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Review: The Autel EVO II is a solid drone and an alternative to DJI

24 Oct

Autel Robotics announced its long-awaited EVO II series drone at CES 2020 in January, promising vast improvements over the original EVO model launched back in 2018. Its most notable feature is a modular camera system, offering three models that cover a range of features that meet different users’ needs, from consumers to professionals.

The camera on the standard EVO II uses a 1/2″ 48MP Quad Bayer sensor and is the first consumer drone to offer 8K video. The EVO II Pro uses a larger 1″-type 20MP sensor that gives 6K recording, and the EVO II Dual features both an optical and a thermal camera in a single unit and also maxes out at 6K recording. The modular system allows users to switch cameras if needed on a single drone.

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Key specifications (not including camera)

  • 3-axis gimbal
  • Support for H.264 and H.265 codecs at 120 Mbps
  • HDR video at up to 4K resolution
  • 10-bit A-Log gamma
  • 40-minute battery life (35 minutes hovering)
  • 12 computer vision sensors for omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
  • Controller with built-in color screen
  • 9km video transmission
  • No geofencing
  • Online login not required to fly

These shared specifications suggest a capable drone. The lack of geofencing will certainly appeal to some, and the 40-minute flight time is impressive. However, there are key differences between models depending on which camera you intend to use.

EVO II EVO II Pro EVO II Dual
MSRP $ 1495 $ 1795 $ 9998
Sensor size 1/2″ CMOS 1″-type CMOS

1/2″ CMOS (optical)

FLIR BOSON sensor (thermal)*

Sensor resolution 48MP Quad Bayer 20MP

20MP (optical)

640 x 512 (thermal)

Max photo resolution 48MP 20MP 20MP
ISO range

Video: 100-6400

Photo: 100-3200

Video: 100-6400

Photo: 100-12,800

Video: 100-6400

Photo: 100-12,800

Max video resolution 8K/25p, 6K/30p, 4K/60p 6K/30p, 4K/60p, HD/120p 6K/30p, 4K/60p, HD/120p
Lens 26mm equiv. (F1.8 fixed) 29mm equiv. (F2.8-11) 29mm equiv. (F2.8-11)
Zoom 8x (up to 4x lossless) 8x (up to 3x lossless) 8x (up to 3x lossless)
Takeoff weight 1150g (2.5 lbs.) 1191g (2.6 lbs.) 1150g (2.5 lbs.)

*FLIR sensor size not specified

When buying an EVO II, you can choose the model with the camera that best fits your needs. If you want to switch cameras at some point, you can do it without buying a whole new drone.

The EVO II was released in June following several delays, beginning with a software bug and supply chain shortages. Has the company ironed out the glitches that delayed its launch for a few months? And, how does it compare to similar models from DJI? We’ll explore both questions in this review.

We tested the standard EVO II, thanks to our friends at Drone-Works. Chicago-based professional Antoine Tissier lent us his EVO II Pro model for some additional tests. We did not test the EVO II Dual.

Aircraft and controller

The EVO II bears a strong resemblance to DJI’s folding Mavic series of drones, though its body is substantially larger, and it doesn’t quite fit in your palm. One thing that’s a bit perplexing is that the bottom propellers don’t fold neatly under. They jut out slightly, making it more difficult to carry the drone in-hand.

Aircraft

The EVO II features a total of 12 computer vision sensors located on the front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right side of the aircraft for omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. There are also two ultrasonic sensors located on the bottom of the drone for precision hovering.

The Owner’s Manual points out that there are blind spots on all 4 corners of the drone. When I flew the EVO II in diagonal directions, I noticed that obstacle avoidance didn’t activate at times. You should always fly your drone within visual line of sight, regardless.

The bottom of the Autel EVO II aircraft is equipped with 2 Ultrasonic sensors (closest to the camera) followed by the Downward Vision System (in the middle and back) and the Downward Vision Lighting LED (middle-right).

Autel claims a 40-minute battery life while flying and 35 minutes when hovering without wind. I found this figure extremely accurate. For comparison, the Mavic Air 2 clocks in at 34 minutes while the Mavic 2 Pro tops out around 30 minutes. That extra 6–10 minutes of battery life will matter if you’re performing an inspection or mapping a site.

The battery is huge at 7,100 mAH and slides in and out easily. According to Autel, a ‘patented Battlock system’ prevents the battery from ejecting during fast flights or crashes.

8GB of onboard storage is available if you’re without a memory card or as back up if you run out of space while capturing imagery. Media stored on the drone can be accessed through a USB-C port located on the right-hand side. On the opposite side is a microSD slot that can house a card up to 256GB.

