Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ drone Review
Autel EVO Nano+ Review: How good is it?
The Autel EVO Nano+ is a compelling entry in the increasingly competitive sub-250g drone market, offering a blend of advanced features and portability that will appeal to both beginners and experienced pilots. Launched in early 2022, this ultra-lightweight drone packs a punch with its 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor, 4K video capabilities, and three-way obstacle avoidance system[1][2].
Flight Performance and Handling
In the air, the EVO Nano+ proves to be a responsive and stable flyer. It’s rated for level 5 wind resistance (up to 24mph), though it’s worth noting that like most sub-250g drones, it performs best in calmer conditions. Pilots may find the drone struggling when wind gusts exceed 20mph[5]. The obstacle avoidance sensors work effectively, providing an extra layer of safety for novice pilots. However, it’s important to remember that these sensors are not infallible and should be considered an emergency feature rather than something to rely on completely[3].
Camera and Image Quality
The EVO Nano+ boasts a 12.5MP 1/1.28-inch sensor capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps and RAW photos. While the image quality is generally impressive for a drone of this size, some users have reported noticeable vignetting in photos[5]. The camera performs adequately in various lighting conditions, though low-light performance is not its strong suit[3].
Build Quality and Design
The EVO Nano+ is well-constructed overall, with a solid body and sturdy camera/gimbal assembly. However, some users have expressed concerns about the plastic used for the arms, which feels less robust compared to the rest of the drone[4]. This may be a result of weight-saving measures to keep the drone under the crucial 250g mark.
Battery Life and Portability
Autel claims a flight time of up to 28 minutes, but real-world conditions typically yield around 20 minutes per battery[5]. The drone’s compact size makes it highly portable, ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting.
Software and Features
The AutelSky app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the drone and accessing its features. The EVO Nano+ offers several automated flight modes, including Quickshots, which allow even novice pilots to capture professional-looking aerial footage[5].
Price and Value
With a starting price of $899 for the standard bundle and $919 for the premium bundle, the EVO Nano+ is positioned at the higher end of the sub-250g drone market[2][5]. While it offers advanced features like obstacle avoidance and a larger sensor, potential buyers should weigh these benefits against more affordable options like the DJI Mini 2[3].
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Conclusion
The Autel EVO Nano+ is a capable and feature-rich drone that offers a lot in a small package. Its obstacle avoidance system, quality camera, and automated flight modes make it an attractive option for those looking for a travel-friendly drone with advanced capabilities. However, its higher price point and some minor build quality concerns may give pause to budget-conscious buyers.
For pilots prioritizing safety features and willing to invest in a premium sub-250g drone, the EVO Nano+ is certainly worth considering. It strikes a good balance between portability and performance, though it faces stiff competition in an increasingly crowded market segment. Ultimately, the decision will come down to individual needs and budget constraints.
Citations:
[1] https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/autel-evo-nano-review-a-solid-sub-250g-drone-that-lacks-the-polish-of-competing-models
[2] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/autel-robotics-evo-nano-plus
[3] https://www.zdnet.com/article/autel-evo-nano-plus-review/
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoeWNkIeQYk
[5] https://jamesaphoto.co.uk/autel-evo-nano-review/
Based on the search results, the Autel EVO Nano+ and DJI Mini 3 Pro are very close in terms of video quality, but the DJI Mini 3 Pro has a slight edge in some key areas:
1. Video resolution and frame rates: The DJI Mini 3 Pro can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps, while the Autel EVO Nano+ is limited to 4K at 30fps[2]. This gives the Mini 3 Pro an advantage for capturing smoother motion or creating slow-motion footage.
2. Bitrate: The Mini 3 Pro offers a higher maximum bitrate of 150Mbps compared to the Nano+’s 100Mbps[2]. This allows for potentially higher quality video with more detail.
3. Color profiles: Both drones offer flat color profiles for more flexibility in post-processing. The Mini 3 Pro uses D-Cinelike, while the Nano+ uses D-Log[2].
4. Image processing: Some reviewers noted that the Nano+ tends to apply more digital sharpening and vibrance to its video, which can result in a slightly blotchy look compared to the Mini 3 Pro’s more natural output[3].
5. Consistency: Multiple sources mentioned that the Mini 3 Pro provided more consistent results, while the Nano+ sometimes suffered from bugs or inconsistencies in video quality[3][4].
6. Low-light performance: Interestingly, the Nano+ was praised for its beautiful low-light footage, which was described as even better than the Mini 3 Pro in some cases[3].
7. Dynamic range: Both drones were noted to have impressive dynamic range, but the Mini 3 Pro was found to handle challenging lighting conditions slightly better in some comparisons[3].
Overall, while both drones produce excellent video quality, the DJI Mini 3 Pro seems to have a slight advantage in terms of overall video capabilities and consistency. However, the differences are often subtle, and both drones are capable of producing high-quality footage[2][3][4].
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Citations:
[1] https://versus.com/en/autel-evo-nano-vs-dji-mini-3-pro
[2] https://www.techradar.com/versus/dji-mavic-mini-3-pro-vs-autel-evo-nano-two-tiny-drones-that-pack-a-punch
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOrBhAGzO6k
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip44GoEusNw
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nnXdZ-mb_I