Drone maker DJI announces Phantom 3 quadcopter with 4K video
Chinese drone maker DJI on Wednesday announced an updated version of its popular Phantom quadcopter, packing a new camera system with upgraded controls and a sensor that can capture video at ultra-high resolution 4K.
Calling it "the most revolutionary consumer quadcopter in history," DJI says the Phantom 3 is designed to be used easily by anyone who can use a cameraphone. New dedicated camera controls make it easier to control, while the live video view streams in high-definition 720p from up to a mile away.
The announcement came during the company's "Experience Wonder" event, which was held simultaneously in New York, London, and Munich. AppleInsider was on hand at the New York event, and will bring a closer look at the new products later today.
The Phantom 3 is available in two configurations: a $1,259 Professional version that can shoot 4K video at 24, 25, or 30 frames per second, and a $999 Advanced version that shoots in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
Both versions can also capture 12-megapixel stills in Adobe RAW. The camera app now features full manual imaging controls, and video can be automatically live-streamed to YouTube.
The company also revealed a new "Director" feature, which is an automatic editing mode for its camera app. Users can simply mark moments that they like while flying, and the app will stitch that video together on its own.
Additionally, the app appears to connect to an iOS device via Apple's Lightning connector, eschewing the sometimes-troublesome Wi-Fi connection.
DJI says that an upgraded flight stabilization systems, new motors, and a reconfigured GPS system make the device easier to control. They have also incorporated the vision positioning system from the high-end Inspire 1 drone.
A new flight simulator in the Pilot app is designed to help new users get up to speed more quickly, and an integrated flight log helps track flights. DJI's software development kit will allow developers to create customized apps for things like autonomous mapping, waypoint-driven flights or navigational aids.
There is no word yet on the Phantom 3's release date, but it will be available later this month directly from DJI's online storefront.
Calling it "the most revolutionary consumer quadcopter in history," DJI says the Phantom 3 is designed to be used easily by anyone who can use a cameraphone. New dedicated camera controls make it easier to control, while the live video view streams in high-definition 720p from up to a mile away.
The announcement came during the company's "Experience Wonder" event, which was held simultaneously in New York, London, and Munich. AppleInsider was on hand at the New York event, and will bring a closer look at the new products later today.
The Phantom 3 is available in two configurations: a $1,259 Professional version that can shoot 4K video at 24, 25, or 30 frames per second, and a $999 Advanced version that shoots in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
Both versions can also capture 12-megapixel stills in Adobe RAW. The camera app now features full manual imaging controls, and video can be automatically live-streamed to YouTube.
The company also revealed a new "Director" feature, which is an automatic editing mode for its camera app. Users can simply mark moments that they like while flying, and the app will stitch that video together on its own.
Additionally, the app appears to connect to an iOS device via Apple's Lightning connector, eschewing the sometimes-troublesome Wi-Fi connection.
DJI says that an upgraded flight stabilization systems, new motors, and a reconfigured GPS system make the device easier to control. They have also incorporated the vision positioning system from the high-end Inspire 1 drone.
A new flight simulator in the Pilot app is designed to help new users get up to speed more quickly, and an integrated flight log helps track flights. DJI's software development kit will allow developers to create customized apps for things like autonomous mapping, waypoint-driven flights or navigational aids.
There is no word yet on the Phantom 3's release date, but it will be available later this month directly from DJI's online storefront.
Comments
My 12 gage is lock and load, bring that thing over my yard if you dare...
I thought you lived in Hawaii.
"Whoever willfully%u2026sets fire to, damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks any aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or any civil aircraft used, operated, or employed in interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce%u2026shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years or both."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2013/12/10/thankfully-shooting-down-a-drone-will-land-you-in-federal-prison/
Shooting a drone is the same as shooting an airplane in the eyes of Federal law.
"Whoever willfully%u2026sets fire to, damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks any aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or any civil aircraft used, operated, or employed in interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce%u2026shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years or both."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2013/12/10/thankfully-shooting-down-a-drone-will-land-you-in-federal-prison/
A $1 fine alone would suffice to satisfy the law.
My 12 gage is lock and load, bring that thing over my yard if you dare...
Locked in a safe, I hope.
Anyone notice how Apple-esque their presentation and video were?
Anyone notice how Apple-esque their presentation and video were?
Well, they are hyping the improved Apple integration with the iPad on their controller.
While true I would add many companies copy Apple's presentation style and videos these days. It's not just Apple's products that get copied.
While true I would add many companies copy Apple's presentation style and videos these days. It's not just Apple's products that get copied.
The screenshot above with the price is basically a copy and paste...
Maybe so, if you don't have your drone hunting license.
http://www.thewire.com/national/2013/07/colorado-town-mulls-letting-residents-shoot-down-drones/67290/
Quote:
Shooting a drone is the same as shooting an airplane in the eyes of Federal law.
"Whoever willfully%u2026sets fire to, damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks any aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or any civil aircraft used, operated, or employed in interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce%u2026shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years or both."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2013/12/10/thankfully-shooting-down-a-drone-will-land-you-in-federal-prison/
I get a kick out of people that want to shoot one down. Really? Aside from some Chinese marketing that hails some of these types of aircraft as "spy-cams", I haven't seen a single example of someone using these to spy on anyone. They're incredible works of technology that provide aerials that we're unattainable without manned aircraft just a few years ago! There's an amazing community of photographers, rc guys, fpv racers, licensed pilots and general techies out there, and they all share a passion for one or all aspects of what these quadcopters represent. I fly around my neighborhood frequently because that's the most convenient place for me to fly most days (although the trees are a problem). My neighbors have been nothing less than blown away by the technology and the footage I've shared with them. Maybe I just have cool neighbors.