Best DJI Inspire 2 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020:

After a very successful Phantom 4 Pro , it’s the Inspire 2’s turn to go upmarket. With a maximum announced speed of 94 km / h, a range of 27 minutes and above all 5.2K video in RAW DNG, the Inspire 2 is aimed above all at image professionals and production companies. Will he be able to seduce them? Answer in our test !

Presentation

The Inspire 2 is a professional drone which undoubtedly reinforces DJI’s supremacy in the flying camera market. Based on a new structure composed of an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, it is able to reach the top speed of 94 km / h and accelerate from 0 to 80 km / h in 4 seconds. In addition to these characteristics ideal for filming on the road or sporting events, the dual battery system promises 27 minutes of autonomy, to fly up to 5000 m above sea level and at a temperature down to ‘at -20 ° C. If these performances are on the increase, the Inspire 2 also has stereo optical sensors on the front and below for obstacle detection, as well as infrared sensors on the top of the device

However the major advantage of this Inspire 2 is its compatibility with the new Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras. The Zenmuse X4S is composed of a 20 Mpx 1 inch sensor, with a dynamic range of 11.6 diaphragms and a focal length of 24 mm. The new Zenmuse X5S has a Micro 4/3 sensor with 20.8 MP and a dynamic range of 12.8 diaphragms. The Zenmuse X5S camera is compatible with 10 Micro 4/3 lenses ranging from wide-angle to zoom.

A new image processing system, called CineCore 2.0, is built into the chassis of the device and can process large files faster. The Inspire 2 captures videos in 5.2K at 4.2 Gb / s for the Adobe CinemaDNG RAW format and integrates a fast CineSSD storage to manage the enormous flow of images. Several video compression formats are available, including Adobe CinemaDNG, Apple ProRes 422 HQ (5.2K, 4K) and ProRes 4444 XQ (4K), H.264 and H.265. For these last two formats, the recording is done simply on SD card.

Best DJI Inspire 2 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020

1. DJI Inspire 2 Drone

2. DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter with CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes Licenses

3. DJI CP.BX.000103 Inspire 1 v2.0 Quadcopter with 4K Camera and 3-Axis Gimbal

4. Lume Cube – Lighting Kit for DJI Inspire 1 & 2 (Includes 2 Lume Cubes + 2 Mounts + Zipper Case)

In addition, there are automated flight modes, such as Spotlight Pro mode, which targets a subject while the aircraft is flying freely in a completely different direction; the device turns on itself automatically, to keep the target in the frame. Thanks to the front camera, TapFly mode directs the device to any point on the screen while avoiding obstacles in its path. ActiveTrack identifies common subjects (people, vehicles or animals) and orders the Inspire 2 to follow them and film them from the side while flying forward and taking advantage of obstacle detection to keep the device in security.

The flight experience and the shooting can also be decoupled, since a front camera sends a video stream to the pilot, while the cameraman can receive the video stream recorded by the Zenmuse on another screen. The distance between the two radio controls can now be increased to 100 m.

The sale price of the Inspire 2 drone is € 3,399. The Inspire 2 Combo, including an Inspire 2 drone, a Zenmuse X5S camera, as well as the CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes license keys, is available for € 7,098. DJI Care Refresh insurance applies to the Inspire 2 and Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras, with copies of priority replacements (up to 2 over a year).

Test configuration

For our test we received the Inspire 2 drone equipped with two batteries, a charger that can recharge up to 4 batteries simultaneously, two sets of propellers, two remote controls, the X5S camera and a 15 lens mm f / 1.7 marked DJI, but which our readers will have recognized as being a Panasonic.

Getting started

When the heavy suitcase opens, the Inspire 2 reminds us of what a professional drone is. Taking the silhouette of the first Inspire of the name, it wants to be even better finished, better designed and more efficient. The structure in magnesium and aluminum alloy ensures better resistance to torsion and the arms in carbon fiber allow to gain in weight and rigidity. Besides, about the arms, it is always as pleasant to observe their kinetics and we still do not understand that DJI did not choose to make those of its bestseller the Phantom 4 retractable too.

