When comparing DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs 3DR Solo, the Slant community recommends DJI Phantom 4 Pro for most people. In the question“What are the best follow drones?” DJI Phantom 4 Pro is ranked 7th while 3DR Solo is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose DJI Phantom 4 Pro is:
The drone is equipped with plenty of autonomous flying modes, including various object tracking modes, pre-defined path flying mode, and even "follow the terrain" mode. Coupled with the excellent obstacle avoidance systems, you can use these auto modes without any worries.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great autonomous flying functionality
The drone is equipped with plenty of autonomous flying modes, including various object tracking modes, pre-defined path flying mode, and even "follow the terrain" mode. Coupled with the excellent obstacle avoidance systems, you can use these auto modes without any worries.
Pro Has built-in obstacle avoidance
The Phantom 4 Pro has an advanced 5-direction obstacle avoidance system, unlike other drones with only forward/downward facing sensors. This greatly minimizes the risk of crashing when flying backwards or to a side with limited visibility. The sensors also allow greater control and stability when flying indoors. However, obstacle avoidance in all directions only works in two flight modes: beginner and tripod. In standard flying mode, only the front and rear sensors work. The obstacle sensing range is 30 meters in all directions, the obstacle avoidance system range goes from 0.2m to 7m, and the max speed for obstacle avoidance is 50 km/h (31 mph). The drone avoids obstacles either by moving past them or stopping right at the obstacle.
Pro Camera can take bright images in the dark
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro's camera is equipped with a 1 inch 20 megapixel sensor. This big sensor collects enought light to allow shooting bright pictures in dark settings.
Pro Version that comes with a remote with a built-in Android tablet is available
It is possible to buy this drone in a “plus” version that includes a remote with a built-in Android tablet with an extremely bright screen.
Pro Great image quality
The drone boasts a large sensor almost four times as large as those in high-end smartphones. This allows it to capture a more detailed picture and greatly improves performance in low light. Another standout feature is the aperture control, which allows you to change the depth of field for creative uses.
Pro Portable
Portable, weighting 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) as a standalone or 3.9 lbs. (1.8 kg) with a GoPro and Solo Gimbal.
Pro Really fast
It is really fast, the maximum that the Solo can do is 55 mph (89 km/h). Made possible by its design and four 880 kV motors.
Pro Good range
It covers a good range, 6 miles (9.5km). Makes it suitable for almost anything you might want to do with it.
Pro Good flight time
The 3DR Solo can fly up to 20 minutes or 15 minutes with payload (camera).
Cons
Con Front propellers can get in the way of the frame
When flying and filming, the front propellers can get in the way of the frame quite often.
Con Doesn't support third party apps
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is to use the native DJI operating system and it seems that third party apps are unable to control this drone.
Con The sensors don't detect all obstacles
The Phantom 4 Pro's sensors have some problems picking up obstacles with a black surface, even in the daytime. This means you must be careful when flying around dark obstacles or during the night. Only the infrared side sensing systems work well at nighttime.
Con Not very portable
You can’t fold or flatten the drone when it is switched off, so it isn’t so easy to travel with. Because of the large dimensions, it will not fit in a carry-on luggage in a plane. Also, every time you get the drone ready to fly, you will need to attach the propellers to the drone as they aren’t foldable, only removable.
Con May occasionally loose tracked objects
The mode that tracks an object may lose the target occasionally, if it takes sharp turns.
Con Doesn't come with a gimbal or camera
The basic pack of the drone doesn't come with a camera or gimbal.
Con Stability problems
Other users have reported that the drone may drift away even if you hit the stop button. This appears to be linked with the GPS problem.
Con GPS problems
Users have reported having GPS problems. This issue is likely due to the positioning of the module. Instead of having a small mast on top of the drone for GPS and dual GPS modules (one for US satellites and the other for Russian satellites), the single GPS is located under the battery, blocking signals from some angles.
Con Vulnerable to interference
Operates on 2.4GHz frequency, which is not ideal for drones if you fly it in a city where there is a lot of interference. Normal wifi networks use the 2.4GHz so interference occurs where there are many wifi networks.