The all-new DJI Inspire 3 Drone sets the new standard for professional level drones. In a world that has quickly been dominated by the Mavic series, DJI has made another Inspire — bringing with it stunning full-frame 8K camera, Apple ProRes RAW format, and an entirely new battery system. Here is what you can expect of the new DJI Inspire 3 Drone…
Key Features of the DJI Inspire 3 Drone
- Tailormade 8K sensor
- 3D dolly
- Omnidirectional sensing system
- Customizable object sensing
- Dual Native ISO
- 14+ stops of dynamic range
- Supports DJI 3-channel follow focus & transmission
- Dual battery system
- Waypoint Pro
- Repeatable routes
What’s New About the DJI Inspire 3 Drone?
X9-8K Air Sensor
This is DJI’s lightest full-frame three axis gimbal camera and is custom built for the Inspire 3. It features the CineCore 3.0 image processing system, which provides 8K/25fps CinemaDNG video as well as 8K75fps Apple ProRes RAW video. Its 8K aerial footage opens up a whole new world for filmmakers who want to display their work on larger screens. Being able to utilize RAW footage means more information to work with when color grading and post-processing video. The sensor also supports full-frame 4K/120fps ProRes RAW video without cropping.
Dual Native ISO
If you haven’t heard of Dual Native ISO yet — you will. In an ever-growing camera market, camera brands are striving to find new ways to get ahead of the competition. One sure way of doing so is making sure these cameras can perform well in low-light conditions. Dual ISO essentially means the camera will have two ISO points where the noise levels will be almost unnoticeable. The X9-8K Air supports Dual Native ISO at full-frame 30fps and below, it offers EI 800/4000 ISO. At above 30fps, it offers EI 320/1600 ISO. This makes the camera extremely sharp at those ISO points and shows minimal noise.
14+ Stops of Dynamic Range
Imagining a drone camera that has 14+ stops of dynamic range seems impossible. That is more stops of dynamic range than most professional level mirrorless cameras — and even many handheld cinema cameras — currently on the market. Having a high dynamic range means more possibilities when post-processing and retaining information on colors, shadows, and highlights. This makes shooting sunsets or sunrises much less complex.
Dual Battery System & Charging Hub
The Inspire 3 brings with it a new TB51 dual battery system. This supports the latest battery chemistry technology and is optimized for performance and endurance. These batteries are lighter, smaller, and produce a higher voltage compared to its predecessor. They provide a 28-minute max flight time and are redesigned with a new effortless hot swap. This allows the user to quickly change batteries and get the drone back into the air. The batteries also have an auto-heating function when it hits over 18˚C (64˚F).
The new charging hub is foldable and compact, but can hold up to eight batteries at a time. In Fast mode, it can charge two batteries to 90% in only 35 minutes essentially meaning, if you have four batteries, you can fly with unlimited time constraints.
Independent Links for Dual Control
The Dual Control for the Inspire 3 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Two remote controllers can receive live feeds and can control the drone independently. The pilot and gimbal operator can be in two general places on set and still control the drone. If somehow the pilot were to lose signal, the gimbal operator could quickly take control over the drone and safely land the aircraft at any time.
Who Should Buy the DJI Inspire 3 Drone?
DJI has labeled the Inspire 3 as a professional level drone. Though this is considered to be a consumer drone, this will be tailored to a very particular consumer — professional level filmmakers. The ability to record in ProRes RAW alone will make it the most desirable drone on the market.
Having the all-new 8K Air sensor puts this drone into the commercial filmmaking genre easily. Paired with the full-frame sensor, the 14+ of dynamic range and dual ISO, this drone is likely to not only be used for commercial projects, but possibly movies. The Inspire 3 is also much larger than anything in the DJI Mavic lineup. Therefore, the creators who are likely to buy this will not mind the fact that it is harder to transport to shoot destinations.
This drone would most likely benefit larger budget projects. Considering all of the technology that is built into this drone, it will be more than worth it. When the Inspire 2 was released, some creators purchased it simply because they knew it would get them bigger jobs if a client knew they had one — this drone is likely to bring that same value.
Comparable Products
First off, this is a massive upgrade from the Inspire 2. The 8K sensor alone makes it worth the investment. When you consider the other features such as the dual native ISO, 14+ of dynamic range, dual remote capabilities and more, the Inspire 3 will soar high above its predecessor and is sure to move the drone market.
If you are looking for similar products that might not break the bank, the DJI Mavic Cine will be the closest drone in line to the Inspire 3. The Mavic Cine provides the Apple ProRes RAW format, 5.1K/50fps, and a maximum flight time of 46 minutes. It is also going to be much smaller than the Inspire 3. For a more budget friendly option, check out either the Mavic 3 Classic or the Mavic Air 2s drones. Both have amazing quality in video, battery life, and overall performance for a great price.
Conclusion
DJI is breaking barriers with the release of the Inspire 3. This is likely to become one of the most sought-out drones on the market for filmmakers. The Inspire series was at one point falling behind its little brother, the Mavic series — but not anymore.
