Drones For Professionals And Hobbyists: Dji Phantom 3 Professional Vs. Advanced Unveiled

The DJI Phantom 3 series revolutionized the aerial photography landscape, offering unparalleled image quality, advanced features, and user-friendly controls. Among its variants, the Phantom 3 Professional and Advanced models stand out as exceptional choices for photographers and videographers seeking professional-grade results. This comprehensive comparison guide delves into the intricacies of each model, highlighting their key differences and helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

Image Quality: Capturing Every Detail

Camera and Sensor:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Boasts a 12-megapixel camera with a 1-inch sensor, capturing stunning images with exceptional clarity and detail.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Features a 12-megapixel camera with a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, still delivering impressive image quality for most applications.

Video Resolution and Frame Rates:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Records 4K videos at 30 frames per second (fps) and 1080p videos at 60 fps, providing smooth and cinematic footage.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Records 2.7K videos at 30 fps and 1080p videos at 60 fps, offering solid video quality for everyday use.

Flight Performance: Soaring to New Heights

Flight Time:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Offers a maximum flight time of approximately 23 minutes, allowing ample time for capturing aerial shots and videos.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Delivers a slightly shorter flight time of around 20 minutes, still providing sufficient duration for most tasks.

Speed and Maneuverability:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Features a top speed of 36 miles per hour (mph) and agile maneuverability, enabling dynamic flight patterns and precise control.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Reaches a slightly lower top speed of 31 mph but retains impressive maneuverability, making it suitable for general aerial photography and videography.

Camera Features: Unleashing Creative Potential

Mechanical Shutter:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Equipped with a mechanical shutter, eliminating rolling shutter distortion and enabling crisp shots of fast-moving subjects.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Lacks a mechanical shutter, making it susceptible to rolling shutter distortion in certain situations.

Point of Interest (POI) and Waypoint Navigation:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Supports POI and waypoint navigation, allowing you to program flight paths and capture stunning aerial shots automatically.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Does not offer POI or waypoint navigation, limiting its autonomous flight capabilities.

Remote Controller and Connectivity: Staying in Control

Range and Signal Strength:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Offers a maximum range of approximately 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) and reliable signal strength, ensuring stable communication with the aircraft.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Has a slightly shorter range of around 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) and may experience occasional signal drops in certain environments.

Display and Telemetry Data:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Integrates a built-in display on the remote controller, providing real-time telemetry data, camera settings, and live video feed.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Requires a mobile device connected to the remote controller for displaying telemetry data and live video, which can be cumbersome in some situations.

Price and Availability: Making the Investment

Cost and Value:

• Phantom 3 Professional: Typically priced higher than the Phantom 3 Advanced, offering a more comprehensive set of features and superior image quality.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: More affordable than the Phantom 3 Professional, providing a solid balance of features and performance for budget-conscious users.

Availability and Support:

• Phantom 3 Professional: May have limited availability due to its discontinuation, but spare parts and support are generally more accessible.
• Phantom 3 Advanced: Still widely available and actively supported by DJI, ensuring easy access to spare parts and customer service.

Key Points: Choosing the Ideal DJI Phantom 3 Model for Your Needs

After meticulously comparing the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and Advanced models, it’s evident that each variant caters to specific requirements and preferences. The Phantom 3 Professional excels in image quality, flight performance, and camera features, making it the ultimate choice for professional photographers and videographers seeking exceptional results. On the other hand, the Phantom 3 Advanced offers a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and features, ideal for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking to elevate their aerial photography skills. Ultimately, the decision between these two remarkable drones hinges upon your individual needs, budget, and desired level of image quality and functionality.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Q: What is the primary difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and Advanced cameras?

A: The Phantom 3 Professional features a 1-inch sensor, while the Phantom 3 Advanced has a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, resulting in superior image quality for the Professional model.

2. Q: Can I use the Phantom 3 Professional’s camera on the Phantom 3 Advanced?

A: No, the cameras are not interchangeable between the two models due to different sensor sizes and compatibility issues.

3. Q: Does the Phantom 3 Professional have a better flight time than the Phantom 3 Advanced?

A: Yes, the Phantom 3 Professional offers a slightly longer flight time of approximately 23 minutes compared to the Phantom 3 Advanced’s 20-minute flight duration.

4. Q: Which model has a longer range and stronger signal strength?

A: The Phantom 3 Professional provides a maximum range of 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) and reliable signal strength, while the Phantom 3 Advanced has a shorter range of 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) and may experience occasional signal drops.

5. Q: Can I use the Phantom 3 Advanced without a mobile device?

A: Yes, you can operate the Phantom 3 Advanced without a mobile device, but you will not have access to the live video feed or telemetry data on the remote controller‘s display.