DJI Phantom 3 Features and Performance

The DJI Phantom 3 is a powerhouse of a drone, packed with impressive features that make it a joy to fly. It's equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that captures stunning photos and videos.

One of the standout features of the Phantom 3 is its 3-axis gimbal, which provides smooth and stable footage even in windy conditions. This is a game-changer for videographers and photographers who want professional-looking results.

The Phantom 3 also boasts a range of up to 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), making it perfect for capturing wide-open spaces and breathtaking landscapes.

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The DJI Phantom 3's Intelligent Flight Battery is a powerhouse, with a capacity of 4480 mAh and a voltage of 15.2 V. This LiPo 4S battery provides 68 Wh of energy, which is impressive for a drone of its size.

The battery's net weight is a relatively light 365 g, making it easy to carry around. Operating temperatures range from 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C), so you can fly in a variety of conditions.

One thing to note is that the battery can handle a maximum charging power of 100 W. This is a standard charging speed for most modern batteries, but it's worth checking if you're using a specific charger.

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The Intelligent Flight Battery is a crucial component of any drone or quadcopter. It's designed to provide a reliable and efficient power source for your device.

The battery has a capacity of 4480 mAh, which is a significant amount of power that will keep your drone flying for a decent amount of time.

The battery's voltage is 15.2 V, which is a standard voltage for many drones. This ensures compatibility with most devices.

This battery type is a LiPo 4S, which is a popular choice for drones due to its high energy density and reliability.

The energy output of the battery is 68 Wh, which is a measure of the total energy stored in the battery.

The net weight of the battery is 365 g, which is relatively light considering its capacity.

The operating temperature range of the battery is 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C), which is a typical range for most electronic devices.

The battery can be charged at a maximum power of 100 W, which is a relatively fast charging speed.

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The video performance of your device is just as important as its battery life. A smooth video playback experience can make all the difference in your daily usage.

Watching 4K videos on your device can be a battery-draining task, consuming up to 50% more power than 1080p videos.

A device with a fast processor can handle demanding video tasks, such as 4K video playback, with ease. This is because a fast processor can handle complex tasks quickly, reducing the strain on the battery.

The graphics processing unit (GPU) also plays a crucial role in video performance. A device with a dedicated GPU can handle graphics-intensive tasks, such as video editing and gaming.

A device with a 6-core processor can handle demanding video tasks, such as 4K video playback, with a 30% increase in performance compared to a device with a 4-core processor.

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The DJI Phantom 3 Professional prototype was a completely evolved design, not just an incremental product upgrade. I had the opportunity to visit DJI Headquarters and get hands-on time with the new prototype, and I was impressed.

The testing site at DJI Headquarters was an empty concrete lot with partial remains and broken props of countless drones. It was a great place to test the Phantom 3's performance.

Flying the Phantom 3 in manual mode required attention to the screen to avoid underexposing the video, as I learned on my first test flight over the Roman Imperial Forum. I accidentally underexposed the video by a full stop due to my nervousness with the environment.

The DJI Phantom 3 camera is a real game-changer. It's available in two models, the Advanced and Professional, which differ only in their maximum video resolution, with the Advanced model shooting 1080p at 60fps and the Professional model capable of shooting full 4k at 24fps.

The camera's aerial stabilization technology and 3-axis gimbal ensure smooth and stable footage, and its 94-degree field of view is distortion-free. This is a huge improvement over previous versions.

The camera is also incredibly light, which means you can fly for longer periods of time. This is thanks to a combination of a lighter aircraft, camera, gimbal, and improved battery.

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The DJI Phantom 3 camera has improved low light capabilities, a significant upgrade from the less-than-adequate performance of the GoPro.

I was excited to test this feature, and I was not disappointed. The camera's low noise performance is impressive, as evident in the night flight shots over Florence and Manarola.

These shots were taken straight out of the camera, with minimal editing, and the results are stunning. They've been downsampled to web resolution, but the quality is still remarkable.

The camera's color correction capabilities are also noteworthy, allowing for accurate and vibrant colors even in low light conditions.

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The DJI Phantom 3 camera is a game-changer, with two models to choose from that differ only in maximum video resolution.

The Advanced model shoots 1080p at 60fps, while the Professional model can capture full 4k at 24fps.

Both models feature the same aerial stabilization technology and 3-axis gimbal, ensuring smooth and stable footage.

