From DJI:

With the newly added Paper Plane flight mode, users now have more ways to enjoy the Spark. This new mode allows users to launch the drone in a forward motion, just like flying a paper plane. The camera will automatically begin recording a Dronie video using user-defined distance with a fixed angle and speed. When filming is complete, the DJI Spark will automatically return to the pilot and the footage can be quickly and easily edited and shared.

    

In addition, a new Sphere mode will be added to the Panorama photo feature, enabling users to produce a panoramic photo with a fisheye lense effect. Both features will be included soon in the forthcoming DJI Go 4 mobile app and Spark firmware updates.

Paper Plane mode sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen according to that description.

That sounds awesome! I hope that mine gets replaced.

Was that included in the app update that I did today ?. Was hoping there might be some new stuff as the app was 266Mb

I just want log profile for the video I don't need paper plane feature.

My god what I would give for a Log profile! Paper plane sounds cool for a one time trial

dojoman Posted at 2017-8-31 13:24
I just want log profile for the video I don't need paper plane feature.

Forgive my ignorance but what is log profile?

Update:  Nevermind I found it.
Where did you get this information from?  

Announcement is here --> DJI Announces New Features

The latest update is expected to arrive in the near future, looking forward to the panorama of the sphere.

Oracle Miata Posted at 2017-8-31 12:52
Paper Plane mode sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen according to that description.

I must be interpreting the mode differently.  I envision that it moves forward and records.  Obstacle avoidance should prevent collisions.

Ethan-brown19 Posted at 2017-8-31 13:25
My god what I would give for a Log profile! Paper plane sounds cool for a one time trial

I would give my left testicle for 24fps.

We still need DNG added, this is a must from my perspective and others.

What is the difference between Paper plane and Mavic fixed wing?
Possibly Paper plane will go with the wind?

Wwll if u read the op it says u hand launch it....u do not do this with mavic fixed wing. For that u have to be cruising at a set speed

Idk if we are goimg to get dng or log profiles its dji's beginner drone. If you want that go to the mavic and up

Very Kewel!!!

From: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/dji/latest_media/tag/djispark

Keep loading the software with "cool" stuff but don't fix the basics. What's wrong with a drone taking off vertically? It's a quadcopter, not an airplane!!

QuanthonyTrang Posted at 2017-8-31 15:21
I would give my left testicle for 24fps.

I'll give my right side.

Charles Adams Posted at 2017-8-31 14:38
I must be interpreting the mode differently.  I envision that it moves forward and records.  Obstacle avoidance should prevent collisions.

Since they mentioned dronie, it should be pretty obvious.  Aircraft faces you so no collision detection exept maybe when it returns.   It's probably an automated sequence that combines a clever use of the new gentler palm launch, video recording, active track, and dronie mode.  

My guess is that maybe they will have a specific button combination for paper plane, like three button press instead of the two in the standard).  Probably play a series of beeps while it's in your hand so you know it's ready to be thrown.  

I'm assuming due to how it tracks your face, the A/C would probably have to be level with your face when you throw.  But a face is a small target.  Normal dronie works off of a human body shape, so the programmers probably have the spark look actively and automatically switches or tracks the first body that comes into frame.  Then as it flies out, it will take a dronie as usual, and return as usual.  

I'm just curious about the whole safety issue, and how they got around it.

How do they give us confidence in setting a high dronie altitude and distance and know that it will go out and return without doing pre-flight checks for GPS signal or compass errors.   Distance/altitude and no remote?  Will it have any issues finding the original target?  At least when activated by remote, you already know you have strong gps, and no errors.  Also i think the lawsuit foresight is valid here.  We're not in any manual control of the A/C once it's out of our hands it's probably taking off towards a pre-set distance and height.  DJI says these are customizable, but what if one forgets and mis-calculates?    Lots of things can go wrong.
That being said, I think this is a super cool feature and I can't wait to try it once and never try it again because I'm too paranoid.

I don't think you can set the distance *and* height in the paper plane mode. At least the description reads to me as if you can only specify distance. Which is a shame actually. I'd wish dronie would allow distance and height. Especially since dronie starts with just flying away and at some point starts to slowly go up. I'd prefer an instant angled move upwards with a freely choseable angle (or distance/height that is).

i love the sound of paper plane fixed wing mode, if it works well and dji gives us more options for how to control fixed wing mode, that will be awesome. i also hope they implement it as an offical launch to use with the RC as well i can see that being useful int he field.. where take off maybe limited/have a ceiling or something.. and spark has great potential for being used as a spotter drone for search and rescue..  however with DJi's current control scheme of fixed wing mode (on the mavic pro at least) the controls flip sticks on you for certain functions and not where you expect them from standard/default mode 2... i nearly crashed my mavic pro a few times using fixed wing mode.. i started getting the hang of it but then i brainfart and forgot im not in standard/default control mode and certain functions swapped sticks and  i had to quickly tap out of it and switch back before barreling into something..  

keep it up DJI on these type of features that make the spark special and unique.. if you guys can better perfect the spark, i may buy another!

sphere though i think sounds too gimmicky... not terribly useful

I would prefer they fix other stuffs (such as Wifi stuff in Europe) or add more basic stuff such as official OTG or waypoints...

Sounds nice to have new features coming, but please do your bug fixing with prio #1

DNG/RAW support would be my No. 1 ;)

LeChuck71 Posted at 2017-8-31 22:36
Sounds nice to have new features coming, but please do your bug fixing with prio #1

DNG/RAW support would be my No. 1 ;)

Agree. As well as  25fps

1080p 60 fps :C D-log :C
and automatic create a timelapse video..

djiuser_ZXl4xiS Posted at 2017-8-31 20:38
I don't think you can set the distance *and* height in the paper plane mode. At least the description reads to me as if you can only specify distance. Which is a shame actually. I'd wish dronie would allow distance and height. Especially since dronie starts with just flying away and at some point starts to slowly go up. I'd prefer an instant angled move upwards with a freely choseable angle (or distance/height that is).

