Simple touch flights
Easy flights accessible to everyone. Just double-tap the screen and Phantom will fly to the specified point. The obstacle course sensing system will ensure flight safety. And the intelligent return-to-home system ensures the drone's safe return.
Visual tracking
Active object tracking system, based on the visual principle, allows you to follow a marked object. Simply mark the object of interest on the screen, the quadcopter will remember it and follow it. No additional beacons are needed now. The tracked objects can be changed during the flight.
Sports mode
The new sport mode improves the responsiveness of controls and the sharpness of reactions during flight. An optimized gimbal design, now partially integrated into the body of the quadcopter, as well as a new battery, combined with new motors that are now located higher and provide increased torque, together with a reliable flight control system, provide high speeds never before possible.
Extended flight time
Upgraded high-efficiency engines, a streamlined body and suspension, combined with a larger battery capacity, increase flight time by 25%, to 28 minutes.
A new and improved magnesium alloy center frame increases the Phantom 4's rigidity without sacrificing weight. The redesigned battery is moved closer to the quadcopter's center of balance, and the design elements are housed in a sleek and aerodynamic body. In addition, the gimbal is integrated into the quadcopter body and is also aerodynamically optimized. All this together helps reduce wind-induced wind and provides a predictable and accurate flight path, increasing the stability of the quadcopter in any conditions.
Phantom 4 allows you to flexibly control different flight modes for different flying conditions. When you select the intelligent mode, the quadcopter will be guided by satellites (GPS/GLONASS) and the visual positioning system, in this mode it supports Tap Fly, Active Track and other intelligent flight programs. In sport mode, additional maneuverability appears and the speed increases to 72 kilometers per hour, while the Phantom is still guided by satellite and visual positioning systems. Atti mode maintains flight altitude but disables positioning systems, providing highly fluid motion and ideal for cinematic shooting.
Phantom 4 is capable of providing 28 minutes* of continuous flight and a range of up to 5 kilometers** with full control via 720p HD real-time video. Comprehensive intelligent power management, an intelligent battery with increased capacity and a smart charger provide a 25% increase in flight time compared to the Phantom 3. Proprietary Lightbridge technology allows you to transmit real-time images from the quadcopter camera in 720p resolution (1280x720) with minimal delays to distance up to 5 kilometers.**
*Under quiet conditions and at constant speed.
**Maximum value without obstacles and in interference-free conditions. The value may vary depending on conditions and terrain.
Phantom 4 is equipped with a pair of new advanced obstacle sensors located in the front. Combined with powerful computer processing algorithms, they allow the quadcopter to accurately detect obstacles and actively avoid them. Sonars constantly scan the surrounding space and process it in three dimensions. In normal flight mode, when an obstacle is detected, the quadcopter stops and hovers in the air in place. In Tap Fly mode, Active Track mode, and Smart Return Home mode, Phantom 4 avoids obstacles or, if this is not possible, simply hovers in place in front of the obstacle.
The visual positioning and altitude sonar module, located at the bottom of the hull, has also undergone significant improvements, the maximum operating altitude of the module has more than tripled, now visual positioning works at an altitude of up to 10 meters. The system is primarily designed for stable positioning in enclosed spaces, where there are no GPS/Glonass satellite navigation signals.
Phantom 4 can fly automatically with just one touch of the screen. Just set the direction of movement by tapping on the screen, and the quadcopter will automatically fly in the specified direction. Moreover, during the flight you can always change the trajectory or direction by simply indicating a new point. Steady control and movement to a chosen point in manual mode may not be such an easy task, but the Phantom 4 handles it independently in fully unmanned mode, optimizing its movements and flight path, while the pilot can focus on filming or other important aspects of the flight. During the flight, the quadcopter controls the space around itself and will go around an emerging obstacle or stop in front of it if it is not possible to fly around it. And the Smart Return Home system will take care of returning the quadcopter to the take-off point or operator, if necessary, also avoiding contact with obstacles.