Controls and flight modes

The EVO II is powered by the same type of remote as the original EVO, which is disappointing for several reasons. Because you’re using it to maneuver your drone, the remote should be ergonomically friendly. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with this particular design. Two rather awkward handles fold out from the bottom that are made of slick plastic. While I didn’t fly in hot weather, I couldn’t help but wonder how challenging it might be to hold on to the remote should my palms sweat.

Your mobile device clamps in on top of the remote, and you don’t need to remove your smartphone case. Much like the original EVO or competing Mavic models, tablets will not fit. The main part of the controller features a built-in 3.3–inch OLED display.

The controller’s 3.3–inch built-in OLED display gives you critical flight information.

It’s possible to operate the EVO II using the remote controller on its own. This works for taking photographs or video clips on the fly. However, Autel recommends using its Explorer app on a smartphone to access all of the drone’s features.

Unlike recent Mavic controllers, there isn’t a simple routing solution for connecting your mobile device if you’re using Apple’s iPhone. Instead, a USB Type-A port can be found at the bottom of the remote. This means you need to supply your own connecting cable, much like the DJI Phantom 4 models of 2016. For all other smartphones, a USB Type-C connector is included.

Another issue stems from two buttons labeled ‘A’ and ‘B’ on the remote’s backside. They’re way too easy to accidentally press while flying and activating, for example, the Voice Assistant or an Intelligent Flight mode. It’s possible to program the buttons to perform different functions, but you’re likely to activate a feature unintentionally at least once per flight, and it’s distracting at best.

Poorly placed buttons on the backside of the remote make it much too easy to activate features like Autel’s Voice Assistant accidentally.

I can’t help but wonder why Autel didn’t take a cue from DJI, who made it incredibly simple to switch flight modes by featuring them front–and–center on their Mavic Air 2 remote. For example, to activate ‘Ludicrous’ mode, the equivalent of Autel’s Sport mode, which allows the drone to travel at its top speed of almost 45 mph, you need to go into the app’s settings menu to switch over.

The sticks on the remote are easy to maneuver with just the right amount of resistance. When powering on, you’ll have to press down on the drone battery button for three or more seconds before it powers up or down, a bit different for DJI users accustomed to a quick tap followed by a two-second hold.

Odds and ends

Drone-Works sent me the EVO II ‘Rugged Bundle,’ which includes a hard case designed specifically for this product by GPC. It also has two extra sets of propellers and an additional flight battery. The case is rather large for what is fundamentally a compact drone and will be a hassle, especially with airport security, once air travel becomes commonplace again.

On the right is a Mavic 2 case I purchased for myself. Though the drone isn’t too much smaller than the EVO II, the case that comes with the ‘Rugged Bundle’ is overwhelmingly large for a foldable drone.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI scores a victory in the latest round of a patent battle with Autel

29 May
DJI’s Mavic 2 Pro is one of the products that could potentially become unavailable in the U.S., as early as July, on account of Autel’s claims.

With close to an 80% share in the U.S. consumer drone market, DJI holds a substantial lead over its competitors. News arose, several weeks ago, that some of its best-selling models plus accessories could be banned from being sold and imported into the U.S., as early as July, on account of a preliminary Autel Robotics victory.

DJI and its law firm, Finnegan, recently responded to Autel’s claims and secured their own victory in the latest round of an ongoing, years-long patent battle. For perspective, DJI filed a patent infringement complaint against Autel, who currently holds an 0.8% share of the U.S. drone manufacturers market, back in 2016. DJI alleged that Autel copied the ‘look and feel’ of its Phantom UAVs with its X-Star Premium drone.

DJI filed a patent infringement complaint. They claim the Autel X-Star Premium copies the ‘look and feel’ of their Phantom series.

On August 30, 2018, Autel mounted its own offense by requesting the International Trade Commission (ITC) investigate DJI, pursuant to Section 337, for selling drones infringing on Autel’s US Patent No. 9, 260,184. Months later, on October 2nd, the ITC set its investigation in motion based on Autel’s assertion of the following 3 patents:

  • ’174 patent – obstacle avoidance
  • ’184 patent – rotor blades
  • ’013 patent – batteries that clamp onto the drones

The ITC’s chief administrative law judge (CALJ) issued a favorable initial determination (ID) to DJI on March 2nd of this year, according to Finnegan. CAL Judge Bullock found that ’174 patent claims, involving obstacle avoidance technology, were not infringed as they were not practiced by any domestic industry product and therefore invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 101. He declared that many of the accused DJI products also did not infringe on the ‘184 patent involving rotor blades. The ‘013 patent claim on batteries that clamp into the drone was also declared invalid.

‘Ultimately the Commission may decide that Autel deserves no remedy at all, but at a minimum, the Commission is unlikely to enforce any exclusion order or cease-and-desist order based on the three invalid patents.’

