Everything you need to know about the DJI Inspire 3

The DJI Inspire 3 is a drone at the pinnacle of aerial photography . Image quality, cinematic process, superior creative possibilities… it’s THE drone for audiovisual professionals and those in the film industry .

Physical characteristics of the DJI Inspire 3

An “all-in-one” drone with superior speed!

The great advantage of the DJI Inspire 3 is that it is a fully integrated drone  : all the possibilities it offers do not require any additions or special adaptations on your part: it will naturally fit into your production process.

He also applies this logic to his physical appearance:

• FPV camera for drone piloting (integrated);
• motion sensors and detectors (integrated);
• transmitting-receiving antennas (integrated);
• PROSDD 1TB hard drive (included);

Furthermore, the DJI Inspire 3 is a drone with superior design, engineering, and performance.

Indeed, its aerodynamics are excellent, and its acceleration is truly impressive. Various meticulously selected alloys (such as carbon fiber), combined with a sporty finish and powerful engines, allow it to reach impressive speeds, all while maintaining absolute control .

In terms of weight, the DJI Inspire 3 weighs 4310 grams (batteries included) . In terms of dimensions, the DJI Inspire 3 is a fairly large drone, but it remains easily portable for one person: folded, it measures 500.5 x 709.8 x 176 mm and its diagonal length is 695 mm when the landing gear is raised.

When shooting footage where you’re tracking a fast-moving subject, or when the sequences involve dives, note that the Inspire 3 is capable of diving at a speed of 10 m/s (36 km/h) and can move vertically (climbing and descending) at a speed of 6 m/s (21.6 km/h). As for the DJI Inspire 3’s top speed, it can fly up to 94 km/h .

A durable drone

With its new battery combination, the DJI Inspire 3 boasts a flight time of 28 minutes thanks to the TB51 batteries, giving you ample time to capture your footage. Furthermore, the DJI Inspire 3’s batteries are removable, meaning the drone simply returns to its starting point, you swap the batteries, and it’s ready to fly again in no time! These batteries are also self-heating: below 18°C, the batteries will automatically warm up, allowing the drone to fly efficiently even when the outside temperature is -20°C.

The DJI Inspire 3 battery charging hub accepts up to 8 batteries. It charges the batteries individually and is so powerful and optimized that it can charge a pair (two batteries) to 90% in just 35 minutes. To charge all 8 batteries from 0 to 100%, it takes only 160 minutes (2 hours and 40 minutes). The charging hub also features a 65W USB-C port for charging the DJI RC Plus.

Superior connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the DJI Inspire 3 incorporates DJI O3 Pro technology, providing superior connectivity. The drone and camera are controlled via the DJI RC Plus remote controller, and the Inspire 3’s maximum theoretical flight range is 8 km .

For unparalleled flight precision, the DJI Inspire 3 leverages RTK technology  ! This allows it to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, giving the DJI Inspire 3 drone superior positioning capabilities compared to simple GNSS systems (GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, etc.). Furthermore, this capability enables the DJI Inspire 3 to execute ultra-precise planned flight paths , which is ideal for capturing repeated shots over time .

The DJI Inspire 3’s RTK antennas are integrated directly into the drone and also utilize GNSS technology for superior accuracy through granular data processing. To use RTK, simply connect your DJI RC Plus remote controller to an NTRIP server or use a D-RTK 2 station (similar to those used by surveyors in photogrammetry). Note that a 1-year RTK subscription for the DJI Inspire 3 is available separately .

As for the DJI Inspire 3’s dual-frequency 2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz antennas, they are made of ceramic, which gives them superior anti-interference power and resistance to interference for safer flights.

Audiovisual capabilities of the DJI Inspire 3

Exceptional image quality via the X9-8K

Equipped with the ultimate X9-8K Air camera, the DJI Inspire 3 can shoot in 8K with a full-frame sensor , all through shooting codecs such as CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes RAW , for precise color grading and sublime productions.

The Zenmuse X9-8K Air incorporates the CineCore 3.0 processor , a chip entirely dedicated to image capture, capable of processing the immense amount of data captured by the camera’s full – frame sensor . This allows for 8K video recording at 25 frames per second with the CinemaDNG codec, as well as 8K at 75 fps with the Apple ProRes RAW codec. The DJI Inspire 3 is truly an exceptional solution, designed for professional , cinematic , and television needs .

In a sporting context, it is also very interesting to opt for the 4K / 120 FPS definition in Apple ProRes RAW , for exceptional slow motion.

The X9-8K Air’s sensor features native dual ISO functionality:

• By filming at 30 fps (or less), at 800 or 4000 ISO, the image quality will be at its maximum.
• When filming above 30 fps, the ideal ISO settings will be 320 and 1600 ISO.

