DJI.com Reviews, Coupons & Information

If you are interesting in learning about aerial photography without the bother and expense of renting your own full-size aircraft, then multi-rotor copters are the best thing going.... but the cost of entry even there can be pricey; $1000-$3000 to get a basic platform. A steep price for something you might just like to learn on or play around with.

This is where DJI has done a great job of creating a low-end but feature-rich entry platform, using the same basic autopilot features they put on their much more expensive commercial multi-copters. The Phantom uses energy-efficient motors and a GPS-enabled onboard computer to make flying this a breeze, even in a modest breeze. Add your own GoPro and a vibration isolation mount and you can create amazing videos after just a few flights.

The biggest thing to remember is that while Lithium-Polymer battery efficiency has brought a lot of new flexibility to all-electric R/C flying, they are still power-limited... a Phantom with just your GoPro can fly for 10-12 minutes on a battery charge, but then you'll need to take a good while (45 minutes, perhaps) to recharge that battery. So you're going to want to have extra batteries; many folks I know take a half-dozen batteries with them for an afternoon of flying.

Like most cool hobbies, the biggest danger is to your wallet - batteries, an improved charger, maybe an upgraded transmitter/receiver combo, and then computer-controlled stabilizing gimbals mean you can go hog wild with a Phantom over time. Enjoy!

I spent a lot of time convincing myself that 15 minutes of flight was enough time, that I enjoy tv shows shorter than that. Well, it turns out I actually only get about 10-13 minutes flight time and they are the greatest minutes of my life!

Would recommend to anyone even considering getting an Phantom.

This is a must have man toy! I just ordered 3 more batteries so I don't have to wait for for batteries to charge. This thing is also very durable and can take a beating from a rusty pilot. I've crashed this thing props down in the dirt at least a dozen times and have yet to break a prop. The flight orientation takes a few flights to get used to and I recommend you start out in GPS mode to get a little help from the satellites. The video footage you can get on a go pro is awesome to. If you're on the fence about getting this you don't be just get it and be prepared for an addicting thrill. The only downside to this thing is the batteries only last about 10 minutes especially if you have the GoPro mounted.

I love that I can simply turn off the controller and the thing lands itself. It's super easy to fly as well. I would highly recommend watching the youtube videos on the DJI channel prior to your first flight. I've gotten a little carried away twice now and crashed but the Phantom holds up great. Another great feature are the red and green lights underneath. I'm really surprised with how well I can still see them even with the copter very high in the air. It's a very well thought out product, especially for those of us who are new. It's ready to go out of the box!

The DJI Phantom ‘1’ is the best quad for the price! It’s ready to fly (after a battery charge) and so smooth! I've flown a few other quads and I just love DJI's setup – especially THIS version/model. I already owned a GoPro (so I can use the camera for other things - not JUST on the quad.)