Drones

DJI announces not just one, but two Phantom 3 quadcopters

View 5 Images
DJI's new Phantom 3 Professional
DJI's new Phantom 3 Professional
The big difference between the Professional and Advanced is the camera – the Professional has a maximum resolution of 4K/30fps, while the Advanced manages 1080p/60fps
The Phantom 3 Professional is priced at $1,259, while the Phantom 3 Advanced goes for $999
Using DJI's Lightbridge tech, users can view a near-real-time 720p video feed from Phantom 3, up to a distance of 1 mile (1.6 km)
Camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed and exposure can be manually controlled using the accompanying app, or via physical controls on the included radio remote control unit
View gallery - 5 images

Last November, DJI Innovations released the Inspire 1 drone, which was unlike anything the company had manufactured before. Today, though, the company announced the latest step in the evolution of its more familiar and affordable Phantom line – namely, the Phantom 3. There are actually two models, the Phantom 3 Professional and slightly-less-fancy Phantom 3 Advanced.

The big difference between the Professional and Advanced is the camera – the Professional has a maximum resolution of 4K/30fps, while the Advanced manages 1080p/60fps. Both cameras are mounted on a 3-axis stabilizing gimbal, shoot 12-megapixel stills, have an F2.8 lens with a 94-degree field of view, and a 1/2.3-inch sensor that's more light-sensitive than those used in the Phantom 2 models.

Additionally, using DJI's Lightbridge tech, users can view a near-real-time 720p video feed from those cameras, up to a distance of 1 mile (1.6 km). Camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed and exposure can be manually controlled using the accompanying app, or via physical controls on the included radio remote control unit.

The app also offers features such as a flight log and even a simulator, so users can practice maneuvers without crashing the drone in the process.

The Phantom 3 Professional is priced at $1,259, while the Phantom 3 Advanced goes for $999

Both drones have an improved GPS system, along with GLONASS technology for more accurate positioning. Additionally, should they not be able to access the necessary satellites – such as when they're being flown indoors – the copters can hold their position using a new Visual Positioning System. This system incorporates both visual and ultrasonic sensors (much like that already in the AR.Drone), and also allows the quadcopters to automatically take off and land, via a push of a button on the remote.

DJI tells us that both models should begin shipping in a few weeks. The Phantom 3 Professional is priced at US$1,259, while the Phantom 3 Advanced goes for $999.

You can see footage shot with them, in the video below.

Source: DJI

View gallery - 5 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
2 comments
The Skud
Very cool! With vision range up to a mile, I hope it has auto-retrace to come back to you - At that distance it would not look that big to pick out against background. That sort of range would test the Flight Regs as well, open spaces that big are hard to find except waaaay out away from the big city!
Bob Flint
Visuals are leading edge, but still silent screen..
Anyone able to get surround sound of an active volcano erupting?