DJI is the leader in drones and the company just introduced a radical new model. The Inspire 1 builds upon the success of the Phantom and integrates some of the magic found in the firm’s professional-level drones, including the ability to stream 1080p video up to a mile away. At $2,800, the Inspire 1 isn’t cheap, but it packs an unparalleled suite of technology in its arsenal.
DJI brags that the Inspire 1 combines the professional features with ease of use. It has a transforming design that provides an unobstructed 360-degree view. The legs raise up, allowing the 12MP, 4k camera to swivel 360 degrees.
The drone of course sports GPS capabilities, which helps it stay level in flight. That’s a standard feature in drones now. But the Inspire 1 takes it one step farther and has a downward facing optical flow sensor so it can be completely stable without GPS signal; think indoors.
DJI packed its Lightbridge system into the drone that can stream 1080p video one mile away. DJI usually sells this option alone for $1,400. Also, like the higher-end models, two controllers can connect to the Inspire 1 allowing for one person to fly the drone while the other operates the movable camera (I needed a co-pilot during a drone selfie last week).
The 12MP CMOS camera is mounted to an auto-leveling gimbal, which will allow for silky smooth videos. A 94-degree wide-angle lens provides a wide view, and since the Inspire 1′s leg raises up after take-off allowing for a 360-degree movement, this drone redefines a bird’s-eye view.