Chinese manufacturer DJI, well known for its drones, has mounted an event in New York to introduce their new creation: DJI Phantom 3. The third generation of flying vehicle comes in two versions, and the same desire to record what happens from above.
The intention of creating two different models on the same drone has to do with the quality of the cameras. Apart from that, the new quadcopter improvement in every possible aspect to its predecessor, as it is now more powerful, has more autonomy, and provides us with a better control over it.
Two versions, two cameras
In a first step, it’s have the Advanced model, which is capable of filming in 1080p at 60 frames per second, while the Professional and ventures into the notorious 4K, 24 or 30 frames per second.
In both cases we find a 12 megapixel Sony sensor – a size of 1/2.3 inch – that can take snapshots from that definition, both JPEG, and RAW (DNG). The lens includes an action field of 94 degrees, and obtains results less distorted than the fish-eye – 140 degrees – riding the Phantom 2.
The camera is mounted on a stand – better known as gimbal – allowing you to perform vertical movements to generate views from the heights. It has three axes as like its older brother Inspire 1, so only will point towards where the drone look.
An important detail is that the camera is part of a whole can not be replaced, as in the case of Inspire 1. Nor have the possibility of having two “pilots” to the control, it remind you that Inspire 1 one could control the flight, while the other was as a camera operator.
The new Phantom 3 can be controlled from a remote control developed for the occasion, which incorporates a support for anchoring phones and tablets (iOS and Android). Lightbridge transmission technology is used to receive video from the drone – 720p format – at a maximum distance of two kilometers.
Although you can not see well in the images, the control includes dedicated buttons for the camera, with the possibility of triggering video, photo, or move, without touching the application.
On the flight capabilities, DJI has improved engines of the Phantom 2, more powerful and efficient units capable of accelerating faster. The maximum ascent rate is 6 meters per second, while lowering it does to two meters per second.
We must bear in mind that it has to move a weight of 1,280 grams, including cameras. The flight range is 23 minutes, not bad for a 4,480mAh battery, which also has to feed the camera.
The videos directly to YouTube
DJI updated the control application. Now displays a map on the screen with the Phantom location, and where it points its flight. We talk about applications in the plural, since DJI has thought that they could become more, developed by them or by third parties.
To do obviously have to release development tools. We expect developments related to object tracking drone, editing possibilities, or live streaming video channels like YouTube.
Most possible of them basic, but you can see very empowered. We emphasize that Phantom 3 can send 720 p videos directly to YouTube through the mobile app to Facebook, Instagram and Chinese service YouKu.
The Phantom 3 receives Visual Positioning System technology already uses the Inspire 1 – are $3,400 – to stay positioned in places where GPS is not working. Also it updated the GPS, now more powerful and faster, with GLONASS support.
How VPS works? Well, based on ultrasound and image recognition, the drone is able to verify its indoor position indoor, also serves to know if it is very close to the ground.