Drones have become indispensable tools for both hobbyists and professionals, offering unique perspectives and creative possibilities. Among the myriad options available, the Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ stands out as a compelling choice. This drone combines advanced features with user-friendly design, making it suitable for a wide range of users. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into its specifications, performance, pros and cons, and compare it with similar models to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your aerial adventures.
What is the Autel Evo Lite+
Launched in late 2021, the Autel Evo Lite+ was designed to compete with DJI’s offerings, particularly the DJI Air 2S. It features a 1-inch, 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with a variable aperture, allowing for superior control over depth of field and handling of brightly lit scenes. Its dedicated Night Mode provides impressive low-light performance. The Evo Lite+ boasts a longer flight time of over 40 minutes, significantly more than the DJI Air 2S’s 30 minutes, thanks to its larger battery. Although heavier, the drone remains nimble and performs well in windy conditions. The Evo Lite+ includes front, rear, and bottom obstacle-avoidance sensors, albeit without DJI’s upward-facing sensor and AirSense alerts. The Sky app for iOS and Android is user-friendly, although the controller’s design is less favored due to lacking storage for joysticks.
Key Features and Specifications
Camera and Imaging
- Sensor: 20MP, 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Lens: 29mm equivalent, f/2.8 lens with a variable aperture from f/2.8 to f/11
- Video Resolution: Up to 6K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps
- Image Formats: JPEG and RAW (DNG)
- Zoom: Digital zoom up to 16x; lossless zoom at 4K (1.3x) and 1080p (3x)
- Low Light Performance: Enhanced by Autel’s intelligent moonlight algorithm
Flight Performance
- Maximum Flight Time: Up to 40 minutes
- Maximum Speed: 40.3 mph (64.9 km/h)
- Wind Resistance: Up to 23.6 mph (38 km/h)
- Operating Temperature Range: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
- Transmission Range: Up to 12 km (7.5 miles) with Skylink
Intelligent Flight Modes
- Dynamic Track 2.1: Automatically tracks subjects like people, animals, or vehicles
- SkyPortrait: Captures selfies by lifting the drone and adjusting the lens to include everyone
- Cinematic Shots: Offers one-touch cinematic shots with soundtrack and filter options
Safety and Obstacle Avoidance
- Sensors: Forward, backward, and downward obstacle avoidance
- Obstacle Avoidance System: Stops before obstacles; lacks automatic bypassing
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Advanced Camera System: The 1-inch CMOS sensor and variable aperture provide excellent image quality
- Extended Flight Time: Offers up to 40 minutes of flight time, allowing for longer shooting sessions
- Intelligent Flight Modes: Features like Dynamic Track 2.1 and SkyPortrait enhance user experience
- Night Mode: Captures clear images in low-light conditions
Cons
- Obstacle Avoidance Limitations: Lacks upward-facing sensors and automatic obstacle bypassing
- Limited Pro Mode Functionality: Pro Mode is not available for AEB shots, HDR footage, or A-Log video
- Controller Design: The controller lacks storage for joysticks, which may be inconvenient for some users
Comparison with Competitors
DJI Air 2S
- Camera: 20MP, 1-inch CMOS sensor with a fixed f/2.8 aperture
- Video Resolution: 5.4K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps
- Flight Time: Approximately 31 minutes
- Obstacle Avoidance: Forward, backward, downward, and upward sensors with automatic bypassing
- Price: Generally more affordable
DJI Mavic 3
- Camera: Four Thirds CMOS sensor with a 24mm equivalent lens
- Video Resolution: 5.4K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps
- Flight Time: Up to 46 minutes
- Obstacle Avoidance: Comprehensive system with sensors on all sides
- Price: Higher, reflecting advanced features
While the DJI Air 2S offers a more affordable option with similar camera capabilities, the Autel Evo Lite+ provides longer flight time and advanced imaging features. The DJI Mavic 3, on the other hand, offers superior obstacle avoidance and longer flight time but comes at a higher price point.
Conclusion
The Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ is a feature-rich drone that caters to both enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-quality aerial photography and videography. Its advanced camera system, extended flight time, and intelligent flight modes make it a strong contender in its category. However, potential buyers should consider its limitations in obstacle avoidance and controller design. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Evo Lite+ should be based on individual needs and preferences, weighing its advantages against its drawbacks.
