr is still $699 or more. Neither has Occusync, Spark has no 4k, but it's cute, quiter than an Air, and so easy to transport.

Neither of them are too loud at 100+ feet. Onyx Black will draw less attention.

Yes I really like the spark size, appearance and definitely the price. However some of the video I’ve seen looks kind of soft.

However the spark actually looks like something I could fairy inconspicuously launch quickly into the air, grab some shots and land easily. Even if spotted it looks like a toy and does not scream “drone”. Wondering if that have been people’s experience also.

 

[Former Member]

Yes I really like the spark size, appearance and definitely the price. However some of the video I’ve seen looks kind of soft.

However the spark actually looks like something I could fairy inconspicuously launch quickly into the air, grab some shots and land easily. Even if spotted it looks like a toy and does not scream “drone”. Wondering if that have been people’s experience also.

Getting it up in the air is quick enough once you get it set up and get into your preflight ritual. Pretty much same as most other DJI drones, and has no arms to unfold.

 

[Former Member]

BTW, have you posted your thoughts on Sparkpilots.com. There are a zillion Spark owners over there who have both the MA and Spark.

WWW.sparkpilots.com

 

[msinger]

If the sound and price aren't issues, the Mavic Air is an easy pick for me over the Spark for the following reasons:

• 21 minute battery life (Spark lasts for 16 minutes)
• 42 MPH top speed (Spark tops out at 31 MPH and is only fun to fly in Sport mode)
• Shoots 4K video (Spark only shoots 1080P)
• Shoots RAW and JPG (Spark only shoots JPG)
• Filters screw onto the camera (Spark camera is not threaded)
• 3-axis gimbal (Spark has a 2-axis gimbal)
• 2.48 mile transmission distance (Spark is 1.2 miles)

I do like my Spark, but I'd take the Mavic Air if I could only have one.

 

[Kilrah]

Parrot anafi. That one's quiet and toy-looking, and closely challenges the Air globally, better on some points.

 

[silverdragon]

Sorry to digress. If I had a choice between a Spark and an Air, the Spark would win. For what I do, the Spark combo works. It is currently priced at $399 or less for the combo with controller. The AIr is still $699 or more. Neither has Occusync, Spark has no 4k, but it's cute, quiter than an Air, and so easy to transport.

Neither of them are too loud at 100+ feet. Onyx Black will draw less attention.

I agree with the Spark..to me anyways...it seems not as loud as the Mavic Air and when I fly the Spark in my back yard people in the vicinity do not pay mind. The Mavic Air, they seem to watch me more and I see them gossiping amongst each other as they watch me. So I ran a silly test... I flew the Spark 4 times and watched them closely and the MA closely and if I were to pick one or the other for the stealthiest one, it would be my good o'buddy Spark....I don't have the eyes burning my neck...

 

[flp]

I agree with the Spark..to me anyways...it seems not as loud as the Mavic Air and when I fly the Spark in my back yard people in the vicinity do not pay mind. The Mavic Air, they seem to watch me more and I see them gossiping amongst each other as they watch me. So I ran a silly test... I flew the Spark 4 times and watched them closely and the MA closely and if I were to pick one or the other for the stealthiest one, it would be my good o'buddy Spark....I don't have the eyes burning my neck...

Just wondering is that due to the drone sound volume or due to the size or appearance of the spark.

I guess even after flying a drone on and off after several years, this is the biggest issue that I don’t like.

 

[silverdragon]

I can't say what they are actually hearing but to me the MA has a bit louder sound of a bunch of angry bees with a (higher pitch)and the spark has a more of a bass type sound. It's hard for me to explain with the right words...but they look harder when flying the MA.