DJI Phantom 3 Evaluation - The Expert's Choice

The DJI Phantom 3 drone is one of the best selling drones of perpetuity and also we're thrilled to provide you with our long-term review of DJI's ready-to-fly quadcopter.

The question that several visitors might have is: Is the DJI Phantom 3 still appropriate with the Phantom 4 as well as the Mavic Pro being out? Can it still complete?

At first glimpse, the Phantom 3 looks stealthily just like other drones in the Phantom series. It looks almost identical so it would certainly be typical to presume not a lot altered.

The brand-new Phantom 3 is light years ahead of the previous generation of ready to fly drones (like the Phantom 2 Vision) and leaves most other makers in the dirt.

The factor for the new efficiency is primarily due to new electric motors and a new optical sensing unit below the quad. The new sensors aid stabilize the drone to a brand-new level of accuracy making it one of the most secure quadcopter yet in this cost variety. That implies that flying is now much easier and also shooting is significantly improved thanks to the enhanced stability system.

New Drone Supporting Sensors

The new DJI Phantom 3 obtains it's sensors from the front runner Inspire drone, which was the first one to be fitted with sonar-type sensing units beneath the drone that supply positional information so the quadcopter could float in a precise area also when GPS isn't offered. This suggests that if you're mosting likely to do any indoor flying, this is the drone to have.

Interior flying with the DJI Phantom 3

Most modern drones count on GPS for positional data and that's the important things that permits them to hover a certain area. Although the Phantom 3 additionally features GPS monitoring for positional data, it automatically changes to the optical sensing units when the GPS isn't really offered. (This takes place a lot if you're flying inside, in places with a great deal trees or even locations with a lot of disturbance.).

These sensors act a little like all-time low of your computer system's computer mouse in the sense that they track what's below to identify the placement. In the DJI Phantom 3, this means being able to hold the exact same set setting in the face of crosswinds as well as external disturbances. If you have actually done substantial flying indoors, you'll know that turbulence from the wind bouncing off walls as well as things will tend to influence the trip of a lot of drones so this brand-new sensor security will certainly be an invited function when you have no GPS data.

Improved GPS placing.

Mentioning GPS, the brand-new Phantom's 3 international positioning system is also much better this time about as it now has accessibility to more satellites compared to in the past. (Evidently they authorized a deal that permits them to utilize additional GENERAL PRACTITIONERS satellites for more precision and redundancy. This implies that you'll have even more protection as well as accuracy.).

Despite the fact that I never ever really had a concern with the GENERAL PRACTITIONER of previous versions (maybe I'm simply fortunate or it's where I fly), the new coverage should aid keep your drone specifically where you desire it to be. DJI is also developing flight courses and also trajectories so you'll want to have ultra precise positioning for that.

Extra Effective Motors.

The motors have also been updated with the new Phantom 3 drone. This is a large bargain since the old electric motors have actually been changed with brand-new, much more effective motors which equates straight into longer trips. Before, we used to obtain a strong 15-20 minutes of trip time with the previous Phantom 2 as well as now, we're getting a strong 20-25. I know this might not sound like much, but a whole 5 mins more of flying is a whole lot! (25% more!).

If you resemble me, you're going an additional battery accessible too which suggests we'll be airborne for a long period of time before needing to break to charge anything. Speaking of charging, you'll want to obtain the professional version of the Phantom 3 to have access to the brand-new incredibly rapid battery charger. Fees differ in time, but obviously, it's fast.

Battery Charger Tests and Batteries.

In our charge time tests for the DJI Phantom 3 battery, we gauged 29 minutes to totally accused of the pro clever battery charger. That's quite a remarkable feat considering we're utilized to having to spend a few hours charging our other batteries. This means that if you obtain 2 batteries, you could fly with virtually no downtime. (Technically, you need 3 for continuous flight times seeing as it takes a little longer to charge than it does to drain the battery however 2 will get you quite close.).

