DJI Raises the Stakes in the Quadcopter Market with the Phantom 4 Video Camera

With an advanced computer vision and sensing technology, the DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter Video Camera is a worthy follow-up to the Phantom 3. It comes with an Obstacle Sensing System using two front sensors that scour for obstructions and directs the aircraft around it without deviating from its original direction. If it can’t go around or through, the Phantom 4 stops and the controller must redirect it or activate the Return to Home function to bring it back to its take-off point.

Likewise, you need not worry about tracking moving subjects such as runners or animals thanks to its ActiveTrack function. Through three-dimensional imagery, the Phantom 4 analyses how to keep the subject on frame even if it changes direction or form. Activating the ActiveTrack is as simple as tapping onto the subject via the connected DJI GO APP on a mobile device. The camera can also be moved around the subject and a pause button stops the tracking.

If you wish to learn the ropes in navigating the DJI Phantom 4, you can activate the Beginner Mode which limits the maximum flight distance to just 30 metres up and away. To easily calculate an easy flight route from base to destination while avoiding obstacles, there’s also the TapFly function that can be accessed through the DJI GO app. By tapping another spot in the connected mobile device, the quadcopter will instantly go to that area.

Sporting a 12 Megapixel, 1 2/3” Sensor Camera, it is capable of capturing 4K UHD Video at 30fps that can be saved as either MP4 or MOV files. It can also show HD live footage on connected mobile devices through its Lightbridge video transmission system. The same camera is also capable of capturing still photos for a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels.

Powered by an intelligent battery with a capacity of 5350 mAh, the DJI Phantom 4 can fly for as long as 28 minutes on a full charge. This time is equivalent to about five kilometres. This battery is also repositioned to provide a better centre of gravity which is useful in battling wind gusts that can disrupt its performance. Meanwhile, its lightweight composite core provides agility and stability for the entire set-up while the integrated gimbal dampens vibration and adds to the quadcopter’s stability.

You can track where the Phantom is at via a combination of GPS and GLONASS technology. By drawing data from up to 24 satellites, it is reliable in detecting the starting point and its current position. An advanced flight recorder gathers data from the internal parts to come up with quick flight logs that include duration, location, distance, and speed of the flight. It also compares data and retains the accurate ones with the help of its dual compass modules and dual Inertial Measurement Units.

Changing propellers is easy thanks to its push-and-lock design that holds it firmly in place while in flight. Meanwhile, fusing dramatic effects to your videos in post-production is also possible through the 10 colour profiles which range from the Vivid mode for colour vibrancy to the D-Log mode for High Dynamic Range footage.

Finally, you can take advantage of the Phantom 4’s multiple modes that fit your demands and preferences. In Position mode, you can use Vision Positioning and satellite tracking capabilities. In Atti mode, the satellite positioning function is turned off but the quadcopter’s altitude is maintained. This mode works best for smooth movements. If you want to boost the DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter Video Camera’s acceleration and agility with the Vision Positioning intact, the Speed Mode allows it to fly for up to 45 mph.