Review: DJI Phantom 3 Professional iOS-connected drone with 4K ultra-HD camera
The best has gotten even better with DJI's new Phantom 3 Professional, a drone that captures stunning, super-smooth 4K video from the skies. But it's the new controller with Lightning cable support, as well as a revamped iOS app, that truly bring this accessory to new heights.
The Phantom 3 Professional is the new high end of DJI's Phantom lineup, joined by the mid-level Phantom 3 Advanced and the low-end Phantom 3 Standard.
Priced at $1,259, the main selling point of the Professional model is the 4K camera. The mid-range Advanced drone is identical in all ways, except it has a gimbal-attached camera that captures 1080p video at 60 frames per second for $999.
Finally, the just-announced Phantom 3 Standard captures 1080p video at 30 frames per second, but it lacks the improved controller found with the Professional and Advanced models. It also does not have an indoor flight sensor and is priced at $799.
Externally, the Phantom 3 lineup looks largely like all of the other Phantom models that have come before it. In terms of use and controls, it's a familiar and comfortable experience.
As we've noted in our reviews of previous Phantom models, DJI's drone is an incredible flying machine. With integrated GPS that allows for position holding, the Phantom 3 is easy and fun to fly, and enables users to capture stunning aerial footage.
Like its predecessors, the Phantom 3 Professional includes user-replaceable propellers that are easy to both attach and remove. The unit comes with a spare set of four additional propellers, as in the event of a crash, they are the first things that will break.
The Phantom 3 Professional also relies on the exact same "smart" battery that previous Phantoms have used. So if you own a previous model and want to keep your battery as a spare, it will work fine here.
Internally, DJI has beefed up some of the components. In addition to the vision sensor for indoor flight, which was borrowed from its high-end Inspire 1 drone, the Phantom 3 also has more efficient motors that allow for a slightly longer flight time. It also has a faster flight speed of 16 meters per second.
We do have one small knock against DJI for its Phantom 3 Professional: Inexplicably, the drone does not ship with a lens cap to protect its 4K camera. We would hope that the company begins shipping the device with a simple, cheap lens cap soon.
While the drone itself looks largely the same, its physical controller has received a major overhaul. While we liked the previous DJI controller, the new design for the Professional and Advanced models is a welcome upgrade with numerous improvements.
Up top, the clip is much larger and more robust, and was able to securely and easily hold our iPad Air 2 in place. That means the live view from the Phantom 3 Professional was more clear to see than on a smaller iPhone display.
A pair of extending arms on the clip also allow for smaller devices, so users who prefer to rely on their iPhone for live view can continue to do so.
The sides and back of the controller have been outfitted with rubberized comfortable grips. And there are hardware buttons that allow for recording and bookmarking footage, making it so the user doesn't need to take their fingers off the flight sticks to interact with their iPhone or iPad.
The back of the controller features a full-size USB port where users can plug in their own Lightning cable. This is a major improvement from previous models, as well as the low-end Phantom 3 Standard, all of which require users to connect to a broadcasted Wi-Fi network to stream footage.
With the new controller, users must simply plug their iPhone or iPad into the controller via a Lightning cable and launch the DJI app, and they're good to go. Messing around with Wi-Fi connections is no longer necessary to get started, and it's a major improvement.
All of this ties in with DJI's new "Lightbridge" technology, which allows for live app-based monitoring of the drone's camera from a connected iPhone or iPad. DJI says the Phantom 3 series enables 720p-quality video monitoring from a line-of-sight range of 1.2 miles.
While we didn't let our test drone get quite that far away from us, we had absolutely zero issues with the live video streaming functionality. The connection between the drone's 4K camera and our iPad Air 2 remained rock solid and allowed for a clear view of exactly what we were capturing.
DJI's revamped app also includes a live map that shows off the drone's location, and it also includes flight logs that show a history of where your Phantom 3 has been. The company has even included a new flight simulator app that can help users practice without having to take to the skies just yet.
And when users do take flight, they can enable a beginner mode that limits the top speed and distance of the device. There's also an auto-return home feature, and users can even pre-plot the route for their drone's flight, allowing it to fly autonomously without any need for the flight sticks.
The revamped hardware and software combination also offers new features like live high-definition streaming video to YouTube, and instant editing of clips. While features such as this have no practical application for us, we can see where some professionals would find them greatly valuable.
For all of the bells and whistles and new features, in the end it's all about the footage that the Phantom 3 Professional is capable of capturing.
Simply put, the Phantom 3 Professional's ease of use combined with its super-smooth, ultra-high-resolution 4K video camera excel in every way.
If you're on the market for a consumer-level high-end drone, DJI is the standard bearer. The only question is: Which model should you buy?
