Along with the DJI Phantom 3 and 3D Robotics Solo quadcopters introduced at NAB 2015, drone maker Yuneec unveiled a pair of pretty exciting quadcopters.
The Yuneec Typhoon Q500+ is an update to the Typhoon Q500 from last year. The Q500+ offers 25 minutes of flight time, and includes a built-in 1080/60p camera (16MP stills) with a 115-degree wide-angle lens, which eliminates its predecessor’s fisheye distortion.
The new transmitter for the Q500+ has an upgraded 5.5″ touchscreen display, which provides a live feed from the drone’s 3-axis gimbal camera and also includes the ability to change camera settings from the touchscreen.
Additionally, the quad ships with Yuneec’s SteadyGrip handheld gimbal mount, which allows you to remove the camera unit from the Q500+ and shoot stabilized handheld footage.
The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K model features a gun metal gray finish and a 4K camera on the gimbal that also shoots 1080p footage up to 120fps.
The Q500 4K model uses the same 115-degree non-fisheye lens and transmitter with a 5.5″ touchscreen display. It will also include the handheld SteadyGrip for the 4K camera.
Both models include a new “watch me” function that can force the camera to stay pointed at you as you operate the drone. Other systems offer a “follow me” feature, but it appears that Yuneec is first out of the gate with a feature that allows you to fly the drone at will while it takes over the camera operation.
Yuneec ships both Typhoon models with two batteries, instead of just a single battery like virtually every other RTF quadcopter on the market.
The Yuneec Typhoon Q500+ is now shipping for $1249. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K is expected to ship by early June for somewhere around $1500-$1600 (official prices have not been set yet).
