DJI has now officially announced the new DJI Inspire 3 drone (reserve here). Offering several advantages over the DJI Inspire 2 (buy here), such as full-frame 8K video recording, 4K 120fps with no crop, increased flight time and longer range, DJI’s latest professional aerial platform also comes with a significantly increased price tag, too. Priced at $16,499, this is certainly not your average drone.
The company says it “sets a new standard in cinematic-grade aerial filming systems with the new all-in-one DJI Inspire 3”. And looking at the specs on paper, it might do just that. While other drones, such as the XDynamics Evolve 2 (buy here), had mostly caught up and potentially even beaten the Inspire 2 in some areas, the Inspire 3 looks like it’s set to take back the crown.
DJI Inspire 3 Specs
The DJI Inspire 2 was released back in 2016. That’s relatively ancient in drone technology terms. The DJI Inspire 3 was reported expected to be released last year, but this release was obviously delayed. Today, however, it’s a different story, and the Inspire 3 certainly wants to try and impress. Of course, with a $16.5K price tag, it’ll need to. So, let’s take a look at a rundown of the key specs.
- Full-frame 8K sensor with frame rates up to 75fps
- Non-cropped 4K video at up to 120fps
- CinemaDNG and ProRes RAW output options
- 14+ stops of dynamic range
- 1TB DJI PROSSD storage included
- Intelligent flight modes with Waypoint Pro
- Omnidirectional (6-axis) obstacle avoidance
- Ultra-wide 161° FPV camera (with nightvision)
- 4K 30fps and 1080p 60fps wireless video transmission
- Up to 28 minutes flight time (hot-swappable dual batteries)
As you can see, this drone really wants to be able to deliver to the needs of filmmakers today, particularly higher-end ones with deep pockets. For those working with 8K, though, this is probably the only commercially available drone that can keep up with those sorts of demands. Sure, you can (and people have) build custom drone rigs to mount an EOS R5C or something for filming 8K from the air, but the DJI Inspire 3 presents a much more convenient option.
The DJI Inspire 3 incorporates the Zenmuse X9-8K gimbal camera. It uses DJI’s proprietary DL mount, although a lens does not seem to be included DJI has announced a new 18mm f/2.8 DL mount lens today, too, which will add $1,299 to your cost. The DJI DL 24mm and 35mm f/2.8 lenses are also available for $1,299 each or the 50mm f/2.8 for $1,199. If you already have lenses that you’ve used with other DJI DL mount gimbals, then that’s not so bad. But if you’re buying fresh, that’s a lot of extra expense. That’s a total of $21,595 if you buy the Inspire 3 with all four lenses.
Oh, yes, and then there’s that whole CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes RAW output thing. Sure, the Inspire 3 does support and offer both formats, although it will cost you. You’ll have to spend another $979 for the license and you’ll only be able to buy it directly from DJI. That now brings that kit up to a grand total of $22,574 – After all, why would you buy all that kit and then not want to shoot ProRes RAW or CinemaDNG?
The DJI Inspire 3 will become available at some point in June for $16,499 from DJI and the usual retail outlets around the world. The combo includes the DJI Inspire 3 Aircraft, Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, RC Plus remote controller, 6x TB51 Intelligent Battery, Charging Hub, PROSSD 1TB, Trolley Case, 3x Foldable Quick-Release Propellers (Pair), Lens Carrying Box, and RC Plus Strap.
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