The third generation of DJI unmanned cameras started with the launch of Phantom Professional and Advanced, of which the first model became the best consumer quadrocopter that could be bought at that time. And soon Standard appeared. As the name implies, the standard option is quoted slightly below the previous ones, which is reflected in its price. DJI Phantom 3 Standard is much cheaper, which allows it to be categorized as “affordable” - at least compared to Advanced and Professional. Outwardly, however, all variants of the third generation drones are very similar. Did DJI manage to maintain all the best features with an almost 50% price reduction? The DJI Phantom 3 Standart review aims to clarify this issue.
Functionality
When it comes to important parameters, the quadrocopter basically matches its more expensive counterparts. It has the same battery as the other two models, and thus the drone provides the same 25-odd minutes of flight per charge. In addition, the device saves the GPS-based intelligent return function, which automatically pilots it to the launch site when the control signal is lost or simply if the pilot does not want to manually control the return flight of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard quadrocopter.
Camera overview
According to owners, the model offers aerial photography capabilities identical to Advanced and Professional. The camera here is very similar to those installed on more expensive quadrocopters, but its characteristics are slightly different. The image sensor, which users suspect is the same Sony Exmor sensor as on other unmanned aerial vehicles of the line, has a size of 1 / 2.3 ”, a resolution of 12 megapixels and the same relative lens aperture equal to f / 2.8, like 94 -degree field of view. The camera records frames in JPEG or RAW format, as well as video with a resolution of 720p, 1080p or 1520p. The latest version of DJI calls "2.7K" because the image is composed of 2704 x 1520 pixels. In fact, this gives more opportunities than the Advanced solution, although it should be noted that if you need to record with a frame rate above 30 fps, you will have to lower the resolution to 720p (Advanced allows you to record in 1080p format at speeds up to 60 fps) .
Video and photo quality
Pictures in good light are excellent. 12-megapixel photos and videos in high resolution retain a huge amount of detail that does not decrease until the user tries to record in low light, when increased ISO sensitivity leads to more grainy and less clear results. But given the cost of Standard, the owners are impressed by how similar the performance of the camera is with the performance of other aircraft in the line. Judging by the footage, the green foliage and grass can sometimes seem a little blurry, but the fields are rich and deep, the suburban scenes are filled with sharp details, and the color changes in the sunset shots look absolutely magnificent.
The quadrocopter uses the same three-axis suspension as on other Phantom 3 drones. It makes the camera independent of the movements of the aircraft itself and can be tilted up to 90 ° (using the control dial in the upper left corner of the remote control). This is very impressive and important for smooth, stable frames that do not look out of place when viewing.
Flight qualities
Flight quadrocopter DJI Phantom 3 Standard, according to owners, is almost no different from other models of the third generation. And this is not surprising, given that for an unprepared observer, he looks exactly the same as other third-generation drones. Using the remote control and a smartphone (there are applications for iOS and Android, although there are not many recommended Android devices), it’s quite easy to control the device. The copter responsively responds to commands, which makes it easy to cope with it, getting real pleasure from it. However, the drone does not tolerate careless control, because it is not a toy, and it can fall like a stone if it collides with something larger than a butterfly.
GPS and other sensors do not allow the quadrocopter to stray off course in case of gusts of wind, and the screen of the phone connected to the drone provides all the information about its speed, altitude, location, battery life, etc. Plus, of course, live broadcast from the camera.
Broadcast video
Here the differences become apparent. In Advanced and Professional models, the mobile device is connected to the controller via a cable, and the video communication system uses the proprietary DJI Lightbridge system. However, in Standard, the controller and the phone are connected via Wi-Fi, and a more “standard” form of wireless communication between the quadcopter and the controller is also used. This means that the transmission range is significantly reduced, as well as the broadcast quality. According to DJI, the video resolution is 720p. Under optimal conditions, the image is crisp and clear, but compared to more expensive models, the quality decreases dramatically when the drone moves away from the pilot.
Working range
This does not mean that the flight range is unsatisfactory. According to reviews, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard quadrocopter in open space will remain under control at a distance of up to 500 m or so. But this distance is shorter than that of other models, and sometimes the drone abruptly cuts off the broadcast and begins to return to the launch site at a surprisingly close distance of several hundred meters. Owners are annoyed when this happens, but they have found that this can be avoided if the controller’s antenna is aimed directly at the quadcopter, which you don’t have to worry about when using Professional and Advanced. In any case, according to the rules of flight safety, you cannot send an aircraft out of line of sight, so this will not be a serious problem for those who do not violate the rules.
The control
The DJI Phantom 3 Standard quadrocopter, according to reviews, is much simpler than that of Professional and Advanced, and is equipped with only two joysticks and a gimbal control wheel. This means that you need to use the touch screen of your mobile device to take photos and videos. This is not difficult, but makes controlling the quadrocopter a little more unusual and fussy than on other models, which allow you to start the camera using physical buttons and do not require to take both hands off the controller.
Software
The drone works with the DJI Go application, which is quite similar to the DJI Pilot program previously used in Advanced and Pro models. As soon as communication is established between the phone and the quadrocopter, the operator gets an idea of the shooting due to the multitude of flight and photographic data, as well as access to a menu that allows you to re-calibrate and adjust the desired video and photo settings. The pilot also sees the current location and position of the drone on the map, at any time knowing where it is, and in case of an accident and crash can easily find it. Or what is left of it.
Build quality
This, of course, is a joke, since reviews of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard quadrocopter speak of its sturdy construction. Despite the fact that the drone looks like a toy, it is a seriously thought-out product that can survive incredible loads. According to the owners, a hit on a tree and a fall onto concrete leave the quadrocopter unscathed, with the exception of a few scratches on the metal surface of the camera, blades and minor cracks in the chassis. It's nice to know that in the event of an accident, you may not have to buy a new drone or even some of its components. However, DJI and other companies sell many spare parts separately. Therefore, even if the quadrocopter breaks, most components can be replaced quite easily.
Possibility of freezing
The last difference between Standard and more expensive Phantom 3 models is the lack of a downward-facing camera. It is not used for photography purposes, but only for the analysis of the terrain and provides freezing in one and the same place. In the open air, it is mainly replaced by the siting system, but it does not work in buildings. Thus, this model is not suitable for flights inside buildings if the room is not large enough or the user is not ready to very accurately control the movements of the aircraft.
Standard, of course, is less impressive than Advanced and Professional, but when you consider that the cost of the drone is much lower, its shortcomings, if you can call them that, are fading into the background.
Conclusion
According to the owners, the quadcopter DJI Phantom 3 Standard is not suitable for everyone who wants to make a career in the field of aerial photography, but its price (about 30 thousand rubles) is a rather small fee for the opportunities that the user receives: a device that flies stably for 25 minutes on a single battery charge, shooting good quality video and making beautiful clear pictures from insane heights; a device that is characterized by reliable assembly and incredible ease of use for such complex equipment.
Although many would prefer a 4K-compatible professional option, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard radio-controlled aircraft provides the best balance between availability and performance. Which is the reason for the amazing success of the model.