DJI Inspire 3 with X9 Camera
4x 16” Carbon fiber rotors (hexacopter)
Retractable landing gear
Maximum payload 8lbs
Maximum Speed (in calm wind): 68 mph
Minimum endurance at maximum carrying capacity: 17 minutes
Maximum endurance with X9 camera: 28 minutes
Minimum flying altitude: <1 meter or <2 feet
Maximum flying altitude per FAA regulations: 400 feet or 121 meters (much higher with FAA approval)
Maximum System Weight: 17lbs
Title: DJI Inspire 3 and X9 Camera vs. DJI Inspire 2 and X7 Camera: A Comprehensive Comparison
Introduction
The drone industry has seen significant advancements in recent years, with DJI being at the forefront of this innovation. The company’s Inspire series has been a staple for professional aerial cinematography, and the latest addition, the DJI Inspire 3 with the X9 camera, is no exception. In this article, we will compare the features and capabilities of the new DJI Inspire 3 and X9 camera against the older DJI Inspire 2 and X7 camera to give you a clear understanding of the improvements and changes in the latest model.
Design and Build
The Inspire 3 retains the distinct design of the Inspire series with its sturdy carbon fiber arms, retractable landing gear, and sleek aerodynamic body. However, the Inspire 3 is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, offering improved stability and wind resistance. The build quality has also been enhanced to ensure better durability and longevity.
Camera Systems
The most significant difference between the two models lies in their camera systems. The DJI Inspire 2 is equipped with the X7 camera, which features a Super 35 sensor capable of recording 6K CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes. The X7 camera provides excellent image quality, with 14 stops of dynamic range and a wide color gamut.
On the other hand, the new DJI Inspire 3 comes with the X9 camera, which boasts a larger full-frame sensor capable of capturing 8K video at up to 30fps. The X9 camera has a higher dynamic range of 16 stops and an expanded color gamut, resulting in even more stunning and detailed footage. Additionally, the X9 camera has dual native ISO’s, 800 base and a second base of 4000 which offers greatly increased low-light capabilities.
Lens Selection
Both the X7 and X9 cameras use DJI’s DL-Mount system, making them compatible with a range of prime lenses. While the Inspire 2 with X7 camera offers four prime lenses (16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm), the Inspire 3 with X9 camera expands the selection with a new full-frame 18mm wide lense. The 16mm lens may still be used on the X9 camera but only in Super 35 mode. 24, 35 and 50mm lenses carry over in full frame mode without issue.
Flight Performance
The DJI Inspire 3 builds upon the already impressive flight performance of the Inspire 2. The upgraded propulsion system and improved aerodynamics allow the Inspire 3 to achieve a top speed of 70mph, about a 10mph increase from the Inspire 2. The flight time has also been extended to approximately 27 minutes, thanks to more efficient motors and larger-capacity batteries.
Advanced Features
The Inspire 3 introduces new features such as Advanced Obstacle Avoidance, which uses multiple sensors to detect and avoid obstacles in real-time, providing pilots with additional safety during complex maneuvers. The new AI Tracking system also enhances the ActiveTrack functionality, allowing for more precise subject tracking and smoother camera movements.
RTK Base Station and New Flight Modes
Another notable advancement in the DJI Inspire 3 is the integration of the RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) base station. The RTK system significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the drone’s positioning, providing centimeter-level precision for both horizontal and vertical positioning. This enhanced accuracy is particularly beneficial for repeatable moves/flights like day to night time-lapse as well as other applications such as surveying, mapping, and inspection, where precise positioning is crucial.
The RTK base station communicates with the Inspire 3 via a dedicated radio link, continuously providing real-time positioning data. This enables the drone to maintain its position even in challenging environments, such as urban areas with weak GPS signals or near large structures that may cause interference. Additionally, the RTK system helps maintain a stable hovering position, which is essential for capturing high-quality, stable footage.
The Inspire 3 also introduces new flight modes designed to enhance the user experience and simplify complex shooting scenarios. These include:
1. Spotlight 2.0: This mode enables the drone to lock onto a subject and maintain the camera’s focus on it while the pilot freely maneuvers the aircraft, allowing for dynamic and creative shots.
2. Hyperlapse: The Inspire 3 can capture stunning aerial time-lapse videos with ease, thanks to the Hyperlapse mode. The drone automatically calculates the flight path, speed, and camera movement to create smooth and stable time-lapse videos.
3. Waypoints 2.0: The upgraded Waypoints mode allows pilots to set multiple points of interest and flight paths, enabling the Inspire 3 to automatically fly along a predetermined route. This is particularly useful for repeated flights, such as progress monitoring on construction sites or for creating consistent footage for visual effects.
4. Terrain Follow: This mode enables the Inspire 3 to maintain a consistent altitude above the ground, regardless of changes in terrain elevation. This is especially useful when flying over uneven surfaces or when capturing footage at a specific height above the ground.
5. 3D Dolly: The new Inspire 3 can simulate a crane, cable cam, or dolly while going far beyond the limitations of those devices. Pilots can create an flight path then move back and fourth along the same path with adjustable speed and full gimbal control according to the needs of the shot.
The addition of the RTK base station and new flight modes on the DJI Inspire 3 further solidifies its position as the premier choice for professional aerial cinematography. With enhanced positioning accuracy, improved flight performance, and cutting-edge camera technology, the Inspire 3 provides filmmakers and aerial professionals with an unrivaled tool to capture stunning visuals and achieve their creative vision.
Conclusion
The DJI Inspire 3 and X9 camera system offer significant improvements over the Inspire 2 and X7 camera, with a larger sensor, higher resolution, expanded lens selection, and enhanced flight performance. While the Inspire 2 and X7 camera remain a solid choice for professional aerial cinematography, the Inspire 3 and X9 camera system are undoubtedly the new gold standard for those seeking the ultimate in drone filmmaking capabilities and we are excited to offer it to our clients.