The DJI Phantom 4 drone is the company’s newest and most advanced drone. It is designed to take exceptional aerial photographs and videos that you can then enhance through DJI’s software. However, this quadcopter does more than offer you a reliable camera. Instead, it also comes with intelligent software that allows it to navigate around objects, track people and objects on the ground, return automatically to you, and more. As a result, it proves itself as a technologically innovative and interesting drone. Backed by solid reviews, it serves as a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy a technologically advanced and high quality drone.
(click here to see price)DJI Phantom 4 Specs
The DJI Phantom 4 sports numerous features that demonstrate both its quality camera and its intelligent flying abilities. These specs paint a picture of a quadcopter that is ready to take experienced drone operators on a flying experience that is more sophisticated than they have encountered with other drones. While trying out the DJI Phantom 4 is the best way to understand exactly how it performs, the following features give you a glimpse into its power, ingenuity, and performance.
- Stability: 3-axis, gimbal stabilization
- Battery: 5350mAH, LiPo 4S, 15.2 volt Intelligent Flight Battery
- Control: 2.4-2.483G remote transmitter
- Camera: 4K ultra HD 12.0M pixels
- Camera lens: f/28
- Camera speed: 30 feet/second
- Image max size: 4,000/3,000 pixels
- Max distance: 3.2 miles
- Max video distance: About 1.5 miles
- Max flight altitude: 6,000 meters
- Flight time: About 28 min.
- Obstacle sensory range: 2-49 ft.
- Dimensions: 12.8in. X 8.66in. X 14.96in.
- Weight: 8.82lb.
- Accessories: Battery, extra propellers, remote controller, charger, case
Multiple Flight Modes
The DJI Phantom 4 boasts 5 flight modes that impact how the drone responds in the air. Simply choose the mode that suits you best whenever you take it out for a spin. Following is a look at each flight mode and what it can offer you:
Position Mode
In Position Mode, the Phantom 4 will use satellites and vision tracking to “see” where it is and to follow the directions you give it through the remote controller.
TapFly
With TapFly, you simply tap the screen in front of you to show the Phantom 4 where to go. The drone will take it from there, flying to wherever you have indicated on your screen.
Active Track
In Active Track mode, the Phantom 4 will follow any person or object you indicate. It can do so without GPS simply by recognizing and keeping the target within sight.
Intelligent Flight
In Intelligent Flight mode, the Phantom 4 will use a dual satellite positioning system and a visual positioning system to remain cognizant of its surroundings at all times. It will even avoid obstacles in the air automatically in this mode.
Sport Mode
The DJI Phantom 4 will take off in Sport Mode, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph without compromising its satellite positioning and visual positioning systems.
Intelligent Flight
While intelligent flight is one of the flight modes included in the DJI Phantom 4, it encompasses much more than the ability to maintain its position in space. The Phantom 4’s intelligent flight capabilities also include the following:
GPS System
The DJI Phantom 4’s GPS system consists of a dual satellite positioning system in combination with a visual positioning system. This means that the drone can use satellites to determine its location, as well as navigate by “seeing” what is around it with its camera.
The combination of positioning systems gives the Phantom 4 an unprecedented level of accuracy and responsiveness no matter where it is flown. The visual positioning system is now accurate at 10 meters of altitude (a drastic increase of 300 percent over the previous model’s abilities). Plus, thanks to the visual positioning system, the Phantom 4 can be flown accurately indoors as well as out.
Visual Positioning System
The visual positioning system deserves special mention because of its ability to keep the drone on track, even without the assistance of the dual satellite positioning system. In addition to providing guidance abilities at the relatively high altitude of 10 meters, it allows the Phantotm 4 to hover precisely in place. In addition, it allows the drone to brake hard, recover from a broken hover, and cause the drone to hover immediately if you let go of the joystick. All of these features together make this system one important safety element of the Phantom 4.
Auto Takeoff and Return
The Phantom 4’s advanced GPS technology allows it to take off automatically and return to you automatically. The result is a drone that is very easy to fly and very hard to lose.