These ISO values ​​allow you to record images with minimal detail and noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. With its wide dynamic range of over 14 stops, you have extensive control over your brightness settings, and the detail in both shadows and highlights (even in situations with rich color palettes like dawn, dusk, colorful cities, and floral landscapes) will remain incredible: a remarkably clear and crisp reproduction of reality.

Finally, DJI integrates the unique DCCS process into the X9-8K Air, giving the images captured by the DJI Inspire 3 an authentic look, essential in the cinematic world . Once again, the DJI Inspire 3 presents itself as a solution that integrates seamlessly into the existing audiovisual ecosystem, allowing professionals to add the new building block of professional aerial audiovisual technology to their projects.

The DJI Inspire 3 thus establishes itself as a camera drone on the same level as common terrestrial cinematographic cameras .

PS : For time synchronization of your different video recordings, the DJI Inspire 3 integrates a 3.5 mm port allowing it to integrate a time synchronizer (Timecode).

Multiple compatible lenses and a free camera gimbal

The DJI X9-8K Air camera is compatible with DL mount lenses (DJI proprietary): it will be possible to equip the camera with the following lenses:

• DL 18mm F/2.8 lens (DJI)
• DL 24mm F/2.8 lens (DJI)
• DL 35mm F/2.8 lens (DJI)
• DL 50mm F/2.8 lens (DJI)

Accompanied by their storage case, these lenses are of superior finish and absurdly lightweight: the lightest lens will weigh only 178 grams.

Regarding the camera gimbal movements, the DJI Inspire 3 allows the Zenmuse X9-8K Air to rotate 360° on the pan and tilt axes of the camera gimbal.

Furthermore, DJI designed the Inspire 3 to allow operators to film with the drone even if it is not in a deployed position, as many professionals did with the Inspire 1 or 2.

When the landing gear is not deployed, the camera gimbal of the DJI Inspire 3 remains very free in its movements with the possibility of tilting over a range of 80° on the tilt axis  : the drone becomes a kind of tripod and the camera is directly integrated into it.

A very interesting FPV camera for the drone pilot…

Let’s briefly discuss the FPV camera of the DJI Inspire 3 drone  : this camera is designed to allow the remote pilot to fly the drone along clear paths and trajectories. Therefore, it features a 1/1.8″ sensor with larger pixels (3 µm).

This is unprecedented for a “secondary” FPV camera, and that’s not all, as it boasts a 161° field of view and transmits its video feed in 1080p/60fps. The remote pilot thus has a high-quality tool for easy drone control. This camera is also optimized for flight even in nighttime conditions  : nothing will stop your footage, not even darkness.

To record all of this, a removable 1TB PROSSD is included with the Inspire 3. It allows you to record your videos in the highest resolutions. Its maximum read speed is 900MB/s, so you can play back video footage directly from the SSD without necessarily transferring the files to your computer: no card reader is needed.

The DJI RC Plus for Inspire 3: designed for filming

A high-quality and functional remote control

This exceptional remote control allows you to control your drone and obtain outstanding video feedback on an ultra-bright 7-inch screen . For professional use, this screen offers the advantage of an HDMI output , enabling you to easily transmit the video feed captured by the drone’s camera to one or more external monitors. As for piloting the drone itself, the remote control features customizable buttons, allowing you to perform specific actions with a single click.

Because the DJI Inspire 3 is a drone designed for professionals and actors in the film industry , the piloting of the drone itself, and the framing of the camera can be carried out by two separate people: a remote pilot and a cameraman/operator.

In this arrangement:

• The remote pilot relies on the drone’s FPV camera to pilot the device (as well as on the various obstacle detection features);
• while the camera operator focuses on his specialty, namely filming the best possible scenes, by framing, zooming, adjusting his viewing parameters, etc…

Regarding the dual control mode on the DJI Inspire 3 , note that two remote controllers can simultaneously and independently receive the drone’s video feed, without needing to be interconnected. The primary remote controller then acts as the drone pilot (focusing on the FPV camera), while the secondary remote controller acts as the camera operator (focusing on filming with the X9-8K camera).

If the drone pilot loses connection to the device, the camera operator can control the drone to perform a Return to Home (RTH) and return to the starting point efficiently. Additionally, the main remote controller can, if desired, control the camera gimbal and the filming.

With its battery life of over 3 hours, the DJI RC Plus (Inspire 3 version) is an ideal remote controller for drone pilots working in the professional audiovisual field. The DJI Inspire 3 drone is controlled using the DJI Pilot 2 app , which has been designed to provide audiovisual professionals with easy access to information such as camera exposure, camera gimbal viewing angle, zoom level, etc.

A 4K video return

Connectivity for the DJI Inspire 3 drone is ensured by the DJI O3 Pro transmission system , which allows the drone to fly safely, over long distances, and with low latency (only 90 ms). The maximum video return distance and quality depend on the camera being used.

