The DJI Phantom 4 Pro features a 3-Axis stabilized gimbal system and camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 20-megapixel stills and 4K/60fps video footage, with photos bursts at up to 14 fps. The drones body has been upgraded, and now features a magnesium alloy construction for more rigidity and reduced weight in the air. The FlightAutonomy system adds a full 360-degree obstacle avoidance system for safer flights. The drone also features an optional 5.8 GHz channel for the DJI Lightbridge link for a stronger signal and less interference.
Upgraded Camera with 1-Inch Sensor
The Phantom 4 Pro features the very first camera in the Phantom series with a 1-inch 20-megapixel CMOS sensor. The camera is built with a customized engineered lens that is made with eight elements arranged into seven groups. The camera also features a mechanical aperture that eliminates any rolling shutter distortion that can come up when taking pictures of fast-moving subjects or when flying at very high speeds.
The sensor size of the camera is the most important element when it comes to image quality. A larger sensor will have more dynamic range, an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, and improved low light performance. The Phantom 4 Pro’s sensor size is approximately four times the size of the Phantom 4’s ½.3” sensor size. The camera additionally has a maximum ISO of up to 1,800 and increased contrast.
Enhanced Video Recording
The Phantom 4 Pro can record H.264 4K video at 60 fps and H.265 4K video at 30 fps. Both can be recorded at a 100 Mbps bitrate. The drones advanced processors and sensors will ensure that everything captured has more detail and data for better results in the post-production process. The Pro’s enhanced video processing system enables users to record in D-Log mode to get the most information out of their footage for better colour grading in post-production.
Mechanical Shutter
Trying to shoot fast moving objects can be challenging which is why the Phantom 4 Pro features a mechanical shutter in addition to a larger aperture prime lens. The max shutter speed of 1/2000-second will eliminate any “jello effect” or motion blur that can happen when shooting fast-moving subjects. Additionally, in Burst Mode, users can shoot 14 fps at 20-megapixels for the best quality imagery possible.
Higher Resolution Lens
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro has an optimized f/2.8 wide-angle lens with an equivalent focal length of 24 mm. The camera is built with eight different elements, two being aspherical, all arranged into seven groups. The images produced are much more detailed with less distortion and dispersion, ensuring that all photos and videos captured are detailed, vivid, and sharp.
Upgraded Remote Controller
With its upgraded DJI Lightbridge HD video transmission system and additional 5.8 GHz channel transmission option, the Phantom 4 Pro features the strongest connection possible with reduced interference for worry-free flights. Users can choose between 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz so that pilots easily cut through any interference in the environment a well as eliminate any image lag.
The regular Phantom 4 Pro comes with a remote controller that is similar to the remote controller of the Phantom 4. The Phantom 4 Pro+ features the same aircraft but a remote controller with a built-in 5.5-inch display screen. The built-in screen is 2x brighter in sunlight so users can still view the footage they are shooting in bright environments. The screen also gives pilots added convenience and a remote that can last 4-5 hours.
DJI Intelligent Flight Modes
Draw
In Draw Mode, users can simply draw a path on their display screen and have the drone automatically fly that route while keeping the same altitude. This mode enables users to completely focus on their drones camera control for more complex shots. The Phantom 4 Pro comes with two different Draw Modes.
Standard: The drone will automatically follow the drawn-out flight path with the camera facing the direction the drone is flying in.
Free: In Draw Free Mode, users can have the drone fly at a constant speed with the camera facing any direction in the air.
ActiveTrack
The Phantom 4 Pro is capable of recognizing and tracking an object while keeping it in the centre of the frame. This algorithm will automatically recognize a wide range of subjects, including vehicles, animals, and people. Pilots can choose between three different ActiveTrack Modes.
Trace: The drone will intelligently track an object in front or behind it, while actively avoiding obstacles.
Spotlight: In Spotlight Mode, the drone will stay locked on a subject while the drone flies freely.
Profile: In Profile Mode, the drone will follow the profile of the subject while keeping the subject in the centre of the frame.
TapFly
Users can easily fly in any direction that is visible on their screen with just a simple tap. The Pilot can tap anywhere on their display to adjust the movement of flight while intelligently avoiding obstacles. The drone’s AR route function will showcase the drone’s real-time direction for the user’s reference while the drone's route is adjusted. TapFly comes with three different modes:
TapFly Free: In TapFly Free, users can lock in the forward direction of the drone without locking in the drone’s camera direction.
TapFly Backward: The drone will autonomously fly in the opposite direction of where the user tapped.
TapFly Forward: The drone will fly forward in any selected direction.
Return To Home
With DJI’s new and improved Return to Home Mode, the Phantom 4 Pro will intelligently choose the best route to return to home depending on the surrounding environmental conditions. The drone will automatically record its route as it flies which will allow the drone to return along the same route and avoid obstacles as it flies.
During take-off, the drone will record what is below it, and will then compare it to what its sees upon return for more accurate landing. The drone will also assess the ground it is landing on and will hover in place if it detects any water, rocks, or obstacles that may have moved into the drones landing area.
Gesture Mode
Drone pilots can now easily take a selfie without the need for a remote. With the Phantom 4 Pro’s computer vision technology, users can simply lift their arms while facing the camera and have the drone automatically lock onto the subject and keep it in centre frame. From there, the subject needs to simply hold their arms out to signal the aircraft and have the drone commence a three-second countdown.
Flight Control System
The Phantom 4 Pro features three different flight modes to tailor to production demands that require optional flight characteristics. Selecting the right flight mode will enable pilots to get the exact control they need. In Position Mode (P) various intelligent flight modes including TapFly, obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack and positioning features. In Sports Mode (S) the drone will gain added agility and speed in the air, reaching a top speed of 45 mph. Finally, in Attitude Mode (A), the drone will switch off satellite stabilization but hold the drone's altitude. This mode is best used for more experienced pilots that are seeking to capture smoother video footage.
Added Sensor Redundancy
The Phantom 4 Pro features dual IMU Units and compass modules for more accurate and reliable flights. Flights are much more stable as the drone consistently and constantly analyses the data it receives from the sensors to check accuracy and keep flights as steady as possible.
Intelligent Batteries
With a maximum flight time of 30 minutes, pilots will have plenty of time in the air to capture the exact shot they envision. The DJI Go App provides users with a display of how much battery life they have left as well as a calculation of how much remaining flight time they have according to the distance flown. The App will additionally alert users when it reaches the minimum safe amount of battery life to return to home. The Intelligent Battery system will additionally prevent overdraining or overcharging. If placed in long-term storage the batteries will also automatically discharge power to maintain good battery health.
