On May 8, 2018, DJI announced a revised version of the fourth-generation top-end drone, the Phantom 4 Pro v2.0. You can find out more about the details of the transformation and prices here.
On August 31, 2017, at the 57th IFA 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show, DJI announced an updated version of the drone, the Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian. More details about the details of the transformation and prices can be found here.
Introduction
On November 16, 2016, the UAV leader DJI Innovation presented two novelties at once: the Inspire 2 drone and the Phantom 4 Pro. If everything is clear with the Inspire 2, since the first version it has shown its true purpose in the field of cinema and has significantly reduced the gap between amateur and professional photo and video shooting. But the appearance of the Phantom 4 Pro puzzled me a little, and the question immediately arose of how different it is from its already ideal brother Phantom 4, or is it still a marketing ploy of the company?
In this review, we will not talk again about the already known advantages of the fourth Phantom series, which were pumped into the Pro version. In a comparative review, we will only point out their differences, which in turn will help many make the right and practical choice.
About the product
After unpacking, you will visually see the same Phantom 4 and it will hardly be possible to see how different it has become. The first thing that will catch the eye of an experienced owner is the presence of additional sensors on the back and sides of the drone. Then you will see the difference in the ventilation ducts on the arms of the drone, they have become a little larger, and someone will be able to see the external differences in the cameras, but you can’t even imagine how much it has changed with the addition of the letter Pro.
Peculiarities
- Visual positioning in 5 directions
- 20 MP camera built on a 1-inch CMOS matrix
- Shooting video in 4K quality at 60 fps
- mechanical shutter
- Added new H.265 video compression format
- Increased maximum video stream speed to 100 Mbps
- Improved 3-axis gimbal
- Added new control hardware with built-in ultra-bright 5.5″ FHD display
- Improved video link LightBridge HD
- Extended frequency range
- Increased video signal transmission distance up to 10 km
- Added intelligent flight modes
- Increased flight time to 30 minutes
A weighty set of innovations, isn’t it, now about everything in order.
Positioning
Thanks to 4 built-in high-resolution stereo vision sensors (front and rear), as well as an infrared object recognition system on the left and right sides of the drone, a complex of ultrasonic sensors in its lower part, the quad now sees both below and around itself on 360º.
Based on the information received from all visual positioning systems, the quad is able to identify obstacles in advance (30 meters in front) and plan their flight paths. If it becomes impossible to fly around an obstacle, the drone will simply hover, preventing a collision.
Also, this whole system allows you to carry out a safe flight without GPS (indoors, when flying through window openings, etc.), at a maximum speed of up to 50 km / h.
All of the above visualization complex, coupled with 2-band satellite positioning (GPS / GLONASS), with 2 × IMU sensors and 2 × compasses duplicating each other, is controlled by a powerful multi-core processor, which ensures accurate, coordinated operation of all systems. This approach provided the drone with impressive autonomy. The Phantom 4 Pro can allow the pilot to fully immerse himself in the world of shooting without paying attention to the controls.
Camera
The size of the sensor used in a camera is a more important criterion for obtaining a quality image than the number of pixels. After all, the more information the sensor can capture, the better the dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio will be in low light. The 1-inch CMOS sensor in the Phantom 4 Pro is nearly four times the size of the Phantom 4’s camera sensor. It utilizes more pixels, has a maximum ISO of 12800, and has improved contrast.
The new camera has been completely redesigned with a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor. It has an optimized wide-angle lens (F2.8) with an equivalent focal length of 24mm. The lens consists of eight lenses (spherical and aspherical) located in seven groups. This approach ensures the clarity of the picture, eliminating any kind of aberration of the optical system over its entire area.
The new camera was the first to use a mechanical shutter type (max. speed 1/2000), which eliminates distortion when shooting at high speed.
The electronic shutter has also been improved, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second. The new “Burst Mode” (continuous shooting) now captures 20MP images at 14 frames per second. In essence, the P4 Pro camera has the potential of traditional handheld professional cameras.
