The prolific drone manufacturer DJI has broken new ground again

The company’s earlier quadcopter models, including the Phantom 2 Vision Plus, DJI Inspire and the recently introduced Phantom 3 have garnered rave reviews.

On its list of innovations is the Inspire 1, a drone that lives up to its moniker. This nifty quadcopter has a host of features that will stun the most jaded drone user.

It is a massive draw, though pilots should ponder over one or two minor points before buying it. Drone enthusiasts will want to understand the compelling reasons to have one, and how it compares with the Phantom 3.

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DJI Inspire 1: best features

The DJI Inspire 1’s features put it on par with its other products. They set it apart from many other drones.

1. Savvy Ready-To-Fly design

The Inspire 1’s trendy Ready-To-Fly design makes flying easy and spontaneous. Turn key, it is ready to use as soon as a pilot takes it out of the box. Novice pilots can quickly grasp what makes this machine work. Its components synergize with one another to give the drone smooth, stable flight.

The main controller functions as the brain of the quadcopter. It receives data consistently, even in harsh weather. It makes sure that the craft responds to the pilot’s control commands.

Pilots can easily find out where their Inspire 1 is with a dual positioning, GLONASS and GPS system. This enables high precision and a quicker satellite response. It allows the craft to hover in place and remember its takeoff point. The Inspire 1 is never lost for long.

Then, there is the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which keeps the drone steady. Incorporating a Six-Axis gyroscope and an accelerometer, it measures minute changes in its movements. The craft can reposition itself immediately.

2. Aerodynamic Transforming Design

A bane of aerial photographers is how a drone always blocks its camera lens as it flies. This compromises picture quality. Carbon Fiber Arms give the craft ability to maneuver through the air, while consciously avoiding the camera. They allow the camera a panoramic, 360 degree view. Lightweight, it increases a pilot’s ability to manipulate the drone. The aerodynamic frame increases resistance and improves battery life. When landing, the Inspire 1’s legs straighten automatically, allowing it to contact the ground smoothly.

3. Dynamic propulsion system

The Inspire 1’s propulsion system gives it tremendous power. 13-inch, quick-release rotors, made with unique Z-shaped blades, guarantee the craft’s excellent performance.

DJI is the pioneer ofdji-inspire-top-view brushless motors, which are now an industry standard. The curved magnets block airflow gaps and increase flight efficiency.

DJI has replaced multiple strands of copper wire with a single, dense strand. This reduces the wasted space between wires and creates less resistance, giving it more power.

Further, it now has new Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) with sinusoidal drives. This replaces conventional ESCs, giving the drone better torque control and efficiency.

4. Upgradable system

The DJI Inspire 1 is ready for upgrades. Pilots can put in new cameras and gimbals as soon as they are available.

5. New camera and gimbal system

Photographers can capture crystal clear images with DJIs newest, most advanced camera. It gives them continuous, steady footage, regardless of flight conditions.

The Inspire 1’s 12 Megapixel camera, with a 94 degree wide-angle FOV, gives photographers a wider view of their subjects. A1/2/3 inch CMOS sensor enables high clarity. It takes sharp, 1080 pixel videos that do not waver.

To add, Lightbridge technology makes enchanting 720 pixel HD views possible. The camera can send video images from a 2 kilometer (2.19 yards) distance. With the point and shoot facility, photographers can rotate and tilt it to focus on anything, at any angle. The 9-layer lens gives them picturesque aerial views.

The advanced gimbal keeps the camera steady in the sky. It feeds on data given by the nifty flight controller, which tells it about the aircraft’s flight parameters and allows it to compute motion corrections every millisecond. GPS data lets the gimbal apply countering power and force, reducing the effects of movement. The speedy processor, which controls yaw, tilt and roll, makes this possible. Brushless motors enable higher precision.

6. Trackimo Tracker

With the new Trackimo Tracker, a pilot will know where his drone goes to. A light GPS tracker, it gives him instant alerts on his phone. A GPS tracking map and zone alerts allow him to watch its activity.

>>Check out the price of DJI Inspire 1 on Amazon<<

7. High-powered remote controller

The Inspire 1’s powerful remote controller features buttons for video and image capture. A gimbal control dial lets a photographer steady capture images from different perspectives. Better control is possible if a pilot controls the drone while a photographer points his controller at the camera. Both parties can see what the quadcopter captures on their screens.

