The DJI Inspire series has long been the gold standard for aerial filmmaking, and the DJI Inspire 3 continues that legacy, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with a professional cinema drone. This is not a drone for hobbyists; it is a meticulously engineered tool designed to integrate seamlessly into a high-end film production workflow.
The Zenmuse X9-8K Air: The Powerhouse Camera System
At the heart of the Inspire 3 is the new Zenmuse X9-8K Air gimbal camera. This isn't just an action camera on a drone; it's a dedicated aerial cinema camera with a full-frame 8K sensor. Key imaging features that make it a standout include:
8K Video Resolution: It can capture stunning detail at up to 8.1K resolution, with support for cinema-grade codecs like 8K/75fps ProRes RAW and 8K/25fps CinemaDNG. This provides immense flexibility in post-production, allowing for powerful color grading, reframing, and visual effects without losing quality.
Dual Native ISO: The X9-8K Air boasts Dual Native ISO with values of 800 and 4000. This is a game-changer for professional shoots, as it provides exceptional low-light performance with minimal noise, ensuring you can capture clean footage at dawn, dusk, or in night-time cityscapes.
Dynamic Range: With 14+ stops of dynamic range, the camera can capture a wide spectrum of tones, from deep shadows to bright highlights, preserving detail in high-contrast scenes.
Unprecedented Flight and Gimbal Control
The Inspire 3 introduces innovations that give cinematographers and pilots more creative control than ever before.
Tilt Boost and 360° Pan: The redesigned airframe and gimbal allow the camera to tilt upwards by 80° without the landing gear obstructing the shot. When the landing gear is raised, the gimbal supports a full 360° pan, offering truly uninhibited camera movement. This allows for dynamic "up-the-wall" shots and seamless tracking maneuvers.
Waypoint Pro: This isn't your average waypoint feature. The new Waypoint Pro allows filmmakers to meticulously plan complex, repeatable flight paths with centimeter-level accuracy thanks to RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning. This is crucial for pre-programmed shots that need to be replicated for visual effects or multi-camera setups.
RTK Centimeter-Level Positioning: The built-in RTK antennas provide incredibly precise positioning, essential for stable flight and intricate flight planning. It can be used via NTRIP or with the optional DJI D-RTK 2 Mobile Station.
Built for the Professional Workflow
Every detail of the Inspire 3 is designed with a professional production in mind.
O3 Pro Video Transmission: DJI's latest cinema-grade transmission system offers a maximum range of up to 15km (FCC) and a stable, low-latency live feed. It supports dual-control mode, allowing a pilot and a camera operator to work collaboratively, with each receiving their own independent video feed.
Advanced Remote Control: The DJI RC Plus controller features a 7-inch, 1200-nit high-bright touchscreen, making it easy to monitor footage even in direct sunlight. It integrates seamlessly with the DJI Master Wheels and DJI Three-Channel Follow Focus for precision control of camera movements and focus pulling.
Hot-Swappable Batteries and SSD: The TB51 Intelligent Batteries are hot-swappable, allowing for quick battery changes without powering down the drone. The included 1TB DJI PROSSD ensures you can record high-bitrate footage with ease, and its quick-release design allows for fast data offloading.
The DJI Inspire 3 is more than a product; it’s a commitment to the art of aerial cinematography. It’s a powerful, integrated system that removes technical limitations and empowers filmmakers to focus on what matters most: telling a compelling story.
