The version 3.0 (released late 2014) Phantom 2 Vision+ Quadcopter with Gimbal-Stabilized 14MP, 1080p Camera from DJI features a number of notable hardware updates over the previous Phantom 2 Vision+ model, including more efficient motors, redesigned self-tightening props, a new transmitter (radio controller) with built-in battery and gimbal control dial, and other improvements.
The Phantom 2 Vision+ is based on the same air frame as the Phantom 2 and Phantom 2 Vision. Unlike its siblings, however, it features a 14MP camera that is stabilized and controlled with an integrated 3-axis gimbal. Gimbal stabilization makes the Phantom 2 Vision+ ideal for shooting aerial footage and photos. The camera can take 14MP, Adobe DNG RAW photos, and can record video in 1080p Full HD at 30 fps or 720p at 60 fps for creating slow motion effects.
The Phantom 2 Vision+ ships ready-to-fly, meaning that a radio controller--often referred to as a transmitter is included with it and is pre-bound to the aircraft and that only minimal assembly using common household tools is required. It features a 5200mAh battery that can sustain the quadcopter in the air for up to 25 minutes. The transmitter features a line-of-sight range of up to 2625', depending on conditions.
The camera is controlled via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi using an app available for iOS and Android devices. Using the supplied mount, you can attach your smartphone directly to the controller, giving you a "heads up" display directly from the camera's point-of-view. From the app you will also be able to start and stop video recording, take a snapshot and even tilt the camera up or down.
Because of the complexity associated with multi-rotor aircraft the Phantom 2 Vision+ relies on a GPS-based navigation system to maintain flight stability and provide other features. While fully manual operation is possible, most users, especially videographers hoping to get the smoothest possible shoots, will opt for GPS attitude mode. GPS attitude mode is an autopilot system that keeps the Quadcopter stable and right-side-up when moving, and holds it in a fixed horizontal and vertical position whenever you release the controls. This is ideal for shooting video because you can compensate for light or moderate wind that might otherwise cause the aircraft to drift.
As with the other Phantom 2 models, 5200mAh battery system is simplified over the original version 1 Phantom. The battery now slots in, and provides LED indicators on outside, tail-end of the aircraft so they can be seen in flight. Charging is also simplified, with all of the charging circuitry built into the battery itself. You simply need to plug it into the wall with the supplied universal AC adapter. A DC car charger, available separable, can also be used.
The Phantom 2 Vision+ includes a Wi-Fi Range extender that will increase the wireless range of the smartphone used for FPV camera operation up to nearly 2300' line-of-sight. The range extender mounts on the transmitter (radio controller) along with the smartphone.
Finally, there is a 4GB MicroSD card included to help get you started filming and taking photos with the 14MP camera.
- Left Dial: Use this to operate the tilt function of the gimbal
- Trainer Port: Connect the remote control to the computer to run a simulation application
- Throttle Lock: Pull down the throttle stick to descend; the stick will lock into place and the aircraft will descend steadily. Push the throttle stick upward to release throttle lock
- LED Battery Indicator: Foregoing AAs, the transmitter now runs on a built-in LiPo battery. Four LEDs on the front tell you how much charge is left
- Micro-USB Port: Use the micro-USB port to recharge the built-in battery. The LED indicators will display charging status as the battery tops up
- Up to 200g per axis more thrust than the previous design
- The single wire stator design improves motor efficiency and its ability to withstand a larger current
- New bearings, with a higher durability and ability to withstand greater impacts, are used to avoid damage in the event of an accident
- New insulation coating powder is used to improve the stator voltage capacity, helping extend the working life and stability of the motor
- A new ESC (electronic speed controller) - ESC v2.0 - is used to ensure the efficiency improvements of the motors are maximized
The second, attitude mode, is a more manual flying mode in which the Phantom Vision does not try and maintain a fixed spatial position. When you release the controls it will continue to drift unless friction slows it down or you stop it. And in this mode it will be more likely to be blown around if there is any wind. This not a true manual mode, however, in that the GPS navigation system is still used to maintain flight stability and by the "return to home" feature in the event of signal loss.