For the first time, MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) results have been released for the DJI Innovation P4Pro camera, so that people can learn more about the characteristics of the new lens.
The camera supports both the previous H.264 video compression format, which allows you to shoot video in 4K at 60 fps (max. resolution 4096 × 2160 at 60 fps), and the new H.265 with 4K video quality at 30fps ( max resolution 4096 × 2160 at 30 fps) and all this with a bit rate of 100Mbps. The supported H.265 video codec doubles the amount of image processing compared to H.264, resulting in double the image quality. Recording in high dynamic range D-Log (D-log mode) significantly optimizes and improves the quality of the material. This approach provided the camera with a more detailed image capture, which, in turn, made it possible to achieve the highest quality photo and video material.
Control equipment
Typically, the drone is controlled at a frequency of 2.4GHz, and the video stream is transmitted at 5.8GHz. Since the frequencies do not overlap, conflicts between channels are also excluded. But at the same time, the use of different frequencies has its drawbacks. For example, flight performance will be affected when either of the two frequencies is interfered with.
Phantom 4 Pro equipment received an improved video transmission system – LightBridge HD, support for data transmission at a frequency of 5.8 GHz has been added. The ability to choose between frequencies eliminates interference and delays in the transmission of the video stream caused by the widespread use of the 2.4GHz frequency.
LightBridge HD
Digital video link – LightBridge HD uses the well-known TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) technology for signal transmission, which allows you to combine several low-speed input channels into one high-speed channel.
Since the frequency of 2.4GHz is most often used by Wi-Fi routers, 4G cell towers, the advent of 5.8GHz frequency will greatly increase the reliability of data exchange between the equipment and the drone.
When the Phantom 4 Pro is turned on, the system evaluates local signal levels, automatically selecting the transmit frequency with the lowest interference. With this approach, DJI developers managed to ensure optimal operation of the equipment over the entire frequency range, and the maximum transmission range of the video stream increased to 10 km.
The kit can include both standard equipment and new equipment with a built-in FHD display. The built-in 5.5 inch (13.97cm) 1080p screen is the brightest display (1000cd/m²) in a smart device. Now the sun will not affect the display of information on the screen, even under direct sunlight.
The owner of the new equipment no longer needs a mobile device to compile with the drone, which in turn reduces the time for pre-flight preparation. The DJI GO app is already installed and optimized with both software and hardware, furthermore it has reduced video lag time.
Also, the new equipment is already built-in: HDMI port, microSD slot, microphone, built-in speaker, as well as via Wi-Fi, you can edit the received images almost instantly. And finally, the power of the transmitter is designed for a full five hours of battery life with the Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter.
Flight modes
The Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter received 5 intelligent flight modes.
Draw – a completely new waypoint flight technology. Simply draw a route on the screen and the Phantom 4 Pro will follow the direction and altitude you set. This mode allows the pilot to focus on camera control and photography in general. Draw mode provides two flight options:
- standard — the drone flies along a given route at a constant speed, where the camera is facing in the direction of flight.
- Free – the drone flies along the specified route, while the camera is completely at the disposal of the pilot.
ActiveTrack- mode allows the drone to automatically recognize an object, capture and follow it, which in turn makes it easy to get complex shots with it. Chasing a fast-moving subject is no easy task, but thanks to advanced pattern recognition algorithms, the Phantom 4 Pro easily recognizes and tracks the subject, keeping it in the center of the frame throughout the flight. The new algorithm allows you to recognize people, vehicles, animals, and at the same time adjust the flight dynamics to ensure the smoothest footage.
The pilot will have 3 options for capturing an object:
- Trace – the drone follows “behind” or “in front” of the object, flying around obstacles in automatic mode.
- Profile – the drone flies directly next to the object, being at different angles to obtain profile shots with its participation.
- Spotlight – keeps the camera on the specified object, while the drone can fly from any angle.
TapFly- performs autonomous flight in the forward direction with one touch on the display. Click anywhere within the display where you would like the drone to fly, and then click the “Go” icon again and it will proceed to the specified location, flying in the forward direction around obstacles*. The pilot can always intervene in the flight process by touching one of the sticks.
