DJI Inspire

Last updated
Inspire
2019-03-23 - DJI Inspire 2 -3986.jpg
Inspire 2 in flight
General information
Type Camera drone
National originChina
Manufacturer DJI
History
Manufactured2014–present
Introduction dateNovember 2014

The DJI Inspire is a series of quadcopter camera drones released by the Chinese technology company DJI.

Contents

Design and development

Inspire 1 with a Zenmuse X3 camera 2016-02-27 DJI Inspire inflight.jpg
Inspire 1 with a Zenmuse X3 camera
Inspire 1 in landing configuration DJI Inspire (20639952511).jpg
Inspire 1 in landing configuration

DJI announced the first model, the Inspire 1, on 13 November 2014. [1] Built upon lessons learned from the Phantom 2 and Spreading Wings series, the Inspire 1 was designed for professional cinematography and features a Zenmuse X3 gimbal/camera [note 1] with a 12-megapixel 1/2.3" CMOS Sony Exmor sensor capable of shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second (FPS). [2] [3] The arms and landing legs retract upward in flight, allowing the three-axis camera gimbal to rotate 360 degrees without obstruction. [3] The drone also features an "Optical Flow" system, which uses a downward-facing camera and ultrasonic sensors to navigate indoors, and is powered by four 350 KV Model 3510 motors driving Model 1345 or 1345s propellers. [2] [3] [4] Power is provided by a 4500 mAh TB47 battery, though an optional 5700 mAh TB48 battery was also available, giving the drone a maximum flight time of about 18 minutes. [2] The drone was designed to be future-proof, with the camera being detachable to allow upgrades as DJI camera technology improved. [3] [5] Two such upgrades were announced in September 2015, when DJI released the 16MP Zenmuse X5 and X5R Micro Four Thirds cameras; the latter differing in that it is capable of shooting raw images. [6] Another upgrade came in November 2015, when DJI swapped the original 350 KV motors for new 420 KV Model 3510H motors with an updated propeller locking system; a change intended to improve performance and controllability while not impacting flight time. [7]

Several additional versions of the Inspire 1 were also released, including the Inspire 1 Raw and Pro. The Raw and Pro variants are respectively equipped with the Zenmuse X5R and X5 camera/gimbal as standard. Both are also powered by Model 3510H motors driving Model 1345T propellers and have a maximum flight time of about 15 minutes with a standard TB47 battery, increased to about 18 minutes with the optional TB48. [8] [9] The Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition was released in January 2016, replacing the standard white body shell and controller, with matte black versions. [10] [11] The Inspire 1 V2.0 retained the Zenmuse X3 and Model 3510 motors of the original Inspire 1, but uses Model 1345T propellers. [12]

The Inspire 2 was released alongside the Phantom 4 Pro in November 2016. [13] The body of the drone is made of a magnesium-aluminum alloy, and features forward, upward, and downward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors. [13] [14] The Inspire 2 is powered by four Model 3512 motors driving 1550T propellers, and features a dual-battery system with two 4280 mAh TB50 batteries. The drone was offered without a camera or with a 20MP 1" CMOS Zenmuse X4S or a 20.8MP 3/4" CMOS Zenmuse X5S camera/gimbal; the latter being capable of raw imaging and having a swappable lens. [14] [15] [16] [17] Flight time with a Zenmuse X4S is 27 minutes, while the X5S reduces it to 25 minutes. [15] [18] The Zenmuse X7 is also compatible with the Inspire 2, though with a reduced flight time of 23 minutes. [15] In addition to the main camera, the Inspire 2 also has a forward-facing first-person view (FPV) camera allowing the drone to be operated by two individuals; a pilot (using the forward-facing camera) and a main camera operator. [14] The Inspire 2 ProRes and Inspire 2 L were offered alongside the baseline Inspire 2, differing in that the former has Apple ProRes pre-activated while the latter has both ProRes and CinemaDNG. [15] DJI announced in January 2022 that the Inspire 2 series would be discontinued the following month in favor of the Inspire 3. [19]

