STACK #139 May 2016

FEATURE TECH

a fisheye lens that’s integrated into the nose, rather than an external camera. The camera hasn’t been

upgraded much from the original Bebop, and while the footage quality is fine, it does pale in comparison

to more high-end drone products. Additionally, the 8GB of internal memory fills up quickly, and there’s no option for removable storage. The Bebop 2 has double the lifespan of the original Bebop, and the battery is now easily and firmly secured, rather than being locked in with a flimsy velcro strap. The body of the Bebop 2 is virtually identical to the original, and is extraordinarily lightweight, but does a fine job at maintaining position in strong winds. Perhaps it’s best not to put this to the test on the edge of any cliffs, though. The Bebop is elegant and relatively low-cost, with a perfectly adequate quality of image. While the initial bond between control and quadcopter is mercifully effortless, connection problems can occasionally develop the further from the operator the drone gets. The satisfaction that accompanies flying a drone is palpable, and the Zero-X Rapture facilitates that feeling with an outlandishly low price. This is the world of the entry-level drone, and it’s proof that even at their most fundamental, drones are still wonderful tools. Zero-X Rapture

Zero-X Spectre

Zero-X Spectre The Zero-X Spectre is a step below the Rapture in regards to price, but the functionality between the two models is somewhat comparable. The extra cost of the Rapture is for the LCD screen, which isn’t included in the Zero-X Spectre, but the quadcopters themselves are almost physically identical. Like the Rapture, the Zero-X Spectre has a controllable range of up to 60 meters and suffers from few drop-outs. The calibration between the control and the drone itself is undemanding and quick, connecting with a couple of button clicks. Unlike the 480p camera of the Rapture, the Zero-X Spectre actually has a HD 720p video and 2MP photo camera attached to the quadcopter, although the lack of LCD screen means that it’s difficult to comprehend exactly what footage is being captured as it’s being captured. But footage isn’t the principle concern of the Zero-X Spectre; flight is. The controller isn’t as polished as more sophisticated and pricey drone technology, but within the economic climate it inhabits, the Spectre is adequately responsive. And it also comes with a 360° flip function, which makes for some pretty striking manoeuvres. Additionally, the two separate speed modes make mastering control of the Spectre forgiving, especially for beginners. There’s an understandable difference between a model like the Zero-X Spectre and a drone that professionals would employ. The Spectre isn’t for professionals; it’s for the people with an inner drone enthusiast just waiting to take flight.

Flight is paramount for the Zero-X Rapture, its foolproof mechanics allowing for straightforward movement. These truly are remote control cars of the sky; with the 360° flip function allowing the operator to perform inspiring aerobatic tricks with the simple press of a button.

The satisfaction that accompanies flying a drone is palpable

TECH

conditions. The controllable range is 60 meters, which isn’t far, but the drone is receptive within those parameters. It rarely cuts out and even if you do lose Wi-Fi range, the Rapture has a black box function so it will continue to record uninterrupted footage. The remote control is the Zero-X Rapture’s most appealing feature, ostensibly mimicking comparable transmitters of

Flight time is nine minutes, which is on par with a drone at this modest price range, and flight is remarkably steady and responsive, even in windy

high-end drones. There’s a mounted LCD screen that receives footage from the 480p camera attached to the bottom of the drone. The quality

Zero-X Rapture

of the footage isn’t remarkable, but the Zero-X Rapture is intended for people satisfying their drone curiosity, not for practiced videographers.

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