Trojan Warriors

Drone enthusiasts rejoice: The long-awaited Inspire 1 v2.0 sale has arrived!

Drone World has slashed the price of the DJI Inspire 1 v2.0 from $3,099 to just $1,999. That’s a 36% price drop. Read that again: Thirty-six percent.

The v2.0 is the base model of the Inspire 1 quadcopter, DJI’s professional-grade drone. The v2.0 (“vee-two”) includes all the essentials: a detachable Zenmuse X3 camera, remote control, battery charger, and 16 GB SD card.

Thanks to its four large and powerful motors, the Inspire 1 can hit an official top speed of 50 MPH; however, expert pilots have reported top speeds of nearly 90 MPH.

The real big draw with the Inspire 1 is its camera. The X3 camera delivers 12-megapixel images and Ultra HD video of 2160p (4K). A Sony EXMOR 1/2.3″ sensor powers the detachable camera. Thanks to retractable landing gear, the Inspire 1 camera enjoys uninterrupted 360-degree visibility. Even better: The Inspire 1 live-streams video in 720p HD.

An added bonus: The Inspire 1 supports dual remotes. One remote can pilot the drone while another works the camera.

On the downside, the Inspire 1 v2.0 comes stock as a pretty spartan package. Luckily, Drone World is more than able to fill in with its Everything You Need and Upgrade kits.

Some of the things the Inspire 1 Everything You Need Kit, priced $2,737, adds:

• an extra DJI factory remote
• a Hoodman Commercial Sunshade
• an extra 4,500 mAh battery plus hub charger
• and a drone skin wrap

Drone World’s Inspire 1 Everything You Need Upgrade Kit, priced $3,299, further adds:

• a 64 GB memory card
• a lens filter kit
• a bonus 5,700 mAh high-output battery
• and a wheeled hard case (with custom foam insert)

Customers can add further options, including: extra batteries, pre-installed firmware updates, a GPS tracking device, a 180W rapid charger, and FPV HD goggles.

“What about the Inspire 1 Pro?” you ask. Sadly, the Inspire 1 Pro remains priced at $3,899…for the time being.

Remember to visit Drone World’s full array of Inspire 1 bundles, accessories, and resource pages.

When it comes to the Inspire 1 and Osmo, we receive one question above all others: DJI X3 vs X5 — what’s better?

If you need an answer, visit our comparison page for the DJI X3 vs X5.

If you know nothing about the Inspire 1 drone, then “X3” and “X5” sound confusing.

Aren’t those BMWs? you might think.

Yes, yes they are. But they are also the names for two powerful DJI cameras found on the Inspire 1 quadcopter and Osmo handheld stabilizer.

The Zenmuse X3 is the standard camera on both. Its specs are like those on the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and Phantom 4. Those key specs are:

• 4K UHD max video resolution (2160p)
• 12.4 MP (Mega-Pixels) max photo resolution
• A 1/2.3” sensor (the size of the “brain” of the camera)
• The Zenmuse X3 has specs like those of other action cams, especially the GoPro Hero Series. The advantage with the Zenmuse X3 is that it doesn’t have the GoPro’s “fisheye” effect. The Inspire 1 v2.0 and Osmo come with the X3. And, yes, it’s detachable.

The Zenmuse X5 is a step up, found only on the Inspire 1 Pro. Its key specs are:

• 4K UHD (2160p) max video res
• 16.0 MP max photo res
• Micro-4/3″ sensor
• The X5 captures a wider and more dynamic range of picture. The X5 supports a wide variety of lenses. The X3, by comparison, doesn’t.

Who is each for? What is the price difference? Is it right for you? Find the answers to those questions at our comparison page.

And after reading that, you can browse our selection of Osmo and Inspire 1 kits and accessories. We offer a terrific selection of custom bundles and high-quality accessories for great prices.

Also be sure to visit our Inspire 1 information guide where you can learn more about features, specifications, and how it stacks up to other drones.

The Yuneec Typhoon H may finally hit the market. The long-awaited hexacopter drone was a darling of this past Consumer Electronics Show. Set for release in early April, Yuneec’s flagship was quietly postponed to mid-April, then late April, and now May 5.

There’s indication that the May 5 release could be for real. The Yuneec Typhoon H has been back on the news-wire, with its remote being featured on The Verge and the drone itself showing up at the Security and Counter-Terror eXpo (SCTX) in London. That appearance at SCTX hints that Yuneec International is looking to other targets beside the general consumer market.

And that isn’t a “unique” (see what we did there?) trend, either. 3D Robotics recently shifted–or expanded, depending on who you ask–focus from general consumers to industry with the Solo. But at least the 3DR Solo appeared on the market–the Typhoon H has been an absent figure almost a month after its promised launch.

That absence may have a lot to do with its modest specs. On one hand, the Yuneec Typhoon H camera shoots 12 MP photos and 4K UHD video. It also has retractable landing gear for uninterrupted 360-degree filming. On the other hand, the Typhoon H can fly at just 22 MPH max and has a mere 1-mile video transmission range. By comparison, the Phantom 4 hits 45 MPH and transmits to 3 miles—5 miles if you use a Phantom 4 Range Extender.

Then there’s the legal front.  DJI sued Yuneec International for patent infringement in early April. That, along with the Phantom 4 debut in March, surely altered Yuneec International’s plans for US sale–the former suspending distribution, the latter forcing Yuneec to reconsider strategy

The H is the fourth entry in the Yuneec Typhoon Series. The other Typhoons include the G, 4K, and Q500+ quadcopters. Yuneec also sells the pro-grade Tornado H920 hexacopter. Yuneec currently retails the Typhoon H for $1,300.

Does it stand a chance against DJI’s Gen 4 wunderkind? Check out our comparison page a judge for yourself.