Leaked 'DJI Phantom 5' photos actually show a custom Phantom 4
Although it’s not long (only three weeks in fact) since the release of the softly launched, minimally tweaked Phantom 4 Pro V2, rumours of a totally new model are never far around the next corner.
And so it was again a few weeks ago, when photos were leaked of the supposedly new DJI Phantom 5 along with interchangeable camera lenses. The source of the images, Twitter user “OsitaLV” also leaked supposed images in March of a Phantom drone with an aluminium shell, along with some more photos the camera and the camera mount in April accompanied by some hand-drawn sketches of dubious origin.
Sounds exciting, and perhaps if were true it would be. But as is the way with rumours, until they are confirmed they are nothing but hot air.
And hot air this rumour is also, with the Chinese manufacturer making it clear to DP Review: the drone in the photos were nothing but a special order made on behalf of a customer.
As DJI said in a statement: “The Phantom 4 drone with interchangeable lenses sighted in some online publications is not a DJI product for public sale. To clarify, this was a modified Phantom 4 Pro drone designed for an enterprise client to serve specific application needs.”
While many may be disappointed at the confirmation, there is still much speculation about the release of a Phantom 5 later this year. With the release in October 2017 of the Super 35 sensor-equipped X7 Zenmuse camera – which can be operated with different lenses – a Phantom 5 with interchangeable lenses would certainly be welcomed.
In the meantime, drone enthusiasts may have to be content with the new and improved Phantom 4 Pro v2.0.