When comparing AirDog vs DJI Phantom 4 Pro, the Slant community recommends AirDog for most people. In the question“What are the best drones capable of shooting 4K video?” AirDog is ranked 9th while DJI Phantom 4 Pro is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose AirDog is:
This drone is made to work in its own, automatically, while you're practicing your sport. When you turn on the drone, it will offer various sports modes to optimize the drone’s behavior for the best results. For example, it will follow your exact trajectory downhill and will land next to you when a sport like snowboarding or mountain biking is selected. For windsurfing, it will take a wider filming approach and will return to the starting point instead of landing with you. The list of sports is constantly being updated.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Works on its own, with behavior adjusted to each sport
This drone is made to work in its own, automatically, while you're practicing your sport. When you turn on the drone, it will offer various sports modes to optimize the drone’s behavior for the best results. For example, it will follow your exact trajectory downhill and will land next to you when a sport like snowboarding or mountain biking is selected. For windsurfing, it will take a wider filming approach and will return to the starting point instead of landing with you. The list of sports is constantly being updated.
Pro Compact, wearable controller, made for sports
The included controller is wearable on your wrist and it acts as a beacon to tell the drone where you are. Additionally, it has a couple of sensors to send data to the drone about your speed, position and altitude among others. It is waterproof and even allows you to change a few settings while in the middle of the action.
Pro GoPro compatible
The drone doesn’t have a built in camera, but it is GoPro compatible. Since a lot of sports enthusiasts already have a GoPro, they can use their existing ones, ensuring high quality content.
Pro Travel friendly
The drone itself is lightweight and has a fully foldable body small enough to fit in a backpack. Just remove the propellers, fold the landing gear and arms and you’re all set. Folding the arms also turns the drone off.
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.
Cons
Con No collision avoidance system
The drone doesn’t have any collision avoidance systems, so it is important to select the right sport mode and evaluate the surroundings to minimize potential damage to the drone.
Con Lengthy, regular calibrations needed
The drone needs to be calibrated every once in a while, which can be a lengthy process and might keep you from filming straight away.
Con Adapter needed for the GoPro 5 models
To use a GoPro 5, you will need to get an adapter.
Con GoPro controls are separate from drone controls
The controls for the GoPro are separate from the controls of the drone, so you’ll have to turn the camera on and off manually.
Con Camera needs to be purchased separately
This drone doesn't come with a camera, it needs to be purchased separately.
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.