Introduction
The DJI Phantom series is one of the most iconic and pioneering drone lineups in the industry. Known for its reliability, advanced technology, and ease of use, the Phantom series has consistently set benchmarks for consumer and professional drones. This article dives deep into the history, specifications, pricing, and unique features of each Phantom model, showcasing why they have become legends in the drone world.
1. DJI Phantom 1 (2013)
Launch Date: January 7, 2013
The Phantom 1 marked DJI’s entry into the consumer drone market, offering a ready-to-fly quadcopter that set the foundation for future innovations.
Specifications:
- Camera: None (GoPro mount available)
- Flight Time: 10-15 minutes
- Range: 1 km
- Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg
- Max Speed: 22 km/h
Launch Price: $679
Current Price: Discontinued (used market: $100-$200)
Why It’s Special:
The Phantom 1 was revolutionary for its time, offering a simple plug-and-play experience. It allowed users to attach their GoPro cameras and capture stunning aerial shots.
2. DJI Phantom 2 Series (2013-2014)
Launch Date: December 2013
The Phantom 2 series included multiple variants: Phantom 2, Phantom 2 Vision, and Phantom 2 Vision+. These drones improved flight time and introduced integrated cameras.
Phantom 2
- Camera: None (GoPro mount available)
- Flight Time: 20-25 minutes
- Range: 2 km
- Weight: Approx. 1.3 kg
- Max Speed: 25 km/h
Launch Price: $679
Current Price: Discontinued (used market: $150-$250)
Phantom 2 Vision
- Camera: 14 MP, 1080p at 30 fps
- Flight Time: 20 minutes
- Range: 300-500 meters
Launch Price: $1,199
Current Price: Discontinued (used market: $200-$300)
Phantom 2 Vision+
- Camera: 14 MP, 1080p at 30 fps with 3-axis gimbal
- Flight Time: 20 minutes
- Range: 700 meters
Launch Price: $1,299
Current Price: Discontinued (used market: $250-$400)
Why It’s Special:
The Phantom 2 series introduced integrated cameras and gimbals, providing stable footage and extending usability beyond hobbyists to semi-professional users.
3. DJI Phantom 3 Series (2015)
Launch Date: April 8, 2015
The Phantom 3 series was a significant leap forward, offering advanced flight control, enhanced camera capabilities, and live HD video streaming.
Phantom 3 Standard
- Camera: 12 MP, 2.7K video
- Flight Time: 25 minutes
- Range: 1 km
Launch Price: $799
Current Price: $350 (used market)
Phantom 3 Advanced
- Camera: 12 MP, 2.7K video with enhanced bitrate
- Flight Time: 23 minutes
- Range: 5 km
Launch Price: $999
Current Price: $400 (used market)
Phantom 3 Professional
- Camera: 12 MP, 4K at 30 fps
- Flight Time: 23 minutes
- Range: 5 km
Launch Price: $1,259
Current Price: $450 (used market)
Why It’s Special:
The Phantom 3 series democratized aerial photography and videography with its affordability and powerful features. The Professional model, in particular, brought 4K video to the masses.
4. DJI Phantom 4 Series (2016-2020)
Launch Date: March 1, 2016
The Phantom 4 series included several models, each improving upon the last with features like obstacle avoidance, advanced cameras, and enhanced flight capabilities.
Phantom 4
- Camera: 12 MP, 4K at 30 fps
- Flight Time: 28 minutes
- Range: 5 km
Launch Price: $1,399
Current Price: $800 (used market)
Phantom 4 Pro
- Camera: 20 MP, 1-inch sensor, 4K at 60 fps
- Flight Time: 30 minutes
- Range: 7 km
Launch Price: $1,499
Current Price: $1,200 (used market)
Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
- Camera: Same as Phantom 4 Pro
- Flight Time: 30 minutes
- Range: 8 km
Launch Price: $1,729
Current Price: $1,400 (used market)
Why It’s Special:
The Phantom 4 series set a new benchmark for professional-grade drones, offering advanced sensors, exceptional cameras, and longer flight times. The Pro models were particularly beloved by filmmakers and surveyors.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 20MP Camera 1" CMOS Sensor 4K H.265 Video 3-Axis Gimbal, Remote Controller with 5.5" Screen, White (CP.PT.00000234.01) (Renewed)
Features
- The Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0 camera drone comes equipped with a 3-axis motorized gimbal and a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor with a mechanical shutter that eliminates rolling shutter distortion.
- With the 5.5-inch 1080p LCD screen built into the optional remote controller, your images are easily visible even in direct sunlight.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a beast when it comes to flight performance. It has a maximum flight speed of 72 kph and an 8km transmission range with 1080p livestreaming and automatic frequency switching thanks to OcuSync 2.0.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, Draw mode, Gesture mode, and more. Draw lets you control the flight path with a fixed altitude simply by creating a route on the screen.
- What you get: DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0, Remote Controller with 5.5" Screen, Intelligent Flight, Battery, Charger, Power Cable, 4x Propellers (pair), Gimbal Clamp, microSD Card (32GB), Micro USB Cable, Carrying Case
Conclusion
The DJI Phantom series has been instrumental in shaping the drone industry. From the groundbreaking Phantom 1 to the highly advanced Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, each model has contributed to making aerial photography and videography accessible, reliable, and professional. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional filmmaker, the Phantom series has a model that caters to your needs.
