The DJI Phantom 3, released in 2015, was a game-changer in the drone industry. With its impressive features, stunning design, and affordable price, it quickly became a favorite among drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. But, with the rapid advancement of drone technology, the question remains: is the Phantom 3 still a good drone?
A Brief Overview of the Phantom 3
The Phantom 3 comes in two variants: the Standard and the Advanced. The main difference between the two is the camera resolution, with the Advanced model boasting a 12-megapixel camera capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps, while the Standard model has a 12-megapixel camera limited to 2.7K video at 30fps.
The Phantom 3 features DJI’s renowned flight control system, which provides a smooth and stable flying experience. It has a maximum flight time of around 23 minutes, a range of up to 1.2 miles, and a top speed of 35.8 miles per hour.
Pros of the Phantom 3
Stunning Camera Quality
The Phantom 3’s camera is one of its strongest features. Even the Standard model’s 2.7K video at 30fps is impressive, and the Advanced model’s 4K video at 30fps is simply breathtaking. The camera’s 1/2.3-inch sensor, combined with DJI’s image processing algorithms, produces stunning video and images with excellent color accuracy and low noise.
3-Axis Gimbal
The Phantom 3’s 3-axis gimbal system provides incredibly smooth and stabilized footage, even in windy conditions. This gimbal system, combined with the camera’s excellent quality, makes the Phantom 3 an ideal choice for aerial videography and photography.
User-Friendly Interface
The Phantom 3’s controller is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to start flying right away. The built-in DJI GO app provides a seamless flying experience, with features like real-time video transmission, flight tracking, and customizable settings.
Long Flight Time and Range
The Phantom 3’s 23-minute flight time and 1.2-mile range make it an excellent choice for aerial photography and videography. This allows pilots to capture stunning footage without the need for frequent battery replacements.
Durable and Portable
The Phantom 3 is built to last, with a durable and lightweight design that makes it easy to transport. The drone’s magnesium alloy body and sturdy legs ensure that it can withstand minor crashes and rough landings.
Cons of the Phantom 3
Outdated Obstacle Avoidance System
The Phantom 3’s obstacle avoidance system, while innovative at the time of its release, is now outdated compared to newer drones. The system uses a forward-facing camera to detect obstacles, but it can be inconsistent and may not always detect objects in time.
Limited Upgrade Options
The Phantom 3’s hardware is not designed to be easily upgradable, which means that pilots are stuck with the drone’s original specifications. This can be a drawback for those who want to future-proof their investment.
No Follow Me Mode
The Phantom 3 lacks a follow me mode, which is a feature available on newer drones. This mode allows the drone to follow a subject automatically, making it easier to capture complex shots.
Is the Phantom 3 Still Worth It?
While the Phantom 3 is an older drone, it still has a lot to offer. The camera quality, flight time, and range are still competitive, and the drone’s durability and portability make it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable aerial photography and videography platform.
However, for those who want the latest features, such as advanced obstacle avoidance systems, follow me mode, and upgradable hardware, the Phantom 3 may not be the best option. DJI has released newer models, such as the Phantom 4 and Mavic series, which offer more advanced features and better performance.
| Feature | Phantom 3 | Phantom 4 | Mavic Air 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Resolution | Up to 12MP | Up to 20MP | Up to 48MP |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K at 30fps | Up to 4K at 60fps | Up to 5.4K at 30fps |
| Flight Time | Up to 23 minutes | Up to 30 minutes | Up to 34 minutes |
| Range | Up to 1.2 miles | Up to 3.1 miles | Up to 6.2 miles |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Forward-facing camera | 5-directional obstacle avoidance | 3-directional obstacle avoidance |
In conclusion, the Phantom 3 is still a good drone, but it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a reliable aerial photography and videography platform with excellent camera quality and a long flight time, the Phantom 3 is still a great option. However, if you’re looking for the latest features and better performance, you may want to consider newer models like the Phantom 4 or Mavic series.