Finnegan’s post also claims a win for DJI with the Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB). On May 13th – 21st of this year, the PTAB found all 3 patents (‘174, ‘184, ‘013) declared in Autel’s ITC proceeding unpatentable. ‘The Commission is currently deciding whether to review the CALJ’s ID. Ultimately the Commission may decide that Autel deserves no remedy at all, but at a minimum, the Commission is unlikely to enforce any exclusion order or cease-and-desist order based on the three invalid patents. DJI’s sales in the U.S., therefore, will not be affected by Autel’s claims,’ DJI’s legal team concludes.

The entire IP update from DJI’s law firm can be viewed here. Representatives from the drone manufacturer declined to comment.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Autel pushes back EVO II launch to March after discovering pre-production bug

28 Jan

Autel’s three EVO II drones were set for a late January release, but due to a last-minute software bug the engineering team discovered during production, Autel has confirmed to DPReview that its EVO II drones will likely be pushed back to a March release.

The bug, which ‘could limit flight performance under normal operation,’ according to an email sent to us and copy shared on Autel’s social media accounts, is being addressed on the production line, rather than needing to be fixed by consumers as a day-one software update. Due to the combination of this delay and the Chinese New Year, Autel is estimating that the first units should hit shelves in March, although it notes ‘this is not a set date or time frame,’ as ‘things can always change.’

The post, which is shared in its entirety below, thanks interested customers for their patience as the 18-member Autel team works to get units out as soon as possible.

You can read our original Autel EVO II series coverage for more information about the impending drones and keep up to date with the latest developments via Autel’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel.

Hello Everyone!

First, we want to thank all of our fans and followers. It doesn’t matter if you just follow one of our social channels, or if you fly our products every day. Your support and enthusiasm have always kept us going here at the Seattle office.

With the announcement of EVO II at CES, the response has been absolutely crazy. This community is exploding, and we thank you for your patience with us as we are still trying to catch up on responses. We also want to be as transparent as possible and give you all periodic updates on the status and availability of EVO II. That way you have the most up to date information straight from us and not just rumors.

Our goal at CES was to get the initial units of EVO II (8k) into the hands of dealers by the end of January. Unfortunately, during production, we found a bug in our software that could limit flight performance under normal operation. Instead of shipping the hardware with a known issue and forcing users to perform day 1 updates, we have decided to delay the rest of production and shipments until we have resolved the issue. Our projected timeline is to have EVO II available for purchase in March. This is not a set date or time frame, and things can always change. But with the information we have today, that is our goal.

The team in Seattle is very small and we are adding channel support as we can. We are looking to start up our website newsletter again in the next few weeks. So for any future updates, please check our website, the official social channels, and emails coming directly from us.

We thank you for your patience. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get a hold of us at support@autelrobotics.com

Thank you all again and fly safe!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Autel Evo II will come in three modular models, including two with 8K video

15 Jan

Early last month, a forthcoming EVO II from Autel Robotics was revealed through an FCC filing. The portable follow up to the EVO officially launched at last week’s CES 2020 show. Drone and tech pundit OriginaldoBo made a prediction a week before the conference that this year, industry-dominating company DJI was not going to be the star of CES. Now we know why. Autel has introduced the very first 8K folding drone. The EVO II comes in 3 variants offering up 3 separate camera modules.

  • The standard Autel EVO II has an 8K, 48MP camera with a 1/2″ CMOS sensor. It can capture content at resolutions up to 8,000×6,000 pixels for photos, meaning you could print an image as large as 100 inches wide. Video resolution will max out at 7720×4320 pixels. It also features lossless, in-camera zoom up to 4x. Its weight at takeoff is 1,127 grams (about 2.5 pounds).
  • The EVO II Pro features a 20MP camera with a 1″ CMOS sensor, an adjustable aperture (ranging from f/2.8 to f/11), HDR, an ISO range of 100-12,800, and the ability to capture 6K video. The weight of EVO II Pro at takeoff is 1,174 grams (about 2.6 pounds).
  • The EVO II Dual boasts both a FLIR Boson sensor, with a thermal resolution up to 640×512, plus the same 8K camera that comes with the standard model. Takeoff weight for the EVO II Dual 320 is 1,157 grams (2.55 pounds) and 1,192 grams (2.62 pounds) for the EVO II Dual 640.

All 3 cameras have a maximum bitrate of 120Mbps. They will also feature 10-bit color depth. Autel’s states on its official site that it will continue to update specs, as they become available, but they have not specified whether there is an H.264 or H.265 codec. Information on frame rates is also notably absent at the time of this writing. Each variant of the EVO II is modular. You can upgrade, downgrade, and switch out camera systems without having to purchase a new drone.