Technical specification

Weight: 2935 grams (6.5 pounds)

Hovering accuracy: Vertical 0.5 m (1.64 feet) Horizontal: 2.5 m (8.2 feet)

Angular velocity: Pitch 300 degrees per second Yaw 150 degrees per second

Maximum Tilt Angle : 35 degrees

Maximum Ascent Speed: 5 m/s (16.4 feet/s)

Maximum Descent Speed: 4 m/s (13.1 feet/s)

Maximum Speed 22 m/s (72.1 feet/s)

Maximum Flight Altitude: 4500 m (14750 feet)

Wind Speed Resistance: 10 m/s (32.8 feet/s)

Maximum Flight Time: 18 mins

DJI Inspire 1 dimensions

The DJI Inspire 1 dimensions are 17.2 x 11.9 x 17.8 inches (43.7 x 30.2 x 45.3 cm). It is a fairly large drone that makes a capable photography and surveillance tool. Owing to its large size, getting it to execute rough-and-tumble stunts is a task. It is also difficult to store. The Inspire 1 drone size speaks of its sturdiness and reliability.

Size comparison: Phantom 3 vs Inspire 1

It is certainly bulkier than DJI’s other innovative creation, the Phantom 3. The Phantom 3 measures 15 x 14 x 8.2 inches (38.1 x 35.6 x 20.6 cm). It is also much lighter, at 2.7 lbs (1216g). The bigger size and lighter weight give it more mobility and speed than the Inspire 1. It can also do a few more flips and rolls than its predecessor.

DJI Inspire 1 and Phantom 4 dimensions

The Inspire 1 is bigger than the Phantom 4, DJI’s newest creation. It measures 15 x 8.7 x 12.8 inches ( 38.1 x 22.1 x 32. 5 cm). The Phantom 4, which carries a more powerful camera and has integrated flight support systems, is heavier at 8.8 lbs (3991 g), but is more suitable for surveillance.

The versatile DJI inspire 1: Its draws

Outstanding features aside, there are other reasons why the Inspire 1 draws so many aspiring pilots.

1. Extraordinary photography and video

Budding photographers will find that this quadcopter is a handy tool. They can count on it to capture extraordinary photographs from the air.

With nine lens layers, the Inspire 1’s new camera can take photos in the dark. Poor quality, night-time photographs are a thing of the past. The sturdy, three-axis gimbal allows the camera to focus on its subject, no matter what the quadcopter does. Tilt control allows photographers to capture aerial images from different perspectives. It does not have a fish-eye lens, which can give photographs a blurred effect.

This camera is the first dedicated camera to support Ultra HD 4K video capability at 30 feet. It records 720px video at 60 frames per second. What is more fascinating is that the craft transform during take off, allowing pilots to capture images more effectively.

A bonus feature is what DJI’s innovators call Optical Foot. This is a downward facing camera that allows the quadcopter to track terrain.

2. Android and IOS supported system

The Inspire 1 is IOS and Android supported. A pilot can turn his smart phone or tablet into a remote control, so he does not have to carry one around. Integrated MPV streaming allows the drone to transmit 720p video and enables a pilot to see what the quadcopter is streaming.

A pilot can also check on the altitude of his drone. A map feature lets him track it as well. Pilots can connect a HDMI cable to their television sets or remote controllers while flying.

3. Extended flight time

The Inspire 1 stays in the air for an astonishing 18 minutes. This gives photographers ample time to capture stunning visuals from the air.

4. Steady flight and autonomous, organic controls

The remote controller is DJI’s most advanced to date. The dedicated buttons for photo and video capture are organic and simple. Autonomous flight makes piloting the drone a breeze for novice fliers. A pilot can count on the Inspire 1 to keep itself steady.

5. No delays

There are few flight delays when flying the Inspire 1, except if it takes to the air for the first time. This may simply mean that the pilot needs time to adjust to the controls. The only time a pilot may experience time delays is if he flies the drone in an air space with other drones crowding it. Signal interferences will explain such lapses.

6. Rugged

The Inspire 1 is the epitome of ruggedness. An Inspire 1 pilot mentioned that another drone enthusiast hit his drone with a cargo plane. He captured clear footage of his Inspire 1 careening to the ground. When he picked it up, there was nary a scratch. The event testifies to its ruggedness.

