{Updated 1/4}The following is a review and comparison of Litchi for DJI Phantom/Inspire (iOS version) and Auto Pilot 3.0 (as of 12/21/2015) Waypoint Modes Only. Litchi was recently released (12/21/15) while Autopilot is in the final BETA testing / App Store approval with anticipated release in App store end of 2015. {Edit 1/4: Autopilot 3.0 received App Store approval Jan 4 and is available to download}
Summary: Nearly identical missions were setup using both apps over a golf course in Palm Springs, California. Waypoints were setup in a large figure ‘8’ configuration across the golf course. Focus triggers setup throughout interior points of the golf course. Interpolate mode used for Waypoints on both apps to blend gimbal movements (previous and next focus points).
My primary objective was to create continuous Cinematic motion events and see which app could do this the best!
Waypoint Setup: Both apps are somewhat intuitive to get going quickly for anyone who has used a WP app in the past. Both offer ability to touch or draw waypoints and focus points. Both allow offline setup load/save to iOS device or sharing externally. AP has some features which require knowledge of the Flight School documentation or tutorials to fully customize and utilize all the unique features. Once learned, it is straightforward. AP has ability to change position, expand or rotate the entire flight path. AP allows preview of mission on screen including aircraft direction, location, and gimbal direction. Litchi allows ability to continue flight path mission even if RC signal is lost since it utilizes the DJI SDK and downloads to the aircraft. AP does not allow this given its custom flight controller is in the app, but unlike Litchi, it does allow real-time flight path modification. AP flight controller has supports moving flight paths which can gets interesting when operating a Waypoint w/ Follow-me aircraft and gimbal movements.
Other App Features: Litchi layout is similar to DJI GO allowing for camera/map view switching between bottom corner and full screen. AP uses a custom layout only allowing view of both map and camera in Portrait mode. Both allow screen recording with iOS 9. Both allow automatic syncing with Healthy Drones using User Token. Both have hardware decode options. Litchi has ability to select video transmission channel and quality and customizable C2 RC button. Neither have camera setting controls, so DJI GO settings are held constant once set. Litchi offers pano photo taking at WPs if configured and video recording manually stopped.
Accuracy vs Google Maps: Both performed very well in general. Unfortunately, some features of the golf course have changed since the last Google Map update so focus points were off. AP has a setting that allows for more horizontal precision vs. smoothness. Mine was set at default = 33ft. It seems well within that range as there was virtually no wind to impact its course. I’ve seen instances with other modes where it can vary within the parameter due to wind.
Cinematic Continuous Smooth Motion: Litchi produced slightly smoother video while flying between curved waypoints and panning across the focus points. AP produced smoother, more cinematic video to/from flyovers if you are ok with aircraft yaw @ flyover point {Edit 12/26: the yaw is normal if flyover/focus point is on the flight path. Both apps do this. To reduce the 'spin' effect, move flyover/focus point off the flight path. } The “reveal” effect after an AP flyover is quite dramatic with mountains in the background! {Edit 12/26: Litchi requires an extra waypoint slightly downstream on flight path configured with same focus point to get similar "reveal" effect.}
AP Issues:
LITCHI issues:
Phantom 3 Professional
DJI GO Settings: Camera-Manual; ISO-100; Shutter-80to100; Size-1080/30fps; WB-5500; Landscape mode; **w/ camera focus defect**
Polar Pro Cinema Series ND/CP 16 filter
Default Waypoint Altitude (200ft AGL)
Default Speed (20mph)
Waypoint Curves: Yes, max/near max corner rounding
Mission Complete action: RTH
# of Waypoints (AP=14; LIT=16)
# of Focus Points (AP=11; LIT=8)
Low flyover WP/FP Altitude (100ft AGL); Speed (accel/decal 10mph). There were 3 low flyover WP/FP setup on this course.
Overall, I am very pleased with both products. Feel free to comment on other observations you’ve seen so people can be informed!
Litchi 1.0 Flight Video "Figure 8" over Palm Springs Golf Course
Autopilot 3.0 Flight Video "Figure 8" over Palm Springs Golf Course
Litchi flight plan
Autopilot flight plan
Summary: Nearly identical missions were setup using both apps over a golf course in Palm Springs, California. Waypoints were setup in a large figure ‘8’ configuration across the golf course. Focus triggers setup throughout interior points of the golf course. Interpolate mode used for Waypoints on both apps to blend gimbal movements (previous and next focus points).
My primary objective was to create continuous Cinematic motion events and see which app could do this the best!
