The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ has been making waves in the drone community, especially among landscape photographers. With its premium features and competitive pricing, it stands as a formidable challenger to the DJI Mavic series. In this detailed review, we will delve into the various aspects of the EVO Lite+, including camera quality, flight time, stability, range, and ease of use, to help you decide if this is the right drone for your landscape photography needs.
Camera Quality
1" CMOS Sensor with 20MP Camera
The EVO Lite+ boasts a 1-inch CMOS sensor, which is a significant upgrade from many drones in its price range. This sensor allows for 20MP stills and 6K video at 30 fps, making it a powerhouse for capturing high-resolution images and videos. The large 2.4μm pixels ensure that your photos are vibrant and detailed, even in low-light conditions.
Adjustable Aperture from f/2.8 to f/11
One of the standout features of the EVO Lite+ is its adjustable aperture, ranging from f/2.8 to f/11. This gives photographers the flexibility to control the depth of field and exposure, allowing for more creative shots. Whether you're shooting a wide landscape or a detailed close-up, the adjustable aperture ensures that you get the perfect shot every time.
Ultra Vision and Night Scene Mode
The EVO Lite+ comes equipped with an intelligent moonlight algorithm that enhances low-light performance. This feature is particularly useful for night photography, as it reduces noise and captures crisp details even when the ISO is cranked up. The Ultra Vision and Night Scene Mode further enhance the camera's capabilities, making it a versatile tool for various lighting conditions.
Flight Time
Impressive 40-Minute Flight Time
One of the most critical aspects of any drone is its flight time, and the EVO Lite+ does not disappoint. With a maximum flight time of up to 40 minutes, it outperforms many competitors in its class. This extended flight time allows photographers to capture more footage and explore larger areas without worrying about battery life.
Battery Life Comparison
The EVO Lite+ offers a 29% higher battery life compared to the DJI Air 2s, making it a more reliable option for long-duration shoots. The drone comes with three batteries in the premium bundle, ensuring that you have ample power for extended sessions.
Stability
3-Way Obstacle Avoidance
Safety is paramount when flying a drone, and the EVO Lite+ incorporates an advanced 3-way obstacle avoidance system. With binocular vision sensors on the front, back, and bottom, the drone can detect and avoid obstacles, ensuring a safer flight experience. This feature is particularly useful when flying in complex environments or capturing dynamic shots.
Wind Resistance
The EVO Lite+ can resist level 7 winds and maintain stability at a maximum altitude of 800 meters. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing footage in challenging weather conditions, such as high winds or mountainous terrains.
Range
7.4 Miles Transmission Range
The EVO Lite+ features Autel's most advanced SkyLink image transmission system, offering a transmission range of up to 7.4 miles (12 km). This extended range allows photographers to explore vast landscapes and capture footage from unique perspectives. The transmission quality is also impressive, delivering 2.7K/30fps video feed, ensuring that you get a clear and reliable image feed even at long distances.
Ease of Use
One-Click Vlog and Automatic Shooting Modes
The EVO Lite+ is designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to drones. It features one-click vlog capabilities with four automatic shooting modes: Flick, Rocket, Fade away, and Orbit. These modes allow users to create professional-level shots effortlessly. The Autel Sky app further enhances the user experience by allowing you to add soundtracks and filters to your videos, making them even more engaging.
No Geo-Fencing
Unlike many other drones, the EVO Lite+ does not have geo-fencing restrictions. This means you have more freedom to fly in various locations without worrying about software-imposed limitations. However, always ensure you comply with local regulations and fly responsibly.
Additional Features
Restore Natural Colors and Defog Mode
The EVO Lite+ includes features like automatic exposure balancing and Defog Mode. These functions help produce clearer images with more layers and cut through haze, making your footage look crisp and clear. These features are particularly useful for landscape photographers who often shoot in varying weather conditions.
Three Flight Modes
The drone supports three flight modes: Standard, Sport, and Smooth. These modes can be switched via the Autel Sky app, allowing you to adapt the drone's performance to your specific needs. Whether you need fast-paced shots or smooth, cinematic footage, the EVO Lite+ has you covered.
Conclusion
The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is a compelling option for landscape photographers looking for a high-quality, versatile drone. Its impressive camera capabilities, extended flight time, advanced obstacle avoidance, and user-friendly features make it a strong competitor in the market. While it may be priced higher than some other options, the premium features and performance justify the investment.
Pros:
- High-resolution 1" CMOS sensor with 20MP camera
- Adjustable aperture from f/2.8 to f/11
- Impressive 40-minute flight time
- Advanced 3-way obstacle avoidance
- Extended 7.4 miles transmission range
- User-friendly with one-click vlog capabilities
- No geo-fencing restrictions
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Limited availability in certain regions
Overall, the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is an excellent choice for both amateur and professional landscape photographers. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use, and robust performance make it a worthy investment for capturing stunning aerial footage.