GoPro has always been the choice for action videographers and those selfie stick users. Sure, no doubt that it takes awesome looking video and still images. But you still rely on the “monopod”, as what they call it, to take a selfie wherever you go. Imagine if you don’t need a “monopod”.
Drones has been around for a while. You can also attach a GoPro camera on the drone to snap a picture or shoot a video, and some comes with a built-in camera as well. With that, you can take a selfie from a further distance way above your head. Good for group selfies. But you still need someone to control the drone remotely.
Meet “Lily”, described as the first throw-and-shoot camera. It is an action camera built into a smart drone that will follow you wherever you go while shooting you from above. May it be HD video or still photos, Lily will cover you from every angle.
It comes with a tracking device where you can either place it in your pocket or in a waterproof case that you wear on your wrist. The tracking is done with GPS and computer vision in order to follow you. To start recording, all you have to do is simply throw Lily into the air. It will then hover above your head and start recording.
The tracking device also act as a microphone. So when Lily flies high above your head, you can record your voice to narrate the video and sync with Lily.
It’s capable of capturing 1080p HD video, slo-mo at 720p, and 12-megapixel still shots. It has a built-in lithium-ion battery offering 20 minutes of flight time on a 2-hour charge, and has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it will work fine up to one meter underwater.
While being in the air, Lily can speed up to 40km/h and flies 5 feet above your head, although it can also fly up to 100 feet if you need it to. Lily is also waterproof. It will be a great companion while having fun at the beach. However, if it comes in contact with salt-water, be sure to rinse the motors thoroughly.
The price is listed as USD$999. You do have to pay high price for something so cool. I don’t mind having Lily around. But only 20 minutes of flight time on a 2-hour charge is too little for me. One hour flight time would be great. I’m sure the makers of Lily will come up with an upgrade for that.
Meanwhile, check out the video below to see Lily in action. I think it’s really cool. Know more about Lily here.
News source: PCMag.com