There is a new function “AR route” that shows in real time the current direction of the drone’s flight, taking into account all the adjustments by the pilot. In TapFly mode, the pilot focuses on the flight altitude, trajectory, speed and camera position using the sticks of the equipment.
TapFly mode has 3 options:
- TapFly Forward – for flying autonomously in the forward direction, where the camera looks in the direction of flight.
- TapFly Backwards – for forward flight autonomously, when the camera looks in the opposite direction from the direction of flight.
- Tap Fly Free – for flying in a forward direction, with this design, drone control is blocked, but camera control in any direction is available.
*drone does not fly around obstacles when TapFly Free is active.
return to home- the developers have finalized the mode, now the Phantom 4 Pro automatically selects the optimal return route depending on the environmental conditions. While you are flying, the drone writes the current route, if the connection is lost, relying on the recorded data and avoiding obstacles, the Phantom 4 Pro will return to the take-off point and make a soft landing.
The Phantom 4 Pro is also able to adjust its flight path based on its altitude at the time of loss of communication to avoid obstacles it has recorded during autonomous flight.
Similarly, the Phantom 4 Pro will also record the takeoff location in order to make a more precise landing later on. The drone can detect the ground to analyze the landing site. If any obstacles, such as water, are detected at the landing site, the quad will warn the pilot and hover over this site, waiting for the next commands.
Gesture Mode- selfie mode, activated by gestures without the use of equipment. Advanced computer vision technology allows the Phantom 4 Pro to follow directions using gestures. It is enough to raise your hands in front of the camera and the drone will recognize the gesture and place the object in the center of the frame. When everything is ready to shoot, the drone will emit a warning tone. After the signal, the subject is given 3 seconds to prepare for a selfie.
Specification
Drone
Flight time:
30 minutes
Weight:
1388 grams
Maximum rate of climb:
up to 22km/h
Maximum sink rate:
14km/h
Maximum flight speed:
up to 72km/h
Working temperature range:
from 0° to 40°
Satellite positioning:
GPS, GLONASS
Maximum flight altitude:
500m, unlimited 6000m
Vertical point hold error:
with Vision Positioning – 0.1m, without – 0.5m
Horizontal point hold error:
with Vision Positioning – 0.3m, without – 1.5m
Camera
Matrix:
one-inch CMOS; Number of effective pixels: 20M
Lens:
Angle of view (FOV) – 84°, 8.8mm / 24mm (35mm equivalent format), f/2.8 – f/11, focus – from 1m – ∞
Matrix resolution:
20 megapixels
Matrix size:
1 inch
ISO:
video: 100 – 3200/6400 (Auto/Manual), a photo: 100 – 3200/12800 (Auto/Manual)
Maximum resolution:
PIV picture size:
4096×2160@24/25/30/48/50fps
3840 × 2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
2720 × 1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
1920×1080@24/25/30/48/50/60/120 fps
1280×720@24/25/30/48/50/60/120 fps
Shutter speed
mechanical: 8 – 1/2000sec; electronic: 8 – 1/8000sec
Photo formats:
JPEG, DNG (RAW), JPEG + DNG
Video formats:
MP4/MOV (AVC/H.264；HEVC/H.265)
Maximum video bitrate:
100 megabits per second
File systems:
FAT32 (≤ 32GB); exFAT (> 32GB)
SD card support:
Micro SD up to 128GB
Photo modes:
single frame
Frame series: 3, 5, 7,10,14 frames
AEB: 3.5 frames with 0.7 EV shift
Time-lapse
HDR
H.265 video modes:
UHD: 4096 × 2160 (4K) – 24, 25, 30 fps at 100Mbps
3840 × 2160 (4K) – 24, 25, 30 fps at 100Mbps
2704 × 1530 (2.7K) – 24, 25, 30 fps at 100Mbps
2720 × 1530 – 48, 50, 60 fps at 80Mbps
