RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘DJI’s’

DJI’s new Master Wheels and Force Pro offer ultra-precise gimbal control

11 Apr

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0864934377″,”galleryId”:”0864934377″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Amid the wares DJI introduced at NAB 2018 this week are a pair of professional gimbal control tools designed for “every level of filmmaker and scenario.” Called the Master Wheels and Force Pro, these two DJI products are built to control the company’s Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals, offering high precision control and hoping to simplify the shooting of complex and/or fast-moving scenes.

DJI Master Wheels

Master Wheels is a control device that adjusts gimbal movements using a trio of weighted wheels. These wheels control roll, pan, and tilt in part using ultra-high-res optical encoders capable of detecting “the subtlest” adjustments, DJI explains. Each wheel’s angle can be adjusted, and the wheels can also be detached.

Master Wheels supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless transmission and has an operating distance of more than 1.9 miles / 3km. Latency is as low as 10ms, and users have the option of detaching the wireless transmitter to remotely mount it with a 5m / 16ft cord, providing a stronger signal.

Other features include dials to control dampening, speed, and smoothness, support for 1/4″ and 3/8″ accessories, and a dedicated Mitchell mount on the main console’s base.

DJI Force Pro

The other product announced at NAB 2018, Force Pro, enables users to remotely control gimbals via a 2.4GHz/5GHz wireless transmission system and DJI’s remote control tech. Force Pro also offers latency as low as 10ms, plus a CANBUS cable physical tether with a 200Hz signal for avoiding interference issues.

The control tool also features a built-in Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and compass that work together to prevent gimbal drifting and improve movement precision. Force Pro features up to 5 hours of battery life and supports recharging using the CANBUS port, USB-C, and a DC-in port.

According to DJI, users unfamiliar with more complex systems, such as Master Wheels, can “quickly become proficient” with a product like the Force Pro. To improve efficiency, DJI offers an optional handlebar, which itself can be used to mount accessories including thumb controllers and monitors.

Availability

Both Master Wheels and Force Pro are available to preorder now from DJI flagship stores and authorized pro dealers, though shipping doesn’t start until June. Master Wheels is offered in three variants: a single wheel control module for $ 2,500, a 2-axis model for $ 6,000, and a 3-axis model for $ 8,000. Force Pro costs $ 1,200.

To learn more about either of these gimbal controllers, head over to the DJI website.

Press Release

DJI Reveals New Filmmaking Tools at NAB 2018, Providing Professional Gimbal Control Solutions For Every Level of Filmmaker

DJI Reveals New Filmmaking Tools at NAB 2018, Providing Professional Gimbal Control Solutions For Every Level of Filmmaker

DJI Master Wheels And Force Pro Offer Precise And Intuitive Control Over Gimbals

DJI, the world’s leader in creative camera technology, introduced new cinema grade tools at NAB 2018 with DJI Master Wheelsand DJI Force Pro that offer professional gimbal control solutions for every type of filmmaker and scenario. Built to deliver precise gimbal movements, these new products offer filmmakers reliable tools that help capture complex shots with ease while adding a cinematic quality to any scene. Master Wheels and Force Pro control DJI’s Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals, expanding the creative possibilities for cinematographers of varying experience levels.

  • Master Wheels: A professional level, high-precision gimbal control system that applies a 3-wheeled form to control pan, tilt and roll. Smooth, stable and precise movements create a professional look, while an easy to use and functional design make filming complex footage simpler.
  • Force Pro: A motion sensing system that uses DJI’s industry-leading remote-control technology to precisely synchronize the movement of Force Pro with the gimbal, helping capture cinematic scenes with ease. Intuitive and easy to learn, Force Pro breaks down the barriers that come with understanding the operation of more complex gimbal control systems.

“Creating these gimbal systems demonstrates our dedication to every level of filmmaker, whether you are an amateur just beginning your journey or a seasoned veteran with decades of experience,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Force Pro offers simplicity and functionality for filmmakers seeking a more intuitive tool, and Master Wheels brings the highest degree of precision control when working with a gimbal setup.”

