Today is Unboxing Thursday, where we take a look at some really incredible technology that hasn’t been featured on the PhoneDog YouTube Channel. Today, we’re taking a look at something called the DJI Phantom 3 Professional. The greatest thing is, it has a 3-axis stabilized gimbal on the bottom of it and records 4K UHD video. Let’s go ahead and crack open into the box and take a look at the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and take it on its maiden flight.

So here is the huge box that carries its aircraft, as DJI calls it. This is not some little cheap drone. It’s actually quite technical and DJI really tried to get that point across. The box is fairly modest, all white and has some key information and specs on it. But you didn’t click on this video to look at the box. You want to know what’s inside. So once you crack open and lift up the cover, you’ll find the information booklet on top of the egg shell. Underneath that, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and all of its accessories are packaged quite neatly. I also sense that the box is also meant to be used as a carrying case if you’ve opted not to purchase a standalone case.

Inside, you’ll find the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, the remote controller, a box with the charger and microUSB to USB cable, a pouch carrying two sets of rotors, a small box carrying some accessories and tools. Overall, the packaging and its contents were really topnotch. Also, it’s really nice of them to provide an extra entire set of rotors in case your first few flights end up in trees and power lines. But let’s hope you don’t need them.

Unlike my normal unboxings, reading the instructions and Quick Start Guide is definitely recommended in this case. Because unlike mobile phones, they usually don’t reach controlled airspace. And as a pilot, that’s actually really important. The general rule of thumb here in the US is not to fly above 400ft. most general aviation aircraft fly above 500ft. but if you are going to go above the 400-foot ceiling, just exercise extreme caution and also be informed that you are liable to any citations from the FAA.

The assembly was really simple. It was a basic once over with the aircraft to make sure it was all good, remove and of the things before flight that would inhibit it from flying, tighten the rotors on and charging up the batteries. The remote has a built-in 6000mAh battery and the aircraft has a removable 4480mAh battery. They charge simultaneously with a single charger and they both charge really quickly. Though on flight battery really gives you about 20 minutes or so of flight so you may want to pick up an extra battery or two if you’re really interested in flying these things.

Now let’s talk a little about the camera. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional has a 4K UHD camera attached to a 3-axis gimbal. It’s actually the same sensor as found inside the GoPro Hero 4 Black and records 4K UHD at 30fps and 4K DCI at 24 and 25fps. So without further ado, let’s dive into the flight footage of my first few flights with the DJI Phantom 3 Professional.

So my overall impressions of this thing is wow. It’s the easiest thing to fly. And packed with its GPS, sonar, and barometer, this thing is just as stable as it can really be. At any one point, I’m always locked on to about 15 GPS satellite and the DJI Phantom has the ability to take off, fly and land itself all autonomously. It’s able to maintain in position even in high wind. All I’m saying is, the technology packed inside this thing is just unbelievable at the price point.

And as you can tell from the video, this thing can really move. At top speed, it goes around 30mph, probably a little faster with a hint of a tailwind. And the crazy thing is, this thing can way out climb the FAA regulation though I do not recommend doing that whatsoever. So for the money, yes, I know it’s flipping expensive. But if you look at it as a product, its ability to do things; this thing is just unbelievable. It can be a humongous cinematic tool or just a plain thing to fly and geek about.

This video is actually shoppable. See that little I icon on the top right? Click that to see the best prices from the DJI Phantom 3 Professional. Because if you are really an enthusiast cinematographer and want these really cinematic and aerial shots in 4K or even just an aviation nerd like me, you would really be pleased with this thing.