12/02/2017
The original DJI Inspire was revolutionary and remains one of the defining craft of its generation. It brought professional quality solutions in a package accessible to the commercial markets, integrating HD video transmission with a 4K camera and fully 360-degree rotating gimbal. Not only did the price point appeal to a wider audience, so too did the control system as well as the breadth of intelligent technologies, including a vision poistioning system and those famous folding legs. Things only got better with the launch of the Zenmuse X5 and X5R camera to give even greater creative options to filmmakers and professional drone users around the world.
With the Inspire 2, DJI isn’t just improving on its predecessor; besides the iconic appearance, it’s completely redesigned every element from the ground up to not only surpass the Inspire, but to bring yet another revolution to the market. 4K video is upgraded to 5.2K, with the CineCore 2.0 image processing system offering support for CinemaDNG RAW, Apple ProRes and more. It can go from 0 to 50mph (80kph) in just four seconds, with a top speed of 58mph (93kph) – and that’s only restrained for safety reasons. With a a climbing rate of 7 m/s and a descending rate of 9m/s, the DJI Inspire 2 is unmatched for speed and manourevabilty in a craft of this size.
It’s speed it matched by its safety, with a range of new and improved features and redundancy, including a dual battery system that not only delivers peace of mind in the rare event one battery should have a problem, but the extra power also pushes the maximum flight time our to 27 minutes (with the X4S camera), while the self-heating technology will keep things working even in low temperatures. There are added cameras to further enhance its positional awareness and obstacle avoidance capabilities, with new sensors in front and above the drone offering almost complete protection at speeds up to 34mph.
The DJI Inspire 2 also provides a new range of intelligent flight modes, including the likes of TapFly, Profile and other ActiveTrack modes, plus the new Spotlight Pro which can adjust both the camera and the craft to keep your target in frame, giving pilots and camera operators even greater options for creative, complex and dramatic shots. There’s also a upgraded video transmission system that offers dual signal frequencies (2.4 and 5.8GHz), while the additional FPV camera can provide a second live-streamed video, alongside the main camera, to give both pilots and camera operators the perfect view for pinpoint collaboration.
AIRCRAFT
Structure:
A magnesium aluminium composite shell, combined with carbon fibre arms in a transforming design, ensures a robust, yet agile, craft with in-flight juddering reduced to a minimum.
Configuration:
Enhanced vision position system, 2-axis FPV camera and a range of supported cameras.
Propulsion:
Max speed 58mph (93kph), with 2kg thrust per motor and 15” propellers giving up to 27 minutes of flight time (with the X4S camera).
Battery:
Dual battery system with self-heating technology for greater redundancy, 4280mAh
IMAGE SYSTEM
Image Processing:
New CineCore 2.0 image processing system integrating DJI CINESSD, 5.2K @ 4.2Gbps and RAW video recording.
Video Format:
Supporting Adobe CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes, with 5.2K video (at 30fps – 4K at 60fps), video compression at both H.264 and H.265 with 4K video @ 100Mbps and broadcast quality up to 1080i50 / 720p60.
File System:
Utilises a FAT32/exFAT universal file system
REMOTE CONTROLLER
Provides signal frequency switching between 2.4 and 5.8Ghz, using Lightbridge technology.
Improves the controllable range to 4.3miles (7km) – when unobstructed and free from interference, when FCC compliant.
Master and Slave mode gives support for multiple controllers, with an extended range of 100m (328ft).
Ports include an extension port, HDMI and USB for added connectivity.
PROFESSIONAL IMAGE QUALITY
At the heart of the Inspire 2 is the brand new CineCore 2.0 image processing system, capable of recording 5.2K video in Adobe CinemaDNG¹, Apple ProRes² and more. The CineCore 2.0 system is built into the nose of the aircraft and works with any camera connected through the dedicated camera gimbal port (currently supporting the Zenmuse X45³ and X5S, but with further options to follow).
EFFICIENT WORKFLOW
The Inspire 2 has been designed to fit into a cinematic or creative workflow, completely optimised for recording in Adobe CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes, as well as other common formats used in filmmaking and other industries. The Inspire 2 will also support FAT32/exFAT file systems to enable the fast transfer of files directly from DJI CINESSD, without the need for additional software (Coming Soon).