The unique system of active tracking based on visual data has no analogues. It is enough to simply mark the tracked object on the screen, and powerful computer vision, object recognition algorithms combined with machine learning will remember it and will not let it out of sight, tracking and following the selected object. There is no need for GPS sensors, bracelets, beacons, trackers and other similar devices; the quadcopter will track the object only by visual data. The future becomes reality. Capturing moving subjects has never been easier. At the same time, the quadcopter will, if necessary, go around obstacles or stop in front of them, thanks to the active flight mode and space tracking (ActiveTrack).
The Phantom 4 camera is capable of capturing moments that will last a lifetime with picture quality comparable to cinematography equipment. Video recording occurs in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second and in Full HD 1080p resolution at 120 frames per second, the latter mode is used to record smooth slow motion video.
To obtain crystal clear images from the camera, the latest aspherical lens with a viewing angle of 94 o is used. And thanks to the use of the new lens, it was possible to reduce distortion by 36% and chromatic aberration by 56% compared to the Phantom 3. The hyperfocal lens allows you to get closer to objects at a minimum distance, keeping them completely sharp.
A total of 10 color profiles are available to ensure the best possible post-processing and the picture you wanted and created in your creative mind. Profiles range from Vivid mode, which enhances color and contrast, making videos look incredibly cool without any additional processing. Cine-D and D-Log modes offer professional-grade high dynamic range images and better color space for post-production.
Post-processing is very important, and when shooting photos, the Phantom 4 boasts not only 12 megapixel frames, but also support for the popular RAW format - Adobe DNG. In addition, support for Phantom lens profiles is included in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
To stabilize the Phantom 4 camera, it uses the most advanced gimbal to date, made using proprietary Zenmuse technology. The gimbal perfectly dampens vibrations and unwanted camera movements during flight, providing amazing stability and smooth images. The gimbal control unit maintains constant high-speed communication with the Phantom 4's main flight controller, so the gimbal control unit and gimbal are ready for quadcopter movements before they happen. The gimbal has an amazing positioning accuracy - ±0.03 o, in combination with the elastic fastening of the gimbal to the body, you get a cinematic-level picture.
The DJI SDK gives you even more access to the Phantom 4's software and hardware features. It's essentially an open platform for creativity. This allows enthusiasts and developers to create their own apps, expand technical functionality, and realize exciting new features.
*will be available soon
For orientation in space, Phantom 4 uses up to 24 navigation satellites of the GLONASS/GPS system, which ensures high positioning accuracy, fast connection and full flight control. Based on the readings of the intelligent satellite positioning system, the Phantom knows exactly its location and transmits the data to the DJI GO application, where its location is displayed on the area map. And it finds its way home to the take-off point or to the place where the operator with the control panel is now located.
During the flight, all data is constantly recorded, complete information about the flight route, duration, distance, coordinates and speed is saved, and the position of the control sticks is constantly recorded. You can always check how your flights went.
In addition to recording videos and photos to the MicroSD card installed in the aircraft, videos and photos are also cached on your device with the DJI GO app installed, so you can view the footage even during the flight.
In addition, the “black box” system has been improved, which constantly collects information about the operating parameters of the quadcopter’s hardware and software. You will need this data for flight analysis when communicating with the DJI technical support team if you have questions or other problems.
Phantom 4 has two compass modules and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). Since these modules are very important, since they are responsible for direct orientation in space, they are completely duplicated. The quadcopter control system constantly compares the readings of two compasses and two IMU modules using special algorithms, eliminating false or incorrect data. Thanks to this, high flight stability and reliability is guaranteed in all conditions.
To quickly master basic flying skills, Phantom 4 includes a mode for novice pilots. In this mode, the quadcopter will not fly more than 30 meters up or to the side. In addition, the camera's tilt control is limited to avoid confusion during flight. When you turn off Beginner Assist Mode, the Phantom 4's maximum lift altitude is 120 meters above the default take-off point. The flight altitude ceiling can be adjusted at any time in the DJI GO app. The maximum flight altitude is 500 meters.