Ultimately, the Phantom 3 is still a great choice for:
- Aerial photography and videography enthusiasts
- Those who want a reliable and durable drone
- Those who don’t need the latest features and are looking for a more affordable option
But may not be the best choice for:
- Those who want the latest features and better performance
- Those who need advanced obstacle avoidance systems
- Those who want a more portable and compact drone
What makes the Phantom 3 a worthy drone?
The Phantom 3 is considered a worthy drone due to its exceptional design, features, and performance. It is designed to provide users with an unparalleled flying experience, offering a seamless and intuitive flight experience. With its sleek and compact design, the Phantom 3 is easy to transport and store, making it an ideal choice for aerial photography and videography.
The Phantom 3’s impressive features include a high-resolution camera, GPS navigation, and obstacle avoidance system, ensuring that users can capture stunning footage and photos with ease. Additionally, its advanced flight controls and intelligent flight modes enable users to capture complex shots with precision and accuracy.
What is the camera quality of the Phantom 3?
The Phantom 3 is equipped with a high-resolution 12-megapixel camera that captures stunning photos and 4K video at 30fps. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, which ensures stabilization and smooth footage even in turbulent conditions. With a wide-angle lens and a 94-degree field of view, the camera provides an immersive perspective, making it ideal for capturing breathtaking aerial footage.
The camera’s advanced features include a built-in lens distortion correction, ensuring that the footage is crisp and clear. Furthermore, the camera’s high ISO range and adjustable shutter speed enable users to capture stunning footage in low-light conditions.
What is the flight time of the Phantom 3?
The Phantom 3 has a remarkable flight time of up to 23 minutes, making it one of the longest-flying drones in its class. This extended flight time is achieved through its advanced battery technology and efficient propulsion system. With a maximum speed of 35.7 mph, the Phantom 3 can cover a significant distance in a short amount of time.
The Phantom 3’s intelligent flight battery system also provides real-time battery monitoring, ensuring that users are aware of the remaining flight time and can plan their flights accordingly. This feature enables users to maximize their flight time and capture more footage or photos without interruptions.
What safety features does the Phantom 3 have?
The Phantom 3 is designed with safety in mind, featuring a range of advanced safety features to ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience. One of its key safety features is its obstacle avoidance system, which uses sensors to detect and avoid obstacles in real-time. This feature ensures that the drone avoids collisions and maintains a safe distance from objects.
Additionally, the Phantom 3 has a built-in GPS navigation system, which enables it to maintain a stable flight and automatically return to its takeoff point in case of signal loss or low battery. The drone also has a propeller safety guard, which protects the propellers from damage in case of a crash.
Is the Phantom 3 easy to use?
Yes, the Phantom 3 is designed to be user-friendly, with a range of features that make it easy to operate. The drone comes with a comprehensive user manual and online tutorials, providing users with a step-by-step guide to getting started. The Phantom 3’s advanced flight controls and intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me and Waypoint Navigation, make it easy to capture complex shots with ease.
The drone’s intuitive remote controller features a built-in screen, providing users with real-time flight data and telemetry. The controller’s ergonomic design and customizable buttons make it comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Can I use the Phantom 3 for commercial purposes?
Yes, the Phantom 3 is suitable for commercial use, offering a range of features that make it ideal for aerial photography and videography applications. Its high-resolution camera, GPS navigation, and obstacle avoidance system make it an excellent choice for capturing aerial footage and photos for various industries, including real estate, construction, and filmmaking.
The Phantom 3’s advanced flight controls and intelligent flight modes enable users to capture complex shots with precision and accuracy, making it an ideal choice for commercial applications. Additionally, the drone’s compact design and portability make it easy to transport and deploy in a variety of environments.
What is the warranty and support for the Phantom 3?
The Phantom 3 comes with a comprehensive warranty and support package, providing users with peace of mind and protection against defects and malfunctions. The drone is backed by a one-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and component failures.
Additionally, the Phantom 3 has a dedicated customer support team, providing users with online and phone support, as well as a comprehensive online knowledge base and community forum. Users can also access software updates and firmware improvements, ensuring that their drone remains up-to-date and optimized for performance.