At the start of CES 2017, the leading unmanned aerial technology maker DJI continues to expand its ever-growing product line with the introduction of two variations of its CrystalSky monitor prototype along with a limited edition Phantom 4 drone, two new Osmo product extensions, and a new aerial mapping app. Giving CES attendees an exclusive sneak peek at the latest aerial and imaging technology, the company shows off its recently announced CrystalSky – an ultra-bright monitor developed specifically for outdoor aerial imaging operators using the latest company’s aerial platforms including the Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire 2 and Mavic Pro.
The CrystalSky monitor will be available in two 5.5-inch and 7.85-inch versions offering 1000 and 2000 nits of brightness as well as 2048 x 1536 and 1920 x 1080 resolution respectively. The units will also support H.264 and H.265 video decoding, allowing it to play back files at up to 30 fps and 60 fps. CrystalSky users will also find the DJI GO app embedded onboard providing seamless integration and full access to all DJI GO features including aircraft parameter adjustment, camera control, footage management, and playback.
Along with a two-cell 4920 mAh external battery that should give the CrystalSky a longer operating time than comparable mobile devices, the monitor will be able to output 4K video through its HDMI port. Its storage can also be further extended utilizing a micro SD card for footage backups and later reviewing of the recorded material. Pricing and availability of the CrystalSky monitor will be announced at a later date.
At CES 2017, DJI also showcases the Osmo Silver gimbal that, except for the different coat of paint, features a new Beautify mode popular among smartphone camera apps for quickly touching up photos and videos. The Silver is also compatible with the FiLMiC Pro app. In addition, the company releases the Zenmuse M1 gimbal as an add-on accessory that allows owners of the original Osmo to mount their smartphones and take full advantage of the existing Osmo handle. Both products will start shipping in the second half of January selling for $299 and $169 respectively.
There is also a brand new Ground Station Pro (or GS Pro) iPad application launched that’s specifically designed for professional operators to plan and control autonomous flights with the DJI latest drones. All in all, it allows users to set up to 99 waypoints in its Tap and Go Waypoint mode, with each waypoint accommodating up to 15 actions, like rotation, recording, and others.
The 3D Map Area function, on the other hand, enables the aircraft to generate efficient flight paths after the operator has set their required flight zone and camera parameters. The image data captured during these flights can be input into 3D reconstruction software to generate 3D maps, while the mission itself can be saved for re-use. Those and many other features can be already accessed on the GS Pro iPad app that is currently available for free download at the App Store.
Last but not least, comes the Phantom 4 Chinese New Year Edition with designs from renowned illustrator Martin Sati. This special limited edition of Phantom 4 houses the same onboard intelligence and features, but unlike its sibling the original Phantom 4, has a Phoenix at the very center of its body, symbolizing good fortune and happiness. The drone will sell for $1,199 exclusively at Apple Stores, DJI Flagship Stores (except Korea), DJI Online Store, and Tmall DJI Store officially hitting the shelves on January 23.
[source: DJI]
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