Flexible configuration of the control panel allows you to adapt it to your flight style and make the functionality convenient for you. Through the visual menu in the DJI GO application, you can flexibly adjust the sensitivity of the control sticks (handles), set the purpose of the left and right handles, and their operating modes.
The remote control is equipped with buttons for turning on video recording and releasing the camera shutter, which are conveniently located and always at hand. In addition, there is a pause button, when pressed, the phantom stops its flight and freezes (for autonomous flight modes). Convenient metal wheels with special knurling that prevents slipping are responsible for controlling the camera's tilt and changing the exposure of the frame. They are located at the top and are also always at hand during the flight. Two reassignable buttons on the back of the remote control can be programmed by the user to control different functions.
A new, newly developed propeller mounting mechanism allows them to be installed and removed much faster than on previous Phantom series, while the reliability of the fastening has become even higher and spontaneous detachment is completely eliminated.
Simply push and turn the propeller to lock it securely, much faster than the old screw-on system.
A new reliable mount and the use of durable composite material in the manufacture of propellers allow the Phantom 4 to achieve greater speed and maneuverability than previously possible.
Finding an unusual angle is the alpha and omega of any photographer and videographer. And the possibility of shooting from a bird's eye view is a philosopher's stone. To obtain it, until recently it was necessary to use all possible aircraft: from a paraglider to a hot air balloon. Drones brought the philosopher's stone literally on a silver platter - the operator does not even need to take to the air himself. And with the development of the DJI Phantom family, gold mining actually does not require mercury consumption: these drones are extremely easy to use and can directly broadcast the process to a mobile device. It is not surprising that they became a real hit and were even recently ranked among the 50 best gadgets in history according to Time magazine.
The previous generation, Phantom 3, was notable primarily for its greatly increased reliability (drones began to fly away from the pilot noticeably less often) and the ability to record 4K video. Phantom 4 brought autonomy with it: with the help of additional sonars, it learned to determine not only the height, but also the distance to objects in front or to the side of itself. The most important features of the fourth generation are built on this - the object tracking mode and the ability to independently navigate to a specified point, avoiding obstacles.
Phantom 4 users do not have the ability to connect a second remote control and control the camera and drone separately, as on the Inspire One, for example, but they can view live what the camera is filming, as well as play back already captured material and delete unnecessary ones. Touch control is also available - you can direct the lens, just swiping your finger across the screen.
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Uses the DJI GO app, available for both iOS and Android. We tested it on several devices on both operating systems - it works reliably, without failures. The application is designed at first glance simply - a beginner will get used to it in a few minutes, while there are actually a lot of all kinds of settings: from some basic things like speed or maximum height to the most subtle moments, for example, the smoothness of camera tilt.
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All innovations in the application interface are directly related to the technical updates of Phantom 4: these are additional flight modes (Tap Fly and Active Track) and a distance scale to an obstacle with gradation from the red zone to the green - the distance in meters is also indicated directly. As before, a GPS track with a map of the area and notes on altitude, speed and other flight data is displayed on the screen.
Another key feature of all Phantoms (and the latest generations in particular) is their extreme simplicity. Yes, there are pilot schools - in order to learn how to fly really well, smoothly and quickly and not get into emergency situations, you need to study. But you can master the copter at a basic level by simply turning it on and starting it - the entire cycle from putting on the blades to connecting to the application and the first take-off takes about five minutes. The application finds the copter - then you just need to set up the compass, following the instructions, and you can fly.
In terms of its flight characteristics, Phantom 4 is slightly superior to its predecessor: with the same maximum altitude (6 km above sea level), it is capable of gaining altitude in sport mode at a speed of 6 meters per second (versus 5 previously), and descending at a speed of 4 meters per second (versus 3 earlier). The maximum speed is also increased to 20 meters per second (72 km/h) versus 16 before (57.6 km/h). With improved dynamic characteristics, the copter can stay in the air longer due to the increased battery capacity: 28 minutes, whereas previously it was 5 minutes less.
