The PowerVision PowerEgg X looks almost like an ostrich egg. But as soon as you open it, it transforms into a powerful drone. When it first appeared, there were times when it was difficult to develop software, but the situation is improving. With each new firmware update, the PowerEgg X evolves into one of the smartest and most versatile commercial drones you can buy. It also supports Japanese and can be purchased in Japan.
Power Vision Power Egg X
What is this? : An egg that transforms into a drone, or a drone that transforms into an egg. It can also be used as a handy video camera.
How much? : Explorer version: $ 900 (about 99,000 yen), Wizard version: $ 1,250 (about 146,900 yen)
What I like: Cospa is good. The wizard version has a lot of accessories.
What I don't like: It takes a lot of software updates to get it working properly. And it's still slightly flawed.
It's made by PowerVision, a company headquartered in Beijing, China, better known for its submarine robots than its maker of egg-shaped drones. There are two types of PowerEgg X lineup, the inexpensive Explorer version and the Wizard version with many accessories such as a battery and a waterproof case.
・PowerEgg X Explorer Edition
This version comes with 1 battery, 1 set of extra propellers, remote control, wrist strap for camera mode, tripod head and travel case. The price in Japan is 99,900 yen.
・PowerEgg X Wizard Edition
This version comes with 2 batteries, 3 sets of extra propellers, an arm case and a waterproof case with floats that can land on water. The price in Japan is 146,900 yen.
PowerEgg X can be used in camera mode and drone mode. In camera mode, the battery lasts for about three and a half hours.
In drone mode (with propellers) = battery lasts 30 minutes. The battery has a capacity of 3,800mAh, and the charger has two USB ports (you can charge your smartphone and remote control at the same time).
Internally, it has a 5-core CPU, a single-core GPU, a 4-core image processor, and a 2-core neural network engine (essential for AI-related functions). In addition to 6GB of internal memory, there is a microSD card (up to 128GB available) slot.
An app called Vision+ 2 is used to connect the drone and smartphone, but it is only available for iOS. If you want to use it on Android, you can only download the APK from PowerVision's website and install it manually, but this APK is only available in English and Chinese.
Camera Mode
"AI Camera Mode" allows you to shoot very stable and smooth videos on the ground. It doesn't have the video quality of high-end smartphones, but it does have 3-axis gimbal correction that allows it to follow moving objects.
To use the PowerEgg X in camera mode, attach the hand strap to the egg and turn on the drone with a single press and a long press of the button on the body. Then connect your phone to the PowerEgg X's WiFi network. PowerEggX can record 4K video at up to 60fps and take photos up to 12 megapixels.
The weight of 520 grams is quite heavy for a handy camera. However, since the camera can be operated from the app, the drone can be placed on a flat surface or on a tripod and operated from a distance. You can also use an intelligent tracking system that automatically tracks the subject with AI.
While the drone itself doesn't have a microphone, there's an option called "SyncVoice" that allows you to record audio from your smartphone and sync it with your video file in real time. It also works with headphones or a microphone connected to a smartphone, and can be used while flying a drone. However, if the radio wave is weak or there is radio interference, the sound tends to be interrupted, so it is not recommended.
The autocomposition function that realizes automatic face recognition + autoframing is quite excellent. The drone uses deep learning algorithms to recognize faces, but it can also keep its focus on other moving objects, such as cars. Once a target is detected (which may take some time depending on lighting conditions), it will continue tracking without losing sight, even if it goes too far or passes by another object. However, too many objects or people in the frame can be confusing and lose focus.
Drone Mode
When the propellers are assembled and unfolded, they are bulkier and heavier than DJI's similarly priced drones. The 30-minute battery life is just a little less than DJI's Mavic Air 2.
The PowerEgg X can reach speeds of up to 40mph and can withstand winds of up to 23mph. I was surprised at how stably it flies despite being shaped like an egg.
PowerEgg X has 2 sensors on the front and 2 sensors on the bottom to make sure the drone is positioned in a safe zone during landing. Obstacles can be detected up to 19.8 meters (65 feet) away. However, the alert sound of this obstacle detection function is quite loud. (I just turned off the sound on my smartphone).
Details in 4K video are great, but dynamic range, color reproduction, and white balance can vary greatly with lighting conditions. You can adjust it manually in the app, but you don't usually have time to get so hung up on details when you're flying a drone.
Although the remote control is bulky and heavy, it is rain resistant and ergonomically designed. It comes with 3 cables (Lightning, microUSB, USB-C) and customizable buttons. The signal has a range of 3.7 miles (approximately 5.9 km), and the video from the drone is transmitted in real time in full HD. The only disappointment is that large smartphones do not fit in the holder of the remote control when they are in a case.
PowerEgg X has a function to return to the starting point using GPS/GLONASS signals when the battery runs out or the signal is interrupted. You can also use this function in the opposite way. In Orbit mode, you can set a location on the map and fly the drone around it.
It also has a "quick shot" feature that records a small video clip while the camera is focused on a target and performing a defined flight. DJI drones have similar flight modes.
AI auto-tracking, or intelligent tracking mode, works very well in capturing people, bicycles, cars, and more. You can have the drone follow a moving target from behind or parallel positions. With this feature, you can easily shoot cool and creative footage.
Waterproof Mode
The Wizard Edition package includes a clear plastic shell that transforms the drone into a waterproof drone. Combined with the wind resistance, PowerVision claims that the drone can fly in heavy rain and wind. I live on the Costa del Sol (a sunny, dry area in the south of Spain), so I wasn't able to test flying in the rain, but I did try taking off and landing the drone near the pool. I was.
The Wizard Edition comes with a waterproof shell plus two float accessories that attach to the drone's feet. You can take off the drone even from the surface of the water and shoot without fear of being submerged. … but it requires a certain amount of piloting skill using a joystick. Being able to glide on water is pretty cool, but waterproof mode adds weight to the PowerEgg X and reduces battery life. And when the app detects the added weight, it limits the drone's speed, disabling AI-powered intelligent flight functions.
The waterproof shell endured many times submerging in water, but the more it got wet, the more condensation appeared in front of the camera. Additionally, 3 of the 4 legs of the drone came off (which I believe happened while wearing the floaters), preventing a proper fit. Please be careful. This leg is fragile.
Photos/Selfies
PowerEgg X is equipped with a 12-megapixel sensor and a 27mm f/1.8 lens with a viewing angle of 170 degrees.
It's good for aerial photography, but the problem I found after actually using it is that it's not good at focusing at short distances. It was sometimes difficult to focus even when the subject was less than 1 meter away.
In camera mode, PowerEgg X can detect some gestures. You can activate AI tracking by raising your palm. This turns on auto-tracking for people with their palms up. There are also functions such as taking a group photo after 3 seconds with an "OK" gesture (thumbs up gesture).
When operating with a single battery, it is not realistic to switch between photos and videos while the drone is in flight. I think it's the least stressful to record a video in 4K and take a snapshot from the video. If you don't care about detail and contrast, posting to Instagram is fine.
Timelapse and Slow Motion
Finally, the PowerEgg X can capture 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30 and 60 second timelapses (from the air or from the ground). increase. You can also record videos in slow motion at 120fps. But don't expect picture quality.
READ ME
・It looks like an egg, but you have to assemble it every time you want to use it.
・It can be used not only as a drone but also as a hand camera.
・You can shoot at 4K, 60fps. In addition, there is a unique function that allows you to add audio input from your smartphone to the video.
・Maintains smooth and stable flight and detects obstacles. Battery life isn't bad either.
・Smart mode is added and improved through constant updates.
・Track without losing sight of people or vehicles.
