In the past decade, camera drones have become quite popular in photography and among adventurers. Many renowned camera manufacturers also stepped into this territory, but only a handful of drones gained popularity like the DJI Inspire 2.
Before DJI Inspire 2, its predecessor DJI Inspire 1 also set the new benchmarks for the camera drones, but when this model appeared in the market, it changed the game.
It upgraded the features of the previous model. It came up with several other features such as 5.2k video, most modern obstacle detection systems, and Cine Core 2.1 processing system, which are not even offered in the cameras that carry heavier price tags than this one.
But does this flying beast perform that well in the air and the user’s hands, or is all the hype in the market just a good marketing campaign by DJI? Is it worth the money? We checked every aspect of DJI Inspire 2, and from pros to cons, here are all the details that might interest you.
Table of Contents
DJI Inspire 2 Review
Powerful Flight Performance
A good drone is all about its flight performance and considering that this gadget falls in the
category of high-end. The DJI Inspire 2 flies up to 58mph (94 kph), descends at 9m/s, and ascends at 6m/s. It accelerates from zero to 80kph in precisely 5 seconds.
The power optimization design also permits the DJI Inspire 2 to fly in extreme conditions, with over 2500-5000m on top of water level (using elective dedicated propellers), and in temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C).
Overall, the flight performance is exceptional. The average flying speed of the gadget is 40mph in standard mode, but in sport configuration mode, if the flying condition is stable (not windy), it can quickly go up to the speed of 70-75mph.
But at this flying speed, the battery life is relatively less than the average battery timings mentioned in the manual. Though there are two batteries that double the timings, DJI needs to take into consideration that for the price of the drone, a user is getting mere 20-22 minutes of flight time, which is less than the battery timings of the drones that even cost 3x less than this one.
DJI Inspire 2 supports the Zenmuse cam and forward-facing FPV camera. As this drone falls a little bit heavier, it is noticeable that the acceleration is slightly slow, but once this drone starts flying, there is no comparison with this beast.
In short, the flight performance is: OUTSTANDING AND EXCEPTIONAL!
Design
DJI Inspire 2 body is made with Magnesium aluminum alloy with carbon fiber arms. The body is covered with an aluminum shell, providing extra strength. Not only does it look sturdy, but it is also.
During our in-field flight experience, we found that this drone can easily take rashes without a single dent or scratch. But do not worry about crashing this drone at all! DJI integrated many intelligent systems into the device.
The obstacle-avoidance system tracks incoming objects from 30 meters away, upward-facing infrared sensors scan for things five meters above the drone, and so on.
Powered with four rotors, it falls in the category of drones which are relatively larger but still, it is pretty lightweight for its size and strong, all thanks to the addition of carbon fiber arms.
The DJI Inspire 2 is simple to carry because of its flexible construction and dual battery design. With that, its responses are always super-quick.
The camera of the drone and quick-release propellers both are easily replaceable.
Aerial Footage
Either shooting in dimly lit situations or under bright sunlight, the video performance of Inspire two turns out superlative! There are many big names not offering even 4K videos. Inspire two twinned with the X5S can shoot up to 5.2K at 30fps.
Though it supports a few cameras, DJI’s Zenmuse X5S is specially designed for this drone. Every time it is in the air, professional-level footage is guaranteed. The latest update to DJI Lightbridge technology supports the drone to offer a reasonable transmission distance of up to 7km. The drone’s camera is capable of delivering each 1080p and 720p video.
Moreover, the developers updated the image processing system, which changed the video game of this camera. The CineCore 2.1 image processing system of DJI Inspire 2 makes it capable of recording video in 6K @4.44Gbps CinemaDNG1, 5.2K @2.08Gbps Apple ProRes2, and H.265/H.264 @100Mbps.
One noticeable thing about the video aspects is that the slightly bigger size allows the camera to stay more stable in the air. And more stability is directly proportional to the more clear footage.
Still Images
Like the videos, images still turn out like the results from high-end professional cameras; very sharp and vibrant.
The technical aspect of stills are:
- JPEG/DNG/JPEG+DNG 10 fps in burst 24 MP*5
- DNG 20 fps continuous burst 24 MP*6
The relatively bigger sensor in the drone makes the drone capable of offering more vibrant and crystal clear images. Overall, which is good in flying and shows UHD footage too, DJI Inspire 2 is one of the best drones in the market.
Astute Flight Modes
A spread of alternative intelligent flight and multiple shooting modes are offered with DJI Inspire 2. Obstacle turning away is optimized, and for the unmatchable flying performance, it provides intelligent flying modes like AR Quick Spin, Tap Fly, and Active Track.
