Photo courtesy DJI Innovations.

by Scott Kesselman

Last night at a special broadcast, DJI Industries revealed its latest aerial video and photography system, the Inspire 1.



After discussing its product history and growth from 20 employees in 2006 to over 2,800 today, an intro video faded out to music and an Inspire 1 unmanned aircraft flew in over the audience capturing images from above.



What makes the Inspire unique is its modular carbon fiber arms that lift out of sight during flight for 360 degrees of unobstructed views.  



The built-in camera system with three-axis gimbal stabilization records video in 4k resolution at 30 frames per second, which is twice the resolution of standard 1080p high-definition. The camera can also take 12-megapixel photographs and in addition to 360-degree horizontal rotation, it has 125-degree vertical tilt capabilities.



A comprehensive mobile app gives flight telemetry data, allows for manual camera controls, auto takeoff and landing, and shows what the camera sees up to one kilometer away.



There is also optional dual operator control so the pilot can fly the aircraft while another operator controls the camera.



The $2,900 Inspire 1 also includes imaging sensors for stable flight indoors or near the ground that let it know when to lower its legs for landing.



DJI also announced compatibility with PIX4D to allow users of the Phantom 2 Vision to start autonomous mapping and measuring in 2-D or 3-D models.

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