• For the FPV camera (1080p video feedback at 60 fps) of the DJI Inspire 3:
  • In solo flight mode (the remote pilot is also the cameraman), video feedback is obtained at a maximum flight distance of 8 km;
  • In dual flight mode (one remote pilot AND one cameraman), video feedback is obtained at a maximum flight distance of 6.4 km;
• For the DJI Zenmuse X9-8K Air camera  :
  • In solo flight mode (the remote pilot is also the camera operator), the maximum video return distance will be:
    • From 7 km (1080p quality at 60 fps)
    • From 3 km (4K quality at 30 fps)
  • In dual flight mode (one remote pilot AND one camera operator), the maximum video return distance will be:
    • From 5.6 km (1080p quality at fps)
    • From 2.4k (4K quality at 30fps)

Have you noticed? A major new feature: the video feed (from the main camera) can now be in 4K at 30 fps  ! This is a first for DJI, which has previously only offered a maximum of 1080p at 60 fps for video feedback. This is truly ideal for journalism and television , as it allows for easy transmission of the 4K video feed from the DJI Inspire 3 remote controller using HDMI cables.

Smart features of the DJI Inspire 3

Flight security

In terms of flight safety, the DJI Inspire 3 is one of the safest drones on the market . Indeed, the DJI Inspire 3 is equipped with nine sensors and obstacle detectors, placing it within a 360° protective bubble at all times. In addition to the main body of the drone, four fisheye optical cameras, dedicated to detecting dangerous objects, are positioned on the drone’s four arms (one per arm).

Also, an additional infrared detector is integrated on the underside of the drone, to assist the device in detecting the ground during takeoff and landing.

It is possible to configure obstacle detection in a very advanced way on the DJI Inspire 3: you can activate/deactivate detection independently for the front/top/rear sensors , as well as modulate the obstacle detection range and the drone’s reaction to them.

Depending on the scenario, you might want to be closer to or further from obstacles along a route or in a scene: the DJI Inspire 3 lets you manage this. Even with obstacle detection and avoidance systems disabled, you can still know how close the drone is to obstacles , as the DJI Pilot 2 app will show you how close you are to a potential obstacle in real time.

Shooting functions

As mentioned earlier, the DJI Inspire 3 offers the possibility of carrying out planned flights, by passing the drone through certain precise (and predefined) points and ordering the camera to perform precise actions such as triggering the shot or orienting the camera according to a precise angle, a bit like checkpoints.

This feature, called ”  Waypoint  “, is very useful in professional filming where the target is moving, or if you want to achieve very precise sequences without any errors.

By using RTK features, this feature’s accuracy becomes centimeter-level (the drone is accurate to the centimeter), allowing filmmakers to push the boundaries of reality and bring to life the scenes they have imagined .

The DJI Inspire 3 also offers the possibility of repeating the same route several times via “Repeatable Routes” with a higher level of configurability since you can manage the altitude, speed, camera gimbal angles, as well as the camera parameters themselves.

Without difficulty, filmmakers will be able to identically carry out shots in the same space , allowing them to highlight the evolution of said space, under the same conditions (timelapses, day-night transitions, seasons…).

The 3D Dolly feature, on the other hand, allows you to establish a virtual railway with the DJI Inspire 3 : after setting a precise route, you can restrict the drone’s movements to that path, with the option to move in only two directions (forward or backward). The drone is then “locked” to this predefined path, but the camera remains completely free, which is why this function is compared to a crane, a cablecam, or a dolly .

The Inspire 3’s SpotLight Pro feature allows you to highlight a target with superior efficiency. Artificial intelligence enables it to recognize objects of interest such as people, animals, and vehicles, and in general, it distinguishes objects/bodies from one another for exceptional tracking.

• It is possible to make the drone and camera gimbal automatically follow the target (Follow Mode);
• but also to fix the frame on the target while only the camera gimbal follows the target (Free Mode). Then, the remote pilot can freely move the drone, giving an “ultra-smooth stabilization” effect to your footage, which fully benefits from the 360° of your camera gimbal.

DJI Inspire 3 Compatibility

A major advantage of the DJI Inspire 3 is that it is compatible with a huge number of accessories from the Ronin ecosystem (including Ronin 4D).

Among other things, the DJI Ronin 4D screen can act as a second remote controller, and it’s even possible to control the drone’s camera gimbal with the DJI Ronin 4D handles. The advantage of this setup is the ability to get multiple video feeds directly from the DJI Ronin 4D screen.

To expand connectivity options, the DJI Inspire 3’s DJI RC Plus can be connected to a DJI Transmission transmitter , which will then broadcast the video feed in all directions, allowing DJI monitors to receive a live video feed. Finally, the DJI Inspire 3 is compatible with the DJI Focus Wheel and the DJI Master Wheel for highly precise control. Additionally, the PROSSD hard drive from the DJI Ronin 4D is compatible with the DJI Inspire 3.

Note 1  : CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes RAW license keys are available separately .