New Product Announcement DJI Inspire - New high end quadcopter

Inspire is now released - here is info:
http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1

DJI is announcing a new product next week - rumors, patent filings and leaked photos show that it may be foldable and specially designed for camera work. Rumor also has it that this new machine should sell in the price range of $2K to 2.5K, depending on options. A good overview of the rumors is here:
http://www.quadcopterguide.com/dji-inspire-1-leaked-with-photo/

For those wishing to view the DJI patent application for this general type of machine, that is here:
http://www.google.com/patents/US20140263823

The key to the patent application seems to be the "transformable" nature of the product - meaning both the ability to fold and also the ability to change layout and shape based on what the payload may be.

(from the patent application)
"DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention provides systems, devices and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle. The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be used to transform an aerial vehicle between a plurality of different configurations. Each configuration can be optimized for a specified function of the aerial vehicle. For example, a configuration may provide increased functional space for a payload coupled to the aerial vehicle, such as an increased field of view for a camera mounted onto the aerial vehicle. When desired, a configuration may provide support for the aerial vehicle when resting on a surface, such as by means of support members configured to raise the body of the aerial vehicle off the ground."

 

Rumored Specs:
12" props
6S 5200mA battery
and a AUW of 2.4 kg
Flighttime about 25 min
Lenght about 500mm

Camera is similar to SonyQX1 Lens-Style-camera
20.1 megapixels sensor. 4K video.
Lightbridge (digital FPV) built-in for HD transfer.
DJI A2 Flight Controller modified for Inspire.

PRICE - rumor says at least two versions - maybe depends on the camera? Some say as low as $2K, others as high as $3K. The 3K price for the loaded model has been semi-confirmed by some who claim to be DJI dealers taking pre-orders.
Better real picture below.

 

Leaked Video - full announcement later today

 

Link to full info: http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1

$2899 Pricing - with one controller. This includes camera, high definition video streaming (you provide a screen, smart device, etc. - it outputs USB and HDMI from the controller).

This puts it at the very top end of consumer and hobbyist drones - at the same time, it's about the same as a fully maxed out FPV and Mission Planner Phantom 2 and GoPro 4 combination, yet more integrated.

Being a site for those getting started, we probably will not review one - yet it is likely to be one of the go-to models for those who want to use a drone for agriculture, videography, search and rescue (public safety), construction inspection and more.

 

For techies, here are some gory details:

 

I'm not buying one....I always hold to my maxim of never flying anything I could not afford to lose!
BUT, if my actual day job was doing photog and video (industrial and commercial videos) or making indie films and I needed these capabilities, I'd consider it.

If I were DJI, I'd take some of these features and bring them down to the Phantom series:
1. Modular and easily replaceable camera and gimbal (at decent price points) with larger sensor
2. Better waypoints and camera pointing during waypoint flight.

If they made those and a couple other small changes, they could easily get $1400-$1500 for the P2V+ as opposed to the $1100 now.
There is a big hole in their line now between $1100 and $3000.

Paying $700 for a replacement cheapo cam and 3D Gimbal would ruin my day....I think they should offer insurance for them or reasonable rebuilds. Someone could make a bundle doing aftermarket refurb and rebuild of these cams and gimbals.