Phantom 4 Advanced vs Pro: Which Dji Drone Reigns?
Choosing the right drone can feel like navigating a maze of features and specifications. For enthusiasts seeking aerial photography and videography excellence, the DJI Phantom series has long been a top contender. But with so many options, how do you decide which one is right for you?
This comparison dives deep into two popular models: the Phantom 4 Advanced and the Phantom 4 Pro. We’ll explore their key differences, from camera capabilities and flight performance to the overall value proposition. Get ready to uncover which drone best suits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, understanding the nuances of the Phantom 4 Advanced vs Pro is crucial. We will break down the features to help you make an informed decision and elevate your aerial game. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Phantom 4 Advanced | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 1-inch | 1-inch |
| Effective Pixels | 20MP | 20MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/60fps | 4K/60fps |
| Mechanical Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle Sensing | Front & Rear | Front, Rear & Sides |
| Flight Time | Up to 30 minutes | Up to 30 minutes |
| Transmission Range | Up to 7km (FCC) | Up to 7km (FCC) |
| Camera Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 – f/11 |
| Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Still Image Modes | Single Shot, Burst Shooting, Interval | Single Shot, Burst Shooting, Interval |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Camera Sensor
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Features a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor capable of shooting 4K/60fps video and burst mode at 14fps. Offers a decent dynamic range and good low-light performance, but it’s slightly less advanced than the Pro’s sensor.
- Pro: Boasts a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor with a wider dynamic range and improved low-light capabilities compared to the Advanced. It can also shoot 4K/60fps video, providing more detail and flexibility in post-production.
- Winner: Pro
Video Bitrate
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Records video at a maximum bitrate of 60 Mbps, which is sufficient for many applications, but it may lead to some compression artifacts in complex scenes.
- Pro: Supports a higher maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps, resulting in more detailed and sharper footage, especially in scenes with fast motion or intricate details.
- Winner: Pro
Obstacle Sensing System
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Equipped with front and downward vision sensors for obstacle avoidance, allowing for safer flights, especially for beginners. However, it lacks sensors on the sides.
- Pro: Includes front, rear, and downward vision sensors, providing comprehensive obstacle detection in multiple directions. This enhances safety and allows for more complex flight maneuvers.
- Winner: Pro
Transmission System
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Uses DJI’s Lightbridge transmission system, offering a range of up to 4.3 miles (7 km) in ideal conditions. The signal can be susceptible to interference in some environments.
- Pro: Utilizes an upgraded Lightbridge transmission system, providing a longer range of up to 4.3 miles (7 km) and enhanced resistance to interference, leading to a more reliable connection.
- Winner: Pro
Remote Controller
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Comes with a standard remote controller with a built-in LCD screen for displaying flight information. It provides essential control over the drone’s functions.
- Pro: Offers a remote controller with an integrated, brighter display screen. Allows for better visibility in sunlight and includes more advanced features such as the ability to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies.
- Winner: Pro
Flight Modes
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Supports various intelligent flight modes, including TapFly, ActiveTrack, and Return to Home. These modes simplify flight and allow for more creative shots.
- Pro: Offers the same flight modes as the Advanced, but the Pro’s more powerful processing capabilities can enhance the performance of these modes, particularly ActiveTrack.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more accessible option for hobbyists and those new to drone photography.
- Pro: Priced higher due to its advanced features, making it more suitable for professional users or those seeking top-tier performance.
- Winner: Advanced
Battery Life
- Phantom 4 Advanced: Offers a flight time of up to 30 minutes on a single charge, providing a reasonable amount of time in the air for capturing footage.
- Pro: Provides a similar flight time of up to 30 minutes, allowing for comparable shooting sessions.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality (Overall) | Pro |
| Obstacle Sensing | Pro |
| Value | Advanced |
| Aperture Control | Pro |
What They Have in Common
- 1-Inch Sensor: Both drones feature a 1-inch sensor, which allows for excellent image quality and dynamic range in both video and photo captures.
- 4K Video: Both drones are capable of recording video at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, providing smooth and detailed footage.
- 3-Axis Gimbal: Both drones utilize a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize the camera, ensuring smooth and professional-looking videos even during flight.
- Flight Time: Both drones offer a similar maximum flight time, allowing for ample time in the air for capturing footage.
- Intelligent Flight Modes: Both drones support various intelligent flight modes, such as TapFly and ActiveTrack, for automated and creative shots.
