Top DJI Phantom 4 Pro Intelligent Flight Modes Reviewed

The Phantom 4 Pro intelligent flight modes are fantastic and make filming so much easier.  The many Phantom 4 Pro autonomous flight modes along with new stabilization system and the professional camera makes this drone a real game changer. The Phantom 4 flight modes give you so many flying angles to create awesome footage.  The Phantom 4 Pro also has many autonomous safety flight systems such as collision sensing and smart return to home giving you peace of mind when you fly.

DJI Intelligent Flight Modes On Phantom 4 Pro

• Active Track (Profile, Spotlight, Circle)
• Draw Waypoints
• TapFly
• Terrain Follow Mode
• Tripod Mode
• Gesture Mode
• S-Mode (Sport)
• P-Mode (Position)
• A-Mode (Attitude)
• Beginner Mode
• Course Lock
• Home Lock
• Obstacle Avoidance

With all these autonomous flight modes on the Phantom 4 Pro, this drone can be referred to as a “Professional Flying Camera”.  Also with Waypoint navigation, the Phantom 4 Pro can be used for 3D Photogrammetry of terrain and structures.  For 3D Photogrammetry all you would need is drone mapping mobile software from companies such as Drone Deploy or 3DR SiteScan. In this article, we look at the 3 main flight modes (Position, Sport and Attitude) and all the intelligent flight modes listed above. There is also many very few nice Phantom 4 Pro videos along the way.

DJI Flight Modes Review

Quick Overview Of  The Phantom 4 Pro

The Phantom 4 Pro has a titanium and magnesium alloy construction increasing the strength of its frame and reducing weight.  This gives the Phantom 4 Pro a longer flight time of approximately 30 minutes.

Phantom 4 Pro Camera

The Phantom 4 Pro also has a terrific camera with a 1-inch 20-megapixel CMOS sensor which is capable of shooting 4K at 60 frames per second video and Burst Mode stills at 14 frames per second.  A custom engineered lens made up of eight elements is arranged in seven groups and it is the first DJI camera to use a mechanical shutter, eliminating rolling shutter distortion which can occur when taking images of fast moving subjects or when flying at high speed.In effect, the Phantom 4 Pro camera is as powerful as many traditional ground cameras. More powerful video processing supports H.264 4K videos at 60 fps or H.265 4K at 30 fps, both with a 100 Mbps bitrate. Advanced sensors and processors ensure everything is captured with more image detail and the image data needed for advanced post-production.

Phantom 4 Pro Price

When you look at all the innovative technology built into the Phantom 4 Pro, it is well ahead of the competition including the very latest of drones to be released. The Phantom 4 Pro has perfect body design, super smooth flying and a top of the range camera stability.  DJI have been a top manufacturer of gimbals for years.  Their camera technology is also exceptional.  DJI’s bought a majority stake in Swedish camera maker Hasselblad in 2016 and the quality of DJI lens is simply outstanding. The Phantom 4 Pro also features 5 directions of obstacle avoidance along with all the intelligent autonomous flight modes below. DJI have sales on throughout the year and you can view the latest price and Phantom 4 Pro bundles here.  With all the automatic flight modes, together with super stable flight system and a quality 4k camera, the Phantom 4 Pro is the best value drone on the market.

Phantom 4 Pro – Intelligent Flight Modes

• P-Mode (Position)
• S-Mode (Sport)
• A-Mode (Attitude)

NOTE: When it comes to flying your Phantom 4 Pro and especially in the intelligent flight modes which allow for obstacle sensing and avoidance, please read the Phantom 4 user manual as it gives some specific notes on where to fly and also what conditions not to fly in.

Phantom 4 Pro P-Mode (Position)

This is your regular flight mode. P-Mode is also the default mode of your Phantom 4. This means it is already in P-Mode straight out of the box.  It includes GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning.  It is on your remote controller in the P-mode position. P-Mode allows your quadcopter to use visual positioning and obstacle sensing.  It is also the position you need to be in to use all the intelligent flight modes such as Waypoints, ActiveTrack, TapFly and beginner mode etc.

Phantom 4 Pro S-Mode (Sport)

S-Mode is Sport Mode and allows your Phantom 4 to fly at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.  On the remote controller you need to switch to S-Mode.  You also need to enable “Multiple Flight Mode” in the DJI Go app. While flying in sports mode you have full satellite and vision positioning support. NOTE: In sports mode, obstacle sensors are turned off so you need to be fully aware of where you are flying.

Phantom 4 Pro A-Mode (Attitude)

This switches off your GPS but keeps altitude control. This mode is for experienced pilots allowing you to fly real steady and smooth which can be great for filming. NOTE: In Attitude Mode, you don’t have the “Return To Home” feature. Here’s a nice easy introduction to the Position, Sport and Attitude modes on the DJI Phantom 4.  These modes are the same for the Phantom 4 Pro.

