Xiaomi Mi Drone is here to Compete with DJI’s Drone World

Xiaomi Mi Drones feature 4K and 1080p Aerial Videography

With the two initial models of Mi Drones, one capable of recording 4K videos, the other one is 1080p, Xiaomi is all set to take its share from DJI’s drone market – which is currently largest in the hot industry of consumer and professional camera drones, by offering affordable pricing.

We can’t yet compare the ones from the two companies as quality has not yet been compared but still what Xiaomi is offering with their initial Mi Drones, is really affordable for what they do. Xiaomi’s Mi Drone is a quad-copter just like the most consumer drones. It has three-axis gimbal along with a high resolution camera and comes with a remote control that works with the your Xiaomi’s Mi smartphone for live viewfinder.

Xiaomi’s Mi Drone works with a 5100mAh battery that is said to last for a non-stop flight of up to 27 minutes. Xiaomi’s Mi Drone come in two models with different resolution PTZ cameras. The 4K version of the Mi Drone costs 2,999 yuan (or ~$460), while the model with 1080p camera is priced at 2,499 yuan (or ~$380).

Just in case if you are wondering, drones with 4K camera from DJI and Yuneec start from ~$850 and go up to ~$5000 and more. Mi Drones will be released separately as the 1080p version will be released on May 26th via the Mi Home app by crowdfunding registration. While the 4K version will be available in July via an Open Beta programme.

Official Promo Video

Hands-on Tutorial (english-sub)

Auto Return Demo

Gallery

Mi Drone – Features

  • 4-propeller system with detachable shields
  • 17.4V battery 5100mAh, 27 minutes non-stop flying
  • 1080p or 4K UHD camera, with 104° wide-angle lens
  • 4K camera at 3840 x 2160 pixels; supports recording of stills in RAW format
  • 720p live video with low latency from up to 2km distance
  • Camera attached to a 3-axis gimbal, stabilizes up to 2000 vibrations per second
  • Unbelievably lightweight design
  • GPS + GLONASS + vision-based positioning for max precision
  • Autopilot options: automatic take-off + landing, waypoint flight path planning, tap to fly on map, circle an object on the ground
  • Intelligently detects low battery and returns home automatically
  • Real-time location tracking for easy retrieval even post crash
  • Hovers automatically at the edge of no-fly zones
  • Built-in PCB antenna array in remote control for maximum reach
  • Modular design and foldable landing gear
  • RMB 2499 for 1080p, RMB 2999 for 4K UHD version