- HanJin
Recently, there have been many discussions about which camera drone is better for consumers: the DJI Phantom 3 Pro vs 4 Pro. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is newer and more expensive than its predecessor and offers new features that many people find appealing.
However, it also has its downsides. Which one should you buy? We’ll answer this question in detail below!
Table of Contents
What is the DJI Phantom 4 Pro?
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drone is the latest model in the DJI Phantom series. This is the range that has really elevated DJI to the top of the list as the global leader in the drone market.
In 2018, the DJI Phantom4 Pro V2.0 was introduced. It was a major upgrade to the DJI Phantom 4.
Pros
- Camera sensor size 1″ CMOS
- Higher video quality
- Excellent operating range
- Navigation accuracy improved
- Upgraded obstacle sensors
- Communication system improved
- Smart return to home
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Maximum flight speed is 45 miles/hour, or 72 km/hour
Cons
- Bulky design
- There is no built-in display for the remote control
- Gimbal’s screeching sound
Read also: DJI Phantom 4 Professional Review 2023: Top choice for You
What is the DJI Phantom 3 Pro?
The DJI Phantom 3 was an iconic drone. The design of the original DJI P3 is celebrated today on many machines.
There were several versions of the DJI Phantom 3. The Phantom 3 Pro was the best, with a 4K camera and extended flight range. It also has better positioning and GPS tools.
Although the industry had made great strides since 2015 when the DJI Phantom 3 Pro was introduced to the market, it is still an excellent fin drone to have fun with.
Pros
- It’s easy to fly
- Stable in the air
- Smooth video capture, even during motion
- 20mm wide-angle lens
- 4K video capture
- Raw and JPG captures are still possible
- Live View Feed of High Quality
- GPS built-in
- Function for returning to home
- Automated flight modes
Cons
- Flight time is limited by battery life
- Wide-angle lens shows some edge distortion
DJI Phantom 3 Pro vs DJI Phantom 4 Pro – Comparison
Design
The Phantom4 Pro V.2.0 ships in a gorgeous reusable case with a handle. Everything packs easily inside the case, making it easy to transport. The Phantom is still a small drone. However, it’s not the most portable or lightweight option available for buyers.
DJI is a master of build quality. Although the Phantom is made of lightweight materials (and weighs in at just over 3 pounds), everything feels solid. This drone is the best you can expect in a drone this small and of such quality.
The design of Phantom 3 Professional is very cool, and it retains many of the design elements from its predecessors. Phantom 3 Professional from DJI features a sturdy, attractive white plastic body, fixed landing legs, and four rotors.
Camera
The Phantom4 Pro V. 2.0’s improved 1-inch sensor is impressive in the photo and video quality. It is a testament to the incredible progress made in aerial filmmaking in just a few years. The 24-mm lens can open up to f/2.8 at its widest and f/11 at its minimum. It also provides sharp images across the entire spectrum.
The ISO range for Photo mode is 100-3200 in Auto mode and up to 12800 when using Manual mode. The ISO range in Video mode is the same as Auto mode but reaches 6400 when used manually.
The Phantom 3 Pro’s 4K camera, which is the main selling point for professionals, is DJI’s. DJI addresses the needs of videographers and photographers with its wide range of settings and adjustments.
Photo Quality Comparison
It makes sense to compare the Phantom 3 and Phantom 4 cameras. The Phantom 3 Pro’s 12-megapixel camera is compared to the Phantom 4 Pro’s 20-megapixel camera. It has a slightly larger 1″ sensor.
The Phantom4 Pro produces sharper, more vibrant, and brighter images. The mechanical shutter, which has an adjustable ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed, gives you more control.
The Phantom 3 Pro has a 2.8 aperture, and you can’t change ISO or shutter speed. While both cameras are excellent in quality, the Phantom 3 Pro is superior to the Phantom 4. These photos will show you the difference!
These photos were taken in DNG. I applied a slight correction to the color and distortions, but they look pretty much the same as the original photos.
Both drones supported photo formats JPEG, DNG (RAW); however, the DJI Phantom4 Pro also supported JPEG+DNG format.
Video Quality Comparision
Although this comparison is very short, it illustrates how the Phantom 4’s larger sensor excels in shooting video. Both drones were tested in 4K at 24 frames per second with a 100% crop and 400% crop.
You also tested both models at 1080p at 60 frames per second. I then slowed the speed down to see if there was a difference in frame rates.
DJI Phantom 3 and Phantom 4 also have Max Video Bitrate 60 Mbps.
The video was exported at 1080p at 24 frames per second, which means that the 60 frames per second are slowed 2.5 times. The Phantom 4 Pro’s larger sensor allows for more light to enter, so the image turned out sharper and with less noise.
Control Range
The new Phantom’s Sport mode is the main feature. This means that it can now match the Inspire 1 at 45mph. DJI’s addition of Sport mode makes the Phantom4 Pro more versatile, and much faster.
