anafi vs spark

Parrot Anafi vs DJI Spark

Many people are comparing the new Parrot Anafi to the DJI Mavic Air, but is the DJI Spark a better comparison? If you are trying to get the best bang for the buck, might the $399 Spark be a better deal than the $699 Anafi? Let’s take a closer look.

Parrot Anafi vs DJI Spark
Let’s take a closer look at how the Anafi stacks up against the DJI Spark.

How does the Mavic Air compare to the Parrot Anafi? Find out here.

Learn more about the Parrot AnafiLearn more about the DJI Spark
anafi vs mavic air
Measurements are approximate and prices are subject to change.

Anafi Camera vs Spark Camera

parrot anafi camera looking up
Props to Parrot for letting the Anafi look up through the props.

 The Anafi can capture 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 60fps and 1080p at 120 fps. The Anafi has a 21 MP and is capable of HDR with a maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps. The Anafi camera is also capable of lossless digital zoom of up to 2.8X.

The Spark’s camera is solid, but on paper, it can’t keep up with the Anafi. The best the Spark can do is 1080p at 30 fps. A lot of people dog on the Spark camera but it really is pretty darn nice if you are OK with 1080 video. It may not have the specs that some of the other more expensive drones do, but we have even used it for real estate photography. Not convinced that it is really a good camera at under $400? Check out the video below.

Gimbal

DJI Spark obstacle avoidance
Take a look at the camera, gimbal and front obstacle avoidance sensors on the Spark

The Anafi relies on a two-axis gimbal combined with electronic image stabilization in all three axesto allow for smooth video. The Spark also uses a two-axis gimbal. Many people don’t realize this but the Spark also utilizes electronic image stabilization as well, but only in the yaw axis.

Typically electronic image stabilization degrades the quality of the video by cropping out pixels, but the 21 MP camera of the Anafi ensures there there are plenty of pixles for stabilization (and even digital zoom) without sacrificing quality. The Anafi is the first drone we have seen with the ability to look up a full 90 degrees.

Th look-up capability allows for shots that the Spark or really any other drone just can’t capture. In fact, the Spark annoyingly can’t even look down a full 90-degrees. The limited look-up angle and roll angle of the Spark gimbal also mean it flys crawls through the air unless you are in the un-stabilized Sport mode. We don’t expect the Anafi to have the same speed limitations as the Spark. Purists might scoff at only a two-axis gimbal, but Parrot has done their R & D for sure.

Size and Portability

Parrot Anafi Design features
The camera looks up and the arms fold to protect the camera

Both of these drones are compact and portable but only the Anafi has folding arms. The Anafi is long and skinny when folded. The Anafi is slightly heavier (0.71 lb vs. 0.66 lb for the Spark) but neither drone is heavy with both of them weighing less than one pound.

DJI Spark bag for charging station
You can get 6 flights with just 3 batteries and a remote when you take the portable charging station with you. It is our favorite accessory and helps make the Spark even more portable.

Flight Modes

The Anafi has a handful of interesting new flight modes including Smart Dronies, Hyperlapse,  and Orbit, but the most exciting mode is probably the Dolly Zoom option. This will allow the user to get unique smooth Hollywood style footage. The Anafi will also fly using waypoints, as well as track and follow. In addition to these flight modes, the Anafi will add 3D mapping as well.

Check out our video, we walk through the Anafi flight modes in detail.

parrot vs dji
The Dolly Zoom is an exciting feature of the Parrot Anafi.

The Mavic Air has Rocket, Dronie and Helix, which go along with the Active Track Modes. You won’t be able to use waypoints or do 3D mapping unless you are using 3rd party software on the Spark. We find the Spark’s modes to be very limiting as most of them rely on the unreliable DJI ActiveTrack to maintain a lock on the subject of interest. We expect DJI to unlock som new flight modes for the Spark in response to the release of the Anafi.

Anafi example 3D map
Parrot presumably got some help from Pix4D in developing 3D mapping for the Anafi

Flight Time and Range

Lava Red Spark
Check out the Spark in Lava Red with the Optional Remote.

The Anafi has a maximum flight time of 25 minutes, whereas the Spark tops out at only 16. Nine minutes may not be a lot, but it can be enough to make a big difference. The Anafi doubles the range of the Spark, with a range of 4000 meters to the Sparks 2000 meters.

Which One Is Better?

anafi vs mavic
The Parrot Anafi is a quality option.

They are both solid drones. If you want to get something unique with the ability to take shots that no other drone can get then pick up the Parrot Anafi. If you want something that can take awesome pictures and videos for $300 less than the Anafi then you want the Spark. Whichever one you choose will be the right answer. They are both excellent drones.

Buy the Parrot AnafiBuy the DJI Spark

More Drones…

Best drones now
What are the best drones now?

Every month we update what we believe are the best drones on the market. Check out Best Drones Now. We have also created the one-of-a-kind Half Chrome Drone Cipher™. You answer a few questions and we’ll pair you with the best drone for you.

Best Drones Now

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Let Half Chrome Drones help you find the right drone for you and your budget.

Do you want to search by price? Click on your menu above or we can break it down for you. Check out drones under $50, from $50-100, from $100-200, from $200-500 or over $500. Maybe you like a good Top Ten list, we’ve got you covered.

Drones by Price

Learn More…

If you want to learn more about taking great pictures or flying FPV then check out our comprehensive guides on those topics. Also take a look at our articles on how to choose the right drone for great aerial photos or for getting started flying race drones. Learn more about drones and how to get the most out of them in our Drone Academy. In the Academy we also detail some of the advanced testing we do, including our recent addition, drone thrust testing.

Drone Pictures

Drone Academy

I Want Videos…

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Half Chrome YouTube Channel

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2 thoughts on “Parrot Anafi vs DJI Spark”

  1. Pingback: Parrot Anafi vs Mavic Air: Which is the Best Compact 4K Drone?

  2. Pingback: Parrot Anafi: Finally the Mavic Air Has a Worthy Competitor

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