DJI Phantom 4 Review
DJI is undoubtedly the market leader when it comes to the market for consumer drones. Keeping in line with this, the new DJI Phantom 4 keeps the former design of its predecessors but at the same time, gets a more streamlined and glossier chassis. It builds up on the features of the Phantom 3 and then adds some more, including a safety system.
Design
The Phantom 4 has the same basic design as that of the Phantom 3. However, the body appears to be a little more streamlined so that it helps in aerodynamics and looks too. The drone measures 7×11.5×11.5 and weighs just about 3 pounds. The drone comes with a case that can hold the drone, propellers, charger, the remote and also a few batteries. All the components fit in perfectly and the case is an apt addition.
The gimbal has been redesigned. Inside the chassis is the flexible shock mount and the camera is secured at both the right and left side. It can tilt up and down and the attachment point allows for decent movement. The micro-USB port and the microSD card slot have also been included within the chassis, thus making is easier for access.
The remote for control is pretty much the same like that of the Phantom 3 versions. The integrated clip still accommodates a full sized tablet or a smartphone. The layout of the buttons is also identical with the only difference being a dedicated Pause button. It causes the drone to stop and hover in one place.
Flight
The Phantom can be flown in two ways – one is manual control with the sticks or use the automated flight mode that sets the drone to fly by itself. Again, just like the Phantom 4, the left joystick can be used for increasing and decreasing (up/down) altitude. The right joystick is for moving the drone in four directions.
Video and image quality
The camera on the Phantom 4 is the same as that on the previous version. It has a 20mm field of view and the aperture is f/2.8. Video capture of 4K quality is possible and still images of JPEG, RAW DNG, or RAW+JPEG are possible. They come out at 12MP resolution.
4K video can be captured at 24 or 25fps. UHD format is available at 24, 25 or 30 fps and the same is applicable for 2.7K video shooting as well. If one wishes to record at faster frame rates, FHD resolution may be used as that offers rates up to 120 fps. The 720p video option can also be used.
The video from the Phantom 4 is very sharp. Minimization of artifacts is also good mainly due to the 60Mbps compression rate. Scenes captured appear crisp and detailed. They are also goof in terms of colors and contrast.
The image quality too, is solid and just like that of point and shoot cameras. Photos are well lit and show no distortion. RAW shots may show some distortion but can be corrected.
The Phantom 4 is easily among the best consumer drones available in the market these days. It builds on all the excellent features of the Phantom 3 and then adds to it. Smooth video at 4K, stable images, better flying time and streamlined chassis does well for this one. The presence of front-mounted cameras that aid in preventing the drone from crashing into obstacles is also worth a note.
The DJI Phantom 4 is available at our camera shop now.
DJI Phantom 4 Review By DG Electronics