Announced in April 2023, the Inspire 3 features a more aerodynamic design than its predecessors. [20] [21] The Inspire 3 retains the two-person control capability of the Inspire 2, but features an FPV camera with a night vision sensor and a Zenmuse X9-8K Air primary camera/gimbal with interchangeable lenses capable of shooting 8K CinemaDNG video at 25 FPS or 8K ProRes RAW video at 75 FPS; both requiring a license key to use. [21] [22] The drone features an O3 Pro video transmission system, omnidirectional collision avoidance, GNSS and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning capabilities with GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellites, and is powered by four Model 3511s motors driving either Model 1671 standard propellers or Model 1676 high-altitude propellers. [21] [23] [24] Two 4280 mAh TB51 batteries give the Inspire 3 a flight time of about 28 minutes with the landing legs extended or 26 minutes when retracted. [23]

Variants

Inspire 1 with a Zenmuse X5 camera Drohne im Flug (cropped).jpg
Inspire 1 with a Zenmuse X5 camera
Inspire 1
Company designation Model T600, also known as the Inspire 1 V1.0. [2] [25] First model with a removable Zenmuse X3 camera/gimbal with a 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS Sony Exmor sensor, 350 KV Model 3510 motors driving Model 1345 or 1345s propellers. [2] [3] [4] [5] Power is provided by a 4500 mAh TB47 battery or optional 5700 mAh TB48 battery, giving it a flight time of about 18 minutes. [2] Introduced in November 2014. [1] Optional 16MP Zenmuse X5 and X5R camera/gimbals were offered starting in September 2015. [6] 420 KV Model 3510H motors were made standard in November 2015. [7]
Inspire 1 Raw
Company designation Model T600. [8] As Inspire 1 but with a Zenmuse X5R camera/gimbal and Model 3510H motors driving Model 1345T propellers as standard. Flight time is about 15 minutes with a standard TB47 battery or about 18 minutes with a TB48. [8] [9]
Inspire 1 Pro
Company designation Model T600. [9] As Inspire 1 Raw but with a Zenmuse X5 camera/gimbal as standard. Flight time is about 15 minutes with a standard TB47 battery or about 18 minutes with a TB48. [8] [9]
Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition
As Inspire 1 Pro but with a matte black body shell and controller. Introduced in January 2016. [10] [11]
Inspire 1 V2.0
Company designation Model T601. [26] As early Inspire 1 with Zenmuse X3 camera/gimbal and Model 3510 motors but with Model 1345T propellers. [12]
Inspire 2
Company designation Model T650A. [15] Improved model with a magnesium-aluminum alloy structure, a forward-facing FPV camera, Model 3512 motors driving 1550T propellers, and forward, upward, and downward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors. [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] Drone could be bought without a primary camera, a 20MP 1" CMOS Zenmuse X4S camera/gimbal, a 20.8MP 3/4" CMOS Zenmuse X5S camera/gimbal, or a Zenmuse X7 camera/gimbal. Dual 4280 mAh TB50 batteries give the drone a flight time between 23 to 28 minutes depending on the camera installed. [15] Released alongside the Phantom 4 Pro in November 2016. [13]
Inspire 2 ProRes
Company designation Model T650A. As Inspire 2 but with Apple ProRes pre-activated. [15]
Inspire 2 L
Company designation Model T650A. As Inspire 2 but with Apple ProRes and CinemaDNG pre-activated. [15]
Inspire 3
Company designation Model T740. [23] Improved model with a more aerodynamic design, a night vision FPV camera, a Zenmuse X9-8K Air primary camera/gimbal, an O3 Pro video transmission system, omnidirectional collision avoidance, GNSS and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning, and Model 3511s motors driving either Model 1671 standard propellers or Model 1676 high-altitude propellers. [21] [22] [23] [24] Dual 4280 mAh TB51 batteries give the drone a flight time of about 28 minutes with the landing legs extended or 26 minutes when retracted. [23] Released in April 2023. [20]

