DJI, a leading maker of unmanned aerial vehicles, has launched its Phantom 4, the first consumer quadcopter camera (or drone) which uses advanced computer vision and sensing technology for professional aerial imaging.

The Phantom 4 expands on previous generations of the company’s iconic Phantom line by adding new on-board intelligence that make piloting and shooting great shots simple through features like its Obstacle Sensing System, ActiveTrack and TapFly functionality, said a statement from DJI.

Frank Wang, CEO, DJI, said: “With the Phantom 4, we are entering an era where even beginners can fly with confidence.”

“People have dreamed about one day having a drone collaborate creatively with them. That day has arrived,” he said.

The Phantom 4's Obstacle Sensing System features two forward-facing optical sensors that scan for obstacles and automatically direct the aircraft around the impediment when possible, reducing risk of collision, while ensuring flight direction remains constant.

If the system determines the craft cannot go around the obstacle, it will slow to a stop and hover until the user redirects it. Obstacle avoidance also engages if the user triggers the drone's ‘return to home’ function to reduce the risk of collision when automatically flying back to its take off point.

With ActiveTrack, the quadcopter breaks new ground, allowing users running the DJI Go app on iOS and Android devices to follow and keep the camera centred on the subject as it moves simply by tapping the subject on their smartphone or tablet. Perfectly-framed shots of moving joggers or cyclists, for example, simply require activating the mode in the app.

The Phantom 4 understands three-dimensional images and uses machine learning to keep the object in the shot, even when the subject changes its shape or turns while moving. Users have full control over camera movement while in ActiveTrack mode - and can even move the camera around the object while it is in motion as the device keeps the subject framed in the centre of the shot autonomously. Also a ‘pause’ button on the drone’s remote controller allows the user to halt an autonomous flight at any time, leaving it to hover.

By using the TapFly function in the DJI Go app, users can double-tap a destination for their Phantom 4 on the screen, and the Phantom 4 calculates an optimal flight route to reach the destination, while avoiding any obstructions in its path. Tap another spot and the quadcopter will smoothly transition towards that destination.

The Phantom 4's camera, still the world's best aerial-optimized 4K imaging device, has undergone an upgrade that includes improved optics for better corner sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration. The drone also has DJI's signature lightbridge video transmission system on board, allowing users to see what their camera sees in HD and in real-time on their smart devices at a distance up to 5 km.

Paul Pan, the senior product manager, said: “Though the Phantom 4 is easy to use, let's not forget it is a high-performance aircraft powered by unparalleled DJI technology.”

The Phantom 4's will retail priced at $ 1,699, it added. – TradeArabia News Service