CES: DJI today announced the DJI Phantom 3 4K, a lower-cost ultra-high resolution unmanned picture-taking aircraft that borrows many of its features from the DJI Phantom 3 Professional. With the flight agility of a Millennium Falcon, this Phantom is no menace but is an airborne visual force to be reckoned with. Like its pricier sibling, the Phantom 3 4K is easy to fly with the ability to automatically fly to pre-set points, allowing the user to concentrate on capturing still images and video footage and shoot like a trooper. This, indeed, could be the drone you’re looking for.
DJI Phantom 3 4K Key Features:
- GPS Outdoor positioning
- Vision positioning with ultrasonic sensors
- 1/2.3-inch 12.4MP sensor
- 4096x2160p maximum video resolution at 24, 25 and 30fps
- ISO 100-3200
- 8-1/8000 sec shutter speed
- Up to 7fps burst rate
- 20mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens
- A removable filter ring allows for ND filters
- Maximum range: 1200 meters
- Top flight speed: 16 meters per sec
- Max. Ascent speed: 5 meters per sec
- Max Descent Speed: 3 meters per sec
- Gimbal Controllable Pitch Range: -90 to + 30 degrees
The DJI Phantom 3 4K has a 25-minute flying time capability on a single charge, with battery time remaining status streamed live to your mobile device as you operate it. The camera shoots 4K video at frame rates up to 30fps, and 12MP stills, using a built-in f/2.8 lens with a 94-degree field of view. A 3-axis gimbal keeps the camera level, and DJI’s aerial stabilization technology keeps the footage smooth.
The Phantom 3 4K is controlled via a remote controller via Wi-Fi, with a maximum range of 1200 meters, or approximately 0.75 miles. (By comparison, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional has a 4.1-mile range.) You can view the image being recorded on your mobile device via the DJI Go app, which also controls Intelligent Flight Modes. In Intelligent Flight Mode, you can pre-program the flight route and duration, and program in “Waypoints” and “Points of Interest” where the drone hovers as you shoot video footage.
How was DJI able to reduce the unit’s cost? By reducing range, and using a lower maximum bitrate (2M bps, vs. up to 10Mbps on the Professional model), lower FPV preview resolution (480p), and using GPS for outdoor positioning, instead of both GPS and GLONASS. Most other key features are basically the same.
The DJI Phantom 3 4K is available from Adorama for $799.