These modes permit the Inspire 2 to acknowledge a spread of objects, from individuals to bikes, cars, and birds in the air.
Acumen and Turning Away
Forward and downward vision systems change the Inspire 2 to find obstacles up to thirty meters ahead, allowing protected flight at up to 34mph (54kph) at a manageable angle of 25°.
Upward-facing infrared sensors scan obstacles 16ft (5m) higher than, adding protection once flying encapsulates areas. Obstacle sensing systems are active throughout traditional flight,
RTH, and every one Intelligent Flight Modes.
Tap Fly
A feature that made the use of this drone fun is TapFly. It allows the user to control the camera by simply tapping on their smartphone screen. In short, the drone will fly automatically while allowing the user to enjoy the flying experience and focus entirely on footage and gimbal movement instead of controlling the camera.
Dapper Retrieval to Home
Smart DJI Inspire 2 features Forward and Downward Vision Systems. This system automatically starts making a time map of the flight route when flying.
Whenever a video transmission signal is lost, the built-in mechanism triggers the “come-to-home” features, and the drone starts flying back home on the original path, towards the point of flight. During the fight, the first camera spots obstacles 200m ahead, permitting it to arrange a secure route home.
This feature also works when it comes to low battery. The drone will also start flying home on the original route when the battery reaches a specific limit. Every time we tested, this feature worked flawlessly. Forget about the worries of losing your drone no matter what the flying circumstances are.
Primary and Secondary Controllers
Another addition in the drone compared to its predecessor, DJI Inspire 1, is its new wireless HD image transmission technology. This sends video info from the primary controller to the secondary controller. Even if the two controllers are often up to100 meters apart, you won’t encounter any issues like lost footage quality.
Remote Controller GPS Module
DJI Inspire 2 GPS Module for the Remote Controller improves the remote controller’s positioning accuracy. This is the core technology that ensures the brilliant return of the drone every time.
A Powerful Battery
DJI Inspire 2 has a twin battery system that extends the flying time to over 27 minutes (with AN X4S). Each DJI Inspire 2 battery has a capacity of 98Wh. With that, self-heating technology allows it to fly even in cold climates.
Because there are two batteries, if one fails, the other will keep the aircraft flying long enough to make a safe landing. But overall, we feel that DJI can do better when it comes to battery life.
DJI Inspire 2 Specifications:
- Model: T650A
- Weight: 7.58 lbs.
- Max Takeoff Weight: 9.37lbs (4250 g)
- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10 m/s
- Max Flight Time: Approx. 27min (with Zenmuse X4S), Approx. 23min (with Zenmuse X7)
- Motor Model: DJI 3512
- Propeller Model: DJI 1550T
- Indoor Hovering: Enabled by default
- Operating Temperature -4° to 104° F (-20° to 40° C)
- Diagonal Distance(propeller excluded): 23.8 inches (605 mm, Landing Mode)
- Max Speed: 58 mph or 94 kph (Sport mode)
- Max Transmitting Distance of Remote controller (unobstructed, free of interference): 2.4 GHz:
- Video Output Ports: USB, HDMI
- Stills: JPEG/DNG/JPEG+DNG 10 fps in burst 24 MP*5, DNG 20 fps continuous burst 24 MP*6
- Power Supply: Built-in battery
- Charging: DJI charger
- Dual User Capability: Host-and-Slave connection
- Battery: 6000mAh 2S LiPo
- Battery Capacity: 4280 mAh
- App: DJI GO 4
- Obstacle Sensing Range: 0-16.4 feet (0-5 m)
- FOV: ±5°
- Operating Environment : Large-size non-reflective obstacles
Pros:
- Affordable price
- The outstanding value of money
- Extraordinary images and video quality
- Ease of use
- Multiple flying and shooting modes to enhance users’ experience
- Best quality video transmission
Cons:
- Value of money but falls in the category of expensive drones
Conclusion
DJI Inspire 1 was a revelation in the world of drones. But DJI Inspire 2 came up with the stepped-up versions of those features coupled with multiple brand-new ones.
This primary filmmaking drone comes with some very fascinating features, including the image process system CineCore2.1, recording video at up to 6K in Cinema DNG/RAW and 5.2K in Apple ProRes once used with Zenmuse X7 camera, the capability of going from zero to fifty mph (80 kph) in barely five seconds and hitting the most speed of fifty-eight mph (94 kph).
Smart, automated retrieval systems, TapFly, and multiple other features.
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