The infrared sensing system is only available in Beginner mode and Tripod mode. The Pro is equipped with an environment sensing system based on stereo vision and infrared sensors. It is able to detect obstacles 98 feet in front, allowing it to plan its flight path to avoid them or simply hover in the event of an emergency. The best 3D mapping software for drones are reviewed in our article on best photogrammetry software.
Officially, DJI only recommends using this function on grassland, and on slopes no greater than 20 degrees. TrueView LP360 post-processing software is for customers who have a survey-grade L1/L2 base station or already own the P4 RTK and now need a proper PPK surveying workflow. For optimal surveying accuracy, GeoCue recommends and offers camera calibration at an additional cost.
The Phantom 4 looks like an iPhone with its glossy white body, which makes sense considering Apple was the only distributor until the end of March. The Phantom 4 drone has many small changes from the Phantom 3, which is partly due to DJI hoping to alleviate some of the problems earlier versions had. The DJI mantle is one that’s difficult to live up to – such is the price of success, as people always expect the moon with every generation. The Phantom 4 takes all the expectations set by its predecessors and easily outstrips them by combining all the best features they had to offer. Can be charged from any 5V/1A mobile phone charger or USB jack on computers/Laptops.
It’s fast (up to 45 MPH fast in S-mode), responsive, and the maximum transmission range is 4.3 miles, up from 3.1 on the vanilla Phantom 4. This is certainly a big leap, and perhaps a bit of peace of mind for pilots, although we’re not sure how many people are really taking advantage of the full range. Nonetheless, having the increased maximum is certainly still an advantage, since range will be dramatically decreased in non-ideal transmission scenarios. The Phantom 4 landing gear is a bit wider, providing slightly more stability for landings. Its downward-facing sonar system, the Vision Positioning System, gets an upgrade, too, allowing stabilized flight up to 32 feet above the ground without the aid of a GPS signal. The motors are slightly more powerful and raised higher from the chassis.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Ever since DJI announced the supposed end of the Phantom series in early 2019, users felt there was a gap in the DJI lineup between the consumer-grade Mavic series and the professional-grade Inspire series. There are also noticeable changes in the dji fly appearance. The unibody construction has a glossy, sophisticated look and feel.
As always, second and third batteries would be great to have, this is a pleasant drone to fly, it’s sad when there’s no more juice. Obstacle avoidance sensors are on almost all sides of this drone. When active, the drone will prevent a crash in all directions except upward. The forward and downward sensors can also help maneuver the craft, to skirt around obstacles and for precision landings. The fact that you do not have to dig into the menu system but can quickly flick the switch to activate the ATTI mode makes the drone that much safer an aircraft to fly. Very few drones that are on the market today offer you this functionality.