DJI Upgrade the Phantom 4 Pro

DJI has just launched a significant upgrade to the Phantom 4 Pro. The new DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is now 60 percent quieter than its predecessor built with new ESCs and low-noise propellers.

The improved propellers and motors result in increased stability and a reported 4dB reduction in aircraft noise. The whiny noise of the Phantom 4 Pro  has always been an issue, especially for closer range drone filming services, so this 60 percent reduction is certainly a notable improvement.

Phantom 4 Pro Switches to OcuSync

Also new is a switch to DJI’s OcuSync transmission technology (also used on the Mavic Pro) for live-streaming video, replacing the older Lightbridge system used on the previous model. OcuSync is designed for low-latency, high-resolution video, specifically for use with DJI’s FPV racing goggles, and promises better performance across the board compared to the old system. A great option for FPV fans who previously could only use OcuSync wireless goggles connection with the Mavic Pro.

Otherwise, the V2.0 model is the same as the original P4P that was released back in November 2016: same 30-minute flight time, same one-inch, 20 megapixel CMOS sensor that can record video at up to 4K/60p, same design, and same range for Drone Aerial Photography.

The aircraft looks nearly identical to the original Phantom 4 Pro, The new version 2 is designed to be more of an internal upgrade. A new infrared sensing system has been incorporated into the Pro V2.0 improving the drone’s overall ability to autonomously move through spaces and avoid objects.

For both models, DJI claims it’s cut down on propeller noise by up to 60%, or about 4 dB, by using “new aerodynamic 9455S propellers and FOC ESC drivers” that offer “improved noise control and sinusoidal current”.

This isn’t a revolutionary upgrade, but it does improve on what was already an excellent drone. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 retails for £1,589 for aerial photography in the UK.

The silver-grey drone we have seen recently could be a the new DJI Phantom 5.  The upgrade to the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 was not even accompanied by a DJI press release.  We think the Phantom 5  will be launched in the next 3 months with a significant price hike over the current P4P version 2.

The P4P comes with all of the DJI intelligent flight mode included.

DJI Intelligent Flight Modes

DRAW

Draw is a brand new technology for waypoint control. Simply draw a route on screen and the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 will move in that direction while keeping its altitude locked. This allows the pilot to focus on camera control and enables more complex shots. There are two Draw modes that can be used in different scenarios.

Forward: The aircraft follows the route at a constant speed with the camera facing in the direction of flight.
Free: The aircraft only moves along the route when instructed. In this mode, the camera can face in any direction during a flight.

The P4P V2.0 automatically recognizes subjects, follows and captures them as they move, making it easier to get complex shots.

ACTIVE TRACK

Following fast-moving objects can be very challenging, but advanced image recognition algorithms used by the P4P V2.0 allow it to recognize and track the object while keeping it in frame. This new algorithm also recognizes more subjects, from people to vehicles to animals, and will adjust its flight dynamics to match, ensuring smoother shots.

Pilots can now choose between:
Trace – Follow behind or in front of a subject, avoiding obstacles automatically.

Profile – Fly alongside a subject at a variety of angles to get profile shots of the subject.
Spotlight – Keep the camera trained on a subject while the aircraft flies almost anywhere.

TAPFLY

Fly in any direction visible on-screen with a simple tap. Tap anywhere on-screen to smoothly adjust the direction of flight while automatically avoiding obstacles * and tap the screen again or use control sticks to change direction. A new AR route function shows the aircraft’s real-time flight direction for reference as its route is adjusted. As it can be difficult to control altitude, course, speed and camera pitch simultaneously using joysticks, TapFly Free allows a pilot to set the direction of flight, allowing them to turn the P4P V2.0 or tilt the gimbal as required without changing the direction of flight. In total, there are now three TapFly modes:

TapFly Forward – Tap to fly in the selected direction
TapFly Backward – Tap to fly in the opposite direction of the tap, i.e. tap in the bottom right corner of the screen to fly backward towards the top left.
TapFly Free – Lock the forward direction of the Phantom without locking the camera direction allowing it to turn

GESTURE MODE

Using Gesture Mode, selfies can be captured easily using a few gestures without the remote controller. Advanced computer vision technology allows the P4P V2.0 to take instructions through gestures. The subject simply lifts their arms when facing the camera and the aircraft will recognize this movement by locking on and placing the subject in the center of the frame. When ready for a photo, the subject holds their arms out to signal the aircraft. A three second countdown will begin, making time to strike a pose, allowing moments to be captured without the remote control.

Roy Horton writes for Drone Photography Services about UAV Equipment and Aerial Photography in Cornwall.