SKYDIO 2

THIS NEW DRONE GOES ALL-IN ON BEING A FLYING ACTION CAM

- PATRICK SHERMAN

AT A GLANCE

Name: Skydio 2

Manufacturer: Skydio (skydio.com)

Type: Autonomous Aerial Imaging Platform

Size: 223 x 273mm

Weight: 775g

Flight time: 15 min.

Camera: Sony IMX577 12.3MP CMOS, 4K/30 FPS Video

Price: $999.00 (basic package)

WHAT WE LIKE

Extraordinary autonomous collision avoidance capabilities

Camera captures vivid imagery with wide dynamic range

App uses augmented reality to define maneuvers

Low price for robust capabilities; made in the USA

THE BASICS

The Skydio 2 has six 4K cameras, each with a 200-degree field of view. Together, they create a complete picture of the operating environment in every direction, generating 45 megabytes of data 30 times per second to drive its remarkable collision avoidance system. In short, it literally sees everything, and yet the Skydio 2 is so narrowly focused on the single goal of being a perfect flying action camera that comparisons with other small, civil UAS are problematic.

An honest review of the Skydio 2 must actually be two reviews: one that compares the aircraft with its own potential, and the other that compares it with other aircraft that can be had for a similar price to perform general aerial imaging missions. Whether the Skydio 2 is an astonishing success or a quirky outlier actually depends more on the goals of the end user than it does the characteristics of the aircraft itself.