The DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter with Zenmuse H3-3D 3-Axis Gimbal is a bundle from B&H that is designed to provide an aerial platform for shooting stabilized video with a GoPro HERO3/HERO3+ camera.
The Phantom 2 Quadcopter is the second generation Phantom quad-rotor RC helicopter from DJI and features a larger battery and improved prop design, and flying time that lasts to up to 22 minutes, compared to around 14 minutes on the original DJI Phantom Quadcopter. This product will appeal to a variety of potential users, from RC aircraft hobbyists who want to record their flights to videographers and photographers looking to open up a whole new range of shooting possibilities.
Included with this "ready-to-fly" version of the Phantom 2 Quadcopter is a 6-channel, 2.4 GHz transmitter (TX) that comes pre-bound with the aircraft. It features an operational range extending up to 3,280' line-of-sight, depending on conditions.
Because of the complexity associated with multi-rotor aircraft, the Naza-M V2 flight control system in the Phantom 2 relies on a GPS-based navigation as well as gimbal, compass, and other data to maintain flight stability and provide other assisted-flying features. While fully manual operation is possible, and can be unlocked using the Naza Assistant Software, most users, especially videographers hoping to get the smoothest possible shoots, will opt for GPS or GPS Attitude flight mode. In GPS Mode the Naza system keeps the Quadcopter stable and right-side-up when moving, and holds it in a fixed horizontal and vertical position whenever you release the sticks.
New for this model, the Phantom 2 features a 5200 mAh battery system that has been simplified from the previous Phantom version. The battery now slots in without having to connect any DC leads, and features four LED indicators visible on the outside, tail-end of the aircraft helping you keep track of battery levels in flight. Charging is also simplified, with all of the charging circuitry now built into the battery itself, there is no more separate balance lead to worry about plugging in. Because of this design, the Phantom 2 battery cannot be charged with all-purpose balance chargers, only chargers made specifically for it.
The Zenmuse H3-3D Gimbal is used to mount a naked GoPro HERO3/HERO3+ action camera (available separately) on the Phantom 2. The 3-axis H3-3D provides not only tilting and canting, but also allows the camera to pan side-to-side. The GCU (gimbal control unit) is built into the Phantom 2 so there is no additional internal hardware to install and operation is plug-and-play. Adjustments and firmware updates can be made using the assistant software for Windows, which is downloadable from DJI.
Warning: Never use the DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter with your GoPro camera when both devices have their Wi-Fi systems turned on. The DJI Phantom's Wi-Fi and the GoPro camera's Wi-Fi run on the same frequency, so if you use them together when both Wi-Fi systems are engaged, the DJI Phantom's transmitter will lose the ability to communicate with the DJI Phantom Quadcopter. Whenever this happens, you will not be able to tell the Phantom where to fly. This may result in loss of property or damage to your equipment.