DJI announces Phantom 3 quadcopter with 4K aerial video and a powerfully-upgraded app

Shenzhen-based aerial camera maker DJI announced today that it will launch the latest edition in its Phantom quadcopter series, the Phantom 3. The Phantom 3 will come in two forms, “Pro” and “Advanced” versions, both of which offer some serious improvements over previous Phantom quadcams.

The Pro version, which is priced at US$1,259, offers 4K video at framerates of 24, 25, or 30 FPS. The Advanced version costs US$999 and shoots in 1080p at framerates of up to 60 FPS. The Phantom 3 can also shoots stills in 12 MP RAW format. The company says its battery will allow for up to 23 minutes of flight.



But the real upgrades are in the controls. DJI says it has improved everything about the hardware, making a quadcopter that’s more stable and easier to control, even when flying indoors. It has also improved its Pilot mobile app to give pilots better real-time data, including upgrades to its GPS tracking and map as well as allowing for a live HD video feed from the camera.

That video makes it easier for Phantom 3 users to see what they’re shooting, but the app now also supports direct livestreaming to Youtube and Youku. That means you can share your aerial video with the world in real time, as you’re shooting it. “It’s gonna be a revolution,” a DJI spokesman said at the event.



The Pilot app also has some other cool new features. It now comes with a “flight simulator” training mode that allows you to practice flying the Phantom without fear of crashing it. It also has a new “Director” editing mode that DJI promises will automatically edit videos as you shoot them, based on highlights you mark while recording. Then as soon as you’re finished you get an automatically-edited montage video of your best shots, complete with music.

DJI’s Eric Chang called the Phantom 3 “the most revolutionary consumer quadcopter in history.” It was a strong statement in a presentation full of hyperbole (sorry DJI, today’s event was not “an iconic event in technology”), but Chang might actually be right. The Phantom 3 looks to put professional quality 4K aerial photography and videography well within the reach of consumer enthusiasts.

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