It seems like just yesterday that the first DJI quadcopter arrived at B&H—the Phantom 1. Well, things have come a long way. Cameras have gotten sharper, gimbals have gotten more precise, flight batteries have gotten easier to maintain and are more efficient, to mention just a few technological improvements.
With the Inspire 1, DJI brings together all that has been learned from the Phantom, Phantom 2, and Phantom 2 Vision models, amalgamating them into what promises to be the ultimate aerial video and photography solution. Glancing at the specs, probably the first feature most people will notice is the dedicated camera with 4K video recording capability. The camera supports both DCI "Full" 4K (4096 x 2160) in 24 and 25p, as well as UltraHD 4K (3840 x 2160) in 24, 25, and 30p—making the Inspire camera the first dedicated flight camera with 4K capability. The camera also takes 12-megapixel stills in compressed JPEG and RAW DNG, and can record 1080p and 720p video at up to 60 fps.
Rigid-mounted FPV cameras don't do videographers—and often even photographers—any good since vibration from the props, plus wind turbulence, translate into camera shake. This makes a two- or three-axis gimbal an essential part of any aircraft-mounted camera. Two-axis gimbals are good for stabilization but, as the aircraft alters heading, the camera turns along with it; no good where you are trying to film a fixed point. The Inspire 1 uses a three-axis system with a full 360-degree pan range. This means the camera can maintain a more or less fixed angle on the subject no matter what the quadcopter does, so long as it doesn't flip upside down! In single-operator flights, a dial on the transmitter is used to control the gimbal tilt and pan. For extra control, two transmitters may be employed, one held by the pilot and one by a dedicated camera operator. A special 5.8GHz link is provided to tether the two transmitters together wirelessly.
Taking cues from DJI's professional line, including the Spreading Winds S1000, available at B&H, the Inspire 1 features a retractable landing-gear design. Port and starboard motors are set in a “T” formation to the carbon fiber struts that sit low during takeoff and landing, with feet below the prop motors acting as landing skids. Once safely in the air, they raise, providing the camera with an unobstructed 360-degree panorama. Not only does this feature serve a very useful practical purpose, it gives the Inspire 1 a very unique look, indeed.
We don't have full details yet on the Inspire 1's flight controller. Most likely it will be similar to the Naza-M, A2, and Wookong-M systems that DJI currently has on the market for its own, and third-party, quad-, hex-, and octo-rotor platforms. Given the company’s track record, I would be very surprised if the Inspire 1's flight controller doesn't include staple features like IOC (Intelligent Orientation Control), POI (Point of Interest), and the return-home failsafe. We do know the Inspire 1 has GPS, but what's more interesting is a new feature dubbed "Optical Flow."
Optical Flow promises indoor flying where a GPS signal can't be received. While I don't condone flying a 6.5-pound, 23" diagonal quadcopter indoors, in a large enough space and in the hands of an experienced pilot, it is now possible to fly with the relatively safety of intelligent stabilization. Optical Flow appears to use a special camera that takes samples of the ground 50 times per second, combined with ultra-sonic waves to keep track of where the quadcopter is in 2D space—how far it has moved and how fast it is moving. This allows fixed hovering, by keying in on a specific spot, and means the Inspire 1 can stop pretty much on a dime.
Until recently, most aerial systems relied on analog composite video transmitters to relay video to the ground end. The DJI Lightbridge system, released earlier this year, changed that. Lightbridge is able to compress an HD signal and send it over distances comparable to analog. Previously, this required the installation of additional components alongside the flight control system, and was impractical in small aircraft such as quadcopters. With the Inspire 1, the Lightbridge electronics are integrated. With a mobile device running the Lightbridge app, you can monitor a real-time 720p signal, as well as view flight telemetry data. It features a line-of-sight range of up to 1.2 miles.
