This little flying camera packs a punch. Weighing in at less than 250 grams (half a pound), the Hover Camera is a drone that you don't have to register with the FAA. It folds up, so it's super portable, and with the ability to film in 4K and auto-follow, you'll want to keep your eye on this one.
Think of all the amazing selfies you can take with this camera! The Hover Camera would probably be great for someone who can't really get the hang of other drones; you can control it with the accompanying app. That's not to say this drone isn't capable of professional level work, though! You can shoot 4K video with the 13-megapixel main camera (there is a second camera on the bottom of the drone to help it avoid obstacles and hover in place). Also, this is probably the safest drone out there right now. The blades are in a carbon fiber enclosure, making it very rugged, but still lightweight. This camera has many more features, and you can expect an eight-minute flight time, plus the drone will come with four extra batteries. I'm definitely excited and looking forward to its spring release. Plus, I like sticking it to the man a bit — a secret drone the FAA won't know about!
[via Digital Rev]
Is carbon fiber that cheap now to mass produce a cheap floating selfie camera, even if it's made by Chinese slave labor?
Considering that's the drone equivalent of a eunuch, I don't see the point in making it out of carbon fiber. Make it out of ABS and be done with it. Sell it for $50, and if it busts up, throw it in the recycle bin and go get another one...
The idea is very nice but it always concern me when a company showoff a new product that shoots still and video but do not show one image that comes out of the product. From what I see in the video they probably used a cheap smartphone camera that will likely give equally cheap results. Otherwise why wouldn't they show off some images from it.
Though I hope i'm wrong as if it's well priced and the image quality is good enough I would very likely be a buyer.
Yes, that's a great point, I was hoping for some images too. I'll update the article if we get photos!
Oh I can guarantee that if it flies, it will be regulated or will get regulated. Current batch of humans have proven to be to irresponsible and disrespectful of other humans to exclude regulation. YMMV
NOTE: "Don't have to register" and not regulated are two different things.
Or just don't register at all.