DJI today launched the latest generation of its professional Phantom camera drone line, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Phantom 4 Pro+. Featuring a new camera with a 1-inch, 20MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and several upgrades over the Phantom 3, the Phantom 4 promises better image quality and range, and smarter operation.
DJI also launched the DJI Inspire 2.0, a high-end quadcopter designed for advanced moviemaking and featuring a top flight speed of 67 mph. It supports the new Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras and will support more cameras in the future.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Key Features:
- 20MP 1-inch Sensor
- 4K/60fps video
- Burst mode stills at 14fps
- Titanium alloy and magnesium alloy construction
- FlightAutonomy System with Dual Rear Vision Sensors
- Infrared sensing systems
- 4-direction obstacle avoidance, 5-direction obstacle sensor
- 4.3-mile transmission range
- 30-minute flight time
The Camera
One of the biggest upgrades in the Phantom 4 Pro is the camera. Featuring a 1-inch, 20MP sensor and capable of shooting 4K video at 60fps, it’s the first DJI camera to feature a mechanical aperture, which eliminates rolling shutter distortion that can occur when shooting images of fast-moving subjects, or when flying at high speed. It is effectively as powerful as many ground cameras and addresses the issue of image quality, which has been a common weakness of many drone cameras.
On the video side, the camera supports H.264 4K videos at 60fps, or H.265 4K at 30fps, both at a 100Mbps bitrate. This promotes hiccup-free videos and provides higher-quality files and sufficient image data needed for advanced post-production.
The Aircraft
DJI built the Phantom 4 using rigid but lightweight Titanium alloy and Magnesium alloy construction, so its weight is approximately the same as the Phantom 3, despite a heavier camera.
The craft’s FlightAutonomy feature has been expanded to include a pair of high-resolution stereo vision sensors at the rear of the craft, as well as left- and right-side infrared sensors. The result? Five-direction obstacle sensing and four-direction obstacle avoidance protect the craft from crashes and give filmmakers the ability to capture footage in more complex shooting situations.
The Remote Controller
A remote controller with a built-in screen differentiates the Phantom 4 Pro + from the Phantom 4 Plus. The newly-designed controller uses an upgraded Lightbridge HD video transmission system, adding 5.8 GHz transmission support along with 2.4 GHz. This gives pilots the ability to cut through interference while eliminating image lag that may occur when flying in an area with extensive 2.4 GHz frequency use.
The controller features a 5.5-inch 1080p screen with 1000 cd/m2 of brightness–more than twice as bright as a typical tablet or smartphone. DJI says the resulting image is clearly visible in direct sunlight. The DJI GO app is built into the screen, and an HDMI port and Micro-SD card slot, as well as built-in Wi-Fi, MIC, and loudspeaker, along with claimed 5-hour battery life, give the remote significant advantages over operating via a mobile device app.
Operation and Software
The DJI software suite offers a variety of high-end features. Draw is a new technology for waypoint control. The operator simply draws a route on the screen and the Phantom 4 Pro will move in that direction automatically. You have the choice of automatic or manual speed and lens direction. This lets the users focus on camera control and create more complex shots.
ActiveTrack
Automatically recognizes subjects and follows them as they move. Using advanced image recognition algorithms, the Phantom 4 Pro can keep a fast-moving subject in the frame and automatically adjust its flight dynamics for smoother shots. Pilots can Trace a subject (follow it from behind), Profile (fly alongside the subject), or Spotlight (the camera is trained on the subject while the camera flies almost anywhere).
TapFly
Lets the operator tell the craft to fly in any direction visible on the screen with a simple tap. Tap on the screen to adjust the direction of flight while avoiding obstacles, and again to change direction. You can also independently tilt the gimbal or turn the craft without changing the direction of the flight.
Return to Home
It has been upgraded so the craft can choose the best route to return home, depending on environmental conditions, while avoiding obstacles. This is designed especially for times when the craft’s signal has been disconnected.
An advanced computer vision technology lets the Phantom 4 take instructions through gestures. Gesture Mode lets users capture selfies by using a few gestures without holding the remote controller. The subject waives his or her arms in a certain way so the camera can face the subject and, after a three-second countdown, take a picture.
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ can be pre-ordered now from Adorama for . The DJI Phantom 4 Pro can be pre-ordered now for . Orders will be shipped on a first-serve basis. We do not charge cards until we actually ship.
DJI Inspire 2.0
Key Features
- 0-50mph in 4 seconds
- Max flight speed 67mph
- Flight time up to 27 minutes, dual-battery system
- 20 feet/sec climb speed, almost 30 feet/sec descent
- Forward-facing camera for flight view via master controller
- Support for Zenmuse X4S, X5S cameras
- CineCore 2.0 image processing system embedded in airframe
- 5.2K video capture
- 4K video in H.264, H.265
Designed from the ground up as a filmmaking drone, the Inspire 2 improves upon the groundbreaking innovations of its predecessor, with faster flight speed and improved agility. FlightAutonomy has been revised, providing two directions of obstacle avoidance plus sensor redundancy. A dual-battery power source keeps the juice flowing if one of the batteries fails in flight.
Artificial intelligence has been employed via Spotlight Pro, which lets even a single pilot have the ability to create complex dramatic shots, while the camera’s workflow has been optimized for professional editing and post-production needs.
Build Quality
The Inspire 2.0 is built from Magnesium aluminum composite and carbon fiber. Its obstacle avoidance sensors help it fly in the clear, even in complex shooting situations. A downward-facing sensor detects terrain while also positioning the craft for accurate hovering and positioning indoors.
As with the Phantom 4 Pro, the Inspire 2.0 offers ActiveTrack, TapFly, Waypoint, smart return to home, and Point of Interest options for intuitive flight control.
The Inspire 2.0 has an effective transmission distance of up to 4.3 miles and can deliver 1080p/720p video as well as FPV view to the pilot and camera operator. Users can switch between 2.4 and 5.8 Ghz. Broadcasters can broadcast direct from the Inspire 2 using 1080i50 and 720p60 modes. Just connect the Inspire 2 remote to the satellite truck.
The DJI Inspire 2.0 can be pre-ordered now from Adorama for . It can also be ordered in a combo with the Zenmuse X5S Camera, Cinema DNG, and Apple ProRes license key, for . Orders will be shipped on a first-serve basis. We do not charge cards until we actually ship.
