This enables you to fly without GPS stabilization, but it’s a feature that only seasoned pilots should tackle. DJI has continued to push the capabilities of its drones forward, announcing the Pro ($1,499) and Pro+ ($1,799.00 at DJI) only months after dropping the superb Phantom 4 ($1,799.00 at DJI) on the world. The Pro has a 1-inch image sensor with four times the surface area of the Phantom 4’s camera. It captures 4K footage at up to 60fps, and shoots 20MP Raw and JPG photos. It’s also our Editors’ Choice, as the more expensive Pro+ configuration shows that an integrated tablet can have as many drawbacks as advantages. It’s the fastest Phantom so far, capable of reaching top speeds of 45 miles per hour.
Navy fighter pilots were unused to flying with a non-pilot RIO, but learned from air combat in Vietnam the benefits of the GiB “guy in back” or “voice in the luggage compartment” helping with the workload. The Phantom was then shot down, probably by an AIM-7 Sparrow from one of its wingmen. There continues to be controversy over whether the Phantom was shot down by MiG guns or, as enemy reports later indicated, an AIM-7 Sparrow III from one of Murphy’s and Fegan’s wingmen. On 17 June 1965, an F-4B from VF-21 “Freelancers” piloted by Commander Louis Page and Lieutenant John C. Smith shot down the first North Vietnamese MiG of the war.
The Pro uses an all-new video camera with a 1-inch image sensor, 4K video recording at up to 60p, and 20MP Raw and JPG image capture. The 1-inch sensor size has proven to be a very capable format in compact cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III ($1,799.00 at DJI) . DJI rates the Phantom 4 Pro for 30 minutes of flight time, which is a figure calculated under ideal conditions. In more normal use, I found myself getting about 25 minutes of actual time in the air—landing with about 8 percent battery left, which is cutting things close.
Even though we may receive compensation, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on each product. Yes, you will need to register your DJI Phantom 4 Pro with the FAA before you fly. As with any drone that weighs 0.55 lbs or more, you’ll need to either sign up for the basic Recreational Flyer, or for the commercial-level Part 107 certification. I am constantly reminded when using the Phantom 4 Pro that it is not as compact and portable flying machine.
This is an excellent tutorial of the dji drones Follow Me intelligent mode using ActiveTrack. Here we see an triathlete using the Phantom 4 Follow Me mode to check her running technique. TapFly Free – Lock the forward direction of the Phantom without locking the camera direction allowing it to turn as it flies. The Phantom 4 Pro V has an upgraded propulsion system with FOC sinusoidal driver ESCs and 9455S quick release propellers.
The Phantom 4 Pro is a machine that is best suited to those taking drone flight and aerial photography seriously. If that is you, and you have just the right budget for this machine, do it. I truly know of no drone in the $1500 – $2000 range that can best this machine. Indeed, I know of no other competing drone below $2000 with a full 1-inch camera sensor. There is no question it produces superior imagery when compared to the Mavic Pro and other sub-$1000 drones. More than anything, the fact that this is a full 1-inch sensor sets the Phantom 4 Pro in a league of its own for drones under $2000.
The DJI dji mini 2 fly more combo controller requires a cable in order to connect your phone or tablet. As this extra part lives in your bag / case it’s really easy to forget them – so do yourself a favour and pick up a few spares. There’s been at least 1 instance where I’ve turned up a location only to realise I forgot this pesky cable! Polar Promake some of the best ND filters sets for the DJI Phantom 4. When you are satisfied with the flight plan, and when the desired connection status is established, execute the flight. At any point during the flight, you can return to the RTK menu to view more details about the X, Y, and Z RMS Errors, as shown in the following image.
The Phantom 4 is powered by a single battery which slots into the rear of the craft. The battery features a set of lights that indicate the amount of charge left, giving a handy visual guide to flight times. Essentially the camera remains much the same as on the Phantom 3 Professional. It has a 1/2.3-inch sensor and an f/2.8 lens with a 94 degree field of view and an equivalent 35mm focal length of 20mm. However, the specifications of the 4K camera bring a few resolution and frame rate improvements.