Initially, it looks like the Inspire 1 will ship as a "ready-to-fly" bundle. This means that a pre-bound transmitter, flight battery, and battery charger will be included. The battery used by the Inspire 1 incorporates smart circuitry much like the Phantom 2 and S1000 batteries with which you may be familiar. The advantage is simplified charger and battery maintenance compared to standard RC LiPo batteries, which require separate balancing leads and, in some cases, have to be timed when recharging to avoid overcharge. The drawback, at least to those coming from the hobbyist side, is that you are locked into DJI’s propriety battery system.
For fliers looking for a turnkey solution that doesn't require complicated assembly and piecing together parts, the Inspire 1 looks as though it's set to be a serious contender. For more information as well as availability status, as it becomes available, please visit the B&H product page.
To read more about the full line of drones available at B&H, click here
65 Comments
TO be honest:
For the price we are paying, the maximum fly time is very short. Imagine, if we are going to pay with all accessories to nearly 4000 dollars and you expect the drone can only fly for 18 minutes?
or they should allow some thing like a stack of battery set up such that when one battery runs out, through an app or control devices, it should push the other battery in stack to move front dyanamically. THen we can atleast think we can have a maximum drone flying time of 40 minutes with 2 batteries. 18 minutes for 4000 dollars is a LOT of money.
Is this available to ship today
Unfortunately, the DJI Inspire is not currently in stock, so it would not be able to ship today. If you haven't already, you could choose the Notify When in Stock option on the quadcopter’s page on our website. We would then send you an email when it came into stock. Otherwise, we are accepting orders for the Inspire 1, which we would fill in the order they were placed when stock arrived from DJI. I am not seeing an ETA for this at this time, though.
I want one, but do not send it via airfreight, because S. African customs wants to dump 20% import duty plus vat 14% on top of all that. I have fieinds in USA , who can unpakt, and reroute to me direct without paying all the extra costs. They are available from China, but the same above issues apply. Please let me if you can oblige.
Hi Keith -
B&H is unable to ship these DJI products outside the USA. Billing and shipping information must be for USA addresses as well. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate your request. We apologize for this inconvenience.
If you have additional questions about the quadcopter, please send us an email. [email protected]
Where can you buy additional clear, or any color lens filters?
Hi Pat -
The kit includes a 32mm ultra light polarizing filter and an ND filter. We currently are not offering a suitable 32mm threaded filter in clear or any other color.
If you have additional questions about the quadcopter, please send us an email. [email protected]
At the current instability of foreign exchange rates, one can only guess the actual cost if I collect from your store. not easy when my son ,who lives in Canada, and i have to make a detour to New York... something to think about, as it adds extra cost just getting there...
could you attach an inferred camera to it
Hi Dean -
Currently there are no other compatible cameras available for this quadcopter. There may be IR cameras available in the future.
If you have additional questions about the quadcopter, please send us an email. [email protected]
Favor informa as condiçõe de venda e técnicas do produto drone para entrega no Brasil.
Olá Pedro -
Consulte o seguinte link para o Quadcopter em nosso site , onde contará com detalhes sobre cada pacote , bem como os preços. http://bhpho.to/1u6COPn
Por favor nos contate no email [email protected]
Sent more information to my email.
For more information about the DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter, you could click on the image of the quadcopter above. It would bring you to the Quadcopter’s page on our site, where you can find an overview and specs. If you have specific questions about the quadcopter, you could send us an email. [email protected]
I would like to know more about this camera and all its functions and the price
You can find more information about the DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter on its page on our site by clicking the image of the quadcopter above. On the Inspire’s page you can find an overview, specifications, and the current price. If you have specific questions about the quadcopter, you could send us an email. [email protected]
What is the endurance (flight time) of this model, under various conditions?
Hi Steve -
Maximum flight time is about 18 minutes. This may vary widely depending upon the prevailing wind conditions, temperature, and maneuvers.
If you have specific questions about the quadcopter, please send us an email. [email protected]andh.com
Hello,
I've been looking for an aerial system for some time and have a few questions:
-what is the range and wind tolerance?
