It's been a few years now since DJI has come out with a new drone for high end filming. Today is the day they released the Inspire 2, a newer, much better version of the Inspire 1, has taken people by shock. The Inspire 2 has a sleek build with tons of added features, and also a new camera with some amazing quality and lens choices.
DJI Inspire 2:
The Inspire 2 takes everything that was great about the Inspire 1 and takes it to the next level. They have added all new Image Processors that can record up to 5.2k in Cinema DNG Raw and Apple Pro Res. They added more speed, allowing the drone to go from 0-50mph (80kph) in just four seconds, with a top speed of 67mph (108kph.) along with a faster descending speed of 9m/s. The aircraft also has a dual battery system allowing for up to 27 minutes of flight time with the X4S and if I had to guess around 20-24 minutes for the X5S. The new battery system even has self heating technology which allows the drone to fly in colder weather more easily. Just like the Phantom 4 and Mavic, the new Inspire 2 also has collision avoidance and many other features that help pilots fly and film. Last but not least, true dual operator is finally here with a front facing camera and the actual camera itself, this drone can now be flown while one pilot sees what's in front of him and the other pilot or camera man controls the camera.
Camera:
DJI introduces two new cameras along with the Inspire 2, the X4S and the X5S. The new cameras allow for filming in up to 5.2k at 30fps (4.2gb/s), and 4k at 60fps (4gb/s) with a 20.8mp sensor (burst mode 14fps-20fps). The X5S allows users to shoot in Cinema DNG, H.264/H.265, and Apple Pro Res at some pretty impressive speeds. The X4S does not allow for changing of lenses or recording in certain formats but is a good camera for some people to start off with. With all this power, DJI has added plenty of new accessories from storage SSD cards, external monitors, and focus systems, making it ready for any filmmaker to fly. The new options still allow for recording on micro SD cards unless you need to record raw video which you would most likely use the new SSD drives.
Sensors/Smart Return to Home:
These were to be expected on the new Inspire 2 and they are finally here. Not only did DJI add the front facing sensors, but they added sensors on the top and bottom to better obstacle avoidance and flying in tight spaces. This technology works at speeds up to 34mph (54kph) and can of course be shut off if needed. With the new sensor technology comes a new smart return to home allowing the drone to basically think for itself and avoid obstacles on its way home. The Inspire 2 is able to sense height and obstacles up to 200m in front of its primary camera.
Video Transmission System/Controllers:
First off, the Inspire 2 has a range of 4.3 miles (7km) and is capable of transferring both 720p and 1080p video to both the Pilot and Camera Operator with an option to switch between frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz for stronger connection. Both controllers can see all the video information and can work together up to 100 meters apart. DJI also added a Broadcast mode that can record at 1080i at 50fps while sending a 720p 60fps transmission signal to the controller. Now streaming Live to TV is just as easy as connecting the controller to the satellite truck.
The Inspire 2 starts at $2,999 without a camera. You have the freedom to choose which camera you'd like to use, which will determine your final cost, the drone with the X5S and one controller will cost around $5000. For more information about the Inspire 2, please visit DJI's website and check it out!
Phantom 4 Pro:
So you may be sitting here wondering what more could DJI do here with todays big release? Well, they take some of the new technology from the Inspire 2 and add that into the Phantom 4 Pro, pretty much making a smaller version of it and a better version of the already existing Phantom 4. The new Phantom 4 Pro has a new 1 inch, 20mp sensor that is capable shooting 14fps in burst mode, and 4k video at up to 60fps. DJI has also lightened the frame of the drone making it lighter and similar in weight to the original Phantom 4. On top of that, they have added more sensors to the drone making it even smarter than before with a five way obstacle avoidance.
Camera:
The new camera on the Phantom 4 Pro tops off all the other Phantom cameras with an all new 1 inch CMOS sensor. This new sensor has a custom engineered lens with a mechanical aperture that is able to eliminate the rolling shutter distortion when flying at high speeds, or filming moving objects and also has a mechanical focus. The Phantom 4 Pro is now able to film in H.264 4k at 60fps, or H.265 4k at 30fps, both at 100mb/s. With more power to the camera, this new sensor can capture more image detail that is needed for post production.