Phantom 4 Draw Waypoints

Draw is a brand new technology for waypoint control. Simply draw a route on screen and the Phantom 4 Pro will move in the direction while keeping its altitude locked. This lets the pilot focus on camera control and enables more complex shots. There are two Draw modes that can be used in different scenarios. Forward – The aircraft follows the route at a constant speed with the camera facing in the direction of flight. Free – The aircraft only moves along the route when instructed. In this mode, the camera can face in any direction during a flight. Using Draw, the aircraft will fly along the flight path drawn on screen. As it flies, it will automatically brake and hover when it sees obstacles provided that the lighting is appropriate – no darker than 300 lux or brighter than 10,000 lux. Waypoint navigation gives the Phantom 4 Pro many more uses outside of aerial filming.  The Phantom 4 Pro can be mounted with for multispectral camera sensors which has many uses including precision agriculture and golf course maintenance.

TapFly Intelligent Flight Mode

With the TapFly feature, users can now tap on the mobile device screen to fly in the designated direction without using the remote controller. The aircraft will automatically avoid obstacles it sees or will brake and hover provided that the lighting is appropriate (< 300 lux) or too bright (< 10,000 lux). Fly in any direction visible on-screen with a simple tap. Tap anywhere on-screen to smoothly adjust the direction of flight while automatically avoiding obstacles * and tap the screen again or use control sticks to change direction. A new AR route function shows the aircraft’s real-time flight direction for reference as its route is adjusted. As it can be difficult to control altitude, course, speed and camera pitch simultaneously using joysticks, TapFly Free allows a pilot to set the direction of flight, allowing them to turn the Phantom 4 Pro or tilt the gimbal as required without changing the direction of flight. There are now three TapFly modes: TapFly Forward – Tap to fly in the selected direction TapFly Backward – Tap to fly in the opposite direction of the tap, i.e. tap in the bottom right corner of the screen to fly backward towards the top left. TapFly Free – Lock the forward direction of the Phantom without locking the camera direction allowing it to turn as it flies. NOTE: Obstacle Avoidance is not available with TapFly Free.

Phantom 4 TapFly Tutorial

Here is a terrific explanation and tutorial about TapFly on the Phantom 4. https://www.youtube.com/embed/FEHXTrECkAQ?rel=0

Gesture Mode

Using Gesture Mode, selfies can be captured easily using a few gestures without the remote controller. Advanced computer vision technology allows the Phantom 4 Pro to take instructions through gestures. The subject simply lifts their arms when facing the camera and the aircraft will recognize this movement by locking on and placing the subject in the center of the frame. When ready for a photo, the subject holds their arms out to signal the aircraft. A three second countdown will begin, making time to strike a pose, allowing moments to be captured without the remote control.

Terrain Follow Flight Mode

The Downward Vision System is utilized in Terrain Follow Mode to maintain a height above ground between 1 and 10 meters. This mode is designed for use on grassland sloped at no more than 20 degrees. When this mode is enabled, the Phantom 4 Pro’s current height will be recorded. The drone will maintain the recorded height during flight and ascend when the slope rises.  However, the Phantom 4 Pro will not descend in downward slopes.

Tripod Mode

In Tripod Mode, the maximum flight speed is limited to 5.6 miles per hour and the braking distance is reduced to 6.6 feet. Responsiveness to stick movements is also reduced for smoother more controlled movements. Read the manual and use Tripod Mode carefully.

ActiveTrack Intelligent Flight Mode

This Phantom 4 Pro ActiveTrack intelligent mode allows you to mark and track a moving object on your mobile device screen. It’s the new Follow Me technology. The Phantom 4 will automatically avoid obstacles in its flight path. The Phantom 4 Pro automatically recognizes subjects, follows and captures them as they move, making it easier to get complex shots.  The Phantom 4 Pro can automatically identify and trace bikes, vehicles, people and animals and uses many different tracking system for each. Following fast-moving objects can be very challenging. The advanced image recognition algorithms used by the Phantom 4 Pro will allow it to recognize and track the object while keeping it in frame. This new algorithm also recognizes more subjects, from people to vehicles to animals, and will adjust its flight dynamics to match, ensuring smoother shots. This ActiveTrack makes aerial filming so much easier.  Tracking a moving object while at the same time working the gimbal and camera is pretty difficult.  ActiveTrack is game changing technology. ActiveTrack has been expanded in the Phantom 4 Pro by adding another 3 intelligent flight modes. They are;

• Profile – Tracks the subject horizontally
• Spotlight – Locks the camera on the subject while you fly in almost any direction
• Circle – Swings 360 degrees around the subject

Both TapFly and ActiveTrack are very easy to configure in the DJI Go app.  For ActiveTrack, you simply drag a box around the object.  ActiveTrack sees and recognizes objects using the camera of the Phantom 4.  When the object is identified, the box will turn green. NOTE: Read the Phantom 4 User Manual which gives all the circumstances in which you should not fly in ActiveTrack mode.  When it comes to drones, it best to learn by reading rather than crashing.  Think safety.

