The DJI Inspire Series is one of the most iconic professional drone lineups ever created. Inspire drones are known for their transforming design, powerful cameras, and cinema-level features, making them the preferred drones by filmmakers, production studios, and aerial photographers of the world.
Since the DJI Inspire 1 (2014) that initiated the legacy, through the Inspire 2 (2016) that established the industry ceiling, and most recently the Inspire 3 (2023) that transformed aerial cinematography with 8K RAW recording, the Inspire Series has raised the bar over and over again.
Investing in a professional drone to film? If you are thinking of investing in a professional drone to film, this detailed guide will provide you with a full overview of the Inspire lineup, their features, comparisons and recommendations.
DJI Inspire Series in a Nutshell
The three generations of the Inspire series are briefly shown here:
- DJI Inspire 1 (2014) : The first professional transforming drone that may exchange cameras (X3, X5, X5R). It opened up the filmmakers to real film aerials.
- DJI Inspire 2 (2016) : A classic drone featuring dual-battery capacity, 5.2K RAW video, and Zenmuse camera capability. Continues to be very popular with indie filmmaking.
3- DJI Inspire 3 (2023) : The latest cinema powerhouse featuring 8K RAW recording, full-frame Zenmuse X9 camera, and 360° obstacle sensing designed to produce Hollywood-quality results.
1- DJI Inspire 2 (2016) Inspirational Pack Review
DJI Inspire 2 can be regarded as one of the most popular professional drones that have ever been released. Designed to support cinematic aerial filmmaking, it provided the first RAW video capture option, dual batteries, and safety features, and is popular with both commercial and indie productions.
Launch Date
Official Release : November 2016.
Reception in the Market : Within a short time it became a standard in filmmaking drones.
Key Features – DJI Inspire 2
| Feature | Specification |
| Price | $2,999 (base, without camera) |
| Camera Compatibility | Zenmuse X4S, X5S, X7 |
| Video Quality | Up to 5.2K RAW / Apple ProRes |
| Max Photo Resolution | 20 MP (camera dependent) |
| Flight Time | 27 min (dual batteries) |
| Battery System | Dual intelligent batteries |
| Transmission | Lightbridge HD, 7 km range |
| Obstacle Sensing | Forward & downward sensors |
| Max Speed | 58 mph (94 kph) |
| Storage | CineCore 2.0 system |
| Weight | ~3.4 kg (with camera) |
| Best Use | Professional filmmaking & videography |
Pros
- Extended flight time dual-battery system.
- Supports RAW / ProRes formats.
- Large support of Zenmuse cameras.
- Reliable and durable build.
Cons
- Heavy in comparison with modern drones.
- Very costly with a complete camera system.
- Professionally demanding.
Why It’s Special
The Inspire 2 became the filmmaker drone all over the world. It is the most popular cinema drone during its era due to its 5.2K RAW video recorder and its versatility.
DJI Inspire 2 Premium Combo | 5.2K Camera Quadcopter Drone
Features
| Part Number | DJICPBX000185 |
| Model | DJICPBX000185 |
2- DJI Inspire 3 (2023) – Overview
The most sophisticated drone in the range is the DJI Inspire 3, aimed at cinema professionals, who require 8K RAW, full-frame sensors and fine-tuning control.
Launch Date
Official Release : April 2023.
Reception : Immediately was the best to Hollywood and professional production studios.
Key Features – DJI Inspire 3
| Feature | Specification |
| Price | $2,999 (base, without camera) |
| Camera Compatibility | Zenmuse X4S, X5S, X7 |
| Video Quality | Up to 5.2K RAW / Apple ProRes |
| Max Photo Resolution | 20 MP (camera dependent) |
| Flight Time | 27 min (dual batteries) |
| Battery System | Dual intelligent batteries |
| Transmission | Lightbridge HD, 7 km range |
| Obstacle Sensing | Forward & downward sensors |
| Max Speed | 58 mph (94 kph) |
| Storage | CineCore 2.0 system |
| Weight | ~3.4 kg (with camera) |
| Best Use | Professional filmmaking & videography |
Pros
- 8K RAW and Apple ProRes.
- Full-frame Zenmuse X9 gimbal.
- Advanced 360° Obstacle sensing.
- Stability and precision on a professional level.
Cons
- Extremely expensive.
- Not appropriate in amateur works.
- Needs a team of experts to operate.
Why It’s Special
Inspire 3 is the next step of aerial cinematography. Its 8K RAW recording capabilities and incredibly stable controls make it the drone of choice of filmmakers in Hollywood in 2025.
DJI Inspire 2 vs DJI Inspire 3 Which one to buy?
Inspire 2 : Cost-effective (less than $3,000 without camera), best suited to indie filmmakers and smaller productions.
Inspire 3: Premium (starting at 16,499+) is aimed at professional studios that require 8K video quality at the level of cinema.
Even as a freelancer or a content creator, Inspire 2 can continue to provide better value. Inspire 3 is unbeatable if you are working on feature films or commercials.
The Question of How to Select the Appropriate Inspire Drone
- Budget Issues – Inspire 2 vs Inspire 3 difference in costs.
- Use Case : You are content creators, film-makers, studios.
- Camera Requirement – 5.2K vs 8K RAW recording.
- The long-term cinema solution is Future-Proofing – Inspire 3.
Our Recommendations (Series)
- Best under 2000 USD → DJI Inspire 2.
- Best in Professional Cinematography → DJI Inspire 3.
- Best Long-Term Investment → DJI Inspire 3.
FAQs
Do you Still Need to Buy DJI Inspire 2 in 2025?
Yes, it remains a fantastic option amongst independent filmmakers and it also provides RAW video quality at a significantly reduced cost.
What is the Price of DJI Inspire 3?
The core Inspire 3 package (including Zenmuse X9-8K Air camera) costs 16499.
Is it Possible to Use Inspire 2 and Inspire 3 to Shoot Commercial Film?
Yes, both are popular in filmmaking, but Inspire 3 is more future-proof because it has an 8K version.
Which is the Best Inspire Drone to Get when you are a Beginner?
None- Inspire drones are professional only. First time users have to begin with DJI Mini or Air Series.
Am I Required to be Licensed to Fly Inspire Drones?
Yes, business operators must be accredited and licensed according to your country.
Conclusion
The DJI Inspire Series has defined professional drone filmmaking for over a decade.
Inspire 1 (2014) : The foundation.
Inspire 2 (2016) : The standard of industry.
Inspire 3 (2023) : The future of aerial cinema.
The Inspire 2 is also a good option if you want affordable professional equipment. However, in Hollywood productions the Inspire 3 cannot be compared to any other.
3- DJI Inspire 1 – Legacy Model
The first drone in the Inspire line was the DJI Inspire 1, which was the first to launch with transforming arms, replaceable cameras and 360-degree shots.
Launch Date
Official Release : November 2014.
Variants
- Inspire 1 Pro → With Zenmuse X5 camera.
- Inspire 1 RAW → Provides RAW video with Zenmuse X5R.
Why It’s No Longer Active
- No longer developed since the launch of Inspire 2.
- Short flight time of 18 minutes, no obstacle detection, and old-fashioned transmission.
- And still cherished by the collector, but not to be used in 2025.