Waypoint Setup: Both apps are somewhat intuitive to get going quickly for anyone who has used a WP app in the past. Both offer ability to touch or draw waypoints and focus points. Both allow offline setup load/save to iOS device or sharing externally. AP has some features which require knowledge of the Flight School documentation or tutorials to fully customize and utilize all the unique features. Once learned, it is straightforward. AP has ability to change position, expand or rotate the entire flight path. AP allows preview of mission on screen including aircraft direction, location, and gimbal direction. Litchi allows ability to continue flight path mission even if RC signal is lost since it utilizes the DJI SDK and downloads to the aircraft. AP does not allow this given its custom flight controller is in the app, but unlike Litchi, it does allow real-time flight path modification. AP flight controller has supports moving flight paths which can gets interesting when operating a Waypoint w/ Follow-me aircraft and gimbal movements.
Other App Features: Litchi layout is similar to DJI GO allowing for camera/map view switching between bottom corner and full screen. AP uses a custom layout only allowing view of both map and camera in Portrait mode. Both allow screen recording with iOS 9. Both allow automatic syncing with Healthy Drones using User Token. Both have hardware decode options. Litchi has ability to select video transmission channel and quality and customizable C2 RC button. Neither have camera setting controls, so DJI GO settings are held constant once set. Litchi offers pano photo taking at WPs if configured and video recording manually stopped.
Accuracy vs Google Maps: Both performed very well in general. Unfortunately, some features of the golf course have changed since the last Google Map update so focus points were off. AP has a setting that allows for more horizontal precision vs. smoothness. Mine was set at default = 33ft. It seems well within that range as there was virtually no wind to impact its course. I’ve seen instances with other modes where it can vary within the parameter due to wind.
Cinematic Continuous Smooth Motion: Litchi produced slightly smoother video while flying between curved waypoints and panning across the focus points. AP produced smoother, more cinematic video to/from flyovers if you are ok with aircraft yaw @ flyover point {Edit 12/26: the yaw is normal if flyover/focus point is on the flight path. Both apps do this. To reduce the 'spin' effect, move flyover/focus point off the flight path. } The “reveal” effect after an AP flyover is quite dramatic with mountains in the background! {Edit 12/26: Litchi requires an extra waypoint slightly downstream on flight path configured with same focus point to get similar "reveal" effect.}
AP Issues:
- Aircraft movement very aggressive, particularly with sharp turns. Usually this is masked by the gimbal, but occasionally you notice the movement in the video. This can be compensated with slower or wider/smoother turns. However, this is not always desired or practical.{EDIT: 12/29: AP has Bézier curve capabilities to smooth out path between waypoints. You can adjust corner rounding (similar to Litchi) but also segment smoothing. This works well for smooth video and reducing chance of P3 landing gear in the frame with hard, fast banked turns.}
- Gimbal Twitching especially when approaching low altitude flyover WP/FP. This appears to be due to gradual altitude adjustment from WP @200ft to WP @100ft. The gimbal begins to move smoothly as it nears the lower WP. -> Would need to either reduce gimbal response parameter (ie. deadband) or setup intermediate WP’s closer before & after the low altitude flyover point.{EDIT: 12/29: build 67 fixed the gimbal twitching issue}
- Aircraft Yaws @ flyover point. This can either be perceived as “cool” or a “nuisance”. This seems to be the strategy of the custom AP flight controller and is evident in all the AP modes {Edit 12/26: this is only an issue when the yaw produces a fast "spin" effect blurring the image. Both apps do this if the focus point is on the flight path. Simply move the focus point slightly off the flight path to reduce the "spin" effect.}
LITCHI issues:
- Gimbal tilt starts abruptly instead of gradually and smooth. This may be due to the SDK gimbal settings and can be adjusted in advance on DJI GO app.
- Gimbal tilt begins early and ends late unless previous/next WP’s are close. Nothing wrong with the function, user needs to understand and plan accordingly.
- Aircraft pauses at WP/FP during flyover if no WP curve is set. This is by design to allow other actions (ie. panorama photos, etc.). This was simply a user error.
Phantom 3 Professional
DJI GO Settings: Camera-Manual; ISO-100; Shutter-80to100; Size-1080/30fps; WB-5500; Landscape mode; **w/ camera focus defect**
Polar Pro Cinema Series ND/CP 16 filter
Default Waypoint Altitude (200ft AGL)
Default Speed (20mph)
Waypoint Curves: Yes, max/near max corner rounding
Mission Complete action: RTH
# of Waypoints (AP=14; LIT=16)
# of Focus Points (AP=11; LIT=8)
Low flyover WP/FP Altitude (100ft AGL); Speed (accel/decal 10mph). There were 3 low flyover WP/FP setup on this course.
Overall, I am very pleased with both products. Feel free to comment on other observations you’ve seen so people can be informed!
Litchi 1.0 Flight Video "Figure 8" over Palm Springs Golf Course
Autopilot 3.0 Flight Video "Figure 8" over Palm Springs Golf Course
Litchi flight plan
Autopilot flight plan
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