Master Wheels – Bring Precise Control To Your Scene

DJI Master Wheels are a high-precision gimbal movement tool that utilizes three weighted wheels to adjust pan, tilt and roll with extreme accuracy. Ultra-high resolution optical encoders detect the subtlest of wheel adjustments while complex algorithms translate that movement to enhance the level of accuracy of the gimbal. Master Wheels employ the latest sensor positioning technology along with dual-band low-latency 2.4/5.8GHz wireless transmission technology to ensure a stable and reliable connection from the main console to the moving rig with a latency as low as 10 milliseconds and an operating distance of over 1.9 miles.

Crafted for efficiency and ease of use, Master Wheels have an intuitive user interface offering quick access to gimbal settings along with the status of equipment. Three user customizable buttons offer the ability to save shortcuts while on-board motion capture storage enables the filmmaker to easily repeat the motion of the rig, allowing filmmakers to dedicate their attention to other aspects of the scene such as the actresses and actors. Built-in three-stop switches are capable of adjusting direction for each axis while dials manipulate speed, smoothness and dampening. Additionally, Master Wheels can change vital camera settings from the main console for a rapid response to any modifications an operator might need to make.

A modular design makes Master Wheels functional and versatile, helping to achieve the shot, no matter the situation. The three stainless steel wheels and the control modules have the ability to be swiftly detached from the main console and connected with a wire for space constrained shooting situations. The wireless transmitter can also be detached and remotely mounted via a 5-meter cord in order to gain a stronger signal when needed.

Filmmakers have the flexibility to attach various accessories using multiple 1/4” and 3/8” threads located on the main console such as external monitors. For added comfort during operation, the angle of one control module can be manually adjusted based on the preference of the user. Master Wheels can be mounted on a variety of platforms including inside vehicles, tripods and more with a dedicated Mitchell mount on the base of the main console.

Compatibility with an ecosystem of DJI products, as well as support for third-party gimbals, broaden the versatility of Master Wheels on set. Operators can direct gimbal movements using DJI’s professional products including the Ronin 2 and Ronin-S, taking full advantage of the latest in gimbal technology. DJI TB50 intelligent batteries, the same model used on the Ronin 2 and Inspire 2, power the system for up to 18 hours. For filmmakers with non-DJI equipment, Master Wheels support various third-party gimbals and can be powered through the DC-IN port to utilize V-Lock batteries from third-party manufacturers.

Force Pro – Natural Movements Through Intuitive Design

Utilizing DJI’s state-of-the-art remote-control technology, Force Pro precisely synchronizes the movement of the operator with the movement the gimbal, helping capture smooth imagery even in complex or fast-moving scenes. An embedded compass and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) work in tandem to ensure precise movement and prevent the gimbal from drifting to maintain a consistent frame. Its low-latency dual-band 2.4/5.8GHz wireless transmission system offers near real-time control with a communication latency as low as 10 milliseconds. Force Pro can also be physically tethered to the gimbal using a CANBUS cable touting a 200Hz signal to eliminate any chance of connection interference while on set.

Designed for ease of use, Force Pro is an intuitive tool that filmmakers will quickly become proficient using, even with minimal familiarity operating gimbal control systems. Those lacking experience working with more complex products such as Master Wheels or even joysticks, the operation of Force Pro is quickly understood, breaking down barriers that come with using more advanced equipment on set. An optional lightweight handlebar adds to the efficiency of Force Pro, offering a total solution for handheld operation with the ability to mount various accessories to the handlebar, including monitors, video transmission systems, and thumb controllers. Operators can conveniently set two custom speed profiles and a built-in ultra-bright OLED screen provides equipment status along with the ability to control gimbal and camera settings for fast adjustments to a changing scene.

Force Pro is compatible with DJI Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals along with other third-party systems. Operators can rely on Force Pro during extended film shoots with a battery life of up to 5 hours when fully charged, and recharging can be achieved several ways, via the USB-C, CANBUS port, or the built-in DC-IN port compatible with third-party V-Lock batteries.

