DJI Phantom 4 Pro and Inspire 2 launch

DJI are putting clear water between themselves and their nearest competition. In fact, scratch that they don’t have competition. The bar has been raised.

Standing out for me with the Phantom 4 Professional was the 5 axis collision sensing. This will make life much better for beginners.

An uprated camera is equipped with a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 4K/60fps video and Burst Mode stills at 14 fps. The adoption of titanium alloy and magnesium alloy construction increases the rigidity of the airframe and reduces weight, making the Phantom 4 Pro similar in weight to the Phantom 4. The FlightAutonomy system adds dual rear vision sensors and infrared sensing systems for a total of five-directions of obstacle sensing and four-directions of obstacle avoidance.

DJI claim 30 minute flight times for the Phantom 4 Pro. Add to that the much better camera and you should be able to get more done in a mapping flight.

Another new feature a daylight visible screen for the controller. This was one of my biggest hassles and one of GoPro Karmas USPs. The screen is a 5.5in 1080p and offers 1000 cd/m² of brightness. Which to me means nothing!

New in the return to launch when needed the Phantom 4 Pro will use its sensors to decide for itself if a suitable landing area is beneath it.

The Inspire 2 contains a professional grade imaging system, able to process 5.2K video at 4.2Gbps and 20MP RAW at 20fps.

I think a first, a self-heating duel battery system, a maximum of 27 minutes (with an X4S),with self-heating technology allowing pilots to safely in low temperatures.

Detect sense and avoid get an upgrade on the Inspire 2, it looks up. Forward and downward vision systems enable the Inspire 2 to detect obstacles up to 30 meters ahead, allowing for protected flight at up to 34mph (54kph)at a controllable attitude angle of 25°. Upward facing infrared sensors scan obstacles 16ft (5m) above, adding protection when flying in enclosed spaces.

Forward and downward vision systems allow the Inspire 2 to create a real-time map of its flight route as it flies. If the video transmission system signal is lost and Smart Return Home is enabled, it is able to fly home along its original route, and change to a straight line when it regains a signal. As it returns, it will use the primary camera to identify obstacles as far as 200m in front, allowing it to plan a safe route home. It is also able to reconnect more quickly after losing connection.

All in all very exciting announces from DJI.