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- First reviewDecember 15, 2016
- Last reviewDecember 15, 2016
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- Average rating5
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- First review commentDecember 15, 2016
- Last review commentDecember 15, 2016
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Steve's Reviews
Record aerial shots in Ultra HD with this Autel Robotics X-Star Premium drone. Clamp your smart device onto the remote controller to enjoy real-time viewing of your captured scenes via the Starlink app. The dual GPS and GLONASS navigation system keep this Autel Robotics X-Star Premium drone in solid position even in low-signal locations.Fly Responsibly:Before takeoff, update all software and firmware, and read the instructions thoroughly.See the FAA website for registration requirements and information about flying a drone safely: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. Additional state or local requirements may apply. Check your local jurisdiction. The following websites may help you make informed decisions about flying your drone: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org and www.modelaircraft.org.
Customer Rating
5
Look out DJi
on December 15, 2016
Posted by: Steve
from Asheville NC
I bought this Drone a Week ago and this is by Far The Best Drone I've owned I have the Yuneec Q5004k The dji phantom 3pro and the dji phantom 4 and this XStar Premium is now my #1 the camera alone beats the P4 and its faster ...
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Steve's Review Comments
Get a bird's-eye view of the world with this DJI Phantom 4 camera drone. Offering unrivalled image quality and manoeuvrability, this camera drone includes smart object avoidance and easy control using your iPhone or iPad. You can also select a target with this DJI Phantom 4 camera drone and track it automatically.Fly Responsibly:Before takeoff, update all software and firmware, and read the instructions thoroughly.See the FAA website for requirements and information about flying a drone safely: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_fun/. Additional state or local requirements may apply. Check your local jurisdiction. The following websites may help you make informed decisions about flying your drone: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org and www.modelaircraft.org.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5No competition yet
By Sim597
from houston
This review goes in depth on a couple things and touches on many. This is meant for those looking for more info then usually found on short reviews.
With the LightBridge technology and it's 6.2 mile radius, (5km out each way) in excellent conditions, easily go a mile and a half! No other company offers anything beyond 1000m because they're using WiFi. DJI uses a mature technical effective range controller and the best distance on the market, period.
It doesn't seem to have the crazy distance us P3P/A users came to expect, which is a letdown to be sure, but I don't fly 2 miles away anyway so it doesn't bother me, what I have seen is 500m thru super dense trees in TX @ 100' canopy, so in the open she'll fly far. The battery isn't giving me or anyone 28m so don't expect that, it's doing about 24m which is pretty dang good.
That's where any "complaints" end. This is static (meaning she doesn't move around at all) and with the vision position system being upgraded from a measly 3m to 10m really improves stability as it uses both systems (vision +GPS) to keep it stabile and static, compared to a P3P which moves around a little in flight, the P4 does not! Amazingly the collision avoidance is actually effective against tree branches without leaves on them at like 1/2" to 3/4" can actually be seen and avoided! Of course small branches are leathal and should be avoided like the plague. The active trac is just beyond cool, avoids obstacles while tracking autonomously, way far ahead in the game. Tracks like a military drone, way way cool. Fit and finish is exemplary and perfect, new motors are strong and push on props rock. To me the biggest improvement is the twin IMU and compass units (IMU is the inertia math unit, or Inertial Movement Unit and are the brains for tracking itself) with duals it not only compares and with lock-out a unit with algorithms preset to check bad influence and wrong calculations, same with compass. Now 3 units is the real way to go, using two to check the one in question, like real planes do, so it's not foolproof, but it's one more brain box then any other drone in this price range for sure. With twin units and smart RTH (return to home) obstacle avoidance fly always seem to be very rare if at all so far nothing on the web of a P4 flying away.
I like the way the "radar" shows on screen and works very well, better then most expected. They added slo-mo and reduced chromatic aberration by 56% and lens distortion by 36% over the 4K P3P camera. The whole system is just "sweetness" on steroids. I upgraded from a P3P and am totally happy, even tho I got it for a song due to Best Buy and their awesome customer service, due to a TV purchase I had about $400 off. Best Buy is the best place to get this type of hi tech flying camera, due to the nature of these, you want to be able to exchange if for some crazy reason it doesn't update or something small makes it not 100%. Order from another vendor and you might be sol or have to wait weeks for mailing and RMAs, with Best Buy, they'll take care of you that day on the spot!
It's $1400 sure, but your getting bleeding edge technology that no other companies can offer at this time. Lightbridge is the shiznit! Until others do likewise, Yuneek is offering 1000m range for video and controller, the P4 claims 3.1miles, which may be pushing it for normal usage, but surely out in desert or wide open might do, even if it doesn't and your in open area, no worries as so far, 100% of the time a P4 returns to home safely! What more could be said? I do wish it had raising gear, but it's not needed as props don't get in view like the P3P/a and earlier versions. Sport mode is crazy fast, even the pros are talking about how cool the speed is, and they know speed. Again, the "tap to fly" and "active track" along with follow me, "home point" and a few other smart functions it's a crazy efficient machine for photographers and hobbiest both. DJI has made it easy to really get the shot you want, and track subject easily using your tablet or phone.
Buy an Asus 8s from Best Buy as its a great 4XHD screen and right at home on the controller, and won't break the bank either, to get the very most out of the DJI GO app, which in itself is pretty powerful and compliments the craft well.