Price and Availability

Master Wheels will be available for pre-order on April 10th, 2018 at authorized pro dealers or through DJI flagship stores. The complete 3-Axis Model will retail for $ 8,000 USD, 2-Axis Model for $ 6,000 USD and Single Wheel Control Module for $ 2,500 USD. Master Wheels will begin shipping in June 2018. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Master Wheels, please visit www.DJI.com/Master-Wheels.

DJI Force Pro will be available for pre-order on April 10th, 2018 at authorized pro dealers or through DJI flagship stores. Retail cost will be $ 1,200 USD and will start shipping in June 2018. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Force Pro, please visit www.DJI.com/Force-Pro.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI’s new Master Wheels and Force Pro offer ultra-precise gimbal control

Posted in Uncategorized

 

How to shoot Log video using DJI’s D-Log color profile

09 Feb

One of the challenges of shooting video with a drone is dealing with high dynamic range lighting situations. Fortunately, many of DJI’s drones offer a useful picture profile called D-Log. It’s DJI’s implementation of a Log gamma curve, designed to capture as much tonal information as possible.

DJI’s standard picture profiles can be vivid and punchy, but similar to shooting JPEG format on a stills camera, using them can make it impossible to recover highlights or shadows if clipping occurs in high contrast scenes.

If you don’t need to shoot Log to capture the dynamic range of a scene, it may not be
the best choice

Using D-Log can give you more flexibility in your post-production by retaining a wider tonal range, allowing you more latitude to apply your color and style choices during editing. However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch; shooting in Log can reduce image quality by trying to compress too much tonal information into a limited number of bits in the file. If you’re shooting a high dynamic range scene that tradeoff may result in a net benefit. But if you don’t need to shoot Log to capture the dynamic range of a scene, it may not be the best choice.

In this article, I’ll show you how to set up the D-Log profile, how to expose for it, and provide some examples of what you can achieve by shooting in D-Log and using color lookup tables, or LUTS, to color grade the final footage.

Set up your DJI drone to shoot in D-Log

To set your Mavic Pro, Phantom, or Inspire to shoot in D-Log, make sure you’re in video mode and navigate to your camera settings. You’ll find D-Log under the ‘Color’ settings, along with all the other color profiles. Once selected, you’re ready to shoot in D-Log.

To set up D-Log using the DJI GO app, simply navigate to the Color settings in video mode and select the D-Log profile. I also recommend going to the Style settings and creating a custom style with sharpness, contrast, and saturation set to -3 to give yourself more flexibility in editing.

I also recommend going to the ‘Style’ settings and creating a custom style with contrast, sharpness, and saturation all dialed back to -3. This can give you a bit more flexibility in post-processing since you’re not baking things such as the default sharpness level into the file.

Your drone should now be set up and ready to record footage in the D-Log profile. Keep in mind that the image above is from the DJI GO 4 app using the Phantom 4 Pro; menus may look slightly different on different models, but it should be the same basic procedure.

Setting exposure in D-Log

Now that your drone is set to shoot in D-Log, let’s discuss some best practices and tips for properly exposing your footage. We’ll be using my screenshot below to point out some key settings.

When shooting D-Log, I’ve had good experience using the expose to the right (ETTR) technique in order to get more shadow detail while preserving highlights.

There are different schools of thought on how to best expose when shooting in Log, but I’ll share what has worked consistently for me.

In the image above, note that my histogram is exposed as far to the right side of the scale as possible without clipping my highlights. This is a technique called expose to the right, or ETTR. Exposing this way for D-Log allows for less noise in the shadows while maintaining highlights as much as possible. For the way I shoot, it’s the ‘sweet spot’ for maximum dynamic range retention.

Alternatively, you can optimize exposure for the mid-tones when shooting in D-Log. However, note that D-Log footage can get very noisy if underexposed. If exposing for the mid-tones means using a lower exposure than the ETTR method, it will result in more noise in the shadows in exchange for better highlight retention in the brighter regions of your image. I suggest trying both methods to see what works best for you.

