Drone maker DJI announces Phantom 3 quadcopter with 4K video

Calling it "the most revolutionary consumer quadcopter in history," DJI says the Phantom 3 is designed to be used easily by anyone who can use a cameraphone. New dedicated camera controls make it easier to control, while the live video view streams in high-definition 720p from up to a mile away.

The announcement came during the company's "Experience Wonder" event, which was held simultaneously in New York, London, and Munich. AppleInsider was on hand at the New York event, and will bring a closer look at the new products later today.

The Phantom 3 is available in two configurations: a $1,259 Professional version that can shoot 4K video at 24, 25, or 30 frames per second, and a $999 Advanced version that shoots in 1080p at 60 frames per second.

Both versions can also capture 12-megapixel stills in Adobe RAW. The camera app now features full manual imaging controls, and video can be automatically live-streamed to YouTube.

The company also revealed a new "Director" feature, which is an automatic editing mode for its camera app. Users can simply mark moments that they like while flying, and the app will stitch that video together on its own.

Additionally, the app appears to connect to an iOS device via Apple's Lightning connector, eschewing the sometimes-troublesome Wi-Fi connection.

DJI says that an upgraded flight stabilization systems, new motors, and a reconfigured GPS system make the device easier to control. They have also incorporated the vision positioning system from the high-end Inspire 1 drone.

A new flight simulator in the Pilot app is designed to help new users get up to speed more quickly, and an integrated flight log helps track flights. DJI's software development kit will allow developers to create customized apps for things like autonomous mapping, waypoint-driven flights or navigational aids.

There is no word yet on the Phantom 3's release date, but it will be available later this month directly from DJI's online storefront.