Eyes in the Skies

We’ve all wondered, at one point or another, what the world around us looks like from the sky. Thanks to today’s technologically advanced designs, we can see as the birds do. No, I’m not talking about seeing through a bird-eye lens, even though that’s now possible. I’m talking quadcopters. Specifically, the Inspire 1 Pro by DJI.

This feature- packed quad is a ready-to-fly package, so you don’t have to worry about long set ups. This beauty is very intelligent, knowing exactly where it took off from and where the controller is thanks to astounding GPS capabilities. You don’t have to worry about losing it either, due to its Return Home feature, which uses auto-pilot to return to the Home Point (which can either be the launch point or the Dynamic Home Point by the controller). Not only this, but the Inspire 1 is capable of automatic takeoff and landing, which helps prevent damage. Other safety measures include an altitude rooftop, which prevents the Inspire 1 from climbing higher than the propellers can stabilize, and Vision Positioning, which uses a bottom-facing camera as well as sonic waves to aid in stable flight without GPS or even when flying indoors.

The Inspire 1 Pro also boasts a Zenmuse X5 camera, which is a professional-grade camera capable of shooting 12 Megapixel still photographs as well as 4k video at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second, and 1080p video at 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60 frames per second. The camera is mounted to the Inspire 1 Pro with a three-axis stabilization gimbal that compensates for every minor move in flight in order to produce smooth video footage and streaming. Yes, you read that right, I said streaming. Thanks to DJI’s Lightbridge technology, users can link an iPad or tablet to the controller and see the view through a spectacular lens, over a mile away. If you think it would be neat to control the camera once the Inspire 1 Pro is in the air, but are too afraid of your flying skills (or lack thereof), DJI also has a dual-controller version. Both controllers have the same video feed, but one is designated to control the Zenmuse X5 camera, while the other controls the quad.

While this is all very impressive and tempting, the price tag is not exactly college friendly, coming in at $4499 for the Inspire 1 Pro, $2899 for the Inspire 1 with single remote, and $3399 for the Inspire 1 with dual remotes. I suppose this could be motivation to persevere and finish your degree. By then, who knows what will be available!