
LOS ANGELES , Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ -- DJI, the world leader in unmanned
aerial technology, Tuesday introduced two new drones that raise the bar
for professional imaging: Inspire 2, the best ready-to-fly platform for
high-end film and video creators, and Phantom 4 Pro, the smartest and
most creative flying camera of its size.
"Professional filmmakers and photographers always push to create images
that have never been seen before, and DJI never stops trying to give
them the tools to achieve their vision," said DJI CEO and Founder Frank
Wang . "Our newest flight platforms and stabilized aerial cameras are
smarter, faster and more pow
erful than ever before. We can't wait to see how creators use Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro to capture dazzling images."
Inspire 2
Advanced Imaging for Professional Results
Inspire 2 offers powerful capabilities and is easy to operate. The
nimble new magnesium-aluminum alloy body increases stiffness while
lowering weight. It has a top speed of 67 mph and takes only 4 seconds
to accelerate to 50 mph. With the new dual battery system, flight time
is up to 27 minutes. A new forward-facing camera offers the pilot the
best flight view for operating the master controller, while the camera
operator receives a separate feed from the professional Zenmuse camera
mounted on the main gimbal. The Inspire 2 supports the brand-new Zenmuse
X4S and X5S cameras and will support additional cameras in the future.
An entirely new image processing system, called CineCore 2.0, is
embedded into the airframe, which allows processing large files faster
than ever before. Inspire 2 captures 5.2K video at 4.2 Gbps for Adobe
CinemaDNG RAW videos and leverages a newly-designed, fast CINESSD
storage for a smooth work experience. A variety of video compression
formats are supported by CineCore 2.0, including Adobe CinemaDNG, Apple
ProRes 422 HQ (5.2K, 4K) and ProRes 4444 XQ (4K), H.264, and H.265. When
recording 4K video in H.264 and H.265, the birate is up to 100Mbps.
Inspire 2 offers professional capability and control suitable for many
scenarios. With optional high-altitude propellers, Inspire 2 can reach a
maximum service ceiling of 16,404 feet above sea level, and the
self-heating dual battery redundancy system maintains good performance
of the battery to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Through an optimized mode,
Inspire 2 streams smooth video at the widely used 1080i50/720p60
broadcast standard. Enhanced Lightbridge video transmission makes
smoother HDMI video possible.
High Performance and Professional Reliability
The dual-battery system ensures that if one battery fails during a
flight, the other will be able to provide power for a safe return to
home. Stereo vision sensors have been included on the front and bottom
of Inspire 2 for obstacle detection, and upward facing infrared sensors
on top of the aircraft add protection when flying in enclosed spaces.
The redesigned propulsion system can safely carry Inspire 2 through
incredible vertical camera moves, climbing at almost 20 feet/second and
descending at almost 30 feet/second. Redundant systems provide
reliability for the IMU, barometer, electronic speed controller
communication and satellite navigation modules. The master and slave
controller range now extends to 328 feet and users can switch between
2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies to cut through any noise for greater
signal stability.
Creative Freedom
Inspire 2's new intelligent flight modes expand DJI's computer vision
technology to safely fly routes that give creators new ways to capture
what they envision. Spotlight Pro Mode locks onto a subject during
flight while the aircraft flies freely in another direction – and
automatically rotates the aircraft to stay on the shot if the gimbal
reaches its rotational limit. The forward-facing camera offers TapFly,
which directs Inspire 2 to any point on the screen while avoiding
obstacles along the way. ActiveTrack recognizes common subjects such as
people, cars and animals, sending Inspire 2 to follow behind, lead in
front, circle above or track alongside while always flying forward,
ensuring the forward-facing obstacle sensing system keeps the aircraft
safe.
New Zenmuse Cameras
DJI is enhancing the imaging potential of the Inspire 2 by expanding its
line of interchangeable Zenmuse cameras, which are designed for aerial
imaging and communicate directly with the aircraft's gimbal and flight
controllers. For situations that require a balance between weight and
image quality, the new Zenmuse X4S has a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor
with 11.6 stops of dynamic range and a 24 mm equivalent focal length.