Let's move on to the new sensors installed on the Phantom 4. Now two compasses are used here, duplicating each other - the situations that happened with the first “phantoms”, when the copter lost its positioning and flew into unknown distances, should be, if not excluded, then reduced to a minimum. Redundant sonar from below should also reduce the number of landing accidents.
In this position, the copter has already noticed an obstacle (car) and refused to fly further
But the key innovation is, of course, the two forward sonars. They work confidently, clearly determining the distance to the object not only directly in front of the aircraft, but also at a slight angle to the side. When the mark of one and a half meters is reached, the application emits an alarm signal, the “phantom” stops and does not respond to the movement of the stick towards the hazardous object. It’s very convenient - if you don’t turn off the sensors, then you can essentially crash into something only when flying backwards. This innovation will be especially useful for beginners.
Example video of the Tap Fly function on DJI Phantom 4
An additional benefit of these sensors is the ability to autopilot. You can specify a point for the copter directly on the screen of your mobile device - and it will head towards it; at the same time, the likelihood that it will crash somewhere along the way is minimized. A useful feature if you want to shoot a flyby at a constant speed and extremely smoothly.
An example of the tracking function on DJI Phantom 4
Another new feature is object tracking, or Active Track. In this mode, the copter “spots” an object in the frame and guides it, turning around its axis or even following it. Moreover, the “phantom” fixes the object confidently, without getting lost without a serious reason. The reason may be too sharp a jerk to the side. The object is kept in the frame even among similar ones, that is, you can set the copter to follow a person in a crowd. Combined with the ability to fly independently without crashing into obstacles, this is very impressive: a drone flying independently behind you, which flies around trees, poles and even other drones, is a picture from the future, quite real now.
Camera
The camera's technical characteristics have not changed compared to what was found in the DJI Phantom 3. It uses a 1/2.3" sensor with a resolution of 12.4 megapixels with a 20 mm lens (35 mm equivalent), the aperture of which is ƒ/2.8. The camera is capable of shooting 4K video (4096 × 2160) at up to 30 frames per second and a bitrate of 60 Mbps. The camera's coverage angle is 94 degrees, which is smaller than, for example, GoPro, but geometric distortions are not so noticeable.
Available sensitivity range: ISO 100-3200, you can manually set both ISO and exposure parameters. In particular, one of the two control dials on the remote control is responsible for exposure compensation. There are minor changes in the software: a slow motion mode with a resolution of 720p (120 frames per second) has been added, digital zoom has appeared (when shooting in 4K it can even be useful, reducing the resolution only to Full HD). Color rendition has also been slightly improved, and the picture subjectively looks a little sharper.
The camera rotates 90 degrees vertically and is equipped with a three-axis stabilizer. In terms of stabilization, DJI also ate the dog - remember, for example, the RONIN body kit. The recorded picture remains smooth even with a sharp control style of the copter; the shaking of the aircraft also does not affect its quality in any way. The gimbal continuously receives data from the flight processor: angular velocity, moment and inertial force, and the built-in electric motors work to compensate for possible negative effects. The only artifacts that can be noted are the front rotor blades that occasionally enter the frame.
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DJI Phantom 4 is already approaching gadgets from science fiction films - it is capable of independently flying after a given object and at the same time recording 4K video, broadcasting it in Full HD resolution to a mobile device. With vertical and horizontal sonars and a dual set of compasses, it's even easier to use. The fourth “phantom” is both faster than its predecessor and has longer battery life. Even the design changes for the better with each generation. In fact, the only alternative to the Phantom 4 today, if you want a simple, reliable and convenient drone, is the Phantom 3 - without an autopilot, a little slower, but also a quarter cheaper. We are also waiting for Xiaomi Mi Drone - these copters will create, first of all, serious price competition, because they are 3-4 times cheaper than the new “phantom”. But the question of the best quadcopter for non-professionals, DJI Phantom 4, is closed for now. We would like to express our gratitude to Skymec, the official distributor of DJI, for providing the equipment for testing. |
There is a rumor that Apple engineers had a hand in the development of the new DJI Phantom 4. Whether this is true or not, we don’t know, but the fact that the new Phantom is officially sold in the Apple Store already speaks volumes. The new model actually has a lot in common with Apple products. Starting from thoughtful design to high technology of the product.