DJI’s ambition is to position the Inspire 2 in the audiovisual world and make it a flying camera suitable for multiple shooting situations. And in fact, as much as we found the Inspire 1 slightly disappointing compared to what the rest of the range offered, the Inspire 2 is undeniably displayed as a high-end flagship. Production companies will also be able to turn to the M600 or S1000 platforms, but the Inspire offers a set of technical characteristics and ease of use that are a priori unmatched.

The key word of Inspire 2 is redundancy: its double battery, its multiple sensor system, dual camera, are there to prove it. The double self-heating batteries allow to fly down to -20 ° C and provide the relay between them. Redundant sensors offer stability and secure flight. The front and bottom optics help the Inspire 2 detect obstacles up to 30m away. The aircraft is thus better protected in flight up to a speed of 54 km / h (34 mph) and an attitude angle of 25 °.

More

Infrared sensors at the front scan obstacles over 5m and the obstacle detection systems are active in normal flight, as well as during Return To Home and intelligent flight modes. Finally, keep in mind that one of the strong points of the Inspire 2 is its Spotlight mode, which, thanks to the front camera module, offers immersion flight dissociated from what the recording camera films. It is thus possible to target and lock a subject during the flight, regardless of the direction in which the Inspire 2 flies.

In a way, the presence of an operator dedicated to controlling the camera is no longer so necessary. If the nacelle is close to reaching its limit of rotation, the aircraft will pivot in the same direction without affecting flight control or filming, to release the movements of the nacelle. Other flight modes are present, including TapFly or Active Track which recognizes multiple subjects on the move and can follow them.

A word on the remote control. Particularly well finished and solid, it incorporates Lightbridge technology which plays on an alternating signal between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz to ensure a better connection between the drone and the remote control. Multiple ports are present, such as HDMI or USB, and it is possible to connect as a master / slave in order to pilot the drone and the camera nacelle separately. In FCC standard, the connection is provided up to 7 km and in CE standard, up to 3.5 km. We regret not having an integrated screen, as on the Phantom 4 Pro + and the Typhoon H Pro .

Application

The DJI Go 4 application offers a revised and clearer reception interface. It’s easier to log into the forum, access Skypixel image sharing, and get flight tips and advice. Overall, the application therefore seems easier to access. However, once connected to the drone, same observation as in previous tests: we end up with an extremely complete interface, but also very bushy, see confused for the neophyte. 

The flight screen is cluttered with multiple information which is certainly useful for navigation, but hinders piloting. Not to mention that at times, pop-ups appear, sometimes to signal a strong wind, sometimes to prevent the aircraft from entering a flight zone which requires authorizations. Certainly, this information is necessary, but a different ordering could simplify the reading. In addition, it is not always easy to find the right setting and you quickly get lost in the multiple settings of the drone or image capture.

It is possible to work between ISO 100 and 25,600 in photos and up to ISO 6,400 in videos. You can manage white balance or image profiles like Art, Cinelike or S-Log as well as other LUTs. The shooting can be done in RAW + JPEG in photo, or in MP4 or MOV in video encoded in MPEG-4, H264 and H265 for recording on microSD card. Recording in Ciné DNG Raw or ProRes is compulsory on the SSD. 

Flight experience

The Inspire 2 is simply a machine that seems straight out of Star Wars  ! It offers unequaled flight comfort. Powerful, equipped with 3512 brushless motors , its performance is largely sufficient in most shooting situations. With peaks at 94 km / h (26 m / s), a speed of 6 m / s in ascent and 4 m / s in descent, this drone will be comfortable to film action scenes or in large landscapes. In addition, its multiple sensors reassure about the steering and allow you to focus only on framing. Overall, the Inspire 2 offers the almost perfect combination of nervousness, power and control.

Unfortunately, and as often, the autonomy which did not exceed 22 minutes with the Zenmuse X5S somewhat spoils the pleasure. Given the adaptation time required for piloting and discovering the multiple settings, we quickly find ourselves having to return the drone to its base. The redundancy of the batteries gave us hope for a longer flight time, but ultimately, even with two batteries, we did not reach the 27 minutes announced.