Phantom 3 Pro’s advanced GPS makes it easier to control, while the DJI app allows you to manage all flight modes easily. You can also stream live from your Phantom 3 Pro when it is flying at higher altitudes.
You can connect your mobile device to the handset via a USB cable. Once it is loaded, you will be able to control all aspects of your device from there. The app allows users to choose between still and video modes so they can make better recording decisions.
Many beginners prefer to fly with the auto mode, which handles ISO and shutter speeds imposingly. You can also use manual mode by clicking the icon for manual settings.
Controller
The DJI Phantom4 Pro V.2.0 shines in the controls department. This Phantom is easy to fly, requiring only one button to launch and hover at four feet. It also has many graduated forms of manual control that allow professional pilots to enjoy satisfying flight control.
Two antennas are located on the front of the remote control. There is also a display/phone mounting, two control sticks, and a Return To Home (RTH) button. A series of the status LED indicators, and a power button can be found at the bottom.
The top of the remote controller has a sleep/wake, microphone, flight mode switch (P/S and A modes), video recording buttons, a gimbal dial, and micro USB port (for firmware updates), a MicroSD slot, camera settings dial, and an intelligent flight pause button.
The controller’s rear has two customizable buttons selected through the DJI GO 4 App.
Intelligent Flight Battery
The Phantom4 Pro V.2.0 battery life is rated to last for 30 minutes. In our real-world outdoor hover test, it managed to achieve a good 28 minutes 50 seconds. It is not common for drones to reach their advertised range in outdoor situations.
Mileage varies from user to user, but it is still within acceptable limits. The Phantom 4 Pro’s remote controller is larger than the drone (6000mAh and 5870mAh intelligent flight battery, respectively). This makes it a very funny drone.
Flight Time As a result of the larger capacity battery, the propulsion systems, and more streamlined design of the Phantom 4, it gives a longer max flight time approx of 28 mins vs about 23 mins for the Phantom 3 Pro
Intelligent Flight Mode
The OcuSync 2.0 transmission system allows the new Phantom 4 Pro V2 to connect to DJI Goggles wirelessly. The Phantom 4 Pro V2 has a more advanced Return to Home function. The narrow sensing flight mode allows for additional safety in tight areas.
The Phantom4 Pro V 2.0 features an upgraded propulsion system with FOC sinusoidal driver EESCs and 9455S quick-release propellers. These make the drone quieter and more aerodynamic.
It covers its incredible features, specifications, and answers all your frequently asked questions. You will find some great videos in the Phantom4 Pro V2 Review.
DJI’s Phantom 3 series was launched without automated flight features. However, they were added to the firmware via a free firmware upgrade. You will need to change the flight mode toggle on your remote to the F position to take advantage of these features.
This will allow you to access the Intelligent Flight Modes. These include Home Lock, Course Lock, Point of Interest, and Follow Me.
Obstacle Sensing System
Advanced obstacle sensors allow pilots to fly comfortably. The Phantom4 Pro V2.0 can provide reliable obstacle detection in five directions, thanks to its rear visual sensors, forward and downward sensors, as well as infrared sensors at its sides.
The drone’s Return to Home function will return it to its original position if the transmission signal goes out. This is how flight safety works.
The camera sensor size for the Phantom 3 series is 1/2.3’’ CMOS. The Phantom 4 series has a camera sensor that is 1/2.3” CMOS. However, the Phantom 4 series models have a smaller camera sensor. The bigger the sensor, the higher the quality of video and pictures.
Price
The Phantom 3 Pro is a great option if you are looking for an affordable drone. Amazon sells the drone for $875. The Phantom 4 Pro will set you back $1,599.
Which drone is right for you – DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs 3 Pro?
The Phantom 3 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro are clear choices, depending on the customer.
The Phantom 3 Pro or Phantom4 Pro can be the right choice for you, depending on your requirements. The Phantom 3 Pro, which is lower, is a great drone for anyone who wants to start aerial photography.
The Phantom4 Pro is a great option for professional photographers and amateurs who don’t have any drone experience.
Although the Phantom4 Pro+ V2.0 is an amazing piece of technology, it still feels like a temporary solution due to other DJI arrivals. This machine is still incredibly capable, despite the nagging feeling that a Phantom 5 may soon be available, possibly with an optical zoom.
Related Post: DJI Phantom 4 Pro Vs Advanced 2023: Which Is Better For You?
Conclusion
The DJI Phantom4 Pro is the latest model of phantom drones from DJI. It has a few new features, like obstacle avoidance and an all-new camera system with a 1-inch sensor, to make it an even more powerful tool for capturing amazing footage – especially in low light conditions.
Plus, its battery life lasts up to 30 minutes on one charge. However, you can also get the older version of this drone (the 3 Pro) at a fraction of the price (some might say it’s better for beginners).
If you’re looking for something that will last longer than your average drone technology without breaking your budget or if you want professional quality video and aerial photography capabilities right out of the box, then we recommend going with the Phantom.