The batteries typically aren't cheap but you could usually get a Phantom 3 bundle with an extra battery. Conversely, you can choose one up separately for almost the exact same amount however unlike the smaller sized drones that just offer you with 6 mins of trip time, the Phantom 3 goes a long time so it's totally possible to obtain by with just one battery. (Although directly I occur to have 3 of them so I'm a little predisposition).

The only downside with having all this brand-new innovation is that the older batteries of the Phantom 2 are not suitable with the brand-new one. If you have a lot of Phantom 2 batteries lying around, you're out of good luck!

The Phantom 3 Flight Examination.

My first impressions when flying the Phantom 3 was ... "Wow, this is just like the older version except far more stable!" It has the exact same user-friendly (as well as truthfully, incredibly very easy) except that it feels much more solid, steady and predictable. If other drones are buzzing around, this is a swan having a smooth trip.

Flying is constantly a really individual point of view, when you fly the Phantom 3, you feel confident that your manoeuvres will be well implemented. It turns simply at the best speed, relocates swiftly when you desire it to as well as gradually sufficient for some wonderful motion picture shots. You obtain the feeling that when the designers designed it, they just weren't just believing: "Exactly how quickly can it go?" however instead "Exactly what's the optimal rate we desire this drone to go?". (The official speed is rated at 35mph.).

Drone Rate: The Cinematic Picture.

Believe me when I state, it's fast adequate to chase after autos, watercrafts and whatever you intend to movie but the appeal is when you intend to have smooth breathtaking shot of your favorite area. On a side note, when you're chasing something quickly like a speeding cars and truck, my referral is that you start shooting at a reduced altitude as well as bring up right into the skies as the car retreats. This gives it that motion picture feel that we have been made use of to in the motion pictures. Get it ideal as well as you'll practically be able to release your shots straight from the drone. Whatever vision you have, you'll likely be able to execute it.

An Upgraded Camera.

This brings me to the next element, the brand-new video camera. The DJI Phantom 3 specialist includes a sector leading 4k electronic camera and also the innovative variation includes a 1080p camera.

If you're like us, you wish to future evidence yourself and also obtaining the 4k specialist variation is the way to go. (Seriously, if you're going to travel of a lifetime and also movie the very best scenery on the planet, you're going to wish to have in 4k resolution. It's virtually a no-brainer.).

In regards to taking pictures, both video cameras are rather similar ... but just how usually are we taking pictures? That resembles buying a GoPro to take still shots during your trip, sure it will certainly work yet it's actually not the suitable solution. The brand-new camera can take a nice picture (as we will show listed below with our airborne photography) however the emphasis of our dji phantom 3 testimonial will certainly get on the video top quality.

New optics for the 4k video camera.

This is where it gets fascinating. The new 4k video camera includes new sophisticated optics, shoots in raw as well as not has the fish-eye lens that most quadcopters insist on having. (Fish-eye lenses called for a great deal of post-processing to repair for watching. This brand-new lens suggests you can publish your shots right from the drone.).

The camera is significantly boosted this moment around as well as provides several of the best footage of any drone without a third party cam. (Simply puts, if you desire better than this, you're likely going to should have a professional drone bring a professional electronic camera.) The way it's established is suitable for light commercial production (Streaming/ web video, real estate, short clips, festivals, etc). Personally, I'm a big follower of action shots. I enjoy flying my drone reduced as well as shooting action shots of the terrain. When I do that, I use the 1080p mode at 60 frames per secondly (FPS). Increasing the structures each 2nd really smooths out the quick action and also looks absolutely fantastic!

Ultra Video Camera Stability.

The improved high quality is the result of both the new cam as well as the increased stablizing of the drone. A more stable drone indicates a much more steady image.

The gimbal is additionally one of the most effective we have actually seen as it supplies all the liberty of turning you would certainly desire while maintaining the video camera as consistent as possible. This permits you to watch your target while flying. In fact, the drone is so stable in low wind problems, that you can take a long exposure photo and it will normally be sharp! (Truthfully, I can't also take a lengthy exposure image while holding the video camera with my hands and also this drone is taking them flying 30 feet airborne, it's THAT stable.).

