If you have heard of drones before, you will definitely be aware of DJI’s Phantom series, the most recent model being the Phantom 4. The trademark design has become synonymous with recreational drone flying. It’s slickly crafted white shell is the same shape that was featured on the first ever Phantom model released back in early 2013. However, don’t allow the aesthetic similarities to fool you, the current Phantom 4 and its fellow models host an array of features and capabilities worlds beyond their predecessor.
Currently, the Phantom 4 has three variations; Phantom 4 (P4), Phantom 4 Pro (P4P) and Phantom 4 Pro+ (P4P+). It’s worth noting the prices of the three units. The P4 retails at $1699, the P4P is $2599 and the P4P+ is $3099. For someone in the market for a premium quality drone, you'd probably be curious what an extra $1400 provides you with. The main difference between the P4P+ has to the P4P is the inbuilt LCD monitor attached to the controller; it is 40% brighter than an average smartphone screen, which results in a much easier to view video feed when operating in bright and glare heavy areas. Additionally, the P4P+ has a direct HDMI input on the remote. This opens up capabilities to connect with additional monitors and VR headsets. The remaining feature upgrades from the P4 are identical between the P4P and P4P+.
The first major upgrade is the camera. DJI have leaped from a 12 megapixel camera to an all new 20 megapixel camera. Its the first DJI camera to use a mechanical aperture, which basically eliminates distortion at high speeds or when capturing fast moving subjects. Advanced sensors and more powerful video processing provides higher quality film with enhanced image detail.
Another major improvement on the latest Phantom 4 Pro model is the improved obstacle sensing. With an additional four sensors to the P4, the P4P can sense and avoid obstacles in 5 different directions, allowing operators to access more intricate shots with a greater sense of confidence.
Another convenient new feature of the P4P and P4P+ is DJI Care Refresh. Essentially this is a damage control plan available for 10% of the drone price. If you fly tree into a tree, spill a glass of beer over it or reverse over it in your driveway, DJI will replace it at 10% of the cost price of the unit. Being in the business of drone repairs, I can personally attest to the high, often economically unfeasible cost of repairs on crashed drones. Given the complexity and high tech nature of these products, we personally believe that this is an essential for any future pilot!
In case you weren't yet sold, the P4P and P4P+ have been slapped with an additional 2km (7km in total) control range and upgraded with smart flight batteries capable of an extra 2 mins flight time. There are a handful of extra intelligent flight features. “Gesture Mode” enables the operator to take photos and video with gestures rather than the remote and “Draw”, which allows the operator to draw a flight path for the drone with his or her finger.
So once again, DJI have outdone themselves with their latest Phantom refurb! Jam-packed full of new features and enhanced capabilities, there is no questions this latest line of Phantom 4’s are miles beyond previous Phantoms and any other competitors!
| DJI Phantom 4 | DJI Phantom 4 Pro | DJI Phantom 4 Pro + | |
| Camera | 12 megapixel | 20 megapixel | 20 megapixel |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.3 inches | 1 inch | 1 inch |
| Battery Life | 28 mins (approx) | 30 mins (approx) | 30 mins (approx) |
| Range | 5km | 7km | 7km |
| Care Refresh | No | Yes | Yes |
| In-built screen | No | No | Yes |
| HDMI output | No | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1380g | 1388g | 1388g |
| Price | $1699 | $2599 | $3099 |