Neil Hughes
DJI's latest generation of "prosumer" drones, the Phantom 3 series, marks the company's debut among the handpicked lineup of iOS-connected accessories available to buy direct from Apple.
As of Wednesday both the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Phantom 3 Advanced camera drones are now available to purchase from the Apple Store for their respective retail prices of $1,259.95 and $999.95. Both are available to ship home or to an Apple retail location of the customer's choice.
Apple's stores have sold iOS-connected drones before, most notably devices made by Parrot. But Parrot's accessories tend to be targeted for more entry-level users, while DJI's drones feature high-end capabilities like GPS location lock, autopiloting, and the 4K ultra-high-definition camera on the new DJI Phantom 3 Professional.
Currently absent from Apple's store is the $799 Phantom 3 Standard, which was unveiled a month ago. Its retail availability remains limited elsewhere as well, suggesting that the entry-level Phantom 3 model may eventually make its way to Apple's own store to complete the lineup.
AppleInsider recently reviewed the Phantom 3 Professional and found it to be DJI's best Phantom yet, sporting a greatly improved controller with clamp large enough to hold an iPad Air, as well as a revamped iOS app.
With a flight time of up to 23 minutes, the Phantom 3 Professional also includes a vision sensor for safe indoor flight. Its 4K-resolution, gimbal-mounted camera captures video at 30 frames per second.
The mid-range Phantom 3 Advanced is identical in almost all ways, but its camera captures 1080p video at 60 frames per second. The $799 Phantom 3 Standard is limited to 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
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14 Comments
I just can't emphasize it more...to all you drone pilots:
BE RESPONSIBLE when flying.
- don't irritate the public with the noise or invading privacy. Fly higher to give the public some space. It's also less noisy.
- don't fly it anywhere near a crime scene, fire or disaster where 1st responders (esp. helicopters) may be.
- don't hover above people. Keep flying forward. Respect people's privacy.
- do learn all you can about your equipment. Just like we should all strive to be professional drivers on the road, also strive to be a professional pilot.
I just can't emphasize it more...to all you drone pilots:
BE RESPONSIBLE when flying.
- don't irritate the public with the noise or invading privacy. Fly higher to give the public some space. It's also less noisy.
- don't fly it anywhere near a crime scene, fire or disaster where 1st responders (esp. helicopters) may be.
- don't hover above people. Keep flying forward. Respect people's privacy.
- do learn all you can about your equipment. Just like we should all strive to be professional drivers on the road, also strive to be a professional pilot.
Stupid people will continue to make stupid choices. Perhaps the FAA will eventually force quadrocopter manufacturers to put a kill-switch in them that law enforcement can activate at will.
Stupid people will continue to make stupid choices. Perhaps the FAA will eventually force quadrocopter manufacturers to put a kill-switch in them that law enforcement can activate at will.
But that can mean it falls on innocent people. Which is also dangerous.
There are rules regarding usage of quadcopters set by the FAA. Also, highly recommended is joining the AMA.
If only you could get Applecare for the drone... because you are going to crash it. Trust me. It will crash. I own one and even though I have tried to be extremely careful, I have crashed mine twice so far. This is a very expensive hobby to get into but I have to say it is also one of the most rewarding ones. The videos are simply amazing. They are better than the video you can make with a helicopter and much safer for all involved.
Stupid people will continue to make stupid choices. Perhaps the FAA will eventually force quadrocopter manufacturers to put a kill-switch in them that law enforcement can activate at will.
But that can mean it falls on innocent people. Which is also dangerous.
There are rules regarding usage of quadcopters set by the FAA. Also, highly recommended is joining the AMA.
There have been several drone very close calls with passenger aircraft at our main international airport.
If a drone comes near my house, beware my slingshot is loaded and at the ready !