DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 a Small But Welcome Evolution

While DJI’s big news this week has been its partnership with Microsoft that will see its professional use drones access the power of Azure IoT, the civilian drone giant has quietly launched its consumer Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drone. A modest but welcome evolution of its high-end drone, the model has been released to market without the fanfare of media announcements, but simply added it to their online catalogue.

Leaks revealed last month that DJI is preparing a new generation of Phantom with interchangeable lenses. But it seems that due to lack of competition in the segment this particular drone sits in, straddling between private individuals and professionals, the drone maker is content this year simply with an updated model of its current Phantom 4 Pro.

The new DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0

Visually, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is almost identical to its predecessor. The only visible changes are the logo, gold and silver, and new propellers more aerodynamic. Combined with new ESC controllers for motors, they improve stability and reduce noise down to -4 dB (60%). These 9455S propellers will be able to replace the 9450S on the Phantom 4 Pro. DJI does not claim any increase in flight duration, which remains “approximately 30 minutes” with the battery unchanged from 5,870 mAh.

The main improvement is certainly the front and rear distance sensors, which are increasing from 10 to 30 meters. They will allow the device to avoid obstacles at higher speeds, however the range of the side sensors remains at 7 metres.

Finally, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 replaces the video transmission with Lightbridge 2 by OcuSync, originally introduced on the Mavic Pro. This means an increase in range from 5 to 7 km, improved reliability, and a video resolution increase from 720p to 30 fps to 1080p at 30 fps.

This new quadcopter offering from DJI retains many features of its predecessor. In particular, it inherits its intelligent flight functions and its 4K camera with 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor and 24mm f / 2.8 lens.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is available now at the official DJI online shop and is available in Australia at a price of $2,399. A Racing Edition package is also available at an introductory price of $3,038 and includes DJI’s VR Goggles.