Unless your a range freak, which they have external antenna to alieve the range issue, you will be impressed, it's pretty well documented the P4 doesn't have the range of the P3P/A. Of course there are those that have gotten 4 miles also, but in same vs same conditions the newest quad does get less range usually, which hasn't been my consensus yet, but it's still very new.
I didn't buy an extra battery and kinda wish I did, other then that, it's ready to fly out of the box after updating firmware.
The case is comes in is a great little plus that is definitely a nice addition to save a little cash on initial purchase. So recommend this, to a friend or family, anyone interested in this awesome hobby! Don't forget to register, and something I had to learn, FAA doesn't send you your stickered numbers like I was waiting for, instead once registered your given your number, print out the info on two photo size photo paper (5X7), keep one with the case so it's with you, the other cut out the number and affix to the craft itself, that's the law, it can be placed in battery compartment as the batt. can be taken out without tools, so in the back of the battery holder is perfectly acceptable, good flying!
It doesn't seem to have the crazy distance us P3P/A users came to expect, which is a letdown to be sure, but I don't fly 2 miles away anyway so it doesn't bother me, what I have seen is 500m thru super dense trees in TX @ 100' canopy, so in the open she'll fly far. The battery isn't giving me or anyone 28m so don't expect that, it's doing about 24m which is pretty dang good.
That's where any "complaints" end. This is static (meaning she doesn't move around at all) and with the vision position system being upgraded from a measly 3m to 10m really improves stability as it uses both systems (vision +GPS) to keep it stabile and static, compared to a P3P which moves around a little in flight, the P4 does not! Amazingly the collision avoidance is actually effective against tree branches without leaves on them at like 1/2" to 3/4" can actually be seen and avoided! Of course small branches are leathal and should be avoided like the plague. The active trac is just beyond cool, avoids obstacles while tracking autonomously, way far ahead in the game. Tracks like a military drone, way way cool. Fit and finish is exemplary and perfect, new motors are strong and push on props rock. To me the biggest improvement is the twin IMU and compass units (IMU is the inertia math unit, or Inertial Movement Unit and are the brains for tracking itself) with duals it not only compares and with lock-out a unit with algorithms preset to check bad influence and wrong calculations, same with compass. Now 3 units is the real way to go, using two to check the one in question, like real planes do, so it's not foolproof, but it's one more brain box then any other drone in this price range for sure. With twin units and smart RTH (return to home) obstacle avoidance fly always seem to be very rare if at all so far nothing on the web of a P4 flying away.
I like the way the "radar" shows on screen and works very well, better then most expected. They added slo-mo and reduced chromatic aberration by 56% and lens distortion by 36% over the 4K P3P camera. The whole system is just "sweetness" on steroids. I upgraded from a P3P and am totally happy, even tho I got it for a song due to Best Buy and their awesome customer service, due to a TV purchase I had about $400 off. Best Buy is the best place to get this type of hi tech flying camera, due to the nature of these, you want to be able to exchange if for some crazy reason it doesn't update or something small makes it not 100%. Order from another vendor and you might be sol or have to wait weeks for mailing and RMAs, with Best Buy, they'll take care of you that day on the spot!
It's $1400 sure, but your getting bleeding edge technology that no other companies can offer at this time. Lightbridge is the shiznit! Until others do likewise, Yuneek is offering 1000m range for video and controller, the P4 claims 3.1miles, which may be pushing it for normal usage, but surely out in desert or wide open might do, even if it doesn't and your in open area, no worries as so far, 100% of the time a P4 returns to home safely! What more could be said? I do wish it had raising gear, but it's not needed as props don't get in view like the P3P/a and earlier versions. Sport mode is crazy fast, even the pros are talking about how cool the speed is, and they know speed. Again, the "tap to fly" and "active track" along with follow me, "home point" and a few other smart functions it's a crazy efficient machine for photographers and hobbiest both. DJI has made it easy to really get the shot you want, and track subject easily using your tablet or phone.
Buy an Asus 8s from Best Buy as its a great 4XHD screen and right at home on the controller, and won't break the bank either, to get the very most out of the DJI GO app, which in itself is pretty powerful and compliments the craft well.
Unless your a range freak, which they have external antenna to alieve the range issue, you will be impressed, it's pretty well documented the P4 doesn't have the range of the P3P/A. Of course there are those that have gotten 4 miles also, but in same vs same conditions the newest quad does get less range usually, which hasn't been my consensus yet, but it's still very new.
I didn't buy an extra battery and kinda wish I did, other then that, it's ready to fly out of the box after updating firmware.
The case is comes in is a great little plus that is definitely a nice addition to save a little cash on initial purchase. So recommend this, to a friend or family, anyone interested in this awesome hobby! Don't forget to register, and something I had to learn, FAA doesn't send you your stickered numbers like I was waiting for, instead once registered your given your number, print out the info on two photo size photo paper (5X7), keep one with the case so it's with you, the other cut out the number and affix to the craft itself, that's the law, it can be placed in battery compartment as the batt. can be taken out without tools, so in the back of the battery holder is perfectly acceptable, good flying!
Steve
Asheville NC
December 15, 2016
The Autel x-Star is givingthe Phantom 4 a run for the money so far the X-Star is winning on most youtube reviews...
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