The other key thing to note about my settings is the fact that ISO is set to 500. It’s the lowest ISO that DJI D-Log can be shot in on the current Phantom 4 Pro firmware. That means you can go higher than ISO 500 if you’d like, but never below ISO 500. I recommend leaving your ISO at 500 to get the best results.

Using LUTs to color grade D-Log footage

Recording your footage in D-Log offers many benefits, but one of the things that you have to do in order to reap those benefits is to devote more time to post-processing. Straight out of the camera, Log footage looks very flat since it’s designed to cram as many tonal values into the available space as possible.

The first step in grading your D-Log footage will be to make it look like something more recognizable. To do this we’ll use a LUT, or lookup table, to apply a different gamma curve (tone curve) to our footage using our video editing software.

A LUT is essentially a matrix of numerical data that describes how to modify our footage from the profile it was shot in, to a profile we want to work with.

All of this work with LUTs typically takes place in your video editing software. I use DaVinci Resolve, but the same basic process can be performed in other editors like Final Cut Pro X or Premiere Pro. Once your footage has been imported, you can apply a D-Log to Rec.709 LUT, which converts our D-Log footage to the standard color and tone response for HD video. At this point, our footage should more closely conform to the standard color output we’re used to seeing.

Having the flexibility to push and pull colors and exposure in editing is worth
the added effort for me

DJI used to provide a LUT for this conversion but has stopped offering it since the Phantom 4. I like to use Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve because it has a D-Log to Rec.709 LUT built in, but other third-party plugins like Filmconvert also offer them with their color grading tools as well.

From here it’s possible to finish color grading manually if you wish. Alternatively, you can use another LUT to apply a new ‘look’ to your Rec.709 footage, such as one that emulates a film stock or provides a specific cinematic look, to achieve the output you’re going for.

When editing in DaVinci Resolve it’s easy to apply a D-Log to Rec.709 LUT to convert my footage. The general workflow is similar in programs like Final Cut Pro X or Premiere Pro, though you may have to add a D-Log to Rec.709 LUT to your software.

One of my workflows is to use the ‘D-Log to Rec.709’ LUT in DaVinci Resolve, followed by a cinematic LUT from the Elektra series from Polar Pro.

To be clear, Elektra LUTs are intended to convert your D-Log footage directly to a cinematic look, and they absolutely work in that respect. However, after some experimentation I’ve found the results can sometimes be more pleasing – to me, at least – when I apply these LUTs to footage after applying a D-Log to Rec.709 LUT. Both methods work, and it’s really a matter of personal taste and the look you want to achieve.

There are other sources of LUTs designed for DJI drones as well, including collections from Ground Control, and even D-Log LUTs created by the user community (just do a bit of searching online).

I like to go through my library of available LUTs and try them until I find the one that suits the project. I’ve put together a short sample reel of some D-Log footage from a flight at Seattle’s Gasworks Park, so take a peek at the video for some examples of different looks.

This video shows a number of looks I was able to create from the same shoot using different LUTs.

Keep in mind that LUTs don’t eliminate the need to do manual color grading; they’re a starting point that allows you to apply a consistent look across your footage, but you’ll likely still need to do a bit more work to get the precise result you seek.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to set up your DJI drone to shoot in D-Log, expose it for maximum dynamic range, and color grade it using LUTs, you’re ready to create your own cinematic aerial films. I’ve found that the additional workflow required to shoot in D-Log has given me enough benefit in post-production to continue using it. Having the flexibility to push and pull colors and exposure in editing is worth the added effort for me.