We think most "prosumer" users would be happy with the $999 Phantom 3 Advanced. It's identical to the Phantom 3 Professional in every way with the exception of the high-end model's 4K camera.
Considering most people don't even own a screen capable of viewing 4K video content, most users would be content with the 1080p-resolution, 60-frames-per-second quality of the Phantom 3 Advanced.
Either way, we don't think you can go wrong. The Phantom 3 Professional is the best consumer-focused DJI drone we've tested to date, offering a complete package at prices more competitive than ever before.
The new Phantom lineup
The new Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter features a gimbal-attached camera that captures 4K video at 30 frames per second. The device also boasts improved flying time of up to 23 minutes, and includes a vision sensor that allows for safe indoor flight.The Phantom 3 Professional is the new high end of DJI's Phantom lineup, joined by the mid-level Phantom 3 Advanced and the low-end Phantom 3 Standard.
Priced at $1,259, the main selling point of the Professional model is the 4K camera. The mid-range Advanced drone is identical in all ways, except it has a gimbal-attached camera that captures 1080p video at 60 frames per second for $999.
Finally, the just-announced Phantom 3 Standard captures 1080p video at 30 frames per second, but it lacks the improved controller found with the Professional and Advanced models. It also does not have an indoor flight sensor and is priced at $799.
Familiar design, upgraded internals
Externally, the Phantom 3 lineup looks largely like all of the other Phantom models that have come before it. In terms of use and controls, it's a familiar and comfortable experience.
As we've noted in our reviews of previous Phantom models, DJI's drone is an incredible flying machine. With integrated GPS that allows for position holding, the Phantom 3 is easy and fun to fly, and enables users to capture stunning aerial footage.
Like its predecessors, the Phantom 3 Professional includes user-replaceable propellers that are easy to both attach and remove. The unit comes with a spare set of four additional propellers, as in the event of a crash, they are the first things that will break.
The Phantom 3 Professional also relies on the exact same "smart" battery that previous Phantoms have used. So if you own a previous model and want to keep your battery as a spare, it will work fine here.
Internally, DJI has beefed up some of the components. In addition to the vision sensor for indoor flight, which was borrowed from its high-end Inspire 1 drone, the Phantom 3 also has more efficient motors that allow for a slightly longer flight time. It also has a faster flight speed of 16 meters per second.
We do have one small knock against DJI for its Phantom 3 Professional: Inexplicably, the drone does not ship with a lens cap to protect its 4K camera. We would hope that the company begins shipping the device with a simple, cheap lens cap soon.
Controller overhaul
While the drone itself looks largely the same, its physical controller has received a major overhaul. While we liked the previous DJI controller, the new design for the Professional and Advanced models is a welcome upgrade with numerous improvements.
Up top, the clip is much larger and more robust, and was able to securely and easily hold our iPad Air 2 in place. That means the live view from the Phantom 3 Professional was more clear to see than on a smaller iPhone display.
A pair of extending arms on the clip also allow for smaller devices, so users who prefer to rely on their iPhone for live view can continue to do so.
The sides and back of the controller have been outfitted with rubberized comfortable grips. And there are hardware buttons that allow for recording and bookmarking footage, making it so the user doesn't need to take their fingers off the flight sticks to interact with their iPhone or iPad.
The back of the controller features a full-size USB port where users can plug in their own Lightning cable. This is a major improvement from previous models, as well as the low-end Phantom 3 Standard, all of which require users to connect to a broadcasted Wi-Fi network to stream footage.
With the new controller, users must simply plug their iPhone or iPad into the controller via a Lightning cable and launch the DJI app, and they're good to go. Messing around with Wi-Fi connections is no longer necessary to get started, and it's a major improvement.
A new app, too
All of this ties in with DJI's new "Lightbridge" technology, which allows for live app-based monitoring of the drone's camera from a connected iPhone or iPad. DJI says the Phantom 3 series enables 720p-quality video monitoring from a line-of-sight range of 1.2 miles.
While we didn't let our test drone get quite that far away from us, we had absolutely zero issues with the live video streaming functionality. The connection between the drone's 4K camera and our iPad Air 2 remained rock solid and allowed for a clear view of exactly what we were capturing.
DJI's revamped app also includes a live map that shows off the drone's location, and it also includes flight logs that show a history of where your Phantom 3 has been. The company has even included a new flight simulator app that can help users practice without having to take to the skies just yet.
And when users do take flight, they can enable a beginner mode that limits the top speed and distance of the device. There's also an auto-return home feature, and users can even pre-plot the route for their drone's flight, allowing it to fly autonomously without any need for the flight sticks.
The revamped hardware and software combination also offers new features like live high-definition streaming video to YouTube, and instant editing of clips. While features such as this have no practical application for us, we can see where some professionals would find them greatly valuable.