SENSE AND AVOID
With forward and down-facing vision systems, the Inspire 2 is able to detect obstacles up to 30 metres ahead, enabling protected flight at speeds up to 34mph (54kph) with a controllable attitude of 25°. The Inspire 2 also boasts additional upward facing infrared sensors which provide extra eyes to scan for overhead obstacles up to 16ft (5m) above the craft, offering added protection if you’re working indoors or in enclosed spaces. The obstacle sensing technology is active during normal flights, Return to Home and in all of the craft’s intelligent flight modes – automatically stopping before, or finding a route around, any given obstacle.
These sensors are core components of the DJI Flight Autonomy system, which integrates many intelligent features into the Inspire 2, such as those shown here:
SPOTLIGHT PRO
The new Spotlight Pro mode is a powerful tracking tool that enables even lone operators to capture complex, creative and dynamic shots. Using advanced visual tracking algorithms (which also serve to detect and follow targets more accurately), the Inspire 2 is able to lock onto a selected person or object, regardless of the direction it’s flying, and keep it centred in the frame, letting pilots grab some great shots that may otherwise have required a dedicated camera operator. If the gimbal reaches the edge of its rotation limits, the drone itself will rotate in the required direction, without impacting on the flight or compromising the shot (or the gimbal) in any way.
There are two shooting modes: Quick Mode and Composition Mode. Quick Mode is as simple as selecting your target to being tracking, while Composition Mode gives you greater control over the tracking position itself. Once you choose your pre-set tracking position, one quick tap gets things underway, with further adjustments to the gimbal available in-flight. You can use Spotlight Pro in all of the existing Intelligent Flight Modes, including ActiveTrack and Tapfly, along with Waypoint and Point of Interest (both of which are coming soon).
INTELLIGENT FLIGHT MODES
In addition to Spotlight Pro there is a range of further Intelligent Flight Modes and shooting options available. The Inspire 2’s obstacle avoidance technology is optimised when using the likes of Point of Interest and Waypoint modes (both of which are coming soon), making complex shots simple to set up, and easy to repeat with added safety and confidence. Other modes available include QuickSpin, Tapfly and ActiveTrack to help make even the most difficult of shots that much easier for pilots of all abilities.
TapFly
With the new built-in 2-axis FPV camera providing a separate viewing point from the traditional camera perspective, this effectively gives the Inspire 2 a dedicated Tapfly camera. To use this mode, you simply tap on-screen to a point visible from the FPV camera to set your intended flight route and the Inspire 2 will automatically follow that path, leaving the pilot free to focus on controlling the gimbal and mounted camera.
ActiveTrack
ActiveTrack enables the Inspire 2 to recognise and follow a wide range of target objects, from people to bikes, cars and boats. The tracking profiles can be adjusted based on the target to be tracked, giving more accurate tracking precision than ever before.
SMART RETURN TO HOME
With the forward and downward facing vision systems, the Inspire 2 is able to continually scan its environment, creating a real-time map of its surroundings and the flight route as it flies. If you lose the transmission signal and Return to Home is enabled, the Inspire 2 is able to fly back to its home location along the original route, even improving upon it if a more efficient path has been found, before returning to a straight line once the signal is regained – with a much quicker reconnection time. The system also makes use of the primary camera, making it capable of detecting potential obstacles up to 200 metres ahead, further enabling it to plot a safe route back to its home point.
OPTIMISED TRANSMISSION AND CONTROL SYSTEM
The latest updates to DJI’s Lightbridge technology gives the Inspire 2 an effective transmission distance of up to 4.3 miles (7km)* while capable of delivering both 1080i and 720p video, along with the FPV viewpoint, to both the pilot and camera operator. Users can also switch between 2.4 and 5.8GHz** frequencies to reduce the potential for interference and greater signal stability.
* Unobstructed, free of interference and FCC compliant.
** 5.8GHz is not available in all regions, due to local regulations
MASTER AND SLAVE CONTROLLERS
The new wireless HD transmission technology can send video data from the master controller to secondary slave controllers. These additional controllers can be up to 100m (328ft) apart without losing any of the image quality.
BROADCAST MODE
Professional users can broadcast directly from the Inspire 2 using its optimised 1080i50 and 720p60 transmission signal. Streaming live from the aerial camera to TV (or online) is as simple as hooking up the Inspire 2 controller to a satellite truck.
