Hi guys,

Just recently got the DJI Spark to add aerial shots to my developing repertoire as hobbyist wildlife “cinematographer”. I’ve also flow other RC in the past, so I’m having a lot of fun with the new system it really is a piece of technological marvel.

OK, so here’s a few questions, I know they’ve probably been asked before, but things get updated, new info is learned, so while I did do some searching I’m going to pose my questions today.

I own the DJI Spark Fly more Combo, including the remote controller.
3 Smart Batteries
IPhone SE running the DJI Go4 App(latest firmware)
Memory is supplied via SanDisk 64 UltraPlus MicroSd , class 10 Read and Write are 100MB/s I believe
Set of PolarPro Cine ND filters for manual control over shutter speed/ISO
OTG cable


1.Video stutter/flicker: shooting on the sparks 1080p 30, both on manual, and on auto I am getting noticeable stutter in movements. I’ve lower stick sensitivity, and am trying to make more subtle movements. That’s helping the stuttering some

2.The Flickring. Noticed yesterday while doing a fly over of the neighborhood, the white pool cages noticeably flicker, and the trees seemed to be flickering in and out of focus. Was shooting with the ND16, Shutter speed 60, ISO 100.

3.Stick Sensitivity/exponentials: in other RC the curves of the controller sticks are adjustable. Other than the “global” way of adjusting the sensitivity in app, is there a way of doing this? This would be especially useful on yaw for smooth panning, and maybe on the gimbal wheel too.

4. Best settings for smooth video transmission?
I’ve ordered second hand IPhones 6S+ to have a dedicated phone for the screen. Mostly because I wanted a larger screen that would fit neatly in the Sparks controller, my only intention is to record onto the SD during flights, so I turn video caching off. I am wondering when using an OTG cable which settings to leave on to get all the features such as “follow me” etc. I have no desire to “share” anything direct from phone, just want to have all aircraft functions available. Will using the OTG adapter, and cellular for GPS satisfy that?

I appreciate any, and all advice offered!
Mark

My spark did not like the 64 sd crd and I switched back to the 32.

the 64 would only record a few seconds of video then you would here the chime that is telling you the recording stopped. iIt would happen automatically.

Ups and i ordered a 512gb card, does it mean that it wont work???

Carmenvail Posted at 2018-7-24 06:22
My spark did not like the 64 sd crd and I switched back to the 32.

the 64 would only record a few seconds of video then you would here the chime that is telling you the recording stopped. iIt would happen automatically.

I don’t seem to be having issues with the card size, or stoppage in recording. I have without problem made several multi-minute recordings.

1. Try tripod mode

When you say the video stutters/flickers, are you referring to the video on your phone, or the video on the SD card?

As for going in and out of focus, the Spark has a fixed focus lens. But it does have a low data rate from the sensor, so you could be seeing compression artifacts.

I use an iPhone SE as well, and other than the small size, it works just fine.

You're free to use an OTG cable if you think you need to, but my understanding has been it does little for people flying in the USA.

MarkMN Posted at 2018-7-24 08:27
When you say the video stutters/flickers, are you referring to the video on your phone, or the video on the SD card?

As for going in and out of focus, the Spark has a fixed focus lens. But it does have a low data rate from the sensor, so you could be seeing compression artifacts.

In reference to the stutters and flickers, I mean when played back for the MicroSd Card.  I have tried different time line settings, and recording speeds it’s definitely an issue in camera/on drone that I need to figure out.

I’ll look into tripod mode, and see what it does and if it will have any effect.

Here is the un-edited footage(compressed by youtube of course)

Please take a look at the apparent flickering of the white pool enclosures
and what appears to be the focus breathing in details such as the trees.

Let me know what remedies you think may work for smoother, more natural, and sharper video.

https://youtu.be/TkbLYpQUKqw

He has quite a few videos that have helped me.

TRuav Posted at 2018-7-24 11:12
https://youtu.be/TkbLYpQUKqw

He has quite a few videos that have helped me.

https://youtu.be/TkbLYpQUKqw

TRuav Posted at 2018-7-24 11:12
https://youtu.be/TkbLYpQUKqw

He has quite a few videos that have helped me.

https://youtu.be/_xmbCzl7Ijo

TRuav Posted at 2018-7-24 11:13
https://youtu.be/TkbLYpQUKqw

https://youtu.be/1a7DbLSKSbI

This should help.

TRuav Posted at 2018-7-24 11:28
https://youtu.be/1a7DbLSKSbI

This should help.

Thanks for the replies guys, I think I’m finding a solution.

Tripod mode works well enough to slow everything down for smooth shots. Wish it were adjustable but can’t have it all.

In order to get the stutter, and flickering out I had to break the 180* rule and increase the shutter speed some.

I’ve been getting wind warnings, so I think that may be causing some of the “soft” problems in the footage. The Spark is getting buffeted and it’s jarring it around. Coming with the lower shutter speed I think that’s what may be causing it to go out of focus at some points.

Overall I think for the price of $440 I can’t pick it apart too much, it does do quite a bit very well.

Alexey Batalov Posted at 2018-7-24 06:31
Ups and i ordered a 512gb card, does it mean that it wont work???

I don't believe it takes anything bigger then 64 at the moment, but I had to go back to the 32 g card