7. Stylish design

Drone pilots recognize DJI’s engineers for their savvy and style. It shows in the Inspire 1’s chic look. The drone is a sturdy, flying tripod in the sky. Customers laud it for its black, carbon fiber body.

8. Easy tracking

With the Treckmo Trekker, the Inspire 1 never gets lost. Pilots know where it is at all times. A reviewer remarked that he was not able to find his drone after flying it into a clump of trees, but it returned to him safely.

The home port refreshes automatically, allowing it to return to its takeoff point immediately. Multiple configurations allow the pilot to control the drone’s flight path. The automatic home port also serves as a safety feature, returning the drone to its takeoff point should the remote controller’s batteries run out.

>>Check out the price of DJI Inspire 1 on Amazon<<

9. Two remote controllers

A definite plus of the Inspire 1 is that it comes with 2 controllers. This enables a pilot to control the drone, and a photographer to capture dazzling aerial photographs with ease.

10. Affordability

The inspire 1 is slightly expensive. However, it is well-worth the money. The cost includes all features. There are no hidden costs, such as the need to pay for extra propellers and batteries.

The DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter: Points to Ponder

The Inspire 1 is a drone that all pilots must add to their collections, but like all others, they have a few points to ponder before buying it.

1. Remote controller

The remote controller, being immensely powerful, is a little sensitive. Turning it on requires precise timing, which comes with practice.

2. Autonomous lockdown

As a safety precaution, the Dji Inspire 1 will lock itself down automatically if there is damage to its firmware. Note that autonomous lockdown prevents repair. A pilot can only fix his drone when he upgrades it.

3. Camera installation

The camera may seem a little confusing to install, but pilots will get used to it quickly. They have to align the camera according to its white lines, and the white line on the gimbal.

Inspire 1 vs Phantom 3

Drone professionals have made comparisons between this awe-inspiring craft and DJI’s other dynamic innovation, the Phantom 3. Here is how these first-class drones hold up against each other.

1. Bulk

For a start, the Inspire 1 has more bulk than the Phantom 3. While the latter weighs a light 1280g (2.82 pounds), the former weighs a more hefty 2935 g (6.47 pounds). This makes it suitable for a more experienced drone pilot to control.

2. Size

While the Phantom 3 measures 689mm (27.12 inches), the Inspire 1’s dimensions are a smaller 438 by 451 by 301 mm ( 17.2 by 17.8 by 11.9 inches). Finding storage space for the Inspire 1 is slightly easier.

3. More hover accuracy

The Inspire 1 has greater hover accuracy than the Phantom 3, being capable to stay in place even among tall trees.

4. Speed

The Inspire 1 is undoubtedly faster than the Phantom 3. While the latter travels at 16m/s (17.5 yards/s), the former moves at a faster 22m/s (24.1 yards/s). Those who want the thrill of high-speed drone flying must consider the Inspire 1.

5. Altitude

Being more hefty than the Phantom 3, the Inspire 1 flies at a lower altitude above sea level. While the Phantom 3 soars at 6000m (6561 yards) above the sea, the highest altitude of the Inspire 1 is 4500m (4921 yards). It is a less suitable craft for those who enjoy peering at their drones from a far distance.

6. Operating temperature

Both the Inspire 1 and the Phantom 3 run at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). However, while the Phantom 3’s lowest operating temperature is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), the Inspire 1 operates at an even lower temperature of -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). Pilots can use their drones in cold winter seasons.

>>Check out the price of DJI Inspire 1 on Amazon<<

Recommendations

The Inspire 1 is a craft that pilots must put on their shopping lists. They should have these recommendations in mind before buying it.

Do note that it may not connect to all smart phone ports, so pilots should ask their dealers about this before making an investment. Older phones may not work well with the camera system.

This reliable quadcopter is a drone that suits well budding photographers or those who include photography in their job descriptions. The powerful camera and steady 3-axis gimbal allows them to capture clear images from the sky.

Being bulky, it is more suitable for experienced pilots who are more accustomed to heavier craft. Pilots must note that it needs storage space, and that its greatest height is 4500m (4921 yards). A resilient quadcopter which survives harsh weather conditions that they can use it all year round.