Granted, I probably wouldn’t employ this process for casual shooting, but for important productions where use of a high contrast color profile would risk clipping a lot of highlights or crushing shadows straight out of the camera , shooting in D-Log is definitely a must. DJI has even created a handy guide to getting started with setting up and shooting in D-Log as well, so if you’d like more information on the process, take a look at that guide here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on How to shoot Log video using DJI’s D-Log color profile

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Incredible images from DJI’s SkyPixel 2016 aerial photography competition

05 Feb

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

SkyPixel, DJI’s online aerial photo sharing platform, has shared the winners of its 2016 photo competition and published a gallery of 2000 standouts from more than 27,000 entries. You can see some of our favorites here and check out even more top entries at the SkyPixel website.

Fishermen close the net. Grand Prize Winner. Photo by ??

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Exploration. First Prize, Beauty category, professional. Photo by ? ??

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Spillway Selfie. Second Prize, Beauty category, professional. Photo by dixonltd

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Overbridge. First Prize, Beauty category, enthusiast. Photo by ??

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Green Waves. Second Prize, Beauty, enthusiast. Photo by Mauro Pagliai

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Arena. Photo by Bogdan Robak

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Photo by Joshua Cheston

Incredible images from SkyPixel 2016 competition

Shipka, Bulgaria. Photo by Vladislav Terziiski

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Incredible images from DJI’s SkyPixel 2016 aerial photography competition

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI’s special Chinese New Year edition Phantom 4 celebrates the Year of the Rooster

05 Jan

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0261901675″,”galleryId”:”0261901675″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

DJI is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a brightly colored, special edition Phantom 4. The drone features bright red body work and propeller blades, which may prove easier to see against a bright sky than the regular white Phantom 4. The drone and controller also feature vivid artwork from designer and illustrator Martin Sati, with a phoenix as the symbolic centerpiece.

Pricing starts at $ 1,199. The special edition drone will only be sold during Chinese New Year, so now’s the time to order one if it strikes your fancy.

n celebration of Chinese New Year, DJI invited renowned illustrator and designer Martin Sati to customize the Phantom 4, adding colors and his imagination to this flagship DJI product. Sati’s design features the phoenix as the centerpiece, a symbol of good fortune and happiness in Chinese mythology. He also drew inspiration from the four basic elements of nature – air, fire, water and earth – and reflected each of these elements in his design.

The Phantom 4 Chinese New Year Edition houses the same on-board intelligence that make piloting and shooting great shots simple through features like its Obstacle Sensing System, ActiveTrack and TapFly functionality. With 4K video recording, 3-axis camera stabilization, advanced computer vision and sensing technology, aerial imaging has never been so easy. The Phantom 4 also has DJI’s signature Lightbridge video transmission system onboard, allowing users to see what their camera sees in HD and in real-time at a distance up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The Phantom 4 can achieve up to 28 minutes of flight time.

The Phantom 4 Chinese New Year Edition’s U.S. retail price is USD1,199 and will be sold exclusively at Apple Stores, DJI Flagship Stores (except Korea), DJI Online Store and Tmall DJI Store. The product will start shipping from January 23.

For more info, visit: http://store.dji.com/product/phantom-4-chinese-new-year-edition

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI’s special Chinese New Year edition Phantom 4 celebrates the Year of the Rooster

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Zenmuse Z3 is DJI’s first aerial zoom camera

15 Jul

Drone maker DJI has today announced its first aerial zoom camera, the Zenmuse Z3. The new model is optimized for still photography and combines a 3.5x optical zoom with 2x digital magnification, resulting in a 7x overall zoom factor, covering equivalent focal ranges from 22-77mm. Aperture ranges from F2.8 at wide angle to F5.2 at the long end of the zoom. Inside the 262-gram camera body images are captured on a 12MP 1/2.3-inch Sony sensor that can also record 4K video at 30fps and save DNG Raw files. 

 Drone shot at 22mm equivalent focal length
 Done shot at 77mm equivalent focal length (7x zoom)

The camera can be used on the DJI’s Inspire 1, Matrice 100 or Matrice 600 drones and the company’s dedicated HD video downlink allows for transmission from a distance of up to 3.1 miles (5km) away. The zoom is operated via the DJI GO app or the Drone remote control. DJI says it has refined and improved image stabilization, as any camera movement is magnified at the longer end of the zoom lens.  The Z3 also comes with an upgraded gimbal. The camera will be available from July 28th and retail for $ 899.