Conclusion
For all of the bells and whistles and new features, in the end it's all about the footage that the Phantom 3 Professional is capable of capturing.
Simply put, the Phantom 3 Professional's ease of use combined with its super-smooth, ultra-high-resolution 4K video camera excel in every way.
If you're on the market for a consumer-level high-end drone, DJI is the standard bearer. The only question is: Which model should you buy?
We think most "prosumer" users would be happy with the $999 Phantom 3 Advanced. It's identical to the Phantom 3 Professional in every way with the exception of the high-end model's 4K camera.
Considering most people don't even own a screen capable of viewing 4K video content, most users would be content with the 1080p-resolution, 60-frames-per-second quality of the Phantom 3 Advanced.
Either way, we don't think you can go wrong. The Phantom 3 Professional is the best consumer-focused DJI drone we've tested to date, offering a complete package at prices more competitive than ever before.
Score: 5 out of 5
Pros- For $1,259, users get an incredibly capable flying 4K video camera
- The new controller and its support for Apple's Lightning connector is a major improvement
- Improvements to DJI's iOS app offer even more control
- Longer flight time, faster, and still compatible with the same "smart battery"
- Come on, DJI, ship it with a cheap plastic lens cap
Comments
"The Phantom 3 Professional also relies on the exact same "smart" battery that previous Phantoms have used. So if you own a previous model and want to keep your battery as a spare, it will work fine here."
Also, note to the AppleInsider drone flying video-editor: your music selection doesn't make ANY sense. At least try to use the music creatively (or upload without music).
Edit: As Zoetmb correctly pointed out, government regulations differ per territory. I know regulations in Germany and The Netherlands - they already have 'drone laws' in place, somewhat similar to existing aviation laws.
Actually, most places don't have specific regulations/laws about drones yet. In some cities, they can't be used near airports or they can't fly about 200 feet, but that's about it. I think regulations/laws are coming because people are so paranoid about the drones. While I wouldn't be necessarily opposed to licensing/insurance in places that have large populations, as long as the licensing is simple and inexpensive, there's not much yet.
But I'm amazed that using it in Central Park didn't attract the police who rightly or wrongly, would have stopped them from using it. Many police in NYC don't know the law and think you need a permit to shoot and separate permits to shoot in Central Park. You don't need a permit for any shoot for which you're not setting up heavy lighting and grip equipment. I walk around with a document issued by the police department that indicates that people are permitted to shoot anywhere in NYC. Drones are another matter.
If they haven't already, I bet some wedding photographers will start using these to get those sweeping shots or the bridal party in a park. Once one starts using them, they'll all want to use them.
Here in Canada there are drone flying rules, which are quite strict in urban areas.
There have been a number of near misses by our airport, those drones were in serious violation of the rules.
There have also been several situations of drones spying into high rise apartments. A towel took down one of those drones.
If one spies on my backyard and house, my slingshot is at the ready.
It might be 4K, but does that make it great? More "K" doesn't mean better pictures - even if that comes off an Ambarella chip and gets compressed to a grotty 4Mbps H.264 - it's 4K, isn't it? That's got to be better than HD? No it doesn't. For real estate web views, maybe.
Having spent days of my time trying to get "awesome" drone footage to meet Red Bull Media House specs, I can safely say that more pixels does not equal better - or even professionally acceptable - image quality. Motion artifacts, poor color sampling, buzzy moiré patterns - they all come with the territory. For YouTube, sure. For broadcast, either terrestrial or on the net, you will have to jump through many hoops beyond merely saying "it's 4K" to convince professionals of acceptable image quality. I hope the Phantom product from B&H truly delivers.
Here in Canada there are drone flying rules, which are quite strict in urban areas.
There have been a number of near misses by our airport, those drones were in serious violation of the rules.
There have also been several situations of drones spying into high rise apartments. A towel took down one of those drones.
If one spies on my backyard and house, my slingshot is at the ready.
totally agree with you on this.
I'd want at least $10,000,000 public liability insurance made mandatory for any drone operator. No insurance, no fly. sooner or later one of these will fall out of the sky and kill someone.
Then no flying in public places inside urban/city areas unless in specifically exempted areas.
We are already having 'drone wars' in the sky. I work in a building that is also used by a properly licensed UAV operator. They do surveys on power lines etc. They've lost two drones this year due to collissions with other drones. When I asked how come? Their reply said it all.
"They think our UAV's are tracking some celebrity so they go up and try to muscle into our airspace. Collisions are inevitable either with us or with 330,000V power lines. Bloody stupid if you ask me."
totally agree with you on this.
I'd want at least $10,000,000 public liability insurance made mandatory for any drone operator. No insurance, no fly. sooner or later one of these will fall out of the sky and kill someone.
Then no flying in public places inside urban/city areas unless in specifically exempted areas.
