How does the Phantom 4 Pro Plus compare to today's technology?

[ihavequestions]

Size wise, it's huge and much louder, but how does it compare in every other way? Considering buying a cheap one.

Camera (still seems to be amazing)
Range
Reliability
Strength against factors such as wind and moisture

I see some benefits such as easier to hand catch in cases like being on a boat and side sensors that protect from ATTI situations or if you're flying sideways, it still won't crash. Any other benefits?

 

[old man mavic]

very well ,the biggest difference between the Iconic Phantom and todays DJI offerings ,is as you have already mentioned size,which correlates to portability ,it is a great camera platform ,and for some has never been bettered

 

[DanMan32]

Side OA won't prevent ATTI, only crashing into something.
Only the downward sensors are used as an alternative means of position stability.

Also side OA sensors are only enabled in certain modes/situations. Its still great to have, but just wanted you to be aware.
Also OA in general is not foolproof. Wires and small branches are likely to not be detected.

 

[ihavequestions]

Side OA won't prevent ATTI, only crashing into something.
Only the downward sensors are used as an alternative means of position stability.

Also side OA sensors are only enabled in certain modes/situations. Its still great to have, but just wanted you to be aware.
Also OA in general is not foolproof. Wires and small branches are likely to not be detected.

Thanks for this feedback. Yep, thats what I meant. My buddy was saved many times when he was flying and hit an ATTI patch where it started drifting. Then when it drifted close to a structure sideways, it actually caught itself and stopped even in ATTI. Didn't prevent ATTI obviously but was definitely good to help in situations where it otherwise would be more likely to crash.

 

[ihavequestions]

very well ,the biggest difference between the Iconic Phantom and todays DJI offerings ,is as you have already mentioned size,which correlates to portability ,it is a great camera platform ,and for some has never been bettered

Yeah, I know the things like range might not be as good though.

 

[African wildlife]

We use a P4P+ for professional filming. It's great.

We can't fault the camera and the range is outstanding. We mainly work overseas, almost always in remote areas, and the reliability has been 100%. As for wind, it handles it fine - and I'm talking here about mountainous conditions. Moisture? It's been up through the clouds and down again with no ill effects, and is generally well protected (but we never fly in rain). It's good for use on a boat at sea.

Hand catching is easy because you are well away from the props, although it's always wise to be cautious.

We carry it all in a dedicated backpack (inexpensive) and it travels very well. And we carry a lot of other pro filming equipment.

Get the set of PolarPro ND/PL filters if you want motion blur.

Noise? Yes, it's not as quiet as the Mini 2 - we now also have as an additional tool for when we have to travel ultra light. But being noisy has an advantage if you're not close to people.

The integrated screen of the Plus is wonderful to use. It makes everything quick to set up and it's incredibly bright which massively helps when you're filming and want to see detail.

Do I need to go on? Have you rushed off and bought it yet (having checked it's working and seen sample video)?

 

[julius13]

Side OA won't prevent ATTI, only crashing into something.
Only the downward sensors are used as an alternative means of position stability.

Also side OA sensors are only enabled in certain modes/situations. Its still great to have, but just wanted you to be aware.
Also OA in general is not foolproof. Wires and small branches are likely to not be detected.

I found out the hard way about OA only working in certain modes. Unfriendly tree.