
Autel Robotics recently revealed several refreshed versions of its EVO II series of drones. Known for its professional image capturing and rugged airframes, Autel’s exciting drone roster features the EVO II Pro V3, EVO II RTK Series V3, EVO II Enterprise V3, and EVO II Dual 640T V3, all available in time for the holiday season.
This new drone series coincides perfectly with the new Live Decks and remote controllers Autel is also launching. The EVO II Live Deck 2, Live Deck video streaming and conversion accessory, and two remote controllers, the Smart Controller SE and Smart Controller V3, are fully compatible with the EVO II V3 line up. Unfortunately, these gadgets will not be backward compatible with V1 or V2 drones, cameras, or controllers.
The V3 series features several user-enhancing upgrades that set it apart from its V2 predecessors. With promising long-range image transmission power reaching up to 15 km, the V3 drones enable travel distances farther than the V2’s approximate 9 km transmission range. Each drone houses a sophisticated array of obstacle-avoidance sensors, powerful AI tech and subject tracking, and 8GB of internal storage with microSD support. Like the V2s, the EVO II V3 models also support around 36- to 40-minute flight times with 7100mAh batteries.
As far as specific drones in the V3 release go, each drone features its own unique qualities to support more niche shooting experiences. The Pro V3, for example, includes an AI-based Moonlight algorithm with a maximum ISO of 44000, significantly outperforming the night imaging of the V2’s 6400 maximum ISO. The Pro V3 additionally features powerful positioning capabilities, as well as a higher frequency range, allowing for more precise flying in complex environments than the V2.
The camera specs on the Pro V3 are impressive. Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor from Sony, the Pro V3 can capture low-light video in resolutions up to 6K. Armed with 19 groups of sensors, including 12 visual sensors, the main camera, ultrasound, and dual IMUs, this drone can easily build three-dimensional maps and plan paths through complex terrain in real time.
The Pro V3 bundle benefits from vanity upgrades, as well. The 3.6-inch remote controller we have seen in the V2 has been swapped out in favor of a 6.4-inch controller housing an OLED screen with improved thermals and heat dissipation for a more comfortable user experience.
Not to be outshone, the Dual 640T V3 features its own 4K 50MP dual-lens camera and a 640 x 512 resolution thermal sensor with unlimited potential uses for first responders and industrial inspectors. Capable of withstanding a temperature range of -4 to 104°F, the 640T V3 also has an IP43 weather rating to tough out variable weather conditions and get the job done. Its bundle additionally features attachable accessories like spotlights, megaphones, and strobes for aiding inspections and rescues.
As the name implies, the RTK series features a high-precision RTK positioning and navigation system. Well-suited for agriculture, construction, and other industries that require centimeter-level accurate mapping, the RTK V3 includes third-party base station support and is NTRIP-capable, meaning no GCP is required while flying. With these specs, the RTK V3 can obtain especially accurate real-time differential data to pinpoint the coordinates of a designated target point.
The last of the models we are covering today, the Enterprise V3, includes the same modular accessories as the Dual 640T. Among these accessories is a loudspeaker for more effective on-site communication, made possible via long-distance telephony and audio loops. The spotlight, which produces a powerful, long-distance aerial light, is great for searching or shooting at night, while the included strobe makes locating your drone easy should it stray too far. Devoid of the thermal sensor in the 640T, the Enterprise V3 is a less expensive alternative that can still be used by first responders, although it also makes an excellent all-purpose aerial solution for filmmakers.
Of course, no drone would be complete without its handy controller, and Autel’s Smart Controller V3 is its best yet. With enhancements to support better image transmission performance, the Smart Controller surpasses the V2’s 13 km range with its near-15-km reach. This new controller additionally features upgraded brightness at up to 2000 nits for easier viewing under direct sunlight. With built-in storage of 128GB, the Smart Controller’s capacity can be increased with expandable micro-SD storage. Running on a custom Android operating system, this controller is IP43 weather-rated for all-weather performance.
Rounding out the release is the Live Deck 2, which can transmit real-time full HD video directly to your TV or display. It can also connect with up to four additional phones and supports multiple video output options including HDMI, USB-A, and Ethernet. It supports 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, 900MHz frequency, and has a five-hour battery life.
We're no strangers to Autel's drones here at B&H and have even featured the Autel Evo II Pro in our Best Gifts for Drone Pilots rundown. We also loved the Autel Evo II 8K, so consider giving those a glance if you are a drone fan. Otherwise, we want to hear your thoughts on Autel’s newest line up of drones! Let us know what you think of this lineup in the Comments section, below.
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