A sleek new design with magnesium unibody construction, obstacle avoidance sensor, dynamic range enhancing video modes, and a two-point-of-contact gimbal mount are just some of the features DJI has introduced with the Phantom 4 Drone. Thanks to improvements in efficiency as well as its intelligent power management system, the quadcopter boasts up to 28 minutes of flying time. Its camera shoots DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) video at 24/25 fps and UHD 4K (3480 x 2160) at up to 30 fps. There is also a 120 fps mode in 1080p resolution for slow-motion effects. The camera will also take 12MP still photos in either DNG RAW or JPEG, with single shot, HDR, burst, and time-lapse modes to choose from.
Computerized flight control is nothing new, but the Phantom 4 is the first Phantom to be given a pair of eyes. Among other features, these front-facing visual sensors enable obstacle avoidance during automatic return home and allow it to track a subject. It also features Vision Position, a carryover from the Phantom 3 Professional and Advanced, which provides navigation for times when GPS is unavailable and the quadcopter is close to the ground.
One area where fixed-wing planes have traditionally held an advantage over multi-rotors is performance. The Phantom 4 aims to shake off this stigma. With its Sport Mode, the quadcopter can achieve a top speed of 44.7 mph. That's enough speed to take to the races or follow fast-moving subjects, such as a vehicle or skier hurling down the slopes. Since you may need to slow down in a hurry, Active Braking brings the quadcopter to a halt much faster than drag alone otherwise would.
Flight Control System
GPS Navigation
Because of the complexity associated with multi-rotor aircraft, the Phantom 4 relies on a GPS-based navigation system, drawing upon up to 24 satellites to maintain flight stability and provide other features. While fully manual operation is possible, most users, especially videographers hoping to get the smoothest possible shots, will opt for one of the GPS-assisted modes.
Vision Positioning System for Indoor Navigation
Vision Positioning System uses dual downward-facing cameras and dual ultrasonic sensors to provide comparable stability function indoors or relatively close to the ground (up to 32.8') as GPS does outdoors. This technology allows the Phantom 4 to hold its location, stop when the controls are released, and quickly respond to pilot commands, even when GPS is unavailable.
Sense and Avoid
A small camera above each leg allows the aircraft to detect an obstacle in the flight path, coming to a stop to try to avoid it. By turning on Active Obstacle Avoidance, the aircraft will attempt to fly around or over the obstacle, rather than braking. The pilot will also receive audible and visual warnings to alert you when an obstacle is detected. This feature will also be active when you trigger Return to Home, providing for a safer flight back to the pilot.
Touch-Controlled Flying
The TapFly mode lets you use the power of touch for easy flight control. With the mode activated, you simply need to tap on the screen of a connected smartphone or tablet, and the Phantom 4 will begin to fly in that direction. If an obstacle appears in the flight path, the quadcopter's auto sense-and-avoid feature will either bring the camera to a stop or avoid it completely.
ActiveTrack Visual Tracking
The built-in camera, combined with object recognition technology, allows the Phantom 4 to lock onto and track a three-dimensional subject – be it a face, pet, or stationary object. Just tap the subject you want the camera to lock on to, and the Phantom 4 does the rest, with the camera following your subject as it (or the quadcopter) moves, keeping it centered within the frame.
Optimized Flight Modes
Change the Phantom 4's flight modes to suit your mood or the task at hand.
Normal: Standard flight mode with positioning support and both intelligent and visual tracking features.
Sport: Adds an extra burst of speed.
Atti: Holds the Phantom's altitude and level, but switches off satellite positioning to enable smooth tracking shots for filmmakers.
Normal: Standard flight mode with positioning support and both intelligent and visual tracking features.
Sport: Adds an extra burst of speed.
Atti: Holds the Phantom's altitude and level, but switches off satellite positioning to enable smooth tracking shots for filmmakers.
Automatic Flight Logs
The Phantom 4 automatically logs and remembers the details of every flight you take. Complete route, duration, distance, location, and speed tracking allow you to playback a previous flight path and even check your control stick movements. Cached versions of any photos and videos taken during your flights are kept at your fingertips for future reference. At the same time, an advanced flight recorder constantly records data from its internal mechanisms, which can be easily shared with the DJI support team if you ever have any questions or issues.
Aircraft
Enhanced Aerodynamics and Stability
The Phantom 4's lightweight magnesium unibody core and streamlined body combine to create a smooth, responsive flying experience with predictable and precise movements. The integrated gimbal has been moved closer to the body, shifting the center of gravity closer to the quadcopter's core and boosting stability even further.
High-Speed Flight and Braking
Switch the flight mode to Sport to enjoy a new level of thrill, enabling a top speed of around 40 mph. This allows you to capture faster-moving subjects than with previous generation Phantom models, such as motor vehicles or downhill skiers. To bring the camera to a halt at these faster speeds, the Phantom 4 features active braking.
