You my dear friends all know the drone photography + cinematography, UMAV’s, quadcopters, whatever the hell you wanna call them is all the rage these days. You don’t need me to tell you that. But even I couldn’t have predicted when I was first playing around with this stuff back in 2008, 09 and 2010 how fast this technology was going to blow up (figuratively). And…well… I’ve gotten to know the fine folks from DJI Global, attended their launch event in SF end of last year…and lo and behold, I last week scored their newest machine–The Inspire 1– and holy crap. #nice stuff.
Even if you’re not a pro, the DJI Global Inspire 1 drone (or unmanned aerial vehicle, but that’s a debate for another day!) is going to make you feel like one. For the first time (with any degree of quality), this sexy beast has its own camera, made by DHI, just for UAV filming. There are lots of other bits too…some great, and the jury’s out on some other features… My rants and ramble are in the above video, but here’s a quick list o’ specs:
- 4k camera mounted on the drone
- 12mp stills
- 1.2 mile radio range
- 3-axis gimbal
- Wireless 720p HD live view back to earth via the mobile app, so you always know what it’s seeing
- GPS to help guide it — and find it, in case you’re a bad pilot
- Indoor mode with spacial awareness
- Average flight time: Between 18 and 22 minutes
Other hot features on the Inspire 1 that make it sweet? Frickin lazers! Ok, just kidding. But it’s got landing gear that retract and expand on takeoff and landing, without sacrificing the 360-degree view of the camera. It’s also got an optional double-remote feature, so one person can be manning the UAV, while the other pilot is aiming the camera itself. How cool is THAT? That arrangement most closely mimics the approach the professional drone operators have been using for years. Now it’s in your hands.
Anyway, there’s more deets in the video above. And I presume we’ll be seeing more from upcoming competitors like GoPro, Adorama, 3D Robotics, SteadiDrone and many others.
Check out this unboxing video above to hear my take and get a feel for how hearty (and sexy) this craft is.
[Any questions on this? Hit me in the comments. Have other fav drones or optimistic with one coming out? Chime in as well…]
Tremendous things here. I am very satisfied to peer your article.
Thank you so much and I am taking a look ahead to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Chase – really curious to hear your thoughts on the video quality of the DJI camera included with the new Inspire. Please share 🙂
So it’s been a few days. What are your thoughts so far!?? I’ve been thinking about picking up the Inspire but would love to hear how you like it.
good unboxing here cheres