FHD: 1920 × 1080 – 24, 25, 30 fps at 50Mbps
1920 × 1080 – 48, 50, 60 fps at 65Mbps
1920 × 1080 – 120 fps at 100Mbps
HD: 1280 × 720 – 24, 25, 30 fps at 25Mbps
1280 × 720 – 48, 50, 60 fps at 35Mbps
1280 × 720 – 120 fps at 60Mbps
H.264 video modes:
UHD: 4096 × 2160 (4K) – 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60 fps at 100Mbps
3840 × 2160 (4K) – 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60 fps at 100Mbps
2720 × 1530 (2.7K) – 24, 25, 30 fps at 80Mbps
2720 × 1530 – 48, 50, 60 fps at 100Mbps
FHD: 1920 × 1080 – 24, 25, 30 fps at 60Mbps
1920 × 1080 – 48, 50, 60 fps at 80Mbps
1920 × 1080 – 120 fps at 100Mbps
HD: 1280 × 720 – 24, 25, 30 fps at 30Mbps
1280 × 720 – 48, 50, 60 fps at 35Mbps
1280 × 720 – 120 fps at 80Mbps
transmitter
Frequency range:
2.400GHz to 2.483GHz and 5.725 – 5.825GHz
Maximum signal transmission distance:
for 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz: FCC: 10km, CE: 6km, SRRC: 6km;
Transmitter power:
for 2.4GHz: FCC: 26 dBm CE: 17 dBm; SRRC: 20dBm
for 5.8GHz: FCC: 28 dBm CE: 14 dBm; SRRC: 20dBm
Battery:
LiPo, 2S, 6000mAh
Video output:
GL300E: HDMI, USB GL300F: USB
Mobile device holder:
GL300E: Built-in display equipment (5.5-inch, 1920 × 1080,
1000 cd/m2, Android: 4GB RAM＋16GB ROM) GL300F: Tablets and smartphones
visual positioning
Speed range:
≤ 50km/h at 2 meters above the ground
Height range:
0 – 10 meters
Worker range:
0 – 10 meters
Detection range
from 0.7 to 30 meters
FOV:
front and rear sensors: 60°(horizontal), ±27°(vertical); lower: 70°(forward and backward), 50°(left and right)
Frequency definition:
10Hz
Conditions for normal operation
lighting above 15 lux, landscape with a clear structure
infrared system
Detection range:
0.2 – 7 meters
FOV:
70°(horizontal), ±10°(vertical)
Frequency definition:
10Hz
Conditions for normal operation
Surface with diffuse reflective material and reflectivity: > 8% (e.g. walls, trees, people, etc.)
suspension
Stabilization:
3-axis
Operating range:
tilt angle: — 90° to +30°
Max. angular velocity control:
tilt angle: 90°/sec
Angular Control Accuracy:
±0.02°
Battery
Capacity:
5870mAh LiPo
Voltage:
15.2V
Qty. cans:
4S
Weight:
468 grams
Working temperature range:
-10° to 40° C
Maximum charge current:
160W
Charger
Voltage
17.4V
Charge power
100W
Price
The Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter has been discontinued. In exchange, at the same price, the developer offers a modified version of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drone.
Conclusion
The developers of DJI Innovation did a great job, the technical restyling of the Phantom 4 Pro was a 100% success. With the release of the Pro version, the gap between the closest competitors has increased several times. Why he did not immediately come out in this configuration is not entirely clear, yet a trace of marketing is visible, whatever one may say. Professional photo and video filming, as well as wealthy amateurs, have a great assistant. If the price tag is not a limitation in buying such a drone, then it is undoubtedly better to opt for a quad with the letter Pro.
On May 8, 2018, DJI announced a revised version of the fourth-generation top-end drone, the Phantom 4 Pro v2.0. You can find out more about the details of the transformation and prices here.
On August 31, 2017, at the 57th IFA 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show, DJI announced an updated version of the drone, the Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian. More details about the details of the transformation and prices can be found here.
A photo
Photo with Phantom 4 Pro/Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian.
Video
Video with Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter.