DJI has recently launched Phantom 4, the successor of its
popular drone line. Unlike before where there were a number of variants of
Phantom 3 that had been adjusted to the needs of users, Phantom 4 comes in one
variant only, ideal for all users without exception, both for professionals and
beginners.
Phantom 4 is equipped with vision technology that enables
this drone to avoid obstacles, trace, and also follow a moving object. So when
you activate the Follow Me mode, for example, you don't need to worry the drone
will hit a tree while following you.
Phantom 4’s vision comes from five different cameras: a main
camera that can record 4K video, two cameras on the front feet, and two cameras
on the body. When all the cameras are combined, Phantom 4 is able to create a
3D mode of surrounding conditions to help navigate while avoiding obstacles in
front of it, even though within 15 meters.
Along with this vision technology, Phantom 4 also has been
equipped with two very attractive features. The first is TapFly, where user
only needs to touch the screen of smartphone or tablet which displays live
video feed from Phantom 4, and this drone will fly towards it.
The second is Active Track, where the Phantom 4 can be
instructed to follow a moving object. Again you don't have to worry if this drone
will hit any object because it will change the route by itself when there is
barrier in front of it.
DJI also explains that Phantom 4 can fly more stable thanks
to the use of a pair of cameras and a pair of ultrasonic sensors on its body.
According DJI, the Phantom 4 can hold its position five times better than its
predecessor.
Physically the appearance of Phantom 4 is still similar to
its predecessor; the main difference is the absence of colored stripes on its
body that's usually used to signify each variant of the Phantom drones. The
Phantom 4 body is now pure white with glossy surface. It's also slimmer up to
the leg, but the weight is heavier 100 grams than the Phantom 3 because DJI has
instilled a larger battery, with a durability of up to 28 minutes.
DJI Phantom also revises the rotor of Phantom 4. As a
result, the drone is now able to fly in the speed of 72 km/h when the user
activates the Sport mode. This mode is designed for professional user who has
really understood how to fly a drone.
The distance that can be reached is about 5 km, while
continuously forwarding the 720p live video feeds to the user's smartphone or
tablet. About the camera, DJI has updated the lens component in order to
produce sharper images. DJI Phantom 4 will be offered at a price of $ 1,400.