Learn how to update the firmware for your DJI Inspire 1 flight platform and remote controller. Keeping your firmware up to date is strongly recommended, so be sure to check for new updates frequently.
Learn how to update the firmware for your DJI Inspire 1 flight platform and remote controller. Keeping your firmware up to date is strongly recommended, so be sure to check for new updates frequently.
In part 1 of this 2-part review, RCGroups editor Matt Gunn takes a look at DJI’s flagship multirotor, the Inspire 1. A big thanks to Geekbuying.com for making this review possible. This drone is an all-in-one video and photography platform with a built-in HD Lightbridge video downlink, Zenmuse gimbal and camera, and dual controller options.
Since getting his DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter, Adam has been flying it regularly to learn its abilities as a videography platform. And as he becomes familiar with its operating procedures, Adam can’t help but built custom accessories and gear to optimize his flight setup. From flight log notebooks to battery charging racks, we check out some of Adam’s specialized flight equipment.
Elizabeth Ciobanu has put together a great blog post on the use and first impressions of the DJI Inspire by filmmaker Gary Yost. It gives an overview and insight of someone new to the drone technology and how they use the system, its strengths, and short comings in their film making.
What are the benefits of using a drone as opposed to a helicopter?
Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. First, and foremost… You can choose your weather conditions! Scheduling heli time always happens in advance, and if the weather isn’t right you’re pretty much stuck with what you get. Most of my work involves shooting weather that’s dramatic and you’ll see that used to great effect in the Chalk Mountain piece. Helicopters are very flight-limited in foggy/cloudy weather and we could only shoot on bright, sunny (boring) days. Being able to fly in moody weather is a huge benefit! Of course cost is another major benefit, and finally adaptability. With a drone you can slow way down, relax and think carefully about what you’re doing. Footage can be played back in the field, and shots can be attempted over and over until you’re confident that you have what you need. With a helicopter, good luck (unless you have unlimited budget).
What type of camera are you using with your drone?
The Inspire 1 uses the same Sony Exmoor sensor that’s in the GoPro Hero4, which is reasonable enough to get started with but there are issues (which is normal for a first release of a new tech). The 60Mbps data rate is too low for 4K, exhibiting more compression artifacts than I’d like to see. The sharpening algorithm DJI is using now is too heavy-handed at the default value of 0, but way too soft at -1. The craft ships with a moderate (about 2-stops) ND filter, but that’s nowhere near enough to keep the shutter speeds to 180-degrees, usually optimally at 1/50-1/100th of a second. This makes rolling shutter artifacts much worse than they should be, but thankfully the gimbal does such a great job that this has only been a nuisance.
For those with the new Inspire that have been waiting for an official version of the Pilot App for iOS, DJI has just gotten it approved through the Apple App Store and it is available for download.
Dear DJI Customer,
We are happy to announce that the iOS version of the DJI Pilot app for the Inspire 1 is now available.
Simply search “DJI Pilot” in the App Store and download it to your mobile device.Our recommended devices, running iOS version 8.0 or later, are:
• iPad Air 2
• iPad Air
• iPad mini 3
• iPad mini 2
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 5s
Thank you for your patience, and enjoy flying!
If you have any questions about the Pilot app, please contact support.Thank you,
DJI