The EVO II has a maximum flight time of 40 minutes and a transmission range of 9 km (5.6 miles). While most users will not need to fly this far, Autel states that a longer range ‘also means a stronger signal.’ It can operate at a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour (20.1 m/s). 12 AI-powered computer vision sensors give it omnidirectional obstacle avoidance that can also be disabled if the user wants full, uninterrupted control. 8GB of onboard storage is available with the option of adding an external microSD card up to 256GB.

What drone enthusiasts and professionals, especially, will appreciate is that Autel does not equip its drones with geofencing. While the feature, found in all contemporary DJI models, prevents drones from flying into restricted areas, including controlled airspace, it can also create a major inconvenience if a pilot secures permission to fly in a designated area and is unable to unlock the zone as planned.

The EVO II is currently in production. The EVO II is $ 1,495 and the EVO II Pro is $ 1,795. Those interested in purchasing an EVO II Dual will need to contact Autel for pricing. Availability and shipping dates will be announced soon, according to Autel’s official site.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Autel unveils the EVO drone, serious competition for the DJI Mavic Pro

12 Jan

Autel Robotics released something pretty exciting at CES this week, although it’s stayed (ironically enough) somewhat under the radar so far. Meet the EVO: a folding, portable drone that looks like it could be the first serious competitor for DJI’s extremely popular Mavic Pro.

When DJI first introduced the Mavic Pro—and later bumped up the battery live with the Mavic Pro Platinum—the company liked to say it had “revolutionized personal flight.” The thing is, DJI kind of had a point: the Mavic Pro was both extremely portable and extremely capable, opening up the joys of droning to a whole new range of potential consumers.

But with the debut of the Autel EVO, DJI might want to watch its back.

At first, the EVO seems like an almost shot-for-shot remake of the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum. The folding drone looks very similar, both sport a 3-axis gimbal, both boast intelligent flight modes and obstacle avoidance, they both offer 30 minutes of flight time, and both feature a max operating distance of 4.2 miles (7 km).

Where the EVO manages to rise above (see what I did there…) the Mavic Pro Platinum is exactly where it counts: in the camera and remote control department.

The stabilized camera can shoot at 4K/60p (DJI maxes out at 4K/30p) and the remote comes with a built-in 3.3 inch OLED screen that gives you a live feed at up to 720p—no need to plug your phone into your drone’s remote controller. Finally, the EVO also maxes out at a speed of 20 meters per second (44 miles per hour), which is just a hair faster than the Mavic Pro can handle.

Unfortunately, Autel isn’t quite ready to commit to a specific release date for the EVO, but they did say it will arrive “very soon” and will cost $ 1,000 USD—that’s $ 100 cheaper than the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, or the same price as the standard Mavic Pro, which can’t quite keep up on battery life.

With DJI suffering from some PR problems of late, Autel has a real opportunity to steal some Mavic market share here. For our part, we’re going to try and get an EVO in the office for testing as soon as possible.

To learn more about the Evo, check out the full release below or head over to the Autel Robotics website.

Press Release

Autel Robotics Announces New Aircraft EVO at CES 2018

At CES 2018, Autel Robotics USA announced its new flagship aircraft line, the EVO.

EVO is a portable camera drone with foldable arms and a sleek, compact form factor. We’re incredibly excited about this product, and after showing it off at CES, are eager to get it out into the wild for our customers to enjoy.

EVO:

  • 4K UHD 60FPS camera equipped on a 3-axis gimbal
  • Front & Downward (Computer Vision) and Rear (IR Sensor) Obstacle Avoidance Systems
  • 3.3 Inch built-in OLED screen remote controller with 720p live video
  • 30-minute flight time
  • Speeds up to 20 meters per second
  • 4300 mAh Li-Po Battery, 1.3 hour recharge time
  • 7km (4.2 mi) Range
  • Autel Explorer app allowing for intelligent flight features & more

We’ve been both humbled and honored by the overwhelmingly positive response to our announcement of the EVO. The EVO’s expected price point at launch is $ 999.00 USD. The launch date for the EVO will be announced as we close in further on our release timeline.

While we are close to launching, we want to ensure that we deliver products that provide the utmost quality and reliability for our customers.

Last year at CES we set some expectations that we did not achieve. We were not able to deliver a high quality, reliable offering with the Thermal and 1” Sensor for our X?Star series. There are many reasons that these units did not come to fruition.

We realize that a big part of meeting our delivery goals for our customers is refining our messaging to ensure that we can always do what we say we will do.

Moving forward with EVO we will focus on that goal of communicating clearly and never overpromising. As such, all we can say for now as to EVO’s release date is “very soon”. We’ll publish details on our website and social media as soon as they are available.

Thank you for all of your support and feedback!

The Autel Robotics Team

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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