With HD video recording capabilities, an aesthetic design, and above average battery life, the DJI Phantom 3 has earned its spot as the “Holy Grail” of consumer quadcopters. DJI is now making it easier than ever before to capture beautiful aerial footage without having to be a very skilled pilot. This model is a perfect quadcopter for the masses, and is something that both professional film makers and hobbyists are going to find extremely useful and fun. In this DJI Phantom 3 review, we’ll talk more about what it has to offer.
DJI Phantom 3 Overview
Control
Durability
Flight Time
Value
Best Overall!
If you're looking for a drone that can fly up to a mile on a single 20-minute charge, while taking beautiful HD photographs and video footage, then look no further than the DJI Phantom 3. This quadcopter is quite simply the best in the world, not only in durability and performance, but also in camera quality. It is relatively expensive compared to other RC drones on the market, but most owners of this quadcopter can agree - it's worth every penny.
The Controller
The controller for the DJI Phantom 3 has changed significantly compared to the Phantom 2. More specifically, it’s become smaller, offers more buttons and features, and now comes with an internal battery (no need to lug around spare AA batteries like before). It’s important to note that the transmitter for the Phantom 3 will not work for the Phantom 2.
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There are buttons on the transmitter for taking video recordings and photographs. There’s also a dial for adjusting the camera settings, as well as for changing to different flight modes. The integrated clip on the transmitter will allow you to hold smartphone or tablet so that you can fly in FPV (First Person Viewing) mode. Finally, there’s also a “Return-to-Home” button that, when pressed, will automatically bring the Phantom 3 to the location where it originally took off from.
Design
I
n this section of the DJI Phantom 3 review, we’ll talk about its design. This drone has maintained its same basic design compared to the previous models in the series. It’s a white copter with a bottom-mounted camera, landing struts, and four pylons (each of which have a motor in them).
The quadcopter measures approximately 23 inches from one wingtip to another, and weights a little under 3 pounds. As with most drones, the Phantom 3 comes with LED lights located underneath each wing so that you can track it easily while flying at night. The propellers are easy enough to attach since both the rotors and motors are color-coded to ensure that they’re installed correctly.
Advanced Video Capabilities
The DJI Phantom 3 comes in two different models: advanced and professional. The advanced model, which is distinguishable due to its silver stripes, offers a 1080p camera that records at 60 frames-per-second.
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The professional model, which is the one with the golden stripes, offers a 4K camera and records at 30 frames-per-second. The lens on the Phantom 3 is slightly bigger compared to its predecessor, and has a 94-degree viewing angle. For those of you who are unfamiliar with all this camera lingo, it basically means clearer images and less distortion.
World Class Stabilization
When it comes to stabilization and gimbals, DJI has really set the bar high for other quadcopter companies to try and outperform. When it comes to gimbal technology, there is no better company out there. With DJI’s world-famous gimbal, your camera will be held in place perfectly throughout the duration of the flight. This ensures no wobbling within your recordings. In short, it makes even the most difficult aerial shots a walk in the park.
Vision Positioning System (VPS)
Within the DJI Phantom 3 are three new ultrasonic and visual sensors. Their job is to scan the surroundings and identify its position so that it can accurately move without using the GPS. If you’re someone who likes flying in dense forests, around tall buildings, or even indoors, then it’s possible to lose your GPS in these situations. When this happens, the VPS will allow the drone to maintain its position and altitude so that it doesn’t crash.
The Phantom 3 is Very Easy to Fly and Control
Despite its hefty price tag, the Phantom 3 is actually very easy to control. Newer flyers might be intimidated to even try one out, but the truth is that the technology in this drone makes it extremely difficult to crash. Features like automatic takeoff and return home make it incredibly easy for even the most unexperienced flyers to use.
The DJI Pilot App
No DJI Phantom 3 review would be complete without talking about the drone’s app. The DJI Pilot App will provide you with everything you need to control your camera and change your flight settings – all from your mobile smartphone or tablet. This app also gets updated on a regular basis.
Here are a few of the many features that you’ll find in the DJI Pilot App:
- Live Map: Allows you to track your Phantom 3 no matter where it is.
- Video Editing Software: Helps you compile your best footage in just a few seconds.
- Flight Logs: The drone’s automatic flight logs will give you information regarding your past flights, their duration, and even give you access to any previous photos or videos that you took.
- Interactive Flight Simulator: This awesome simulator provides you with the ability to practice your DJI Phantom 3 flying skills virtually, meaning, your drone never has to leave the floor. This is super-useful for when you’re trying to become good at flying.
As I said, these are just a few of the many features that you’ll find in the DJI Pilot App. It’s an invaluable tool for pilots around the world.
Bottom Line
Yes, the DJI Phantom 3 isn’t cheap. The professional model is $1,300 on Amazon. But is it worth it? Absolutely! If you have the disposable income, then I highly recommend you invest in this drone. It’s just capable of so much, and there’s a reason why it’s the best in the world. We hope that this DJI Phantom 3 review helps you make the right choice.
Specifications
- Weight: 1,280 Grams
- Remote Distance: 2,000 Meters
- Charging Time: 60 Minutes
- Flight Time: 20-23 Minutes
- Battery: LiPo 4S
- Price: About $1,300
- Camera: Yes
- FPV: Yes
- Experience Level: Intermediate