Design
The attention to detail in the new Phantom 4 is felt everywhere. Take the box, when you open it you find a case made of gray polystyrene foam with an original rubberized handle, which contains everything you need for flights - the drone itself, the remote control, the charger and all kinds of accessories. There is a separate compartment for everything - everything is very convenient. This case can easily be placed in a backpack or in the trunk of a car.
Externally, the new Phantom has undergone changes; it has become sleeker, slimmer, and the lines are smoother. The body has become more plump. The motors are open, which should prevent overheating and, as a result, an increase in power. The fastening of the screws to the motors has changed - now the screws do not need to be tightened; electric motors have a mount that allows you to put on and remove the propellers in one movement.
The lower body, chassis, camera and gimbal are made from ultra-durable magnesium alloy for maximum camera protection
Below the camera are sonar and visual positioning sensors. On the front of the drone, on each leg, at the very base, there are sensors for visual obstacle monitoring.
Equipment
The quadcopter's equipment is standard, with the exception of one drawback - there is no Lightning cable. Those who plan to use an iPad will have to purchase one.
The kit includes:
- Copter
- Control panel with phone/tablet holder
- 2 sets of propellers
- Battery
- Charger
- Charging cable
- Instructions
- USB OTG cable (cable for connecting a device without a computer)
- Micro USD cable
- Micro SD card 16 GB
Remote controller
The Phantom 4 remote control has remained virtually unchanged compared to the third version. Control sticks whose functionality can be customized. There are two wheels on the sides of the remote control, one is responsible for exposure, the other for rotating the camera. The start/stop recording button is also in its place. But the drone’s operating mode switch is an innovation. There are three modes in total - P, S and A.
- P – positioning, the quietest mode in which all sensors and sensors work (great for beginners).
- A – hardcore mode, sensors are disabled, the device does not hover in the air and does not fly around obstacles (recommended for experienced pilots).
- S – sport mode. In this mode, the Phantom 4 quadcopter reaches maximum speed. GPS and visual positioning are working, front sensors and stabilization system are disabled.
DJI Lightbridge 2 technology for transmitting Full HD video from an on-board camera to a mobile device is a key feature and pride of DJI. Visual control of the camera is carried out through the DJI GO application. There are several innovations in the system application - these are new flight modes, displaying zones of the drone’s approach to an object (from green zone to red zone), sensor settings menu, etc.
I would like to dwell in more detail on the Active Track system. Its essence is tracking an object. It is enough to point on the object you want to track on your mobile device, the system will remember it and follow it. Moreover, the phantom is able to track you in a crowd of people, and even if you “get lost” from sight for a short time, for example, by going under a visor, the system will not lose you.
The larger the object, the easier it is for the device to track it
DJI Phantom 4 Specifications
Flight characteristics are superior to the third version. The altitude limit remains at 6 km above sea level, but speeds have increased. In sports mode, the Phantom gains 6 m/s (the third version is 5 m/s) and decreases at a speed of 4 m/s (at 3 m/s for its predecessor). The maximum flight speed has been increased to 20 m/s (72 km/h) versus 57.6 km/h. Due to the fact that the battery has been increased to 5350 mAh (from 4480 mA on the 3rd fanta), the copter hangs in the air 5 minutes longer than its predecessor (28 minutes versus 23). The new flight characteristics are quite sufficient for shooting sports events.