-how long will it fly on the batteries? what are the charge times and cost for extra batteries?
-how complicated is it to become competent flying this system? is there a simulator to practice with?
-what kind of media storage system is there? what is the maximum flying time shooting at Ultra 4K?
-what is the warranty and availability of spare parts?
Thank you for taking the time to provide more information.
Andrew.
The max altitude is 4500meters, and the transmitter range is 1.7kilometers.
The flight time on a single charge is 18 minutes and the charge time of the battery is about 1.5 hours. At this time the batteries are not sold separately but will be available at a later date.
Currently there is no simulator for the Inspire however the flight system is extremely user friendly and has many features like Auto-Landing that will help to make learning to fly easy and fast.
The Remote control for the Inspire 1 has HDMI and USB output controls that you can use with external recorders. You caneven use the ATOMOS Shogun for 4K recording and monitoring. The camera recording 4K will not affect flight time so you can still record at 4K and fly the full 18 minutes if you need to.
The Inspire 1 will have a 1 year warranty standard from DJI, but at this time there are not spare parts listed separately.
Is brochure available? cost.
We currently do not have any brochures to provide you with beyond the information on this article and the product links on our website for the copter. You could contact DJI directly and they perhaps could provide you with brochures on it if they have. See the following link to the Quadcopter on our website where it will feature details on each bundle as well as pricing. http://bhpho.to/1u6COPn
Please keep me informed. I am interested.
Hi Mark -
For more information about the DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter, you could click on the image of the quadcopter above. It would bring you to the Quadcopter’s page on our site, where you can find an overview and specs. If you have specific questions about the quadcopter, you could send us an email. [email protected]
I need the meat and potatoes.... What is the controllable range, how long will it stay in the air, and does it have battery strength monitering on the controller. Does it have GPS auto return to launch pad capability ?
So this new system is not $2899, its $4600, probably more after you buy all the products advertised in the DJI video.
Has DJI addressed the fly-away problem with this new model?? My Phantom 2 Vision+ took on a mind of its own, flew away and crashed, rendering it nothing more than a $1,200 peice of junk. Anyone contemplating purchasing this DJI product needs to address this, as it was only after mine 'flew away' AND CRASHED that I had researched MANY, and I mean VERY MANY other instances of this same type of occurance. DJI has a problem that needs to be addressed so that others like myself don't experience this. I wouldn't like to see anyone on the ground get hurt, and unless this problem has been FIXED, it is only a matter of time. I had a lot of fun with my Phantom 2 vision+ until the fly-away, then it wasn't fun anymore. Buyer Beware!!
Hey Mark, Great question... actually it is THE question! Did you get a reply here or from somewhere else? I'd be curious to know, because that is very relevant considering all of the Phantom sereis quads that went heywire and flew off crashed, disapeared, and left the owner out a lot of money. I thought I heard that they corrected the problem with the Phantom 2 sereis, but I could be wrong. Please let me know what you've heard. Thanks. Chris.
I posted on the DJI Facebook website stating that I was interested in purchasing two quad-copters but was concerned about so many documented fly-aways. I asked them if the issue had been addressed. The posting was removed within an hour (or less) and they didn't respond to me about it. This told me that my concerns were justified and they are trying to cover it up. You would think that good customer service would immediately address the concern and what better way then Facebook for them to provide a professional, honest response. But instead of publicly (or privately) addressing the issue immediately removed the Facebook post. As a result I don't trust the company. I admire and respect the fact that they have leading-edge technology at the moment but I just don't trust a company that tries to cover up what I consider a very important concern that so many people have had. So before I'm going to spend $3200 each, I'd like some assurances that this thing isn't going to decide to fly back to China and I'd like to know that for that kind of money, I going to get great customer service. From what I've read they don't even provide good customer service. Let's hope they can get their priorities straight in the future.