SHENZHEN, July 14, 2016 – DJI, the world’s leading aerial-imaging company, on Thursday announced the Zenmuse Z3, DJI’s first integrated aerial zoom camera optimized for still photography.

The Zenmuse Z3 will offer up to a 7x zoom. The camera incorporates DJI’s leading gimbal technology, which has been upgraded to work optimally with its zoom capabilities.

“The Zenmuse Z3 pushes the possibilities of use for industrial applications,” said Senior Product Manager Paul Pan. “Before this camera, the only way to zoom in on a subject or object was to fly closer to it. Now, pilots in a search-and-rescue situation, or conducting surveys or inspections, can maintain distance and still zoom in for sharp, detailed images.”

The zoom camera is aimed at providing new capabilities for industrial applications, such as inspection and surveying.

The Zenmuse Z3 is compatible with the Inspire 1, Matrice 100 and Matrice 600 drones and uses the company’s dedicated HD video downlink, Lightbridge and Lightbridge 2, providing up to 3.1 miles (5.0 kilometers) of HD transmission range.

The Zenmuse Z3 is fully integrated into the DJI GO app and provides a seamless user experience, including a live feed from the camera and the ability to change camera settings, swipe to zoom in and out, capture photos or video and to activate intelligent flight modes. Users may also choose to employ camera controls, such as capturing photos and video and zoom, through their drone’s remote controller.

The Zenmuse Z3 weighs 262-gram and achives up to a 7x zoom via a 3.5x optical zoom, combined with a 2x digital zoom. This gives the Zenmuse Z3 an effective zoom range of 22 millimeters to 77 millimeters. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8 and F5.2 at 22 millimeters and 77 millimeters, respectively.

When the camera zooms in, the smallest movements are magnified. Adding an additional layer of fine-tuning to the yaw control of the Z3 is a custom-designed reaction wheel. This works in tandem with the normal yaw motor to allow for more refined and controlled movement and greater stability.

The Zenmuse Z3 features the same highly refined Sony 1/2.3-inch sensor that is found on the Inspire 1 and the Phantom 4, leading the class in image quality. It can shoot still images at 12 megapixels with additional Adobe DNG Raw Support for maximum editing options in post-production. The camera also shoots video at up to 30 FPS in 4k resolution.

Flight time with the Zenmuse Z3 is up to 19 minutes on the Inspire 1. Pilots can extend flight time up to 30 minutes with the dual-battery-equipped M100 and up to 39 minutes with the M600.

The Zenmuse Z3 is priced at USD899 and will start shipping after July 28, 2016.

For more details please visit:
www.dji.com/product/zenmuse-z3

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Zenmuse Z3 is DJI’s first aerial zoom camera

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI’s Phantom 4 boasts improved camera optics and obstacle avoidance

02 Mar

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_8627299961″,”galleryId”:”8627299961″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

DJI has updated its flagship drone lineup with the Phantom 4, which offers automatic obstacle avoidance and ‘dramatically’ improved camera optics. With a 12MP sensor and F2.8 lens the Phantom 4 is capable of Raw still shooting and 4K/UHD video at 30p as well as new machine vision technology adding subject tracking and object avoidance. Flight time has increased to 28 minutes – and the price has increased to $ 1399 compared to the Phantom 3 Professional’s original $ 1259 MSRP.

The DJI Phantom 4 is now available for pre-order through DJI.com and Apple.com. Orders are expected to ship March 15.

Press release:

DJI Launches New Era of Intelligent Flying Cameras

DJI, the world’s leading maker of unmanned aerial vehicles, on Tuesday launched the Phantom 4, the first consumer quadcopter camera (or “drone”) to use highly advanced computer vision and sensing technology to make professional aerial imaging easier for everyone.

The Phantom 4 expands on previous generations of DJI’s iconic Phantom line by adding new on-board intelligence that make piloting and shooting great shots simple through features like its Obstacle Sensing System, ActiveTrack and TapFly functionality.

