Drones have become an increasingly popular item for filmmakers over the years. With many drones now being affordable for even the tightest indie film budget. A new quadcopter has just been released, the Blackbird X10, which allows aerial footage to be shot from 1,500 feet (457 meters) and features an on-board camera 1080p HD video camera, that can also shoot 16MP still images.
The new drone is a professional, remotely controlled aerial quadcopter, capable of capturing up to 1080P/30fps full HD video, with a flight time of up to 25 minutes per charge. It connects to mobile platforms running iOS or Android via the Aries App, allowing users to start/stop recordings, vary the field-of-view, direct the camera and control the frame. Also, a mobile device mount ships with the chopper allowing users to mount their phones directly to the main controller.
The chopper features integrated 2.4 Ghz WiFi flight and camera control, 6-axis gyro stability, GPS, weather-protection, and a wide landing base. Additionally, an Aries Repeater ships with the X10, that works on the 2.4 Ghz band and is used to extend the communication distance between the controller and the chopper.
Users can remotely control the quadcopter’s direction and acceleration using the transmitter, which commands basic flight maneuvers such as climb, descend, roll and pitch using joystick controls. The transmitter also features an ergonomic grip and stays connected to the chopper for a distance of up to 1,600 feet (487 meters).
If ever there is a loss of control, or the flight controller is released, the copter automatically will begin to hover, using its GPS to maintain position/height regardless of wind speed. It also has a ‘failsafe’ mode that will return the chopper to its starting point in the case of loss of signal, failed batteries or obstructions/interference between the transmitter and copter.
The X10 comes with a 5,300 mAh lithium battery that will give flight times of up to 25 minutes fully charged. The battery is interchangeable and is charged externally, allowing users the option of keeping a number of batteries on-the-go. Included are propellor guards to protect the chopper and its environment.
FEATURES:
- Up to 25-minute flight time per charge with external 5,300mAh lithium battery
- Ergonomic and uncommonly comfortable controller grip
- 500 Meter (1,640 Ft) Transmitter range
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi integration plus repeater to increase monitoring connectivity up to 1,000 feet
- Emergency safe return and auto-land function
- Writes to MicroSD cards up to 32Gb
- Easy-to-use mobile interface with apps for iOS and Android
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Aries Blackbird X10 is available now at Adorama for US$799, with additional batteries sold separately for US$129.
Excerpts from PR