| Weight (with battery and propellers) | 1380 g |
|---|---|
| Diagonal size (without propellers) | 35 cm |
| Max. climb speed | Mode S: 6 m/s |
| Max. rate of descent | Mode S: 4 m/s |
| Max. speed | Mode S: 20 m/s |
| Max. altitude above sea level | 6000 m |
| Max. permissible wind speed | 10 m/s |
| Max. flight time | About 28 minutes |
| Operating temperature range | 0…+40° C |
| Satellite positioning systems | GPS/GLONASS |
| Positioning accuracy | Vertically: +/- 0.1 m (when the visual positioning system is turned on) or +/-0.5 m Horizontally: +/- 0.3 m (with visual positioning system enabled) or +/-1.5 m |
| Max. tilt angle | Mode S: 42° Mode A: 35° P mode: 15° |
| Max. angular velocity | Mode S: 200°/s Mode A: 150°/s |
Camera
The copter borrowed the camera from its predecessor. 4K 12.4 MP camera with 20mm lens and 1/2.3” sensor. However, there are also changes. First of all, color rendering has become better, the colors are more rich and vibrant. The white balance has also noticeably improved. The new camera has a Slo-mo mode with a resolution of 720p and a frame rate of 120 fps. The new mode will certainly appeal to fans of shooting dynamic scenes.
| Matrix | 1/2.3” CMOS, effective pixels: 12 MP |
|---|---|
| Lens | FOV 94°, 20mm (35mm format equivalent), f/2.8, focus at ∞ |
| ISO range |
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| Electronic shutter speed | 8-1/8000 s |
| Max. image size | 4000×3000 |
| Photo modes | Time-lapse Continuous: 3 / 5 / 7 frames Automatic exposure compensation (AEB): 0.7EV in 3/5-stop increments Self-timer HDR |
| Video resolution | UHD: 4096x2160 (4K) 24 / 25p 3840×2160 (4K) 24 / 25 / 30p 2704×1520 (2.7K) 24 / 25 / 30p FHD: 1920×1080 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60 / 120p HD: 1280×720 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60p |
| Max. video bitrate | 60 Mbit/s |
| Supported File Systems | FAT32 (≤ 32 GB) or exFAT (> 32 GB) |
| Photo | JPEG, DNG (RAW) |
| Video | MP4, MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) |
| Types of memory cards | MicroSD Max. volume: 64 GB. Speed class: Class 10, UHS-1 |
Main conclusions
The device has become better. The new Phantom 4 is faster, smarter and better to handle. New modes such as Active Track, pleasant changes in photo and video quality, the new Slo-mo mode - everything is interesting and relevant. Should the lucky owners of the 3rd phantom run to the store for the 4th? Why not, if your funds allow it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Vyrypaev Sergey
Pros: Shooting quality. Clear and easy controls. Strong.
Disadvantages: I tried it on a Samsung S6, Xiaomi Mi4i - the lags are terrible, the picture crumbles, if you turn on recording, you can catch the wall, the old Samsung Tab3 tablet cannot handle the flow at all even in viewing mode, the percentage heats up to 80 degrees. I cleared the cache, garbage, unloaded unnecessary things - it didn’t help. I read the forum (I wish I knew earlier) who flies what and tried it on the seventh iPhone - everything is smooth and beautiful. Despite all my dislike for “bits,” I ended up having to take an iPad mini 4 with the drone. Everything is just as smooth, with a stable picture in any mode.
