The DJI Phantom 4 was just released. Here is the quickest to-the-point article on every difference between the new Phantom 4 and the Phantom 3 series. For more details, check out my updated article on the best camera drones.
Price:
Phantom 4 $1,399.00
Phantom 3 Professional $999
Phantom 3 Advanced $799
Phantom 3 4K $799
Phantom 3 Standard $499
Drone Body:
The Phantom 4 uses a more durable design with the electronics housed in compact magnesium frame; reducing weight, improving strength, and improving weight distribution for more balanced flight characteristics.
Weight:
Phantom 4: 1380 g vs Phantom 3: 1280 g.
Battery:
Phantom 4: 15.2V, 81.3 WH 5350 mAh battery vs Phantom 3: 15.2V, 68 WH 4480 mAh battery.
Flight Time:
Phantom 4: up to 28 mins vs Phantom 3: up to 23 mins.
Top Speed:
Phantom 4: 20m/s vs Phantom 3: 16m/s.
This top speed is achieved in the new Sport mode on the Phantom 4.
Optical Obstacle Sensor:
Obstacle Sensor Range: 0.7 – 15m (2-49 feet)
Obstacle Sensor Field of View: 60 deg range horizontal & 30 deg range vertical
The obstacle sensor will direct the Phantom 4 to just stop in front of obstacle, while the Phantom 3 would have continued flying into it.
Horizontal Hover Accuracy:
Phantom 4: +/- 0.3 m (when Vision Positioning is active) or +/-1.5 m, Phantom 3: +/-1.5 m
IMU/Compass Redundancy:
A redundant IMU and compass enhances system reliability. The Phantom 4 can constantly compare data received from both IMUs and then navigate itself using the most accurate data. The same is true of the redundant compasses.
The Phantom 3 only uses one IMU and compass, increasing the risk of failure.
Camera:
Phantom 4: includes every feature of the already good Phantom 3 camera, plus 1920×1080p120 video recording for smoother video and slow motion video options. The Phantom 4 also uses better optics (glass), which reduces distortion by 36% and chromatic aberration by 56% when compared to a Phantom 3.
Push-and-Release Propellers:
The new prop mounts of the Phantom 4 allow each prop to be mounted more quickly and securely than before, requiring a simple push and twist to attach or release instead of screwing down each prop. This security allows the Phantom 4 to fly with more overall agility.
New Flight modes:
Tap to Fly:
Just double tap and you’re up in the air while the new Obstacle Sensing System keeps your Phantom clear of objects in the way. With another tap, Smart Return Home brings it back.
ActiveTrack:
Whether you are running, driving, rafting and more, the Phantom 4 uses an advanced combination of computer vision, object recognition and machine learning to track you as you go. Circling a moving object used to only be achievable by the most seasoned of pilots, now everyone can do it with a flick of the thumb. The entire time that ActiveTrack is running obstacle avoidance is too, so it will decide whether it should continue following, avoid an obstacle or simply stop.