Operators

Government operators

Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Military operators

Flag of Chile.svg  Chile
Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia
Flag of France.svg  France
Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania

Non-state operators

Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine

Specifications (Inspire 3)

Data from [23]

General characteristics

Performance

Avionics

See also

Related lists

Notes

  1. ↑ The camera/gimbal combo is known as the Zenmuse X3, while the camera itself is an FC350. [2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Announcing the DJI Inspire 1 Drone". DJI Official. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Inspire 1 User Manual V1.8 (PDF). DJI. September 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "The 4K DJI Inspire 1 takes to the air - what are the advantages for real world shooters?". Newsshooter. 2014-11-13. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  4. 1 2 "DJI announces 4K-shooting, landing-gear-raising Inspire 1 drone". New Atlas. 2014-11-14. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  5. 1 2 Zhang, Michael (2014-11-13). "DJI Inspire 1: A Sleek Drone That Brings Easy 4K Aerial Imagery to the Masses". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  6. 1 2 Archambault, Michael (2015-09-11). "DJI Launches ZENMUSE X5 and X5R Micro Four Thirds Cameras for the Inspire 1". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  7. 1 2 "New Inspire Props and Motors and a Flying Computer - heliguy™". www.heliguy.com. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Inspire 1 Raw User Manual V1.2 (PDF). DJI. December 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Inspire 1 Pro User Manual V1.4 (PDF). DJI. December 2017.
  10. 1 2 "CES 2016: DJI adds 4K Phantom 3 quadcopter and new black paint job for Inspire 1 Pro". Newsshooter. 2016-01-04. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  11. 1 2 Goldman, Joshua. "DJI Phantom 3 4K review: Phantom 3 4K and Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition add variety to DJI's drone lineups". CNET. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  12. 1 2 Inspire 1 User Manual V2.2 (PDF). DJI. December 2017.
  13. 1 2 3 4 "DJI Raises Bar For Aerial Imaging With Two New Flying Cameras - DJI". DJI Official. 2016-11-16. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Poland, Ty (2016-11-15). "The Long Awaited Inspire 2 Is Finally Here (And So Is The Phantom 4 Pro)". Fstoppers. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Inspire 2 Series User Manual V2.4 (PDF). DJI. June 2022.
  16. 1 2 ePHOTOzine (2016-11-16). "DJI Phantom 4 Pro And Inspire 2 Announced With New Cameras". ePHOTOzine. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  17. 1 2 French, Sally (2016-11-15). "DJI's $2,999 Inspire 2 targets professional photographers". The Drone Girl. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  18. ↑ "Interbee 2016: DJI Inspire 2 - how does it compare to the Inspire 1?". Newsshooter. 2016-11-16. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  19. ↑ "DJI INSPIRE 2 WILL BE DISCONTINUED IN FEBRUARY". dronexl.co. 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  20. 1 2 "DJI's New Inspire 3 Is The World's Ultimate Cinema Drone - DJI". DJI Official. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Shakir, Umar (2023-04-13). "DJI's new Inspire 3 is a flying 8K movie-making camera under a powerful drone". The Verge. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  22. 1 2 Prasad. "DJI Inspire 3 announced with full-frame 8K sensor and $16k price tag". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 DJI Inspire 3 User Manual v3.0 (PDF). DJI. September 2024.
  24. 1 2 McNabb, Miriam (2023-04-13). "DJI Releases Inspire 3: Fully Redesigned, Cinema-Grade Drone (Check out the Images and Video)". DRONELIFE. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  25. ↑ "Support for Inspire 1 V1.0". DJI. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  26. ↑ DJI Inspire 1 V2.0 FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  27. ↑ "NYPD Unveils New Unmanned Aircraft System Program". The official website of the City of New York. 2018-12-04. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 Gettinger, Dan (October 2019). "The Drone Databook" (PDF). Bard College . Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  29. ↑ Шинко, підготував Андрій (2016-12-06). "Зусиллям волонтерів на озброєння полку «Азов» надійшов новий квадрокоптер DJI Inspire 1" (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2025-05-17.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.