Comment: In terms of range: in a dense private sector, due to a solid metal fence, the flight altitude is 65m, the picture disappeared at around 1100m, until recently it showed well. The drone immediately enters return-to-home mode. The battery lasts well, if you don’t fly in sport mode, 23-24 minutes of recording is stable. It's just a pity that it didn't work on Android. The rest is in order. I will update after 3 months. Tried it on Samsung S8 - everything works. The flight range in dense urban areas and interference drops to 500-700m. In open space, I flew to 4300m, but didn’t go any further; there was a risk of not being able to fly back due to the headwind. It doesn't shoot well in the twilight, photos are even worse, and video is noisy. The battery is not fastened very tightly. When I turn it on at home, everything always starts up normally. On the street, when you turn it on, quite often there is an IMU Error, it asks you to calibrate it, you can spend time and calibrate it, or wait and after “warming up” it itself comes out ready for flight. What is it connected with - I don’t know. According to their status, the gyroscopes and compass do not require calibration, but the error occurs periodically. I bought a car charger, gimbal protection and propeller protection from the Chinese. I bought another battery. The only note: the screw protection is visible in the frame if the camera is not tilted slightly downwards, and in strong winds. It’s a useful thing, I lifted it from a boat without the protection of the propellers, during takeoff it was blown by the wind, it cut the spinning rods, it’s good that the drone didn’t drown - I managed to catch it by the leg, now I have a scar from the propellers on my arm. There was a problem with the horizon blocking, at first I adjusted it in the gimbal settings, after updating the firmware everything returned to normal, Automatic modes are set to “three plus”, more often it turns out better by hand. Fly carefully, train, don't fly "blue". This is not a toy at all, it can hurt people.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Badykshin Dinar
Pros: Excellent build quality. In the city I flew a maximum of 2100m at an altitude of about 100m. It takes excellent pictures, I also tried 4K. Stabilization is just great!!! The suspension works at five. The battery lasts for a maximum of 23 minutes (with wind up to 6 m/s and temperature +2..+4). I also flew at a temperature of -9 degrees - the flight was normal, but the flight time was 18 minutes.
Disadvantages: When shooting 2.7K, it does not always record on a micro CD card (64 GB).
Comment: I am very pleased with the purchase, although the price is steep. There are no DJI competitors yet.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Advantages: 1. The range of the radio channel was impressive. in the absence of line of sight 2 km, in the presence of 4 km and the connection did not fall by a single division in video, in control by 1 division. 2. On the second flight, it was attacked by seagulls and turned over. I couldn't have corrected the flight myself, the electronics did it. I had to lift the device above 120 meters, but they couldn’t reach it there.
Disadvantages: 1. small battery capacity, it would be possible to stuff in 2 times more. 25-27 minutes is definitely enough if the mode is not “sport”. 2.at a very close distance of 1-10 meters, the picture from the video “crumbles”. possible interference.
Comment: 4 km so far the battery limit is -5C and the first 2 charges. Perhaps in the summer it will give the declared 5 km, in any case, there are no problems with communication even in the reduced power.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Morozov Dmitry
Advantages: I used to have a phantom 3 pro, so I want to talk about the advantages of phantom 4 in comparison with the previous model: 1. The body of phantom 4 is made better and it is more monolithic! Fewer holes into which moisture can get in during rain, for example. In general, the quality of materials is much better and more pleasant to the touch, this even applies to the charger! 2. The kit comes with an excellent case - everything is compact and there are already 2 places for additional batteries! Handle and lock! The previous version did not include a case! 3. Very convenient screws - quickly installed and removed, unlike the third phantom! 4. It has become more convenient to catch in the hand - the camera is shifted forward and there are no other protruding parts, plus the legs are much more rigidly connected to the body! 5. The camera suspension handles strong winds better and is generally more reliable! It is extremely difficult to catch the “jelly” effect on phantom 4, but on the third phantom - I succeeded quite often. This is not surprising - after all, in the fourth phantom all the unnecessary elements are hidden in the body! 6. The connection quality is more stable than on the third phantom! Where the third phantom lost contact, on the fourth I flew and filmed without any problems! 7. The battery lasts longer! 8. I don’t remember if there was a d-log camera mode in the third phantom, but in the fourth it is! In general, there are still a lot of small improvements and improvements compared to the third phantom! I was surprised how quickly DJI improves their products! Less than a year has passed between the release of these models - but the difference is huge and progress is obvious!