You're right, the rise is automatic and fixed.  And perhaps it won't even rise in this paper plane mode since it's being launched/activated under a certain height as some DJI reps have said may be the cause.

D-Log isn't really necessary since the D-Log Curve of DJI isn't really good.
If you want Log, you can simply convert the Rec.709 colors into Log space in your editing program, then grade from there.

I would Appreciate 4K, 24fps, or RAW since the build in sensor is already capable of shooting 4K 60p.

milksteak Posted at 2017-8-31 19:34
Since they mentioned dronie, it should be pretty obvious.  Aircraft faces you so no collision detection exept maybe when it returns.   It's probably an automated sequence that combines a clever use of the new gentler palm launch, video recording, active track, and dronie mode.  

My guess is that maybe they will have a specific button combination for paper plane, like three button press instead of the two in the standard).  Probably play a series of beeps while it's in your hand so you know it's ready to be thrown.  

Gps  set in gesture indicated bysix rapid green flashes on rear lights.

rarevfx4 Posted at 2017-8-31 23:29
D-Log isn't really necessary since the D-Log Curve of DJI isn't really good.
If you want Log, you can simply convert the Rec.709 colors into Log space in your editing program, then grade from there.

hm, never thought of converting the rec.709 to a log space and grade from there ... will def give it a try.
RAW for pictures would be awesome, but I doubt we would get anything better the FullHD because otherwise the Mavic will get into trouble from a selling point of view

LeChuck71 Posted at 2017-9-1 00:05
hm, never thought of converting the rec.709 to a log space and grade from there ... will def give it a try.
RAW for pictures would be awesome, but I doubt we would get anything better the FullHD because otherwise the Mavic will get into trouble from a selling point of view

Yeah. If you're using Premiere Pro you can simply apply the "Cineon Converter" effect. Really changes something.

Maybe they can add 2K recording. That would improve the res a bit, but wouldn't go same with Mavic.

What i don't understand (to come back to the 2K resolution):
DJI released a Phantom 3 Standard which can shoot 2,7K res. The Spark costs more than the Phantom 3 Standard but the Standard has a better camera. That doesn't make sense since both are using the same Sensor.

Im hoping they are adding this as a palm launch gesture. Expectation: No controller or phone required other than pre-setting the distance and angle that gets saved to the spark.
That way you palm launch, reach under and push it up and away and it does a dronie and returns. Perfect.

rarevfx_officia Posted at 2017-9-1 01:09
Yeah. If you're using Premiere Pro you can simply apply the "Cineon Converter" effect. Really changes something.

Maybe they can add 2K recording. That would improve the res a bit, but wouldn't go same with Mavic.

My guess is it boils down to battery life. Just because the sensor can capture at 2.7k doesn't mean its efficient enough to implement.
I'm guessing DJI went for 1080p, 30fps @ 24MBps as a balance of image quality over power efficiency. Using higher bitrates or resolutions requires more processing power which uses more battery meaning lower flight times.
As for colour profiles or capturing at 24fps, im guessing these can be added in a FW update unless there is some kind of hardware limitation for the 24fps.

Is it just me or is the Paper plane Mode already removed from the page..... I'm unable to find it.

Aeromirage Posted at 2017-8-31 18:02
Very Kewel!!!

From: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/dji/latest_media/tag/djispark

For sure a nice effect.

MaikR Posted at 2017-9-1 02:17
Is it just me or is the Paper plane Mode already removed from the page..... I'm unable to find it.

I can't find it either.
But they do have some updates (I did not see that last night)

Malakai_UK Posted at 2017-9-1 01:38
My guess is it boils down to battery life. Just because the sensor can capture at 2.7k doesn't mean its efficient enough to implement.
I'm guessing DJI went for 1080p, 30fps @ 24MBps as a balance of image quality over power efficiency. Using higher bitrates or resolutions requires more processing power which uses more battery meaning lower flight times.
As for colour profiles or capturing at 24fps, im guessing these can be added in a FW update unless there is some kind of hardware limitation for the 24fps.

I don't really think it boils down the battery life noticable to the user.
That would mean that you can fly longer with the P4 if you film at 1080p instead of 4K60p.

Also, 2K isn't that much more, so even if theres less battery and flight time left, it would maybe make 1min maximum in the outcome. The propellers consume the most.
I would rather fly 1 min less for 2K then 1 min more for 1080

As far as i know the Mavic also owns the same sensor like the P3S/A/P and Spark - so technically it should work. But did DJI ever released such a big Update that would make things so much better?

Love the way everyone wants what is on all the other drones rather than new and unique features that no other drone has.  Maybe you bought the wrong drone guys

HomePoint Posted at 2017-9-1 04:34
Love the way everyone wants what is on all the other drones rather than new and unique features that no other drone has.  Maybe you bought the wrong drone guys

Buy a Spark, expect a Mavic

Well given I haven't had any issues with my Spark, all these new tweaks can add to the current list of cool things.  Hope this doesn't become to complicated and you'll need a college degree to fly it.

rarevfx_officia Posted at 2017-9-1 03:20
I don't really think it boils down the battery life noticable to the user.
That would mean that you can fly longer with the P4 if you film at 1080p instead of 4K60p.

They have slightly different sensors, at least output slightly different resolution pictures if I recall correctly.