DJI Phantom 3 Models Announced

In a global announcement with live events in New York, London and Munich, Drone maker DJI has introduced their latest update to the popular Phantom line, the new Phantom 3 and the Phantom 3 Professional.

There are a number of key improvements. The Phantom 3 Professional (priced at $1,250) is equipped with a 4K (30 or 24fps) camera that can capture 12 megapixel still frames. The Phantom 3 (priced at $999) ahs a camera that can shoot 1080p video up to 60fps and 12 megapixel still frames. Those specs may look similar to the Phantom 2 Vision+, but the sensor is larger (1/2.3”) and the field of view has been reduced to 95-degrees.

Both models have a new downward-looking camera that enable the drone to remain stationary without a GPS signal. If you’ve worked with a drone before, you’ll know what a nice feature this is. Maintaining exact position as you frame a shot in an area where you don’t have a good GPS signal can be particularly frustrating for new drone operators and we expect this feature to dramatically shorten the learning curve for anyone getting into aerial imaging. It’s also going to be an excellent feature for indoor shooting.

Also if you’re new to aerial shooting, the new Phantoms will work with the newly refreshed DJI Pilot app (iOS and Android) which includes a simulator mode. I’ve destroyed a small squadron of drones including an original Phantom and I’ve been reluctant to fly my Inspire 1 aggressively until I get more practice. Having the DJI simulator mode in the Pilot app will go a long way to building confidence.

Like the more professionally-oriented DJI Inspire 3, the Phantom 3 models are bundled with the DJI Lightbridge system which allows you to live-stream (and record) HD video from the drone to your base-station. And the Phantom 3 models will allow you to live-stream directly to YouTube, sending the link to whomever you choose.

The release date hasn’t been finalized, but both Phantom 3 models should be available by the end of April at the DJI eStore