DJI Phantom, I'm getting one to test / review!

[Nitro Blast]

I got the word last week that something will be shipping my way very soon, the brand new DJI Phantom.



There are some videos that were leaked to the internet (yeah, leaked...sure)
but it is the first ready to fly from the box market entry from DJI.
Using the tried and proven NAZA board it has some high end control for a hobby level machine. Designed and built with a GoPro camera mount, this is the one that will unleash the home aerial photographer in anyone.



I am looking forward to getting one from the pre-delivery set to go out this week.

STAY TUNED!!

[gramps2161]

Wow Nitro lucky you now don't go crashing that nice looking quad.

It is a nice looking quad and I like the lights on it to help keep the orientation in flight. That is going to help big time in keeping the GoPro pointing in the right direction.

Have fun with it and looking forward to the review.

[stuart]

quads are beginning to freak me out...the gps stabilizer can park it in the air steady even in high wind. it is such an affordable set up that most law enforcement dept can have them.

what really blows me away is when 10 or more are flying figure 8's or traveling through windows in formation. the future of war is upon us.



till then,do enjoy the vid!


See nano quadcopter robots swarm (video) | Cutting Edge - CNET …

[Nitro Blast]

I got some news about the delayed US shipment, I shouldnt have to wait much longer for that box to arrive.

Now that I have a GoPro 3 Black, I've connected it wifi to my IPhone and its amazing to watch live video from the camera to my phone. I cant wait to try that from the Phantom.
Watching live aerial video, WITHOUT ANY EXTRA EQUIPMENT than I usually carry! Amazing.

[matiac]

It looks like a bowling pin through a kaleidoscope, kool! I wonder if they did that on purpose?

[Nitro Blast]

QUAD NIRVANA!!



Oh man... I'm so freaking pleased its silly. I just finished my first flight with the new DJI Phantom! I was lucky to be on a list to get these in the FIRST US delivery. The DJI Quad controller is AMAZING. the modes are so super easy, and this thing fly's like a kitten, or a well trained tiger.

Ahhh.... this is going to be my #1 Aerial Photo/Video platform for sure.

The only thing I need to do ASAP is change out the plugs to Deans. XT60's are factory from DJI. Once I change the plugs I'll go out for some flying at my park with the GoPro and report back.



So far, LOVING IT!!!

[gramps2161]

Sounds like you got a winner on your hands looking forward to the pics and a video if you have the time.

So Nitro would you consider this a beginners quad?

[Nitro Blast]

I would call this a spectacular beginners quad with the exception of the MSRP.
Street price is $679, and although that sounds a bit steep when you can get indoor micro quads for $80 and less the moment you throttle up, you realize this is no toy, and for the price you get everything you need except a phillips screwdriver, and 4 AA's. A nice A/C balance charger is included too that is perfect for the 3 cell 2200 that comes with it (and who does not have a couple of those for longer flying sessions?).

I've become quite proficient in setting up and dialing in multi-rotor controllers and this one was without a doubt the fastest thing from Fed Ex to flight I have ever owned. The longest part was waiting the 15 minutes for the battery to show charged!

It is rock solid on GPS and ATTI mode, and it wont let you get lost with its multiple heading hold features. Its not for flipping and diving, its for aerial Photo/Video, and along those lines, its amazing.

4 batteries run through so far, its dark, and the lights are super neat, I'm still flying!

[gramps2161]

Price tag is way to steep for my wallet! I toy with the idea of getting into the quad scene later down the road going to have to be on the cheaper side for me. Nice thing is like most new stuff the price comes down a little after they get their R&D money back.
Glad your having a great time with the new toy does sound like you having a ball with it. Do the lights work well enough for flying at night?

[DJIguy]

If anyone is still having trouble with "jello" in their footage, I put together this video with some tips on getting rid of it. Hope it helps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azT-ITXYfNw

[Nitro Blast]

Welcome to the board DJIguy.

I sound a real simple solution to the absoloute minor 'jello' I saw, and that was to just use the dureable case. The 'naked' frame lets the camera vibrate, where the waterproof one (even with the open back) provides solid video and Photos as seen here:



One of the minor issues I have with the Phantom, are the 'Keyed' props. With the shaped holes, you cant use a balancer on them, where the standard DJI motors (same number) that are red, have round prop shafts for standard props that you can balance, removing jello COMPLETELY!

(edit) I was able to use a magnetic prop balancer with the DJI Phantom props. After watching DJIguy's video I found he recommends using the heavier case and balancing the props. I spend the 15 minutes it took to do all 4, and now my Phantom is even smoother! Kudos to DJIguy, I probably would not have gone for it without the motivation.

[Nitro Blast]

As I finish up my review, I needed some more flying time in different conditions. I went out last night to use a roller on our field and was there in the pitch black dark.... SO, why not fly??

YouTube Video

Lovin the Phantom.

[dahawk]

Nitro,

Very cool ! But you might drive the 7th Fleet crazy. Watch out for incoming... LOL

-Hawk

[Nitro Blast]

There are now 7 DJI Phantom's at my club! That represents the largest collection of Phantoms that we are aware of!

Here, one is being flown FPV, and the other one with the Go-Pro attached is me.

YouTube Video

Thanks to Jim Shelton for the video

[GoPro Cases]

I'm looking to pair up with a DJI Phantom Pilot to design a carrying case. I have a customer in Florida that needs a case but I need someone locally (San Diego) to work with on the design. The copter is expensive and ideally needs a cost effective carrying case. Our GoPro Cases can be seen at www.goprocases.com

[Nitro Blast]

Originally Posted by GoPro Cases

I'm looking to pair up with a DJI Phantom Pilot to design a carrying case. I have a customer in Florida that needs a case but I need someone locally (San Diego) to work with on the design. The copter is expensive and ideally needs a cost effective carrying case. Our GoPro Cases can be seen at www.goprocases.com

I'm your man.
PM sent.

[GoPro Cases]

Please email me your contact info. My email is rick@goprocases.com

[Nitro Blast]

Done.

(for those that are interested, I dropped my Phantom off to be used as the model for the case internals)

Stay tuned for a GREAT case for the DJI Phantom to be put on the market!

[Nitro Blast]

Flying with another Phantom

YouTube Video

(and you can see what's on the table behind my camper just as I come in to land)

[CHELLIE]

Neet video Nitro Take care and have fun, Chellie

[Nitro Blast]

Look what I just got my hands on!


Unit #1, the very first production case for the DJI Phantom!



USA Airline approved as carry on, lockable, water/weather/gorilla proof. Computer designed, water jet cut, precision fit for everything. Nothing is going to bounce around, there are even risers to key the props into place and prevent them from moving.

MSRP $189

Lots of room for your GoPro, batteries, charger, props, tools, spare motors, wires, accessories and more! Super secure and beefy protection for your DJI Phantom.




I'll be bringing my Phantom to Hawaii on my next visit hoping for some real nice aerial.

[GoPro Cases]

I just wanted to let you know that we will start shipping the cases the week of the March 3rd. So you can tell your fellow Pilots that they can pre-order from http://www.goprocases.com/xb-dji.aspx

[jabu32]

Love the case. very clean looking

[Nitro Blast]

jabu,

I gotta tell you, its worth it for sure. It is so awesome to have everything in a place, I can open my case, and visually see that I have everything.

The case itself is near bulletproof, and seals perfectly to keep all of the nasties out when I need it.