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In general, it is not easy to control quadcopters - problems begin literally from the first flight, regardless of the cost, complexity and beauty of the model. Anyone who has encountered similar radio-controlled equipment knows this. However, modern technologies are developing and providing new opportunities, as demonstrated once again by the manufacturers of the Phantom 4 model from DJI. After many attempts, they managed to create a device that makes it possible to protect the structure from involuntary self-destruction.
You can buy DJI Phantom 4 - free delivery throughout Russia and the CIS, good prices!
Quadcopter Phantom 4: price
Quadcopter Phantom 4, the price of which remained virtually unchanged on the market during the first half of the year. And its price in foreign currency, in particular USD and EUR, remained the same, which cannot be said about the price in rubles. After all, constant changes in the exchange rate in one direction or another affect the cost of the device. Now it can be purchased for a price of no less than 110 thousand rubles. But in euros it is 1599. The difference in price does not depend on the configuration, since it is always the same, unlike the same third-generation model. The maximum that distributors can add to the offer to the buyer is an additional battery. From this, the price, according to various estimates, will increase by an amount from 7 to 20 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons of DJI Phantom 4
Among the advantages that are invisible at first glance at the device, the security of the design stands out, which is not expressed in a reinforced case, and even more so, not in the presence of protection, which is not provided at all. Security lies in the fact that the device is primarily subject to sensors and an intelligent security system, and not to user actions, which in some cases can lead to breakdown, such as inexperienced operation. The security system is automatically activated when approaching an obstacle and when it appears on the route set by the user.
Problems with using this mode arise in confined spaces, where there is not enough space for maneuvers. Also, the device simply freezes in place in a situation where it cannot find an alternative route, or when the tracked object loses sight. Flight stability, as well as shooting, is at an excellent level, which is quite sufficient for both amateur and professional recording of photo and video materials.
The disadvantage is the need to calibrate the device before the first launch of the drone, as well as every time it changes its launch location. The instructions for Phantom 4 are essentially not required, although they are included in the kit. All necessary tips, for example, on calibrating the device, can be obtained directly from the screen of the paired device - tablet or smartphone. However, you can learn a lot from it, even when you first get acquainted with the device.
Characteristics of DJI Phantom 4
In contrast to previous models, manufacturers have built into the chassis of the device new sensors, 2 at the front and at the rear, the purpose of which is to analyze the trajectory of movement for the presence of insurmountable obstacles. It is worth noting that in sport mode (at speeds up to 72 km/h) they do not work. When turned on, they transmit data that is analyzed, and then a 3D route model is built based on it. This technology is used both for plotting a route and for focusing on a specific object, for example, for shooting. The declared battery capacity is 28 minutes, which is currently not a record. However, according to various sources, it is not possible to achieve a similar figure in a real flight.
Flight control can be either using the remote control or using the smartphone application interface. In particular, on the smartphone screen you can specify a point on the horizon to which the drone will fly. In the same way, a target object is selected, which the camera will monitor and film from various angles automatically without remote control. Despite such an advanced control system, the device still uses GPS and Glonass coordinates for positioning, route planning and control. There is no physical protection like bumpers on the quadcopter, and it is not even provided for. The camera is similar to the one installed in the previous generation Professional model, but its gimbal is significantly different from the previous one and there is literally a built-in housing to correct the center of gravity.
The camera can shoot in 4K resolution, but by default the more energy-efficient photo and video recording mode is selected. If desired, you can adjust the frame rate and shoot video in Time Lapse mode. The viewing angle in the frame can be changed programmatically from -90 to +30 degrees, and the horizon is also adjustable, which will please experienced operators. Among the basic characteristics of the new Phantom are its weight – 1380 grams, battery capacity – 5350 mAh, its diagonal size – 590 mm, and hovering accuracy. In the vertical plane it is 0.1 m, and in the horizontal plane – 0.3 m.
Quadcopter Phantom 4: price, reviews, characteristics