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DJI Phantom 4 Review - This thing is magical. Seriously.

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips547.9K viewsMay 11, 201611:24
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This is BY FAR the best quadcopter I have ever used. Here's why... Massdrop link: dro.ps Intel link: linustechtips.com DJI Store link: bit.ly Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk

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The DJI Phantom 4 review presents a comprehensive look at a product that Linus Tech Tips considers a standout in consumer drones. From the moment it arrives, the reviewer highlights how compact and lightweight the Phantom 4 feels thanks to its magnesium chassis, and notes the packaging cleverly doubles as a rugged carrying case. Setup is straightforward but a touch tedious, with tasks like firmware updates, microSD insertion, and propeller installation described in practical, hands-on terms. The review then shifts into flight dynamics, praising the Phantom 4’s stability in position mode, where a combination of GPS, downward cameras, ultrasonic sensors, inertial measurement, and upgraded motors deliver near-perfect hovering and rapid, predictable self-correction in gusts of wind. The overall impression is that flying the Phantom 4 is a pleasure, whether in fully automatic or manual modes, and the drone earns praise for its smooth, reliable performance that can even feel approachable for a less-experienced pilot in familiar spaces. As the flight performance is unpacked, the camera system receives close attention. The Phantom 4’s camera is positioned as a refined evolution of the Phantom 3 Pro, with sharper output and a gimbal that includes an added support link for stability. The reviewer notes that while the 120 fps 1080p high-speed capture is disappointing in low light, the overall video remains professional-grade, steady, and visually impressive in favorable lighting. The drone’s autonomous modes are explored in depth, including object tracking that follows a moving subject using front-facing cameras rather than relying on the remote control link. While the tracking feature is described as extremely capable and “freaking sick,” the reviewer cautions that it is not flawless and can mis-handle certain trails, such as dense foliage, during complex maneuvers. The conclusion reinforces that the Phantom 4 is a powerful tool for enthusiasts and light professionals alike, offering a high-end experience with a few caveats such as HDMI output limitations and price considerations. In closing, the video frames the Phantom 4 as both a joy to fly and a serious piece of gear that pushes forward with notable innovations in stability, camera quality, and autonomous tracking. Its value is weighed against its cost, with the verdict that it delivers a premium experience that dramatically improves over earlier models while remaining firmly targeted at serious hobbyists and professionals. The review also contextualizes the drone within a broader landscape of competing products, acknowledging that DIY latency tweaks can extend range but lauding DJI’s out-of-the-box performance and reliability. Overall, the Phantom 4 is portrayed as a capable, high-quality machine that excels in real-world flight and cinematic capture, a product that earns the reviewer’s strongest endorsement for those ready to invest in a top-tier quadcopter.

Topics · technology · drones · cameras · video_production · aerial_photography · consumer_electronics

Questions answered

How does the Phantom 4's stability in position mode compare to previous DJI models?
The Phantom 4 delivers nearly perfect hovering and fast self-correction in gusty conditions, thanks to a combination of GPS, downward cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and an upgraded IMU, making it more stable than earlier models.
What are the main strengths of the Phantom 4’s camera system?
The camera is slightly sharper than the Phantom 3 Pro and benefits from a stabilized gimbal with added support, delivering professional-grade, stable footage with impressive overall image quality in good light.
What are the drawbacks mentioned for the Phantom 4?
Disappointing 120 fps 1080p video in low light, and certain features like HDMI output are limited or require extras, plus its high price for casual users.