The Zenmuse X4S offers aperture control (f2.8-11) and a mechanical
shutter that cancels rolling shutter distortion . The new Zenmuse X5S
has a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor with 20.8 megapixels and an
incredible 12.8 stops of dynamic range. The Zenmuse X5S camera now
supports 8 lenses from wide angles to zooms. It shoots 20fps continuous
burst DNG RAW (20.8 MP). In the future, a handheld mount will be
available for the Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras, bringing those cameras
down to the ground for more flexible filmmaking.
Professional Accessories to Enhance Performance
A series of powerful DJI accessories will meet the needs of operators
under various filming conditions. DJI Focus, a battery charging station,
DJI CINESSD, CINESSD station and other optional accessories are
available.
An optional DJI Crystalsky high-brightness IPS monitor features an
ultra-bright screen that is clearly visible in direct sunlight and ideal
for outdoor shooting. It comes in 5.5-inch and 7.85-inch sizes, with
the highest brightness up to 1000 cd/m2 and 2000 cd/m2 respectively, and
its dedicated system reduces video transmission latency. Dual Micro-SD
Card slots within the screen make it easy to back up footage and can
also be used to transfer and play back files. It operates in extreme
temperature conditions from -4 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
DJI – Introducing Phantom 4 Pro
Phantom 4 Pro
The Chinese drone maker DJI already has a commanding position in the
market for both consumer and commercial drones, but the company isn’t
slowing down. In fact, it seems to be pushing out new product faster
than ever, putting its foot on the throat of competitors already
struggling to keep up.
Today DJI released the Phantom 4 Pro, an update to the Phantom 4 unit
which came out just eight months ago, in March of this year. The Pro
boasts a better camera, more advanced obstacle avoidance, greater
battery life, and additional intelligent flight modes. It puts some
space between the top of the Phantom line and the new Mavic Pro — a
cheaper, smaller drone DJI released in October which, at least on paper,
was just as powerful as its larger cousin.
The sensor package on the Phantom 4 Pro has also gotten a big upgrade.
Prior to this, the DJI Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro had obstacle avoidance,
but it only worked when you were flying forward. The Phantom 4 Pro has
sensors on all four sides, meaning the drone can see and avoid obstacles
while moving in any direction. This allows you to follow a subject
autonomously while flying backwards or sideways. Thanks to the new
sensors, top speed while in obstacle avoidance mode has been bumped from
22 miles per hour to 31 mph.
Another big change with the Phantom 4 Pro is that you can buy a remote
with a built-in display. This was something competitors like 3D
Robotics, Yuneec, and GoPro had all done, but DJI had always paired its
drones with remotes that needed a mobile device for a screen. The new
remote is much brighter than your average smartphone, and offers the
perk of allowing you to fly without burning the battery on your primary
communications device.
DJI says battery life on the Phantom 4 Pro has increased a touch, from
25 minutes to 30. And it built in a bunch of new bells and whistles to
its intelligent flight modes. The new drone will fly autonomously
through much tighter spaces and more complex environments. And you can
have it navigate to waypoints simply by drawing a line on your map with a
finger.
Professional Imaging
Phantom 4 Pro offers a powerful imaging system for professional photo
and video creators as well as non-professionals who demand excellence
from the camera and platform they use to pursue their creative visions.
The camera now packs a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor, and almost 12 stops
of dynamic range bring out levels of detail and low-light performance
unprecedented in a flying camera of this size. Its mechanical shutter
eliminates rolling shutter distortion in fast-moving scenes. Phantom 4
Pro can capture slow-motion 4K video up to 60 fps at a maximum bitrate
of 100 mbps . In addition, the Phantom 4 Pro offers H.265 video
compression, which substantially improves video quality at the same
bitrate.
Reliable with Enhanced FlightAutonomy System
Phantom 4 Pro builds on DJI's original obstacle avoidance system with
FlightAutonomy – three sets of visual systems that build a 3D map of
obstacles in front, behind and below the aircraft, as well as infrared
sensing systems on both sides. FlightAutonomy can position, navigate and
plan routes for Phantom 4 Pro, enabling it to avoid obstacles in a
sensing range up to 98 feet at front and rear, even in complex 3D
environments. When returning to home and tapping to initiate auto
takeoff or landing, the Landing Protection function is able to detect
and help avoid landing on uneven ground or water. Phantom 4 Pro has
high-performance battery technology that provides up to 30 minutes of
flight time. The Phantom 4 Pro flies at 31 mph in P mode with obstacle
avoidance in effect, and has a 45 mph top speed in sport mode.
Professional Control with New Remote Controller
Phantom 4 Pro's revolutionary new compact remote controller comes with
an optional high luminance display, providing a clear and vivid live HD
view from the main camera as well as essential telemetry data, even in
direct sunlight. The aircraft will automatically choose between 2.4GHz
and 5.8GHz once powering on to gain a clear signal in areas with high
radio interference. The new controller has a built-in GPS, compass,
Micro-SD card slot and HDMI port.
Intelligent Flight
New intelligent flight modes make Phantom 4 Pro the smartest flying
camera of its size, opening new vistas for creators, such as the new
Draw Mode that allows operators to draw lines on the controller display
and direct the Phantom 4 Pro to fly that route.
ActiveTrack recognizes common subjects such as people and bikes, then
follows them from any angle while maintaining camera focus, and includes
three new modes – New Circle, Profile and Spotlight.
Narrow sensing enhances obstacle avoidance sensitivity so the aircraft
can fly through complex environments like narrow doorways. TapFly now
works backwards and comes with a new Free mode that allows a pilot to
set the direction of flight, turn the Phantom 4 Pro or tilt the gimbal
without changing the direction of flight. With the new AR Route feature,
operators will be able to tell the flight route on the screen.
As an additional safety feature, within a minute of losing GPS signal,
the aircraft will automatically return to the last connected position
and hover there precisely to wait for the pilot's command. With the
enhanced return to home function, the aircraft knows where it should be
going from up to 984 feet away and avoids obstacles along the route.
Price and Availability
Phantom 4 Pro's U.S. retail price is $1,499 with a standard controller.
The Phantom 4 Pro+, which includes a Phantom 4 Pro aircraft, and a high
luminance display remote controller, will be available at $1,799 .
Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro+ are immediately available for pre-order
at
dji.com/phantom-4-pro and DJI flagship stores in Shenzhen , Seoul and Hong Kong . These products will begin shipping one week after launch.
The U.S. retail price of the Inspire 2 aircraft is $2,999 . The Inspire 2
Combo, which includes one Inspire 2 aircraft, one Zenmuse X5S,
CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes License Key, is available for $6,198 .
Customers who order the Inspire 2 Combo before January 1, 2017 can enjoy
a special price of $5,999 . Inspire 2 and its accessories will be
immediately available for pre-order at
dji.com/inspire-2
and also in the three DJI flagship stores. Inspire 2 Combo will start
shipping in early December 2016 while customers who purchase the
aircraft and camera separately can expect their orders to start shipping
in early January 2017 .
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh offers plans for four products: Inspire 2 (aircraft
only), Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras, and Phantom 4 Pro (aircraft and
camera included). The packages cover Mainland China,the United States ,
Canada , European Union, Great Britain , Australia and Hong Kong .
DJI Care Refresh provides prioritized replacement units, greatly
reducing the time it takes for you to get back in the air. This extra
coverage offers up to two replacement units within one year.
For more details visit:
http://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh
Photos and videos of the Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro are available for download at this link:
Website: events.dji.com/presskit
Password: controlcreate2016
About DJI
DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone
and camera technology for commercial and recreational use. DJI was
founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled
helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera
stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and
filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier
to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global
operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia , and its
revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in
over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction,
emergency response, agriculture, conservation and many other industries.
For more information, visit our website:
www.dji.com
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