Need advice between 3 standard and pro

[Terry Willoughby]

I just bought the Phantom 3 standard. I film boat docks and post the videos on Facebook and YouTube as sales tools. I have to fly in some tight areas. I am wondering if I am better off getting the Pro with the 4K camera for quality and would it be a little more stable in the areas I have to fly. I use it for business so if the quality is better I want to upgrade. Any advice would be great.

 

[DroneDestination]

The Pro has a lot of great features compared to the Standard:

• 4K (obviously better quality)
• Higher max bitrate than P3S and P3A
• Better controller with dedicated buttons for camera, exposure wheel, RTH, and shortcut buttons C1/C2
• Faster charger
• WAY longer range
• More stable/stronger connection
• Wired connection to phone/tablet
• Controller can hold a tablet

There are more differences, but those are just the main ones that came to mind. If you don't necessarily need 4K, then the P3A could be a good choice. Everything above applies, except the 4K, faster charger, and higher bitrate.

 

[Terry Willoughby]

Thank you for the help. Since I do use this for work and will be spending another 500.00 to upgrade would I be better off spending more and getting the DJI 4. I had the 2 for a long time and have flown for awhile. Just don't want to do this again in a few months if the 4 is worth it. I just find a lot of mixed reviews on the Phantom 4.

QUOTE="DroneDestination, post: 820669, member: 51038"]The Pro has a lot of great features compared to the Standard:

• 4K (obviously better quality)
• Higher max bitrate than P3S and P3A
• Better controller with dedicated buttons for camera, exposure wheel, RTH, and shortcut buttons C1/C2
• Faster charger
• WAY longer range
• More stable/stronger connection
• Wired connection to phone/tablet
• Controller can hold a tablet

There are more differences, but those are just the main ones that came to mind. If you don't necessarily need 4K, then the P3A could be a good choice. Everything above applies, except the 4K, faster charger, and higher bitrate.[/QUOTE]

 

[msinger]

would I be better off spending more and getting the DJI 4

It really depends on whether or not the new Phantom 4 features are worth the extra cost to you. Check out my thread here for a list of the new features.

 

[DroneDestination]

Also, since you are using it for business, and have a large enough budget, the DJI Inspire 1 could be a more professional option, down to $1999 on DJI's site. The Inspire 2 will likely be coming out soon.

 

[msinger]

the DJI Inspire 1 could be a more professional option

I would not advise anyone to buy this simply for the fact that others think it looks "more professional". There are some serious drawbacks to an Inspire 1 v.s. a Phantom.

 

[DroneDestination]

I would not advise anyone to buy this simply for the fact that others think it looks "more professional". There are some serious drawbacks to an Inspire 1 v.s. a Phantom.

I do realize that at this point a P4 has a significantly larger feature set than the I1. For some people/businesses, this trade off is worth it for clients to see that the OP is a professional and not really just someone with a fancy toy (which a Phantom isn't but appears to be).

It's just the OP's preference at this point

 

[msinger]

If I was the OP, I would focus on dazzling my clients with results and buying the equipment that is best suited for the job.

 

[Terry Willoughby]

If I was the OP, I would focus on dazzling my clients with results and buying the equipment that is best suited for the job.

Thanks for the response. I plan to use this as a huge tool so the extra 800.00 or so doesn't bother me if it's worth it.

 

[msinger]

I plan to use this as a huge tool so the extra 800.00 or so doesn't bother me if it's worth it.

If you're referring to upgrading to an Inspire 1, it'll cost a lot more than an extra $800. Just buying a hard case for it will set you back $450 or so. Unless you're planning on flying via dual operator, the P3P or P4 is probably the better buy for you functionalty-wise.

 

[Wolfiesden]

I would not advise anyone to buy this simply for the fact that others think it looks "more professional". There are some serious drawbacks to an Inspire 1 v.s. a Phantom.

Just curious, what are those drawbacks?

 

[msinger]

Just curious, what are those drawbacks?

Curiosity killed the cat.

Here are some of the major drawbacks (for me):

• It's more expensive
• The accessories are more expensive
• Transportation can be a hassle due to its size
• It's not as portable when carrying it around outside of the case due to its size
• It takes more time to setup
• Reduced flight time due to its weight
• It's not as easy to hand catch/release (if required)
• It's not as easy to fly indoors (if required)
• Spare parts are not as accessible and/or require advanced knowledge in order to do the repair work
• Less people fly Inspire 1s, so it'll be tougher to find people to help when in need

In short, it's a lot of hardship to endure just to try to impress someone. And, on top of all of that, the video/photo quality is exactly the same (unless you have the Pro).

 

[Wolfiesden]

I am not looking at getting one, I just thought the question needed exploring here as the OP could be interested.

 

[Terry Willoughby]

I ordered the DJI 4. I film Boat docks and the houses also. I wasn't happy with the 3 standard and suggestions on filters. I usually film during the day over water when it's very bright. Should I wait from 4k for my You tube and Facebook. I would like to find a class on editing. I usually use poi and film from there. I'm open to a NB better way now thanks for all your help