Phantom 3 Array.

In terms of range, the official series of the DJI Phantom 3 is 1.2 miles (almost 2km) which is substantial and also significantly above many drones currently on the market. This type of range opens a whole new globe of opportunities (any kind of better and also you're mosting likely to have problem seeing the drone). You just have to make you take into account the duration of the battery when traveling these distances. As great as the variety is, it isn't ideal. As with all radio 2.4 Ghz regulated tools, the range will certainly differ considerably depending on the disturbance around you. That indicates that although you may not get that array in an active city area, you'll still get an extremely respectable variety. (More than enough for any type of applications).

Traveling Safety And Security: Go Back To Home and Limitations.

Additionally, the DJI includes a return-to-home feature which will certainly provide your drone back in the event that it sheds contact with you. This is just one of those live saving functions that you are really privileged to have when you require it. That includes supplies the peace of mind that your financial investment will always come back to you.

In regards to features, there are a couple of other ones worth stating. One of them is that they soft-cap the ceiling (maximum altitude) at 400 feet. This is a safety measure so you do not encounter territory that you aren't supposed to go into. When I first found out about the limit, I thought "Hey, do not restrict just what I could do!" nevertheless after flying around quite a bit I should guarantee you that 400 feet is quite high (ample for your breathtaking shots) as well as it also comforts me that I won't enter problem for flying someplace I'm not permitted to go.

There is likewise a function that restricts you from going into restricted areas. (So you won't be flying over airbases or airports) which is the means it need to be. Believe me, the last point you desire is to be on CNN for being 'that person' that entered difficulty for flying his drone into limited airspace. I don't like restrictions, however, I simulate sleeping at night and feeling safe when I fly. The DJI Phantom 3 provides me with all the fun, all the power and none of the fear.

DJI Pilot Software Program.

This is all due to the DJI Pilot software program that makes flying the drone a little bit like playing a video game. If there's one thing that DJI has over the rest of the sector, it's the software.

You obtain maps, all the information you might ever want (elevation, speed, setting) and a real time sight of your drone's electronic camera in 720p. The way it functions is that you plug in your Android or iOS device into the radio control, download the app and it will serve as a screen + control panel for your quadcopter. Basically any newer phone will certainly do (and possibilities are, if you're getting a Phantom 3, you enjoy technology so you already have one of these) or tablet computer. For our tests, we were utilizing an Ipad Air 2 and the picture is beautiful.

The software program enables you to trace routes, takes care of recording, handles takes off and even touchdowns for you. It's the closest thing to having a whole nerve center on your remote.

Push-button control.

Mentioning remote, it look a great deal like the brand-new Inspire remote control with the exception that it does not have a steel plate on the front. Rumors are that in the future you'll have the ability to swap the remotes as well as have live-streaming HDMI of your Phantom 3 which is quite trendy if you're into streaming online. (This can be optimal if you're tape-recording a sporting occasion like downhill mountain cycling, winter sports or perhaps surfing) As it stands the remote control feels solid and also smooth. The controls are robust as well as I truly value that they put all the inputs at the pointer of your fingers. You can move the video camera around on the drone by using the top buttons (you don't require to take your hands off the controls) which makes flying while simultaneously recording outstanding video clip an opportunity.

Testimonial Final thought.

On the whole, the DJI Phantom 3 verifies to be one of the very best drones currently on the market as well as we think it will certainly stay the king of the pack for fairly a very long time. It removes where the Vision ended with it's enhanced battery life, industry leading stability, improved software as well as attribute collection and also upgraded cam, it does not obtain far better than this.

The only obstacle at the moment is actually getting your hands on among them. We have actually discovered that Amazon fulfills the orders the fastest (and also they obtain supply before others) despite the substantial need. DJI could hardly stay on top of the need at the moment so ideally this is much less of a concern quickly!

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