If money is no object, the DJI Inspire 2 is the best drone money can buy, with raw video capturing at 5.2K resolution, exceptional build quality, and top-of-the-line speed.
Filmmakers adored DJI’s initial Inspire drone. Until then, anyone wanting a drone capable of carrying a decent camera had to construct one themselves — but then DJI came along, and suddenly anyone with $3,000 could own a pro-level 4K camera copter that was ready to fly right out of the box.
However, it occurred over three years ago. Since then, drone technology has advanced at a breakneck pace, and you can now get a 4K camera drone for under $500. However, DJI is not one to be forgotten. The business introduced the second version in late 2016 — and now that it’s out in public, you can obtain one for an extended study.
Design
DJI Inspire 2 is a large drone ($2,950.00 on Amazon). Because only four rotors drive it, it is smaller than the pro-grade Yuneec Tornado H920. The proportions of the aircraft vary slightly depending on the position of the landing gear. When the aircraft is ready to take off, there is approximately 1.2 feet between each motor. When in travel mode, which allows you to pack the drone in the accompanying carrying case, the drone’s footprint widens while its height decreases. Without a camera, DJI Inspire 2 weighs approximately 7.3 pounds, which means you will most probably need to register with the FAA before an outdoor flight.
The landing gear restricts the camera’s left and right views when the Inspire is on the ground. Still, it rises once the drone is airborne, allowing the camera to gaze left, right, backward, and any direction in between with an unobstructed view. Its body is now magnesium alloy instead of the plastic shell that encased Inspire 1’s internals. The landing gear is still constructed entirely of carbon fiber.
The DJI Inspire 2 comes equipped with a fixed, forward-facing camera. It is stabilized by a two-axis gimbal and serves solely to give the pilot a front video feed at all times. It is tucked between the forward obstruction sensors in the front. The DJI Inspire 2 camera used to capture video is suspended beneath the torso and is stabilized using a three-axis gimbal.
How much is DJI Inspire 2 price? There are two camera configurations available. The first is the Zenmuse X4S, which costs $599 in addition to the $2,999 base DJI Inspire 2 price and $6,198 configuration discussed here. It features the same 1-inch 20MP image sensor, 24-mm f/2.8-11 lens, and mechanical shutter as the Phantom 4 Pro’s integrated camera ($1,499.00 at DJI). In addition, its fixed field of view is equivalent to that of a 24mm lens mounted on a full-frame camera system.
Two remotes are supported, one for the pilot and another for the camera operator. Unlike the Phantom 4 Pro’s remote controls, the drone DJI Inspire 2 lacks an integrated tablet. Because all video from the front camera and Zenmuse camera is transmitted via the same stream. The two operators must be within 328 feet (100 meters) of one another when operating in tandem. Only one remote is provided, so if you wish to separate flight and camera control, you’ll need to purchase a second one for $549.
The Inspire 2 drone utilizes a unique flight app compared to previous DJI drones. You must first download the DJI Go 4 to your Android or iOS device to take control. The new software can import flight logs from the cloud, provided they have been synced using the earlier DJI Go flight app. Additionally, it works with several other newer models, including the Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Pro, and Mavic Pro. DJI’s decision to divide the app into a more recent version is intriguing. Apart from a few adjustments to the design, it’s essentially identical to the earlier DJI Go program that I’m used to.
Performance
As with the Inspire 1, the Inspire 2 drone is operated by a dedicated remote that communicates with the drone via a pair of powerful antennae. Due to the lack of a screen, you must link your Android or iOS smartphone to the remote through a wired connection – you must also install DJI’s GO 4 app, not the DJI GO app that came with the Inspire 1 and other prior DJI models.
Once inside the app, you can conduct operations such as calibrating the camera, turning on and off novice mode (which restricts the drone’s travel distance from its starting position), and much more. Additionally, you may access the drone’s autonomous flight modes, one of which – Spotlight Pro – enables unnervingly precise tracking of moving objects.
While some drones have claimed this capability, Spotlight Pro is a true step above the competition. According to DJI, it uses “advanced visual tracking algorithms” to adhere to moving objects like glue, capturing images and footage that would typically require a second camera operator.
DJI Inspire 2 Battery life is always an issue with drones, and with all of the added tech crammed into the Inspire 2, you’d be forgiven for being concerned about the impact on endurance. However, DJI considered this and added a dual-battery option that increases flight time to approximately 25 minutes. So how to update DJI Inspire 2 battery firmware? Just download the latest version of the DJI Inspire 2 battery and power on the aircraft to begin the firmware update(get it here). If the update fails, then restart and try again.
Naturally, this amount will vary depending on how hard you push the drone – but it’s a good starting point. Charging both batteries concurrently is simple with the included charger – it features four charging ports in total, allowing you to purchase more batteries and keep them fully charged at all times. Are you thinking, “Can I fly my DJI Inspire 2 in the rain?” Is the DJI Inspire 2 waterproof? It is not mentioned to be waterproof; however, it is seen that it can resist rain. So you can fly it in the rain.
Video and Image Quality
DJI’s Zenmuse line of cameras has expanded in tandem with its drone lineup, and the latest addition – the X5S – was created specifically for the new DJI Inspire 2. It’s a Micro Four Thirds snapper with a larger sensor than previous models, which results in better detail and brighter colors. It’s as if you’re flying a high-end professional stills camera, allowing you to capture some incredibly breathtaking static shots.
When it comes to video, the new DJI Inspire 2 – when combined with the X5S – delivers an enviable configuration for most industry experts which competes with security cameras (Here is a list of the best security cameras). While 4K may be the current standard for other drones, this bad boy can record in 5.2K at 30 frames per second. So 4K at 60 frames per second is conceivable, and the film may be scaled down to 720p if desired – although why would you want to when the footage is this good?
Conclusion
While the original Inspire 1 was excellent, the Inspire 2 outperformed it in virtually every way. The design has been enhanced, with cheap-looking plastic replaced with metal composite bodywork. At the same time, the considerably greater object avoidance tech allows you to breathe a bit easier as your precious investment soars to new heights.
A twin-battery configuration provides more than 25 minutes of flight duration. At the same time, the flexibility to swap camera lenses to fit your shooting objectives will appeal to serious photographers and video artists — it also helps future-proof the drone to some extent. Add a fantastic and fully-featured smartphone app and dedicated remote control, and you’ve got a genuinely awesome piece of kit – but the best package’s price tag will put it out of reach of casual drone users.
Suppose you’re not worried about the advanced object avoidance tech or the 5.2K video recording. In that case, it may be prudent to investigate the aging (but still excellent) Inspire 1 or the DJI Phantom 4, both of which can be acquired for a fraction of the price without sacrificing too much vital functionality.
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