Evolving the Drone: What to Know about the XDynamics EVOLVE 2
*Featured image obtained from XDynamics.com
Since 2015, Hong Kong manufacturer XDynamics has created drones for consumers and professionals around the world.
XDynamics boasts an impressive multinational team, making a name for themselves with their exceptional UAVs focusing on user-centric interfaces and unique innovations. In fact, many of the company’s design features were first-to-market.
XDynamics first made headlines in 2017 when they unveiled their latest drone, the EVOLVE, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
With the EVOLVE, two features in particular stood out above the rest: a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, and a controller unlike any other at the time.
EVOLVE’s specialized chassis not only provided significant strength, it also created a very recognizable look. And the controller? With all necessary software preloaded and ready to fly, the dual-screen remote (or base station as XDynamics calls it) separated the EVOLVE from its competitors.
Fast forward to 2021, and XDynamics is once again ready to launch a drone that makes headlines: the EVOLVE 2.
Designed from the ground up, the EVOLVE 2, is specifically created for aerial cinematographers or anyone wanting professional-grade filming capabilities.
Let’s take a closer look at this fully-integrated premium drone package, set to be released in Q3 2021.
EVOLVE 2’s Flight Capabilities
According to XDynamics, EVOLVE 2 is the lightest aircraft equipped to carry an m4/3 (also known as MFT) camera.
Like its predecessor, the EVOLVE 2 was designed to be strong and lightweight, with a monocoque carbon fiber airframe.
But the fuselage’s material doesn’t only provide strength – it helps to control vibrations and reduce the effects of heat on the drone.
The undercarriage of the EVOLVE 2 is made of a special magnesium alloy. Even though it’s 34% lighter than aluminum and 76% lighter than steel, the reduction in weight doesn’t sacrifice strength.
XDynamics confidently boasts the alloy is 20 times stiffer than thermoplastics used for most drones today.
The EVOLVE 2’s performance specifications are just as impressive as its structural integrity.
XDynamics’ propulsion system for the EVOLVE 2 features four 530kv motors, each with a thrust of 3.7 pounds. What do those specs mean for you?
When paired with the aircraft’s optimized propellers, the drone achieves speeds of 55mph, making it ideal for filming moving vehicles and other objects on the go. With a flight time of up to 33 mins, EVOLVE 2 has a lot to offer.
XDynamics’ Camera System
Great consideration was put into the design of the camera as well. XDynamics’ EVOLVE 2 comes with an Astra m4/3 system, and supports numerous other MFT format lenses, such as those manufactured by camera giants Olympus and Panasonic.
The MFT CMOS sensor shoots in 4K, at an impressive 120 frames-per-second. Photographers will appreciate the ability to capture images in high dynamic range with more significant noise reduction.
This is a camera system filmmakers will absolutely love.
Taking Control with the Base Station
The dual-screen controller, or base station, provides pilots all the information they need to control the drone’s flight and camera functions.
But, unlike other drone controllers that require a tablet or phone, XDynamics turned EVOLVE 2’s remote a complete system.
The main 8″ viewfinder screen displays the camera view and camera controls, while the smaller 5.5″ screen shows positional information during flight.
Built-in software allows you to edit and review footage in the field, and the remote’s clamshell design protects the screens while on the go.
Although most people only think about the actual drone, a controller as well designed as this is a noteworthy feature to keep in mind.
User-Interface
It’s clear from the design of the EVOLVE 2 that user-interface was a guiding principle for the development team. In fact, the base station’s dual touch screens have everything you could want in a drone-controller ecosystem.
In addition to the features needed for flight and photography, the remote provides weather forecasts, a pre-flight checklist, a creative assistant to help capture content like the pros, and a post-flight summary for review after you land.
With such an impressive list of features, even the most detail-oriented pilots feel in complete control with the EVOLVE 2.
The Takeaways
Following in the footsteps of XDynamics’ first EVOLVE was never going to be easy. But, through careful design and thoughtfulness, a worthy successor is nearly here.
The EVOLVE 2 is a beautifully designed drone, with all the features professional photographers could want. With its strong, lightweight body, powerful motors, and long flight time, flying it is a pleasure.
With the drone’s powerful and versatile camera and dual-screen remote, EVOLVE 2 offers the user a complete experience.
If you’re in the market for a powerful drone with all the cinematic and user-interface features you could ask for, the EVOLVE 2 is for you.
Look for XDynamics’ latest drone to make headlines again in Q3 2021.
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David Daly - Contributing Author
David Daly, is an award-winning photographer/writer and licensed (FAA) Commercial sUAS pilot. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David is a former Marine Corps officer with a BS in Oceanography and has earned his MBA from the University of Redlands. David has worked for Fortune 100 companies and has a background in aerospace, construction, military/defense, real estate, and technology.