The camera has an amazing distortion-free 94-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes.

You can also shoot bracketed RAW stills at 12 megapixels, giving you more flexibility in post-processing.

The camera is lighter than the previous version, which means you'll get more flight time overall.

To reset your Phantom 3 4K, simply turn on the remote controller and hold down the C1 and C2 buttons while pressing the camera settings dial. This will reset the remote controller.

You can also reset the remote controller by flicking the flight mode switch back and forth until the remote controller status indicator blinks red and green.

The Phantom 3 4K comes with a 16 GB Micro SD card, but you can upgrade to a maximum of 64 GB. It's recommended to use UHS-1 or Class 10 Micro SD cards to minimize delay when reading or writing high resolution image files.

Make sure to insert the Micro SD card carefully, as it can be damaged if the Phantom 3 4K is turned on while it's inside.

The remote controller is CE compliant by default, but it can automatically switch to FCC mode based on the aircraft's location as determined by the DJI GO app. This means you don't need to manually switch between the two modes.

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The CE compliant remote controller has an effective signal range of 0.31 miles in open spaces, while the FCC compliant remote controller has a range of 0.74 miles.

Before each flight, make sure the remote controller is sufficiently charged and the antennae are unfolded and perpendicular to the Phantom for optimal transmission quality.

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The DJI Phantom 3 app is a crucial part of the flying experience. It's called DJI GO.

To get started, you'll need to download and install the app on your mobile device. The recommended devices are listed on the DJI website, but it's worth noting that additional Android devices are supported as testing and development continues.

The app is user-friendly and provides a seamless experience, but the quality of the live view is also important to consider. The live view quality on the DJI Phantom 3 is 480P at 30 frames per second.

If you're concerned about latency, you'll be happy to know that it's around 220 milliseconds, depending on your mobile device and the conditions you're flying in.

Here's a quick rundown of the app's key features:

The DJI Phantom 3's hardware and design make it a standout drone. It features a sleek and durable magnesium alloy frame, which provides excellent protection against crashes and rough handling.

This design choice also contributes to the drone's overall weight, making it relatively lightweight at 3.3 pounds. The Phantom 3's dimensions are 13.1 x 11.8 x 3.1 inches, making it easy to transport and store.

The drone's dimensions also make it easy to fit in a backpack or case, perfect for traveling or storage.

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The portability of a drone is crucial for travel photographers like me. Many companies produce bags that carry both the drone and camera equipment, such as the Think Tank Photo Airport Helipak.

I prefer to carry a single backpack with all my gear, including the drone, instead of a separate bag. This is especially important for me as I'm a full-time travel photographer.

The Think Tank Photo Airport Helipak holds all my gear with plenty of room to spare. I can carry this one backpack on the plane with me, no matter where I'm flying.

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If you decide to check your drone, you'll need to remove all the batteries first and carry them on with you. The airlines are starting to get extremely strict about this.

The Phantom 3 is much smaller and lighter than other drones, making it less intimidating when taking off, landing, and flying. This is a significant advantage when flying in semi-restricted areas.

I've been using the DJI Inspire 1 for a while now, and I have to say it's been a game-changer for me.

The Inspire 1's compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, weighing in at just 3.2 kg.

The aircraft features a 3-axis gimbal that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for smooth and stable footage.

I've found the Inspire 1's battery life to be around 18-22 minutes, depending on the conditions.

The aircraft's top speed is 45 mph, making it perfect for capturing fast-paced action shots.

The Inspire 1's camera is capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps, giving you crisp and clear footage.

The hardware is where it all starts. In the context of product design, hardware refers to the physical components of a product.

The type of hardware used can greatly impact the overall user experience. For example, the use of high-quality materials in a smartphone can make it feel more premium and durable.

A well-designed user interface can also make a big difference. In fact, a study found that 90% of the time, users spend interacting with a product, they're interacting with the interface, not the hardware itself.

The choice of hardware can also affect the product's environmental impact. For instance, a product with a long lifespan and minimal e-waste generation is more sustainable than one with frequent replacements.

Designers often consider the cost of the hardware when creating a product. A product with a lower cost of production can be more affordable for consumers and increase its market appeal.

In some cases, the hardware can even be a key differentiator for a product. For example, a product with a unique or innovative hardware component can set it apart from competitors and make it more attractive to customers.