Phantom 4 Advanced Vs Pro Buying Guide
Price and Value
The Phantom 4 Advanced (P4A) often presents a more accessible entry point due to its lower price. However, the Phantom 4 Pro (P4P) justifies its higher cost with enhanced features and performance. Consider your budget and the importance of specific features. The P4A offers excellent value, especially for those new to aerial photography. The P4P provides a more robust and professional-grade experience, which is reflected in its price.
Camera Specifications
The camera is a critical differentiator. The P4P boasts a 1-inch sensor, delivering superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance compared to the P4A’s 1-inch sensor. The P4P also supports 4K video at 60fps and a higher bitrate. The P4A, while still capable, has limitations in challenging lighting conditions and video recording specifications. This difference significantly impacts professional projects.
Obstacle Sensing System
The P4P has a more comprehensive obstacle sensing system. It includes sensors on the sides of the aircraft, which allows for omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The P4A has front and rear sensors. This enhanced system on the P4P improves flight safety and allows for more complex maneuvers. This feature is particularly helpful in environments with obstacles.
Flight Performance and Range
Both drones offer similar flight performance characteristics, including a top speed and flight time. However, the P4P has a slightly better transmission range, ensuring a more reliable connection with the remote controller. Consider the environments in which you will be flying. The range difference might be significant for certain projects. Check local regulations and flight limitations.
Professional Features and Accessories
The P4P offers a range of features geared towards professional users, such as a mechanical shutter to eliminate rolling shutter distortion in fast-moving scenes. The P4P also supports more accessories, such as a dedicated DJI CrystalSky monitor for enhanced visibility. The P4A, while capable, lacks some of these professional features and accessory options. This means more versatility for professional tasks.
Overall User Experience
The P4A offers a great user experience, especially for beginners and hobbyists. The P4P provides a more refined and professional experience, catering to experienced pilots and those requiring the best image quality and more advanced features. Consider your skill level and the complexity of your projects. Both drones are easy to fly, but the P4P opens up greater creative possibilities.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Phantom 4 Advanced If…
- You are looking for a high-quality drone with excellent image quality at a more affordable price point.
- You primarily need a drone for general aerial photography and videography.
- Side obstacle sensing is not a priority for your flight needs.
- You want a drone that is easy to set up and fly.
Buy Pro If…
- You need the best possible image quality and more flexibility in your shots.
- You require the additional obstacle sensing for safer and more complex flights.
- You need the ability to adjust the aperture for more creative control over depth of field.
- You plan to use the drone professionally or require the highest possible image quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Phantom 4 Advanced and Pro?
The primary difference lies in the camera and obstacle sensing systems. The P4P features a larger 1-inch sensor for superior image quality and a more comprehensive obstacle avoidance system with sensors on more sides of the drone. The P4A offers a good camera and obstacle sensing, but the P4P is better.
Which drone has a better camera?
The Phantom 4 Pro has the superior camera. Its 1-inch sensor captures more detail, provides better dynamic range, and offers improved low-light performance compared to the Phantom 4 Advanced. This results in higher-quality images and videos, especially in challenging lighting scenarios.
Does the Phantom 4 Pro have better obstacle avoidance?
Yes, the Phantom 4 Pro features a more comprehensive obstacle sensing system. It includes sensors on the sides of the drone, providing omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The Phantom 4 Advanced has only front and rear sensors. This improves safety and flight capabilities.
What is the flight range for each drone?
Both drones boast impressive ranges, but the Phantom 4 Pro generally has a slightly better transmission range, offering more reliable connectivity with the remote controller, particularly in areas with potential interference. The exact range varies depending on environmental factors.
Can I use the same batteries for both drones?
No, the batteries are not interchangeable. While both drones use intelligent flight batteries, the Phantom 4 Advanced and Phantom 4 Pro use different battery models. Make sure you are using the correct battery type for your specific drone model to ensure safe and proper operation.
Which drone is better for beginners?
The Phantom 4 Advanced is an excellent choice for beginners due to its slightly lower price, user-friendly interface, and still-impressive performance. It provides a great introduction to aerial photography and videography. The P4P is also easy to fly, but the price might be a deterrent.
Which drone is better for professional use?
The Phantom 4 Pro is the better choice for professional use. Its superior camera capabilities, enhanced obstacle avoidance, and professional features make it ideal for demanding projects. The P4P’s superior image quality and control options are invaluable in the field.
Final Verdict
The Phantom 4 Advanced offers excellent value and is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists. The Phantom 4 Pro, however, takes the lead for professional use with its superior camera, enhanced obstacle sensing, and additional features. While both are excellent drones, the Pro provides more capabilities.
Winner: Phantom 4 Pro