Skip to main content

DJI’s new Phantom 3 drone gets 4K cam, live HD streaming, ‘follow me’ autopilot

Good news for all you drone enthusiasts out there — DJI, the biggest name in consumer drone technology, has pulled the curtain back on the latest addition to its uber-popular Phantom line:  the Phantom 3. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

First of all, the new Phantom will come in two different flavors: an Advanced edition priced at $999, and a Professional version priced at $1,259. The difference between the two is the camera; the Phantom 3 Professional will feature a 4K video camera while the Advanced will shoot at 1080p.

Higher-quality video is definitely the main selling point here, but nicer cameras aren’t the only feature the Phantom 3 brings to the table. Both models of the drone will include DJI’s Lightbridge technology ($1,399 if purchased separately), which allows the operator to see what the drone sees live and in HD, within a mile range. And of course, both drones use a three-axis gimbal to stabilize the camera and provide super-smooth video.

DJI - Introducing the Phantom 3

For easier piloting and control, all models of Phantom 3 are equipped with special downward-facing range sensors, which let the drones know how far they are from the ground, and allow them to fly indoors safely without a strong GPS signal.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Speaking of GPS — the Phantom 3 line has also been augmented with GLONASS (the Russian equivalent of GPS) so that the drones have even more satellites to contact. The more satellites the Phantom 3 can connect with, the better it will be at hovering in place without any input from the pilot.  It even has a new “follow me” feature that allows the Phantom to film and fly completely autonomously while you run around.

DJI also equipped the Phantom 3 with a better battery. The company’s upgraded Intelligent Flight Battery has built-in sensors that let you know the status of your battery in real time, so you always know how long you can continue flying and when it’s time to recharge. If you spring for the Phantom 3 Professional, it even comes with an upgraded charger for quicker charge times.

DJI has already opened up pre-orders, and expects to begin shipping the Phantom 3 to consumers within the next few weeks. Stay tuned for our hands-on review!

Drew Prindle
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…
DJI’s latest Mavic 3 update made me love the drone all over again
The DJI Mavic 3 in flight in front of blurred green trees.

DJI recently launched a new update for its DJI Mavic 3 drone that adds some significant upgrades to the camera. This comes after months of progress that has seen the drone steadily improved since it was released last year. In many ways, the Mavic 3 in 2022 is almost a new drone entirely compared to what it was in 2021. Here's what I consider to be the most notable upgrades to the Mavic 3 in the latest firmware update, v01.00.0700.

Spring Journeys with the DJI Mavic 3
Greatly improved GPS
The constant problem that has dogged the Mavic 3 throughout its lifetime so far has been the abysmal speed at which it acquires a satellite connection. For many months, whenever I wanted to fly the Mavic 3, I'd have to stand there and wait patiently for far too long. When trying to capture a fleeting moment, this is incredibly frustrating. However, this latest update seems to have finally solved the long-standing flaw of this otherwise excellent device.

Read more
Watch DJI’s video featuring Mini 3 Pro drone footage
The DJI Mini 3 Pro in flight over the ocean.

As expected, DJI unveiled the latest iteration of its smallest drone on Tuesday.

With its compact design and abundance of features, DJI’s Mini 3 Pro is an exciting new machine that looks set to attract a new wave of enthusiasts to drone photography -- and may even prompt some folks with larger Mavic machines to switch to the new Mini copter.

Read more
See how DJI’s new Mavic 3 drone handles stormy conditions
see how djis new mavic 3 drone handles stormy conditions

Just days after DJI took the wraps off the Mavic 3, tech YouTuber DC Rainmaker tested the new bird in gusty winds so you don’t have to.

Amazingly, the new quadcopter handles the abysmal conditions with stunning success, the captured footage silky smooth and a joy to watch.

Read more