The ship has sailed, at least here in the US. There's too many out there already for REAL control. Maybe they'll be regulations that limit certain things but for enforcement...police certainly have better things to do than chase down a quadcopter...
Model airplanes have been around a long time you know...
totally agree with you on this.
I'd want at least $10,000,000 public liability insurance made mandatory for any drone operator. No insurance, no fly. sooner or later one of these will fall out of the sky and kill someone.
Then no flying in public places inside urban/city areas unless in specifically exempted areas.
We are already having 'drone wars' in the sky. I work in a building that is also used by a properly licensed UAV operator. They do surveys on power lines etc. They've lost two drones this year due to collissions with other drones. When I asked how come? Their reply said it all.
"They think our UAV's are tracking some celebrity so they go up and try to muscle into our airspace. Collisions are inevitable either with us or with 330,000V power lines. Bloody stupid if you ask me."
OMG there are drone wars up there! I appreciate your info, but it upsets me.
Too bad, that makes it so difficult for those using drones for a useful purpose.
Now what will our authorities do? Here they can't even control drones getting near our airport.
totally agree with you on this.
I'd want at least $10,000,000 public liability insurance made mandatory for any drone operator. No insurance, no fly. sooner or later one of these will fall out of the sky and kill someone.
Then no flying in public places inside urban/city areas unless in specifically exempted areas.
The ship has sailed, at least here in the US. There's too many out there already for REAL control. Maybe they'll be regulations that limit certain things but for enforcement...police certainly have better things to do than chase down a quadcopter...
Model airplanes have been around a long time you know...
Here for many years, model airplanes in urban areas can only be flown in specific areas, which are safe for them.
Obviously the same rules need to apply to drones.
Compression is one of the ways the promise of 4K can become a meaningless spec, since compression is lossy. I got very good results using low-compression 4K, like around 100Mbps (MP4), but that data rate is for mastering and editing (you'll need SSD or Thunderbolt RAID to read from disk at that minimum rate). YouTube, Vimeo, and other services will always require deeper compression. Until fast H.265 becomes the norm, we'll have to use lower compression H.264 to get the same quality.
It might be 4K, but does that make it great? More "K" doesn't mean better pictures - even if that comes off an Ambarella chip and gets compressed to a grotty 4Mbps H.264 - it's 4K, isn't it? That's got to be better than HD? No it doesn't. For real estate web views, maybe.
Having spent days of my time trying to get "awesome" drone footage to meet Red Bull Media House specs, I can safely say that more pixels does not equal better - or even professionally acceptable - image quality. Motion artifacts, poor color sampling, buzzy moiré patterns - they all come with the territory. For YouTube, sure. For broadcast, either terrestrial or on the net, you will have to jump through many hoops beyond merely saying "it's 4K" to convince professionals of acceptable image quality. I hope the Phantom product from B&H truly delivers.
Your comment on 4k being a lower image quality reminds me of a few 4k TV store demos I've looked at.
Most 4k TVs have shown a very good picture, but some have been terrible.
I suspect the very good images were of 4k source, while the poor ones were of regular HD source,
Compression is one of the ways the promise of 4K can become a meaningless spec, since compression is lossy. I got very good results using low-compression 4K, like around 100Mbps (MP4), but that data rate is for mastering and editing (you'll need SSD or Thunderbolt RAID to read from disk at that minimum rate). YouTube, Vimeo, and other services will always require deeper compression. Until fast H.265 becomes the norm, we'll have to use lower compression H.264 to get the same quality.
Hate to be a pedant (I don't really), but compression doesn't have to be lossy.
The ship has sailed, at least here in the US. There's too many out there already for REAL control. Maybe they'll be regulations that limit certain things but for enforcement...police certainly have better things to do than chase down a quadcopter...
Model airplanes have been around a long time you know...
In Northern California at least, chasing down quadcopters and their irresponsible operators is an worthwhile endeavor.
http://bit.ly/1L0smDV
I also agree with the person who mentioned the music that was chosen.
And for demonstration of frame rate capture the person who was flying only seemed to keep it safe and fly up, and down, and turn with maybe a very slow forward one. That's not a good demonstration of the cameras capabilities at all.
Also the YouTube video looks like someone left on the YouTube auto correct when uploading, probably used the capture app. That just ruined any good representation of any 4K video and even 1080P. If your even a hobbyist photographer trust your instincts, don't let YouTube auto correct anything and disable those features.
You know what grinds my gears? These things are not drones. A drone is an automomous artifact. These are UAVs requiring active control by a pilot. As a commentor pointed out, little different than r/c airplanes that have been around for decades.
And these hobby thingies will be weaponized. There's a youtube of one with a mounted gun already. Must give the Secret Service nightmares.