Here's a link to a recent Inspire 1 fly-away:
http://forum.dji.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=4827
DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter
Add to new security system
Ehst accessories are avsilsble
Bob
Anyone know the camera specs? Bit rate recording - any manual exposure control? That's the killer with the Hero 4 to auto exposure, iris opening & closing ruining exposure.
I have not been a fan of the DJI or its toy like controller - but the Inspire 1 looks pretty cool - however the controller looks even worse.
A power button rather than slide switch looks like a recipe for disaster.
I have X350pro and after about 5 hours flying as complete novice and crashing many times it was finally smashed into pieces.
A complete new shell and 1 speed controller later its as good as new for just 65 dollars!
To move to lightweight 4K I would contemplate fitting a Panasonic HX-A500.
Fiited to a X350 Pro and it would be 1/3 the cost of the Inspire.
Does this come equipped with missiles?
Any information yet on whether the lightbridge system on the aircraft will be accessible for other cameras?
While the DJI Inspire 1 is built to be modular, this feature will only be used to change the camera for new proprietary cameras released by DJI. If you'd like to fly a small DSLR in the air, you will want to consider a 6 or 8 rotor UAV such as the DJI S900 (B&H # DJS900SWOCA2) or DJI S1000 (B&H # DJS100053M3).
The DJI Inspire 1 can only currently be used with the built in camera. It is a modular system, so as new proprietary cameras are released by DJI, this will be able to be upgraded. For other DJI platforms (Such as the Phantom 2, S900, or S1000) the DJI Lightbridge transmission system (B&H # DJLIGHTBRIDG) can be purchased separately and installed into the UAV for the transmission of high definition video and the ability to monitor FPV via a mobile device, however, this does not interface into the remote controller as the new Inspire 1 does.
What are the flight time estimates
Also will they ever come up with a camera with a modest or better zoom capability controled from the transmitter
I watched the unveiling of the Inspire 1 earlier this evening, flight time is 17 mins, 8 mins less then the Phantom 2 vision + I own, one really cool thing is that the rotors/landing gear automtically raise and lower on lift off and landing, so the camera can swing 360 degrees, it can fly 1km out with a improved return to operator feature, as far as altitude goes the FAA limits flights to 400' (I took my Phantom up to 1200' before I knew of the imit).
I watched the unveiling of the Inspire 1 earlier this evening, flight time is 17 mins, 8 mins less then the Phantom 2 vision + I own, one really cool thing is that the rotors/landing gear automtically raise and lower on lift off and landing, so the camera can swing 360 degrees, it can fly 1km out with a improved return to operator feature, as far as altitude goes the FAA limits flights to 400' (I took my Phantom up a bit higher than that before I knew of the imit).
The camera can be removed so other cameras can be used but this is replacing the gopro. DJI and Gopro had a falling out that is why DJI created their own 4k camera with no fisheye. This can be used as a dual operator setup similar to the pro grade drones out now where you need a pilot and cam op. They will also make mini ronins for it as well.
What do you mean they had a falling out? What happned?
this is fantastic i would like how many time the fly and what altitude maxi .
i would like receive one catalog the products dji in my office in miami donw tonw
direction 148 e flagler strret zip 33131 to ulysses castilho usa
With the new DJI Inspire 1, you have 18 minutes of flight time per battery and the control range of up to 2 Km (6561.7 feet).
Great stuff for those who don't have much understanding of RC equipment and have enough money to get something in the air fast. For us that understand RC (and video/photography) stuff, a similar system (probably with better capabilities) can be put together for lot less (maybe half the price).
Would be nice if you can point to examples on the web for half price custom build video-drone.
Dosnt matter now trick it looks...Its all about image quality. Lets wait and see. I wana know if it comes with a GoPro mount option too
Look, I have been a senior tech for a major DJI repair facility for a long while.
Listen when I say...Let the excitement pass and
the crowd insanity die down then decide if it's worth buying.
DJI does have great products and are industry leaders. However, I always encourage people to stay away from knee jerk buys especially where drones are concerned.
thats my 2 cents...