Phantom 4
Product Highlights
- 1″ 20MP CMOS Sensor
- Gimbal-Stabilized 4K60 / 20MP Imaging
- Ocusync Transmission
- FlightAutonomy with Redundant Sensors
- Four Directions of Obstacle Avoidance
- Top Speed of 45 mph in Sport Mode
- Maximum Control Range of 4.3 Miles
- Visual Tracking of Moving Subject
- Up to 30 Minutes Flying Time
- Remote Controller Included
About a year ago, if you wanted to best drone features, including top image and video quality, the obvious choice was a Phantom 4 Pro. That is not the case anymore. The Mavic Pro 2 rivals the Phantom 4 Pro in almost every category. The Phantom 4 Pro is just barely cheaper than the Mavic Pro 2 at $1,349. The Phantom 4 Pro is a bulky drone, there is no doubt. It weighs a pound more than the Mavic Pro 2 and it does not fold down well. To me, this is a big talking point because with features and overall quality so close, who wouldn’t take the drone that you can almost fit in your jacket pocket. But, the Phantom Pro 4 does offer fantastic image and video quality. It offers better noise handling than the Mavic Pro 2 and can shoot video in 4K at 60 fps (versus 30 fps for the Mavic Pro 2). The two drones fly very similarly, with about 30 minutes of flight time, a top speed of 45 mph, and obstacle avoidance. If you want to save a little cash and size isn’t an issue for you, the Phantom 4 Pro still remains a great choice. However, you’re going to get slightly better performance in most fields with the Mavic Pro 2 (which is why it’s listed as my #1 drone).
Two considerations with drone photography:
Pay Attention to Rules
Drone photography has exploded and regulations have followed. Those regulations are a good thing. Sure, it is cool to get photos with a really unique perspective and the video you can get is really cinematic. But, drones can be annoying. No one wants to visit a pristine natural area (like a national park) and experience hundreds of drones flying above. Hence, the rules are important and you should pay attention to them. Drones are banned in many areas in the US, such as national parks, and in many international areas. Before flying you should pay close attention to restrictions and abide by them, don’t be ‘that guy’ or ‘gal’.
Take time to Learn
Flying a drone is a lot of fun. Like a lot of fun. It can be difficult though, especially when conditions aren’t ideal and you have to deal with wind and rain. So, you should practice flying your drone. Before taking your drone out on any serious shoot, you should spend time flying it in your backyard. There is a slight learning curve and trust me, it is much better to overcome that curve at home versus when your drone is a few miles out over the ocean. Many people crash and either lose or destroy their $1,000+ drones. Practicing also helps you understand the flight time of your drone, obstacle avoidance, and tracking.