One of the most recognizable and significant product lines in drone history is the DJI Phantom Series. From the 2013 release of the first DJI Phantom drone (Phantom 1) to the more sophisticated DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral, this series has influenced the use of aerial technology by professionals, filmmakers, and enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a beginner searching for an entry-level quadcopter or a professional looking for mapping and agriculture drones, the DJI Phantom drone lineup has something for every user.
In this blog, we’ll cover the DJI Phantom 1, Phantom 2, Phantom 3, and Phantom 4 Series, their subtypes, features, launch dates, and prices, along with a comparison table, FAQs, and buying advice.
DJI Phantom Series Overview
DJI has introduced the Phantom Series to enable the company to make drones more affordable to the average person yet offer high-quality features.
The main types of DJI Phantom drones are:
DJI Phantom 1 (2013)
DJI Phantom 2 Series (2013–2014)
Phantom 2 Vision
Phantom 2 Vision+
DJI Phantom 3 Series (2015)
Phantom 3 Standard
Phantom 3 Advanced
Phantom 3 Professional
DJI Phantom 4 Series (2016–2020)
Phantom 4 Pro
Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Phantom 4 Advanced
Phantom 4 RTK
1. DJI Phantom 1 (2013)
The DJI Phantom 1 was the first consumer-friendly drone by DJI. It was also light, easy to fly and became one of the most successful drones to begin with.
Launch Date
Released: January 2013
Key Features of DJI Phantom 1
| Feature | Details |
| Camera | Compatible with GoPro cameras |
| Flight Time | ~10 minutes |
| Range | 300 meters |
| Speed | 22 mph (35 km/h) |
| Price | Around $479 at launch |
Why It’s Special
Beginners could record simple aerial footage with the simple yet powerful Phantom 1. It set the foundation for all future DJI Phantom drones.
2. DJI Phantom 2 Series (2013–2014)
The DJI Phantom 2 Series improved on flight time, stability, and introduced built-in cameras with the Vision models.
Launch Date
Released: Late 2013
Key Features of DJI Phantom 2
| Feature | Details |
| Camera | 14MP camera (Vision models) |
| Flight Time | ~25 minutes |
| Range | 700 meters |
| Speed | 38 mph (60 km/h) |
| Battery | 5200 mAh LiPo |
| Price | Around $679–$799 |
Why It’s Special
A favorite among fans of aerial photography, the DJI Phantom 2 offered improved stability and longer flight durations.
2.1 DJI Phantom 2 Vision
Launch Date : October 2013
Key Features:
- 14MP camera
- 1080p video recording
- Wi-Fi FPV transmission
- ~25 minutes flight time
- Price: $799
Why It’s Special : Built-in camera on a First Phantom.
2.2 DJI Phantom 2 Vision+
Launch Date : July 2014
Key Features:
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- 14MP camera, 1080p video
- FPV via mobile app
- ~25 minutes flight time
- Price: $999
Why It is Special : It brought stabilized aerial shots to buyers.al users.
3. DJI Phantom 3 Series (2015)
The Phantom 3 series took a giant step, having 2.7K-4K cameras, GPS and intelligent flight modes.
Launch Date
Released : April 2015
Key Features of DJI Phantom 3
| Feature | Details |
| Camera | Up to 4K (Professional model) |
| Flight Time | 20–23 minutes |
| Range | Up to 2 km |
| Controller | Dedicated DJI controller |
| Price | $499–$999 |
Why It’s Special
It has rendered professional drone photography affordable to the everyday users.
3.1 DJI Phantom 3 Standard
- Camera : 2.7K video, 12MP photos
- Range: 1 km
- Price: $499
Why It’s Special : Low-end drone with a camera.
3.2 DJI Phantom 3 Advanced
- Camera: 2.7K video, 12MP photos
- Range: 3 km
- Price: $799
Why It’s Special : GPS positioning with a balanced model.
3.3 DJI Phantom 3 Professional
- Camera: 4K video, 12MP photos
- Range: 5 km
- Price: $999
Why It’s Special : Introduced 4K drone cameras to the market.particular, brought 4K video to the masses.
4. 4. DJI Phantom 4 Series (2016–2020)
The DJI Phantom 4 Series transformed the drone technology with obstacle sensing capabilities, 4K cameras, faster speeds and intelligent flight modes.
Launch Date
Released: 2016–2020
Key Features of DJI Phantom 4
| Feature | Details |
| Camera | 4K @ 60fps, 20MP photos |
| Flight Time | 28–30 minutes |
| Speed | 45 mph (72 km/h) |
| Range | 7 km |
| Price | $1,199–$6,500 (depending on model) |
Why It’s Special
Phantom 4 is still applied by professionals to map, work in the agricultural industry, and make movies.
4.1 DJI Phantom 4 Pro
- 20MP 1-inch sensor
- Photography mechanical shutter.
- 30 min flight time
- Price: $1,499
Why It’s Special : Professional Quality aerial drone camera.
4.2 DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
- Increased transmission system (OcuSync)
- Quieter propellers
- Same 20MP 4K camera
- Price: $1,599
Why It’s Special : Pros do it better.
4.3 DJI Phantom 4 Advanced
- 20MP 4K camera
- 30 min flight time
- Price: $1,199
Why It’s Special : cheaper alternative to Pro model.
4.4 DJI Phantom 4 RTK
- Built for surveying & mapping
- RTK GPS system for accuracy
- Price: $6,000+
Why It’s Special : Industries Perfect mapping.
4.5 DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral
- 6-camera agriculture array.
- NDVI mapping for crops
- Price: $6,500
Owing to its capabilities in the agricultural and environmental sector, the drone is nominated as a specialized product.
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
DJI Phantom Series Comparison
| Model | Release Year | Camera | Flight Time | Range | Price | Best For |
| Phantom 1 | 2013 | GoPro (no built-in) | 10 min | 300m | $479 | Beginners |
| Phantom 2 | 2013–14 | 14MP / 1080p | 25 min | 700m | $679–999 | Photography hobbyists |
| Phantom 3 | 2015 | 2.7K–4K | 23 min | 5 km | $499–999 | Creators |
| Phantom 4 | 2016–20 | 4K–Multispectral | 30 min | 7 km | $1,199–6,500 | Professionals |
FAQs
When was the first DJI Phantom drone Released?
The DJI Phantom 1 was released in January 2013.
Which DJI Phantom Drone is Best for Beginners?
For novices, the DJI Phantom 1 (the original Phantom drone) and Phantom 3 Standard are the best options.
What is the DJI Phantom 4 Drone Price?
The drone costs between 1,199 and 6,500 depending on the model.
What is the Speed of DJI Phantom 4?
The DJI Phantom 4 speed reaches up to 72 km/h (45 mph).
Does the DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral have a Future in Agriculture?
Yes, the Phantom 4 Multispectral agriculture drone continues to find extensive application in agriculture and environmental surveillances.
Conclusion
The DJI Phantom Series has been a game-changer in the drone industry. Each model introduced innovation and accessibility, ranging from the entry-level Phantom 1 to the sophisticated Phantom 4 Multispectral for agriculture.
Although DJI has since turned to other Phantom series, such as Mavic and Inspire, the Phantom drones continue to be a legend in aerial photography, surveying and agriculture.
The Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 RTK are also one of the most recommended models today to go to when you need to buy a Phantom drone as a professional.