Image quality

In video, the 4K image is excellent and detailed across the whole field. The result is flattering and clearly exploitable directly from the sensor. Of course, you can use Cinelike or S-Log image modes for more flexibility in post-production. But H264 compression provides sufficient image quality in most situations.

In HDTV 1080, our feeling is a little more mixed. The image is good, but compared to 4K rendering, the difference is obvious and some compression artifacts are visible.

As for 5.2K in CineDNG, we are not satisfied with the demosaicing solutions at our disposal. The resources of our computer do not allow us to correctly convert the image and the times to create proxies are abominably long: 3 hours 30 minutes for a 3 minutes rush. To give you an idea of ​​what we have to deal with, 20 minutes of 5.2K. 30p recording in Adobe Cinema DNG represent 420 GB of images …

In the photo, the large Micro 4/3 sensor delivers 20.2 MP images with a dynamic range of almost 13 diaphs. If the rendering in high sensitivities is not breathtaking (we expected better in processing the signal / noise ratio), the image quality gives full satisfaction up to ISO 800. It will of course be a function of the objectives used, but with our test objective, the image is well pricked in the center from the full opening and delivers its full potential at f / 5.6. 

On the other hand, we are surprised by the lack of homogeneity on the edges. The center presents a beautiful accutance, but going towards the periphery, the details lose their crispness. We also notice chromatic aberrations on the strongest contrasts. 

Verdict

The question of whether we recommend buying the Inspire 2 does not arise: its positioning is more intended for image professionals and the investment deserves to be profitable. In this context, the Inspire 2 can perfectly complement a workflow with a Black. Magic , for example, since it is in Micro 4/3 mount and 8 lenses will be compatible. Obviously, we can be satisfied with the Zenmuse X4S camera equipped with a 1 inch sensor, but our Phantom 4 Pro test also equipped with a 1 inch sensor lets us think that it is with the X5S that the Inspire 2 delivers its full potential and ensures an unrivaled positioning.

Moreover, the Inspire 2 offers a particularly attractive flight experience. It overcomes obstacles and constraints of piloting brilliantly – not to mention that thanks to the SpotlightPro function, it is possible to follow a subject while keeping control of the camera. Definitely, DJI positions itself as the leader in flying cameras, by offering not only a panoply of functions and recording formats. But also an image quality largely at the level of a multichannel broadcast.

Be careful though: if the 5.2K CineDNG recording leaves you dreaming, it will be imperative to think about the storage of the rushes, their conversion and their processing. And it is not an easy task. In addition, the Inspire 2 is not free from faults, starting with its size. With its 3.29 kg without carrycot and its 60 cm diagonal, it is not transported in a simple bag and requires to be stored in a suitcase. So, the pre-takeoff procedure is meticulous and requires a minimum of preparation, even if there is nothing rocket science.

STRONG POINTS

  • Look
  • Magnesium alloy structure
  • Retractable carbon fiber arms
  • FPV camera
  • Sensor redundancy
  • DJI Go 4 app
  • Dual microSD and SSD recording
  • 5.2K 30p and 4K 60p
  • Recording in RAW CineDNG
  • Apple ProRes Registration
  • Recording in H.264 and H.265
  • Maximum speed of 94km / h
  • Overall performance
  • Various Automated Flight Mode
  • Relevant SpotLight Pro mode
  • Obstacle control with Return To Home
  • Lightbridge link for video transmission up to 3.5km (CE standard)
  • Ability to fly down to -20 ° C

WEAK POINTS

  • Price of the Inspire 2 kit + Zenmuse X5S + lens + high license key
  • Dimensions
  • Tedious pre-takeoff operations
  • Average autonomy
  • Photo quality at image periphery
  • Noise processing from ISO 1600
  • Tangle application

CONCLUSION

Inspire 2 is a “must have” that is aimed above all at aerial image professionals. Complete, intuitive and packed with assistance, it will deliver breathtaking areal images with great ease. However beware of recording in RAW in 5.2K: it’s nice on paper but a hassle to deal with.

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