NEW YORK — DJI, maker of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) just launched the Phantom 4, the first consumer quadcopter camera (or drone) to use highly advanced computer vision and sensing technology to make professional aerial imaging easier for everyone.
The Phantom 4 expands on previous generations of DJI's Phantom line by adding new on-board intelligence that makes piloting and shooting great shots simple through features like its Obstacle Sensing System, ActiveTrack and TapFly functionality.
"With the Phantom 4, we are entering an era where even beginners can fly with confidence," says DJI CEO Frank Wang. "People have dreamed about one day having a drone collaborate creatively with them. That day has arrived."
The Phantom 4's Obstacle Sensing System features two forward-facing optical sensors that scan for obstacles and automatically direct the aircraft around the impediment when possible, reducing risk of collision, while ensuring flight direction remains constant. If the system determines the craft cannot go around the obstacle, it will slow to a stop and hover until the user redirects it. Obstacle avoidance also engages if the user triggers the drone's "Return to Home" function to reduce the risk of collision when automatically flying back to its take off point.
With ActiveTrack, the Phantom 4 breaks new ground, allowing users running the DJI Go app on iOS and Android devices to follow and keep the camera centered on the subject as it moves simply by tapping the subject on their smartphone or tablet. Perfectly-framed shots of moving joggers or cyclists, for example, simply require activating the ActiveTrack mode in the app.
The Phantom 4 understands three-dimensional images and uses machine learning to keep the object in the shot, even when the subject changes its shape or turns while moving. Users have full control over camera movement while in ActiveTrack mode — and can even move the camera around the object while it is in motion as the Phantom 4 keeps the subject framed in the center of the shot autonomously. A "pause" button on the Phantom 4's remote controller allows the user to halt an autonomous flight at any time, leaving the drone to hover.
By using the TapFly function in the DJI Go app, users can double-tap a destination for their Phantom 4 on the screen, and the Phantom 4 calculates an optimal flight route to reach the destination, while avoiding any obstructions in its path. Tap another spot and the Phantom 4 will smoothly transition towards that destination making even the beginner pilot look like a seasoned professional.
The Phantom 4's camera, an aerial-optimized 4K imaging device, has undergone an upgrade that includes improved optics for better corner sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration. The Phantom 4 also has DJI's signature Lightbridge video transmission system onboard, allowing users to see what their camera sees in HD and in real-time on their smart devices at a distance up to five kilometers (3.1 miles).
The Phantom 4's form factor, still the classic quadcopter style pioneered by DJI, has been redesigned and redefined to emphasize elegance and smoother, more-aerodynamic lines. Its frame incorporates a lightweight composite core to provide enhanced stability and more-agile flight. The core now features a redesigned gimbal that provides more stability and vibration dampening, and has been repositioned for a better center of gravity and to reduce the risk of propellers getting in the shot.
Refinements to motor efficiency, power management and a new intelligent battery have extended the Phantom 4's flight time to 28 minutes, which means more time in the air to capture professional photos and video.
The Phantom 4's US retail price is $1,399.
Pre-orders for the Phantom 4 started on March 1 on www.dji.com and www.apple.com, and customers will begin receiving their units on March 15. The Phantom 4 will also be available in-store at DJI's flagship stores and Apple stores around the world starting March 15.
Phantom 4 pre-orders from DJI's other sales partners will commence on March 23, with availability from April 1.