We’ve changed this story slightly from the original. At first, we thought we had a scoop here – unaware that a story had floated earlier about a Zerotech drone based on the DJI Mavic Pro’s design. It was quickly pointed out that DroningOn had reported this story back in March, 2017. What we can say, however, is that we and Drone Valley believe we have new and far clearer images of this new product than ever seen before. We also know it will be called the “Hesper” and will be priced below the $999 base price of the Mavic Pro. The Hesper-Pro, a DJI Mavic-inspired drone that ZeroTech will release this summer. The Hesper-Pro, a DJI Mavic-inspired drone that ZeroTech will release this summer. The drone, which is black, will have a 4K camera and 18 minutes of flight time on a single battery. It will run via smartphone app (either iOS or Android) with a WiFi-controlled range in excess of 100M. When you look at it folded up, it’s impossible not to think you’re looking at a Mini-Mavic: Look familiar? The Zerotech Hesper Pro is sure to draw comparisons with DJI's massively popular Mavic Pro Look familiar? The Zerotech Hesper Pro is sure to draw comparisons with DJI’s massively popular Mavic Pro. Where did the name come from? We’re guessing it was inspired by Hesperus, which in Greek mythology refers to the Evening Star; the planet Venus. Although the Hesper can be controlled by a mobile app, the company will also have an optional remote available. That remote will take the range of the device, which is considerably smaller than the Mavic Pro, to about one kilometre. The antennae also appear to unfold, based on this image: An optional remote for the Hesper Pro will extend the range to one kilometre An optional remote for the Hesper Pro will extend the range to one kilometre The Hesper will have only a single-axis gimbal, as opposed to the three-axis gimbal of the Mavic Pro. That’s clearly visible here: The 4K camera will have a single-axis gimbal The 4K camera will have a single-axis gimbal One of the key design differences is in how the arms fold. On the Zerotech version, all four arms appear to fold back (and forward) horizontally; on the Mavic Pro the rear arms rotate a bit like hips. The Hesper Pro will have a single-axis gimbal The Hesper Pro will have a single-axis gimbal And the market for this drone? Well, likely people who want something less expensive and smaller than DJI’s Mavic Pro. It’s not surprising that the Mavic Pro would be copied. That drone, released last September, was revolutionary in design and created unprecedented demand that DJI had not anticipated (and was somewhat unprepared for). In fact, the company took a bit of a beating from some customers who were upset they had to wait for a product they’d paid for in advance. (Mind you, most were so happy with the thing when they finally got it that all was forgiven.) And, we all know the saying: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Check out the one and only original compared with the photo above. dji mavic pro The original DJI Mavic Pro As for other features, the Hesper does have a downward-facing optical sensor, which we’re guessing will assist in landing. (The Dobby has a feature for landing on your palm, so that might be a feature here.) The Hesper Pro has a downward-facing optical sensor The Hesper Pro has a downward-facing optical sensor There is nothing we can see (or have learned) to indicate it will have obstacle avoidance, one of the key features of the Mavic Pro. We’re told the product will ship in July or August of this year. Learn something? You sure did this time! Please help us support this project by purchasing any DJI product through the DJI store here. Using this affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but provides us with a slight commission for our work. We use a journalistic approach, and try to gather original interviews and source material whenever possible. We take our independence seriously, and try to give you the straight goods in our reviews. That’s why we have Rick Smith, a career engineer from Drone Valley, as one of our valued partners for producing unbiased reviews. If you’re looking for other gear not available on the DJI store, please consider purchasing via our excellent affiliate partners at B&H Photo. In fact, with their assistance we have also prepared a deals page. Thank you for your support. We truly appreciate it.
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