Autel Robotics Evo Lite+: 6K-Video Drone

A competitive drone with 6K video capabilities and obstacle sensors

- JIM FISHER

Photographers and video specialists who want a quality camera drone don't have too many brand options. Autel Robotics is notable because it doesn't preload its drones with geographic-based takeoff restrictions, unlike the market leader, DJI. Autel's premium midrange entry, the Evo Lite+, has a 6K video camera with a 1-inch sensor that's a bit more capable than the one on the DJI Air 2S ($999.99), because of its variable aperture. It's worth checking out, particularly if battery life is important to you-even though the Air 2S is more affordable and slightly smoother in operation.

A MIDSIZE FOLDING DRONE

The Autel Evo Lite+ falls into the midsize category for folding drones. It's bigger than tiny starters, including the DJI Mini 2 and Autel Nano series, but lighter than the discontinued Evo II Pro and the DJI Mavic 3. At about 4.8 by 3.7 by 8.3 inches (HWD) folded, it can be carried in a bag or backpack. You also need to take the Trust test and pay a $5 FAA registration fee before flying it in the US, because it weighs 1.8 pounds. You can buy the drone in your choice of three colors: Arctic White, Autel Orange, or Deep Space Gray.

In addition to the Lite+ model, Autel sells the Evo Lite drone ($1,499) with the same airframe; it uses a 4K HDR camera with a smaller image sensor and vertical video support. The Lite+ uses a 6K camera with a large, 1-inch sensor camera with a variable aperture. It's similar to the camera DJI uses in its Air 2S, though Autel has the advantage of a variable aperture; you can set your f-stop to cut down on the amount of light that hits the sensor instead of relying entirely on neutral density (ND) filters.

You can buy the Lite+ in a basic kit with a single battery and remote control. But you need to use your Android or iOS smartphone to run the Autel Sky app and see through the camera.