POWERFUL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
The Inspire 2’s new propulsion system is optimised for power to create new levels of flight performance. It can hits a top speed of 58mph (93kph), going from 0 to 50mph (80kph) in just four seconds. The Inspire 2 is also capable of climbing up to 7m/s and descending as quickly as 9m/s, flying with a maximum attitude angle of 40°. The controller’s two thumbsticks have been tuned for greater sensitivity, making combining these speeds with delicate manoeuvres even easier.
The extra power also enables the Inspire 2 to fly in more extreme conditions, with optional dedicated propellers capable of taking it above 2500-5000m above sea level, while the self-heating Intelligent Flight Batteries can keep the craft flying in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F).
INCREASED RELIABILITY
The safety and reliability of the Inspire 2 has been further enhanced through additional dual redundancy systems for modules such as the IMU, compass and barometer, as well as the dual battery set-up. In the unlikely event of a problem arising with one of the batteries, the other would be able to continue the flight long enough to make a safe a landing.
The new obstacle avoidance system helps to keep the Inspire 2 free from hazards, further minimising the risk of collision and potential damage. In addition the Inspire 2’s new propulsion system is driven by a PWM signal with serial port signal redundancy, so if the signal is lost, the transmission will be able to continue operating through the serial port.
This system has been tested for thousands of hours to ensure maximum reliability, and when combined with the key sensors and a dual-battery design, the overall flight reliability is significantly improved. And with the intelligent flight control system constantly monitoring the redundancy system, pilots will be updated with accurate flight data at all times.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE
DJI has a series of powerful accessories to help improve efficiency and give professionals and commercial users more creative opportunities.
DJI CINESSD Station
The CINESSD station is used to connect the system into a computer for fast and efficient file transfers. It uses an NVMe logical device interface, features four PCI Express ports (for PCI Express 3.0) and provides support for FAT32/exFAT file formats (coming soon). It’s available in both 120Gb and 480Gb, with the latter capable of recording videos at speeds up to 4.2Gbps, which is more than enough data to meet the most demanding of filmmaker’s needs.
DJI License Key
DJI License Keys enable the CineCore 2.0 image processing system to record in Adobe CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes. These are available separately and can be used with the Zenmuse X5S camera to deliver the exact file type required for most individual post-production needs.
DJI Dedicated Display
A new range of CrystalSky monitors come with a 5.5”, 1000 cd/m² display, a 7.85”, 1000 cd/m² display and a 7.85”, 2000 cd/m² display. The high luminance screens are designed to offer the brightness and clarity needed when shooting outside or in bold lighting conditions. A powerful video decoder has been integrated into each model to deliver smooth video, while the integrated image enhancement technology improves performance in bright environments. The CrystalSky displays are able to operate in temperatures from -20°C (-4°F) to 40°C (104°F) and use a replaceable external battery. And they also have the added benefit of freeing up your smartphone or tablet for other uses!
DJI Focus
The DJI Focus adds an advanced, precise follow focus system to the Zenmuse X5S camera. It comes with adjustable endpoints, a customisable focus wheel and it works just like turning the lens itself.
Battery Charging Station
Stay fully charged with this 800w station that has the capacity to charge up to eight Inspire 2 batteries at the same time, with additional space for storing four more of the Intelligent Flight Batteries and a standard charger. The station also comes equipped with two USB charging ports for added support.
4G-LTE NETWORK CONNECTION
With a USB dongle and SDK development kit, the Inspire 2 also supports control over 4G. The fast bandwidth enables the craft to transmit high quality videos directly to a network server, or to be used to ultra-long distance control. The video transmission latency has been reduced to 500ms for an even smoother response.
GROUND FILMING
A brand new handheld camera mount is coming soon that will be compatible with the X4S and X5S cameras, adding the option of bringing them down to ground level for an even greater range of uses for creative and flexible filmmaking.
REMOTE CONTROLLER GPS ACCESSORY
Also coming soon, this GPS accessory for the controller greatly improves the accuracy of its positioning. By using the Inspire 2’s Dynamic Home Point function, which lets you set the controller as a home location, this provides a constantly-updated and pinpoint-accurate Return to Home location even if you’re on the move.
