Adding to its already impressive stable of Phantom 3 drones, DJI decided to take the class a step further, unveiling a Phantom 3 outfit with the same 4K camera previously seen on its Phantom 3 Professional. Now, for just $999, aspiring filmmakers have the ability to cop a 4K-capable drone that can take gorgeous video and snap striking photos. Considering many deem the DJI’s Phantom 3 as one of the absolute best in the industry, the welcome addition of a 4K camera should make this one of the hottest commodities among quadcopter enthusiasts.
Under the hood, the Phantom 3 4K captures film in official DCI 4K formats while allowing pilots to control the drone from up to three-quarters of a mile away. Utilizing its on-board WiFi connectivity, users have the ability to see what the drone’s camera sees, no matter how far away it is. Though the Professional includes a longer range with its 4K camera, the difference in price (roughly $250) makes the Phantom 3 4K incredibly attractive.
DJI’s uber-exclusive (and uber-expensive) Inspire line of drones also received a healthy upgrade, with the company now including the world’s smallest Micro 4/3 camera ever made, the Zenmuse X5 and X5R. With its included Zenmuse X5 capable of recording 4K video and snapping photos at 16 megapixels, the Inspire 1 Pro is an absolute boon for aspiring filmmakers. Moreover, the built-in Zenmuse X5R on the Inspire 1 RAW ups the filmmaking ante even more by giving users the option of filming 4K raw video — a first in the drone industry.
The Inspire 1 Pro/RAW does cost the definition of a pretty penny ($4,500). However, with an upgrade to its flight performance, a high-quality camera capable of putting some movie productions to shame, and an easy-to-use remote, the Inspire 1 Pro/RAW is worth the price, and is a worthy supplement to DJI’s already impressive stable of drones.
DJI once again showed why it deserves its expansive praise with the release of the Phantom 3 4K and Inspire 1 Pro/RAW. Both drones are currently available through DJI’s online store, as are the other members of the firm’s extensive, and widely impressive, product range.