Sensors:
Just Like the Inspire 2, the Phantom 4 Pro has new obstacle avoidance system. This system uses a high resolution stereo vision sensors placed in the front and rear of the drone, along with infrared sensors on the sides. This network of sensors creates a five-direction obstacle avoidance system for the Phantom 4 Pro which gives the pilot much more controller and confidence when flying in certain areas. Along with the sensors come more advanced tracking technology, gesture mode (as seen in the Mavic), and a smarter return home feature.
Controllers/Battery:
The new controller is similar to the Inspire 2 controller which adds a 5.8GHz transmission support along with an upgraded lightbridge. This new frequency allows users to switch between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz to ensure a better signal and range which is also 4.3 miles (7km). The new intelligent batteries also allow the drone to fly a few extra minutes, giving it a total 30 minutes of flight time opposed to 28 minutes on the Phantom 4.
Another big feature DJI included here is there very own 1080p built-in screen at 5.5 inches which offers a brightness of 1000 cd/m2 (more than twice as bright as most conventional smart devices). With this new screen, no mobile device or tablet is required because the DJI GO app is built right in. Everything on screen can be adjusted to the users preference. There are even a few more features added from an HDMI port, loudspeaker, microphone, and Wi-Fi connection. The new controller is meant to last up to five hours before being charged again.
The Phantom 4 Pro costs $1499 without the built-in screen and $1799 with the built-in screen.
Pre-Order
Both the Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro are available for pre-order below.
oooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh great, just take my money now.
Amazing announcement from DJI today. They have really been killing it lately. I'm excited to get my hands on the Phantom 4 Pro. If i had the cash I'd by both haha.
GoPro must be crying over all their recalled Karma drones.....
GoPro really missed the boat in the beginning of all this, now they are trying to play catch-up to DJI and will sadly, likely never get there.
I'm sure they are haha, DJI is tough to compete with
Dammit. Now I want to cancel my Mavic order to get the P4 Pro because the camera spec looks great. 4K/60p @100mbs and a mechanical shutter, take my money DJI, just take it. Anyone want to buy an Inspire 1? JK, I'm keeping that bad boy.
I'm still considering the Mavic for portability, its just so much smaller than my Phantom 3 and I wouldn't need a separate huge bag to lug around. I do think it is time for the Inspire too, theres a lot of creativity that it opens up with lenses and quality.
I ended up not cancelling my Mavic preorder because of the portability and similar IQ to the normal phantom series. i own the Inspire 1 and it's just a lot of bird especially if you're flying it single ops. Agreed about the different lens options though. I was out helping some friends film a few weeks back and they were using the X5 with the 45mm on it for some mountain bike clips. The results were absolutely stunning and looked like the shots came from a damn helicopter with a shotover on it. I'll probably still sell my Inspire and get a P4P regardless because upgrading to the x5 doesn't make much sense for me now.
damn dji is killing it.
well here is my first drone for photography :) was about to get Mavic but Pro 4 is hard to ignore :)
I was also thinking about buying the Mavic but that 1 inch sensor make all the difference for me!
POWER BEYOND IMAGINATION
An all-new image processing system records at up to 5.2K in CinemaDNG RAW!!!!!!!
http://click.dji.com/AOlFKOzEnVXkOUbfZ8vP?pm=link
Definitely love where they are going but I'm sticking with the Mavic and selling the inspire 1. I travel extensively and portability is worth far more than the nominal move up in image quality. Also drone usage is being restricted in many areas at a record pace...smaller, lighter, faster is going to be key to getting into areas without a major hassle pretty soon.
Understandable, I really want the option for both haha. Mavic for the go and Inspire for the real jobs
i wish they released a photo only version of the inspire 2, I am not at all concerned with the video features.
I'm sure that you can mount another camera that DJI makes to the inspire 2, some people aren't looking for video, but the Inspire 2 seems to be built around that aspect for higher end filming. People want a reliable, easy and ready to fly drone rather than hassle with something that requires more effort.