Gear Necessities: explore with the DJI Phantom 4

Don’t get it in your head that those stunning sky-high shots can only be achieved by the professionals up in helicopters — the DJI Phantom 4 could be your solution to capturing sharp photos and videos from the sky.

A newly designed lens allows for video footage to be captured at up to 4K at 30 frames per second, and Full HD 1080p at 120 frames per second for your slow-motion shooting — and you can achieve that look you’ve visualized by making use of the various video colour profiles that are available, from bright, vibrant colours, to professional flat profiles including D-Log and Cine-D. Images can also be shot in 12-megapixel Adobe DNG RAW, so there’s plenty of information to work with when it comes time to land back on the ground for post-production.

Although it can seem like a daunting task, trusting your piloting skills to get your precious drone up into the air and back on the ground safely, the DJI Phantom 4 is a breeze to fly. All you need to do is double tap the screen to get it off the ground, and an obstacle-sensing system ensures that the drone is safe as it flies. There’s also a ‘smart return home’ function that provides extra assurance that your drone is making its way back to you.

With added features like ActiveTrack (allowing you to automatically follow a subject with no band or beacon), extended flight time (25 per cent more flying time than previous Phantom drones), and Sport Mode (featuring responsive controls and the ability to fly at high speeds safely), this drone allows photographers and videographers to capture images they previously have been unable to achieve.

Still not convinced that you’ll be able to fly the DJI Phantom 4 safely? Well, there’s also a Beginner Mode, which is designed to build a user’s confidence by flying low and close to the pilot — you can adjust your height and distance settings as you improve.

Want to find out more about the DJI Phantom 4? Just head to dji.com for further information. When you’re ready to make a purchase, make sure you’re buying from a reputable source who can provide you with advice and expert knowledge as, even though they look exceptionally fun, they’re not toys. For all the Civil Aviation Authority rules and regulations for flying drones, click here.