Phantom 5: What New Features will DJI Include?

There is little doubt that DJI’s Phantom 5 will have some awesome new features. But what does DJI have planned? We have some insights based on what we have seen and what we know about DJI. DJI has scheduled an announcement July 18. Will we see its release then? If you don’t want to wait for the Phantom 5 take a look at DJI’s newest the Mavir Air.

First, we will go over the features that we are pretty certain the Phantom 5 will include. Then we have some fun and list the features we would like to see in the next release. These six changes are the most likely improvements to the Phantom 5.

Four Likely Improvements

1. The Phantom 5 will have a longer flight time. The Phantom 4 Pro can fly up to 30 minutes. We expect the Phantom 5 to be able to make it 35 minutes.
2. The Phantom 5 will have a longer range. The Phantom 4 Pro has a range of 7000 m. We expect the Phantom 5 to have a range of at least 8000 m, but potentially even up to 10,000 m. While it may or may not exceed 7000 meters you can bet it will have excellent signal strength.
3. The Phantom 5 will have a better camera. The Inspire 2 has a 5K capable camera. We would be surprised if the Phantom 5 doesn’t follow suit with upgraded video processing. It is more than likely that the Phantom 5 camera will have interchangeable lenses. Take a look at the leaked image below.

   

   For the Inspires, with micro 4/3 lenses, DJI relies on lenses made by Panasonic and Olympus. But with a recent partnership with Hasselblad, the Swedish camera company, maybe DJI is looking to get into the lens business. Learn more about DJI’s Phantom 5 aspirations in our video below or on our article dedicated to the topic.

   Why not make the Phantom 5 camera so that DJI proprietary lenses could be swapped out to change the focal length (and field of view), improve image quality with higher end optics, or lower f/number for twilight flights? Given the 12 pins shown between the camera body and the lens, we are also expecting a zoom lens option.

   

   

4. The Phantom 5 will be rainproof. We would love to say that it is going to be waterproof, but the likely hood of that is not nearly as plausible as being able to fly your Phantom 5 Pro in rain or snow. That is possible with their Matrice lineup of drones and we hope the same IP43 splashing water resistance makes its way to the Phantom lineup as well. The motors in the leaked images look different, and that may indicate water resistance

   

And What Else Will the Phantom 5 Offer?

DJI has consistently improved flight time, range, camera quality, and obstacle avoidance with the latest new product releases, so we expect most, if not all, of the upgrades listed above to be realized in the Phantom 5. DJI does not have a history of resting on their laurels, so we think there may be some surprises as well. Next up is the Half Chrome dream list, we would love for at least one of these features to make it into the Phantom 5.

1. Waterproof drone. Swellpro has proven that waterproof drones the size and shape of a Phantom are possible. How awesome would it be to fly your Phantom at the beach and not have to worry about getting it wet? They might not make all Phantom 5s waterproof, but maybe we can hope for a dual release with a Phantom 5W model that can handle the elements and take off out of the water.

2. Removable camera. The Phantom camera is good, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could take it off and use it as an action camera. Removing the camera would allow you to replace it, upgrade it or even swap it out with a 360 degree or thermal camera.

3. Retractable legs. Why don’t the legs retract? (Actually, they probably don’t retract because the antennas like to stay vertical in the legs.) With the legs out of the way, you could have a gimbal that rotates 360 degrees or you could put on shorter focal length lenses. 

4. Second FPV camera. A second stationary lag-free camera could allow the pilot to fly the drone with an FPV headset while a second cameraman operates the camera and gimbal. The Inspire 2 has this feature so the Phantom could follow suit, but only if they also add retractable legs.

5. Higher top speed (even higher). The newest Phantom should be able to hit 50 mph, why not.

6. Laser beams. Maybe not, but we want drones with fricken laser beams!

Until this awesome drone comes out you’ll have to settle for the still awesome, but laserless Phantom 4 Professional.

What about the upcoming DJI Mavic Pro II?

We have some ideas as to what the upcoming DJI Mavic 2 might be. Check it out here.

Is there a Spark 2 in the works?

The newest addition to the DJI Spark lineup is on the horizon. What will it be? Check it out here.

More Drones…

Every month we update what we believe are the best drones on the market. Check out Best Drones Now. We have also created the one-of-a-kind Half Chrome Drone Cipher™. You answer a few questions and we’ll pair you with the best drone for you.

Do you want to search by price? Click on your menu above or we can break it down for you. Check out drones under $50, from $50-100, from $100-200, from $200-500 or over $500. Maybe you like a good Top Ten list, we’ve got you covered.

Learn More…

If you want to learn more about taking great pictures or flying FPV then check out our comprehensive guides on those topics. Also take a look at our articles on how to choose the right drone for great aerial photos or for getting started flying race drones. Learn more about drones and how to get the most out of them in our Drone Academy. In the Academy we also detail some of the advanced testing we do, including our recent addition, drone thrust testing.

I Want Videos…

Did you know that Half Chrome has its own YouTube Channel? We have reviews, flight tests, crashes, 360-degree videos and more. Check it out and subscribe today.

Disclosure:

This website contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. For full details visit the disclosures and disclaimers page.