Flight Time
High-efficiency motors and a larger capacity battery let you enjoy up to 28 minutes of flying time with the Phantom 4 (without GPS active).
Push-and-Release Propellers
Each prop is fast and easy to install—no props nuts to tighten here—and can be locked securely in place. When you're done flying, pop them off so the Phantom can be packed away in a compact case such as a backpack.
Gimbal-Stabilized 4K Camera
Up to 4K Video and 12MP Stills
Whether for cinematography or just shooting for fun, the Phantom 4 gives you the ability to capture DCI-spec 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24 or 25 fps and UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at up to 30 fps. In addition, the Full HD (1080 x 1920) mode enables recording at up to 120 fps, which is ideal for creating slow-motion effects in post. Video is recorded at full quality in-camera using a microSDHC/XC card in the H.264 codec.
12MP Raw Photos
The camera isn't just for video. It shoots 12MP photos in widely supported DNG raw, as well as JPEG. Time-lapse, burst shooting, and HDR modes are all available, in addition to single shot.
Video Resolutions and Frame Rates
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160): 24p, 25p
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160): 24p, 25p, 30p
2.7K (2704 x 1520): 24p, 25p, 30p
1080p (1920 x 1080): 24p, 25p, 30p, 48p, 50p, 60p, 120p
720p (1280 x 720): 24p, 25p, 30p, 48p, 50p, 60p
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160): 24p, 25p, 30p
2.7K (2704 x 1520): 24p, 25p, 30p
1080p (1920 x 1080): 24p, 25p, 30p, 48p, 50p, 60p, 120p
720p (1280 x 720): 24p, 25p, 30p, 48p, 50p, 60p
Professional Video Color Profiles
Under high-contrast lighting, such as outdoors in direct sunlight, you will profit from a high dynamic range with a flat response curve to give you maximum detail to work with in post-production. To this end, the Phantom 4 features both Cine-D and D-Log modes to help increase dynamic range and flatten the image.
94° Wide-Angle Lens
The camera features a 94° angle-of-view lens, which is a narrower angle than a fisheye for less distortion while still being wide enough to capture establishing shots. The lens features an f/2.8 aperture and is comprised of 9 elements, including an aspherical element.
Reinforced Gimbal
Updated from previous designs, the gimbal supports both sides of the camera, secured by a U-shaped frame designed to keep footage stable and secure even in high winds and harsh flying environments. It is coupled with custom-designed dampers to ensure vibrations from the motors do not translate into camera shake. A magnesium construction gives it lightness and rigidity, boosting stabilization capabilities even further.
DJI GO App
Live Monitoring and Control
Watch a live HD video feed directly from the camera right on your screen. Adjust camera settings and use this real-time view to line up the perfect shot.
YouTube Live Streaming
Stream your flight live on YouTube as you fly and share your excitement with family and friends around the world.
Instant Video Downloading
The live video stream from your camera is automatically saved on your mobile device for preview and editing later. Use this video as a reference, and download the full-quality videos and photos with a few taps.
In-App Editing
Make basic tweaks and apply preset templates to get your videos prepped for sharing.
Common Media Library
All of your photos and videos that were shot using a DJI product and the GO app are stored in one place, making it easy to browse, share, and send your footage anywhere you like.
Share on Social Media
Share your best work on SkyPixel, a dedicated platform for aerial photographers and filmmakers from around the world. The GO app also connects to your Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr accounts for quick posting.
Live Map and Radar
See yourself or your flight platform on a live map, and log exactly where you are filming.
Detailed Records and Achievements
DJI GO records telemetry data from each of your shoots and flights, ready for your review later.
Manage Your DJI Account
Access all of your DJI information in one place. Participate in the DJI Forum, earn DJI Credit for future purchases, and review your preferences directly in the GO app.
Interactive Flight Simulator
Practice flying and perfect your skills anywhere. The included flight simulator gives you the lifelike experience of flying your quadcopter in a safe, controlled virtual environment.
Other Features
Built-In Redundancies
Dual compass modules and dual Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) allow the Phantom 4 to constantly check the data it is receiving. This means any incorrect data can be isolated and ignored without affecting your flight.
Beginner Mode
Beginner flyers should build confidence by flying low and close. Beginner mode prevents new pilots from going beyond their skills. An adjustable maximum height and distance can also be set when flying skills improve.
Customizable Remote Controller
All the controls on the Phantom 4 can be customized to match your flying style, from control stick sensitivity to the functionality of dedicated buttons.
DJI SDK
The Phantom 4 is compatible with DJI's SDK, offering access to additional sensors and even more control so that developers can create customized apps and exciting new features.