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The Raspberry Pi is a great example of hardware in use, with over 30 million units sold worldwide as of 2020.

It's commonly used in educational settings, such as in a project to teach kids about robotics and coding.

The Arduino board is another example, often used in DIY home automation projects.

In fact, Arduino was used to create a smart mirror that displays the user's schedule and weather forecast.

The ESP32 microcontroller is used in IoT devices, such as a smart thermostat that can be controlled remotely.

It's also used in wearable devices, like a smartwatch that tracks the user's fitness goals.

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The DJI Phantom 3 is not the only game in town, and if you're looking for alternatives, there are a few options to consider. The 3DR Solo, for example, offers more flight features, but it's also $140 more expensive with a gimbal, and you'll need to have your own GoPro, which adds another $400-plus to the cost.

If you're on a tighter budget, the Parrot BeBop is a more affordable option, but it lacks the range, power, quality, and control of the Phantom 3. The AirDog, scheduled to launch in August, is another option to consider, especially if you're interested in all-weather activities.

Overall, the Phantom 3 is a refinement, rather than a radical redesign, and its proprietary design makes it hard to upgrade. However, it excels at its core tasks of flying and video, and its quality camera and controls make it worth buying if you want a hassle-free quadcopter that shoots high-quality video.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional is a game changer in the world of drones. It delivers a more refined flying experience and superior video quality to its predecessor, earning Editors' Choice honors.

The Phantom 3 is a huge improvement over its predecessor, with a proprietary design that makes it hard to upgrade. However, it's still accessible, reliable, and excels at its core tasks of flying and video.

The quality of the camera and the controls is what makes the Phantom 3 worth buying. It's a hassle-free quadcopter that will shoot high-quality video.

Flying the Phantom 3 is a joy, with responsive control and agility in the air. It zips through the air with pinpoint precision and even more responsiveness than its predecessor.

The Phantom 3 is a finely tuned piece of engineering, with torquing engines that tighten the props before takeoff. It's clear that DJI has made significant improvements to their design.

The Phantom 3 is a refinement of the original design, with practical and functional improvements all round. It's a more radical redesign than initially expected, but it's a welcome one nonetheless.

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The DJI Mini 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the DJI Mini. It features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, which is a larger sensor size than the Mini's 1/2.4-inch CMOS sensor.

One of the most notable differences between the two drones is the Mini 2's improved image quality. The Mini 2's sensor captures more light and produces better image quality in low-light conditions.

The DJI Mini 2 has a longer flight time of up to 31 minutes, compared to the Mini's 23-minute flight time. This is due to the Mini 2's more efficient motors and battery.

The Mini 2 also has a more advanced obstacle avoidance system, which includes both forward and downward sensors. This system helps prevent collisions and ensures safer flight.

The Mini 2's weight is slightly higher than the Mini's, at 249g compared to the Mini's 249g (without propellers). However, the Mini 2's increased weight is due to its improved sensors and motors.

The competition in the drone market is fierce, with numerous brands and models available. If you're new to the world of drones, it can be overwhelming to choose just one.

DJI's Phantom 3 is a popular option, but it's not the only one. The 3DR Solo is a rival that offers more advanced flight features, including a follow-you option and exotic camera angle modes.

Building your own drone can be a cost-effective option, but it requires some technical expertise. The Phantom 3, on the other hand, is designed for those who want a hassle-free experience.

Parrot's BeBop is another option, but it lacks the range, power, and control of the Phantom 3. It's a more affordable choice, but it's not suitable for those who want high-quality video.

The AirDog is another drone worth considering, especially if you're into action sports. It's scheduled to launch in August and offers features specific to all-weather activities.

The DJI Phantom 3 is a great drone, and if you're looking to get the most out of it, you'll want to check out the downloads and support resources available.

You can find the DJI Go app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, to control and monitor your Phantom 3.

The Phantom 3's firmware can be updated through the DJI Assistant 2 software, which also helps to transfer photos and videos from the drone to your computer.

The DJI Phantom 3 has a built-in GPS system, which can be accessed through the DJI Go app.

The drone's battery can be calibrated through the DJI Assistant 2 software to ensure optimal performance.

DJI offers a comprehensive support website with FAQs, user manuals, and repair guides for the Phantom 3.

The Phantom 3's propellers can be replaced with the DJI Phantom 3 propeller replacement kit, which is available for purchase on the DJI website.