“With the Phantom 4, we are entering an era where even beginners can fly with confidence,” said DJI CEO Frank Wang. “People have dreamed about one day having a drone collaborate creatively with them. That day has arrived.”

The Phantom 4’s Obstacle Sensing System features two forward-facing optical sensors that scan for obstacles and automatically direct the aircraft around the impediment when possible, reducing risk of collision, while ensuring flight direction remains constant. If the system determines the craft cannot go around the obstacle, it will slow to a stop and hover until the user redirects it. Obstacle avoidance also engages if the user triggers the drone’s “Return to Home” function to reduce the risk of collision when automatically flying back to its take off point.

With ActiveTrack, the Phantom 4 breaks new ground, allowing users running the DJI Go app on iOS and Android devices to follow and keep the camera centered on the subject as it moves simply by tapping the subject on their smartphone or tablet. Perfectly-framed shots of moving joggers or cyclists, for example, simply require activating the ActiveTrack mode in the app.

The Phantom 4 understands three-dimensional images and uses machine learning to keep the object in the shot, even when the subject changes its shape or turns while moving. Users have full control over camera movement while in ActiveTrack mode – and can even move the camera around the object while it is in motion as the Phantom 4 keeps the subject framed in the center of the shot autonomously. A “pause” button on the Phantom 4’s remote controller allows the user to halt an autonomous flight at any time, leaving the drone to hover.

By using the TapFly function in the DJI Go app, users can double-tap a destination for their Phantom 4 on the screen, and the Phantom 4 calculates an optimal flight route to reach the destination, while avoiding any obstructions in its path. Tap another spot and the Phantom 4 will smoothly transition towards that destination making even the beginner pilot look like a seasoned professional.

The Phantom 4’s camera, still the world’s best aerial-optimized 4K imaging device, has undergone an upgrade that includes improved optics for better corner sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration. The Phantom 4 also has DJI’s signature Lightbridge video transmission system onboard, allowing users to see what their camera sees in HD and in real-time on their smart devices at a distance up to five kilometers (3.1 miles).

The Phantom 4’s form factor, still the classic quadcopter style pioneered by DJI, has been redesigned and redefined to emphasize elegance and smoother, more-aerodynamic lines. Its frame incorporates a lightweight composite core to provide enhanced stability and more-agile flight. The core now features a redesigned gimbal that provides more stability and vibration dampening, and has been repositioned for a better center of gravity and to reduce the risk of propellers getting in the shot.

Refinements to motor efficiency, power management and a new intelligent battery have extended the Phantom 4’s flight time to 28 minutes, which means more time in the air to capture professional photos and video.

DJI crafted the Phantom 4 with reliability in mind, including redundant inertial measurement units (IMUs) and dual compasses onboard. It uses new push-and-lock propellers that are faster to install and more secure in flight.

In addition to intelligence and ease-of-use, the Phantom 4 is built for fun. Its new “Sport Mode” for advanced flyers gives a taste of what drone racing feels like. In “Sport Mode,” the Phantom 4 can fly 20 meters per second (45 miles per hour) and ascends and descends more rapidly than in other modes. The craft’s acceleration and top speed in “Sport Mode” also mean it can reach locations for shots faster and capture shots you couldn’t get before.

“Though the Phantom 4 is easy to use, let’s not forget it is a high-performance aircraft powered by unparalleled DJI technology,” said Senior Product Manager Paul Pan.

The Phantom 4’s U.S. retail price is $ 1,399.

Pre-orders for the Phantom 4 will start March 1 on DJI.com and Apple.com, and customers will begin receiving their units on March 15. The Phantom 4 will also be available in-store at DJI’s flagship stores and Apple stores around the world starting March 15. Phantom 4 pre-orders from DJI’s other sales partners will commence on March 23, with availability from April 1.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI’s Phantom 4 boasts improved camera optics and obstacle avoidance

Posted in Uncategorized

 
Newer Entries »