DJI's Phantom 2 Vision+ incorporates much of a couple hot topics these days, and that's a quadcopter, floating camera stabilization and action camera videography. The plus version of this quadcopter is really a step up from the Phantom 2 Vision with the introduction of a 3-axis gimbal. It appears much like a point and shoot camera would if it were attached to a remote control head. We haven't even touched on how the flying apparatus itself hasn't changed much beyond the original Phantom, but seems to remain stable enough to carry more and more.
The Phantom 2 Vision+ has a camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, and can record video at 1920×1080 and 30fps. The 14MP sensor can be fully utilized for 4384×3288 stills and the lenses' field of view is 110/85 degrees. A microSD card slot on the camera reminds us that the quadcopter as a whole is plenty small and could easily be lost by an inexperienced pilot. To aide those in training, a fly-home feature reprises its role from previous models of the Phantom. Recording time aside, the flight time for the quadcopter is 25 minutes, enough to keep the fun and imagination possible with the Phantom 2 Vision+. Getting shots that are straight down, rising, dropping or moving through arches are each within reach.
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We know DJI has cooperated with GoPro with the HERO3 series as the prescribed camera, and now the software side is getting some attention with Adobe's lens profiles which can help correct the fisheye distortion. Another way that DJI seems to work well with others are apps that can help you pilot a quadcopter in the Phantom line. While the FAA is seemingly poised to make more regulations on video from drones, the price remains very inviting to many producers, and at $1,299 the Phantom 2 Vision+ may be pricey, but then again, how much is the handheld gimbal you're looking at, and the camera too?
