DJI Inspire 3 Review

Introducing the DJI Inspire 3, a game-changer in professional drone technology, announced in April 2023. Its cutting-edge features cater to various industries, from surveying to filmmaking, offering unmatched performance.

With its sleek design and advanced Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, the Inspire 3 provides exceptional precision in aerial photography. Its full-frame sensor and interchangeable lenses ensure superior image quality, making it a top choice for professionals.

Our evaluation covers the Inspire 3’s design, controller capabilities, flight performance, and photography features. Stay tuned to discover why the DJI Inspire 3 is the preferred choice for professionals seeking the best in aerial technology.

DJI Inspire 3: Design

The DJI Inspire 3 redefines professional drone design with its robust yet portable construction. Measuring 27.9 x 6.9 x 19.7 inches in Travel Mode, it employs a folding mechanism for effortless transportation and storage, a notable upgrade from its predecessors. Moreover, the inclusion of folding propellers that can remain attached in the trolley case enhances user convenience, marking a significant step forward in usability. Weighing 140.91 oz with essential components onboard, including the gimbal camera, lenses, batteries, and propellers, the Inspire 3 strikes an optimal balance between durability and portability.

The main body of the drone boasts a locking gimbal attachment and adjustable landing gear, enabling dynamic shooting angles such as Tilt Boost and 360-degree Pan. With the capability to accommodate two batteries, the Inspire 3 offers up to 28 minutes of flight time, allowing pilots to maneuver with agility and precision. During testing, flight times averaged around 18 minutes per battery pair, subject to varying conditions.

DJI Inspire 3: Camera Performance

The camera prowess of the DJI Inspire 3 represents a significant leap forward, surpassing even high-end models like the Mavic 3. Compared to its predecessor, the Inspire 2 with the Zenmuse X5 camera, the difference is stark.

Capturing images at 20MP in RAW or JPEG format, the Inspire 3 delivers astonishing detail, revealing intricate nuances in every frame. Even when slightly compressed, the richness of detail is evident, with each leaf or blade of grass distinctly visible. The camera’s dynamic range is equally impressive, effortlessly handling contrasting elements like black glass, shaded areas, and bright sunlight without sacrificing highlight or shadow detail.

Our testing with the 18mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses revealed exceptional detail across the frame, with no apparent distortion or fringing, even in the corners. Notably, the 50mm lens exhibited minimal judder during hovering, indicating excellent stabilization from the gimbal and dampener.

However, it’s worth noting that working with 8K footage demands serious post-processing capabilities. High-end computers like the Mac Studio are recommended to handle the substantial data volume efficiently. While the Inspire 3 offers MP4 codecs at 4K resolution, utilizing 8K fully unleashes its potential, albeit with the requirement for robust processing power.

In our experience, attempting to edit 8K footage on a standard machine proved challenging, underscoring the need for suitable hardware. Despite the demands, the Inspire 3’s camera performance elevates aerial videography to new heights, offering unmatched clarity and detail for discerning professionals.

DJI Inspire 3: Functionality

The DJI Inspire 3 offers powerful performance, boasting a top speed of 58 mph and impressive wind resistance of 31 mph. Despite its large size, it exhibits remarkable agility, enabling smooth maneuvers and sharp turns suitable for complex environments like film sets.

Equipped with advanced collision avoidance technology and features like Waypoint Pro and 3D Dolly, the Inspire 3 excels in navigating challenging surroundings. Satellite positioning from GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou, coupled with an Omnidirectional Sensing System, ensures enhanced safety by detecting obstacles from all directions.

While lacking automated flight patterns like Quickshots, the Inspire 3 compensates with Waypoint Pro for precise route planning and repeatable shots, ideal for filmmaking and surveying. Additionally, 3D Dolly modes replicate traditional camera movements without additional hardware.

Enhanced flight accuracy is achievable with the optional D-RTK 2 Mobile Station, albeit at an additional cost. Front and rear-stacked ceramic antennas further contribute to flight precision and safety, making the Inspire 3 a versatile and reliable tool for professional aerial applications.

DJI Inspire 3: Smart Features

The Inspire 3 introduces advanced features like waypoint navigation, allowing users to predefine routes for repetitive flights with ease. Despite its powerful capabilities, it won’t entirely replace traditional film equipment due to its downdraft. Spotlight Pro, utilizing AI for subject tracking, challenges the need for a second camera operator in many situations, especially with improvements in the FPV camera. DJI’s inclusion of adjustable obstacle alerts enhances usability in tight spaces. Additionally, the RTK upgrade offers even greater precision, albeit at an added cost, demonstrated in Manchester City’s content team trials.

DJI Inspire 3: RC Controller

Complementing its advanced design, the DJI Inspire 3 is equipped with the DJI RC Plus controller, offering unparalleled control and versatility. Boasting a 7-inch 1,200-nit touchscreen display, the controller provides intuitive access to camera and gimbal settings, facilitating seamless adjustments for enhanced creativity and precision. Designed with professional users in mind, the RC Plus controller features excellent build quality and ergonomic comfort, ensuring optimal performance even during prolonged use.

With up to three hours of usage on a single charge, supported by hot-swappable batteries, the controller guarantees uninterrupted operation in demanding environments. Furthermore, its compatibility with external monitors enhances usability, allowing users to monitor and adjust settings with ease. Whether operating solo or in tandem with a second controller, the DJI RC Plus controller is a vital component of the Inspire 3’s exceptional performance and usability.

Should You Consider Investing in the DJI Inspire 3?

The DJI Inspire 3 represents a leap in professional drone technology, designed primarily for seasoned pilots and filmmakers seeking unparalleled performance. While it may seem daunting for casual users due to its size and complexity, its user-friendly interface and advanced features cater to a wide range of applications.

However, if you’re not a professional drone pilot with specific needs, the Inspire 3 may not be the ideal choice for you. Its large and heavy build makes it less portable than consumer drones, requiring careful consideration before investment.

On the flip side, for professionals in fields such as filmmaking, inspections, and surveying, the Inspire 3 offers an array of benefits. Its precision flight controls, coupled with the exceptional image quality delivered by the full-frame Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera and interchangeable lenses, make it an enticing option.

While the Inspire 3 may boast more advanced features than the average user requires, for those who demand top-notch performance and versatility, it stands as an unparalleled choice in the realm of professional drones.

Final Verdict

The DJI Inspire 3 sets a new benchmark in professional drone technology, catering to the diverse needs of industries ranging from filmmaking to surveying. With its cutting-edge features, including advanced camera performance, intelligent flight capabilities, and intuitive RC controller, it offers unparalleled precision and versatility.

For professionals seeking top-notch aerial imaging solutions, the Inspire 3’s full-frame Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range, surpassing even high-end models. Its functionality is further enhanced by smart features like waypoint navigation and Spotlight Pro, streamlining workflow and boosting productivity.

While the Inspire 3’s size and complexity may pose challenges for casual users, its robust design and advanced capabilities make it the preferred choice for seasoned pilots and filmmakers. Whether capturing cinematic footage or conducting precise inspections, the Inspire 3 excels in every aspect, solidifying its position as the ultimate tool for aerial applications.

In conclusion, the DJI Inspire 3 is a game-changer in the realm of professional drones, offering unmatched performance and reliability for professionals who demand the best. If you’re in search of a versatile and powerful aerial imaging solution, the Inspire 3 undoubtedly stands out as the ideal investment.

Read More: DJI Air 3 Review.