DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus - Turnkey Aerial Cinematography

David Saraceno

Moderator
Staff member
If you considering a turnkey solution for getting started in aeriel cinematography, this is an interesting package that just started shipping in mid April, 2014.

Here is a summary of what is included. Please note that this summary is basically derived from a marketing page:

3-axis camera stabilization
A built-in high precision 3-axis camera stabilization system brings a whole new level of smoothness to your aerials and gives you total creative freedom in the sky.

Precision flight and stable hovering
The integrated GPS auto-pilot system offers position holding, altitude lock and stable hovering, giving you constant stable flight so you can focus on getting the shots.

Radar positioning & return home
The flight radar displays the current position of the Phantom 2 Vision+ in relation to the pilot.
Exceeding the control range of the remote control will trigger ‘Return-to-Home’. The Phantom 2 Vision+ will automatically fly back to its takeoff point and land safely.

Max flight distance
9 Miles/15 Km

Max flight time
25 Mins

Onscreen real-time flight parameters
Keep track of current flight telemetry with an onscreen display.

High performance camera
The Phantom 2 Vision+ carries an extremely high quality camera and a 4GB micro SD card. It shoots full HD video at 1080p 30, 720p 60 for clean slow motion and takes 14 megapixel stills.

Camera tilt control
Tilt the camera as you fly, so you can create the graceful moving shot you see in your mind.

Film straight down
Point the camera straight down for a totally unique view of your world

Supports Adobe DNG RAW
DNG RAW photo capture means all original image information is retained for powerful post processing.

Pricing
Price: $1300 USD

Album synchronization
Beam photos and videos from the Vision+ straight to your phone using Wi-Fi. No computer required.
Up to 700m
Wi-Fi connection

No fly zones feature
In order to increase flight safety and prevent accidental flights in restricted areas, the new firmware for the Phantom 2 series includes a No Fly Zone feature. These zones have been divided into two catogories: A and B. For a full explanation of the difference between the categories and view a full list of places included, please click here http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc

 
The video shown far has been fairly good, almost as good as a GoPro 3. You only get 25fps in PAL though. The flight time plus a 3 axis gimbal make it hard to ignore for an all in one solution.

It's worth noting with the initial firmware the low battery warning may not be working (this was seen with the A2 before), Gizmodo reviewing it found it fell out of the sky a few times. http://gizmodo.com/dji-phantom-2-vision-review-buttery-smooth-quadcopter-1559567158 - keep an eye on the battery and land around 15-20% remaining battery.
 
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There's not much on Vimeo with the Vision+ but the examples DJI themselves have put on YouTube look as decent as a GoPro 3. This is the only Vimeo example I've seen:

 
Looks like a great and cheap Aerial solution, but to my eye, the footage shown in this Video Looks nowhere near the Gopro 3/3+, i don't think that this would intercurt well with today's cameras... everything else (except from the hilarious "Facebook post while still in the air Feature") sounds great!
 
Great find, looking forward to the others on here posting some videos shot with the beast.
 
Looks like a great and cheap Aerial solution, but to my eye, the footage shown in this Video Looks nowhere near the Gopro 3/3+, i don't think that this would intercurt well with today's cameras... everything else (except from the hilarious "Facebook post while still in the air Feature") sounds great!
A lot of GoPro stuff you see online is done under optimal conditions even using a fair bit of post work when protune is used, on an average day, uploaded without any post work I'm not sure a GoPro 3 would look that much better than this?
 
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Thanks Mark.

Those are pretty good low light views of the apartment.

Can you comment on the sharpness of the DJI+ cam versus the GoProHero 3 and 3+?
 
Here's a video that shows DJI going over some of their products and it also includes a flight demonstration of the new Phantom 2 Vision Plus.

 
This is a split screen of a Vision (no Plus) vs GP 3 Black. Don't know how the Vision and Vision Plus differ.

No gimbal, no stabilization, but you get a sense of the different capabilities and feel of the 2 cameras.

 
Can exposure be locked down?

I love our Phantom2/GoPro combo.... But auto exposure is killing half our shots
 
Yeah, awesome camera drone
By the way, a month ago DJI has released thier new drone - the Phantom 4 quadcopter with a few new features. If you consider buying it be sure to check the DJI Phantom 4 review: http://dji-phantom4.com/
 
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