Sense and Avoid
Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Phantom 4’s intelligent flight capabilities is its ability to sense and avoid obstacles in its path. This safety feature makes it possible to safely fly the drone, even when you make mistakes or encounter unexpected obstacles. This feature works by using a combination of obstacle sensors mounted on the front of the drone and a computer program. The sense and avoid technology also makes the TapFly Mode possible, because you can send the drone in any direction with a tap of your screen without worrying about any potential obstacles standing in your way. The result is a sensitive, reactive drone that can reduce accidents in the air.
Camera
The DJI Phantom 4 is also known for its camera capabilities. The drone promises high quality aerial photography and videos, thanks to the presence of a powerful camera. The drone’s ability to hover, plus its gimbal stabilization system, means that it can deliver extra clear images and videos. In addition, the lens of the camera has been improved to allow for a clearer image than has been possible in DJI’s other cameras. Following is an overview of the photography and videography of which this camera is capable.
Photography
The DJI Phantom 4 is made to take photos and videos. To this end, it has been designed with a camera that can take 12.4 megapixel shots. This camera also comes with a 8s- 1/8,000/s shutter speed and an f/2.8 lens. The camera has 5 different still photography modes. These include single-shoot, burst-shooting, auto exposure bracketing, EV bias, time lapse, and HDR.
The result is that you can use this camera to capture exactly the kinds of photos you need, while enjoying the crispness and clarity that make for great photography. While reviewers find that the camera does not exceed their expectations, they also note that it is more than capable of taking the kind of aerial photography that makes this type of drone worth the purchase price.
Videography
Photography is not the only function of the Phantom 4’s camera. It can also take clear and breathtaking videos as it flies. The video is 4k video in ultra high definition for a great look, and the camera can take this video at a rate of 30 frames per second. Reviewers find that the raw video is easy to edit, and praise the drone for giving them a surprising amount of control over the videography experience.
Post Production Abilities
DJI has also improved the Phantom 4 by creating a camera with the ability to produce video that is ready for post production editing. For instance, the camera can allow you to choose from a variety of color profiles that create the look you want for video editing. Reviewers affirm that this ability makes for excellent raw videos that are ripe for editing. In addition, the DJI Phantom 4 comes with an editing software (called the DJI director software) that allows you to add features to your video (such as music and text) in order to help you enhance your finished product.
Stability
The DJI Phantom 4 is also designed for stability. This stability makes it less prone to accidents and allows it to shoot better videos and photographs. Part of this stability is due to its gimbal stabilization system. Part of it is also due to the design of the drone, which makes it more aerodynamic and thus more capable of flying smoothly through the air. Finally, the Phantom 4 earns some stability from its ability to hover perfectly in the air. The combination of these features means that the drone is unlikely to crash and is capable of taking steady, reliable photos and videos whenever you use it.
Extended Flight Time
The DJI Phantom 4 also stands out from the competition because of its ability to provide extended flight time. Most drones are only capable of staying in the air for a few minutes at a time. The Phantom 4, however, allows you to enjoy a flight time of up to 28 minutes. The result is a longer flight time, more cameras, and more video before you need to recharge the battery.
DJI Phatom 4 Reviews
The DJI Phantom 4 earns strong reviews from customers who find that it generally lives up to its claims to offer high quality videos and photographs. In addition, reviewers report that the Phantom 4 is a high quality drone that provides an excellent flying experience. Some report that the drone is easy to fly, while others report enjoying the lightweight feel of the controller. Nearly every reviewer reported enjoying a different aspect of the drone, a fact that indicates the overall excellent quality of the drone. Finally, reviewers report being impressed by the Phantom 4’s speed. Clearly, this drone is a proven and excellent way to enjoy taking aerial photography and videography.
If you are looking for a drone that takes great aerial photography and videography, the Phantom 4 might be a good choice for you. Its intelligent flight abilities combined with its strong camera allow it to provide safety, ease of use, fun, and good photos and videos, all in one drone package.