When comparing DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs DJI Phantom 4, the Slant community recommends DJI Phantom 4 Pro for most people. In the question“What are the best drones for aerial photography?” DJI Phantom 4 Pro is ranked 7th while DJI Phantom 4 is ranked 9th. 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 Beautiful camera
Has the ability to shoot in 4k, a field of view of 94 degrees, and a 3-axis, brushless, gimbal.
Pro Durable
Can survive hard falls from 10 - 15ft.
Pro Smart safety features
When the battery is getting low, or the drone has lost contact with the controller, it will return to the starting point. It is also able to detect and avoid objects that you, the pilot, may not be aware of. Then, when you're done flying, the drone can land itself.
Pro Sport mode for advanced flying
In sport mode, the Phantom 4 will fly faster and bank harder, allowing you to get a wider variety of shots. Good for more advanced pilots.
Pro Sense and Avoid capability
The Phantom 4 can sense 3D objects around it and will brake and reroute to go around them.
Pro Subject tracking
Tap the screen and the Phantom 4 will keep the subject in the shot. Great for controller-free flying and beginners.
Pro Supports livestreaming to Facebook
Stream footage from your drone directly to Facebook Live.
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 Propellers can get in the shot
Sometimes the propellers dip into the shot when turning or speeding up.
Con Sense and Avoid only prevents head on collisions
Sense and Avoid will not stop you from backing into things and hitting things when moving sideways.
Con Sense and Avoid only works in normal mode
When in sport mode, the Phantom 4 sense and avoid functionality does not work. It will not stop itself from crashing.
Con Blades need to be removed for transporting
The blades on the Phantom 4 do not collapse, and need to be taken off when transporting the drone.
Con Only livestreams to Facebook Live
Doesn't offer support for YouTube or Periscope streaming.
Con Awkward to transport
The dimensions for the DJI Phantom 4 are 8.7 x 15 x 12.8 inches. This means that the Phantom 4 will not fit in your backpack, and when properly packaged for transportation will either require its own bag or take up about half the space in an average roller board suitcase.