Phantom 4 ActiveTrack Flight Mode Tutorial

This next tutorial video shows you how to use the Phantom 4 ActiveTrack. It’ a terrific feature. https://www.youtube.com/embed/1BR-StIqllw?rel=0

DJI Phantom 4 Follow Me Mode

The Follow Me mode uses the ActiveTrack technology mentioned above. The aircraft will automatically follow you and capture your every move from a unique aerial perspective. Follow me has so many positive uses.  Here we see an triathlete using the Phantom 4 Follow Me mode to check her running technique. https://www.youtube.com/embed/sbsRtdUFXOc?rel=0

Phantom 4 Follow Me Active Track Tutorial

This is an excellent tutorial of the Phantom 4 Follow Me intelligent mode using ActiveTrack. Terrific video. https://www.youtube.com/embed/f-S0oCOVAC4?rel=0

Phantom 4 Pro Obstacle Sensing 

The obstacle avoidance and Vision Positioning System were first introduced by DJI on the Matrice 100 in 2015.  The Matrice 100 is a modular drone allowing engineers and developers to create new solutions. Pilots always need to be aware of obstacles when filming. This is a challenge for beginner pilots as well as experienced pilots, especially when sight lines are obstructed and you are fully concentrating on filming. The Phantom 4 Pro is equipped with an environment sensing system based on stereo vision and infrared sensors. It is able to detect obstacles 98 feet in front, allowing it to plan its flight path to avoid them or simply hover in the event of an emergency.

DJI Phantom 4 PRO Quadcopter Starters Hardshell Backpack Bundle By DJI $1499.00 Rated 4 out of 5 by 45 reviewers on Amazon.com Buy Now This same system also allows it to hover in position without GPS. Combined with infrared sensors on its left and right sides, the Phantom 4 Pro can avoid obstacles in a total of four directions. Forward and rearward obstacle sensing range has been increased, allowing the Phantom 4 Pro to fly at 31 miles per hour with full protection of its stereo vision obstacle sensing system. It makes fast, dramatic video easier and ultimately safer to capture. NOTE: There are many conditions or situations where the Obstacle Avoidance and Vision Position system will not fly very well in.  Read the Phantom 4 Pro User Manual and become familiar which the correct flying conditions.  Think safety at all times.

6 Camera Navigation System

Three sets of dual vision sensors form a 6-camera navigation system that works constantly to calculate the relative speed and distance between the aircraft and an object. Using this network of forward, rearward and downward vision sensors, the Phantom 4 Pro is able to hover precisely in places without GPS when taking off indoors, or on balconies, or even when flying through windows with minimal pilot control. In the unlikely event that front and downward sensors are unable to operate, the aircraft can still hover in place using the rear stereo vision system. The Phantom 4 Pro also is able to fly in complex environments at a flight speed of up to 31 miles per hour while avoiding obstacles in its path. In Narrow Sensing Mode, the Phantom 4 Pro narrows its sensing scope enabling it to see in more detail and fly through small spaces. This video gives you a brief outline of the advanced technology in the Obstacle Avoidance and Vision Positioning system.

Phantom 4 Course Lock

When Course Lock is activated, it locks the current Phantom 4 nose direction as the aircraft forward direction. The Phantom 4 will move in the locked directions no matter what its orientation (yaw angle) is.  This easy navigation allows you to fly in a set direction as you fly alongside moving objects or across scenes. Course Lock is a really great mode which enables you to get terrific flyby shots while remaining focused on a particular area. This helps you with just having to concentrate on the direction the camera is pointed and the speed of the Phantom rather than you having to constantly change the path that the Phantom 4 travels in.

Phantom 4 Course Lock Tutorial

Here is a terrific DJI Phantom 4 Course Lock Intelligent Flight mode tutorial from Bill Nichols.  He explains and demonstrates how Course Lock mode works really well. https://www.youtube.com/embed/PzlsnvjcT8o?rel=0

Phantom 4 Pro Return To Home

In its upgraded Return to Home mode, the Phantom 4 Pro can automatically choose the best route to return home depending on environmental conditions. It records its route as it flies, allowing it to return along the same route avoiding obstacles if the control signal is disconnected. Based on its altitude at the time of disconnection, the Phantom 4 Pro is also able to adjust its flight path to avoid obstacles it has seen during its flight. At takeoff, the Phantom 4 Pro will record the scene below and compare its recording with what it sees as it returns, for more precise landing. It can also detect the ground to see whether there is suitable spot for landing. If any obstacles are found, or there is water on the ground, it will alert the pilot and hover at an appropriate height, helping the aircraft to land more safely.

Phantom 4 Beginner Flight Mode

In the “Beginner Mode, the Phantom 4 cannot fly 100 feet (30 meters) higher and beyond the recorded home point.  It also prevents camera tilt controls to allow new pilots to familiarize themselves with flying before adding more distance and camera control. The Phantom 4 is set to beginner mode by default which is great news. When Beginner mode is switched off, the Phantom 4 will default to a maximum flight altitude of 390 feet (120 meters) above the takeoff point. This can be adjusted to a maximum of 1640 ft (500 meters). You can also set your own maximum distance.

Phantom 4 Pro For Professional Filming and 3D Imaging

The Phantom 4 has top of the range stabilization and camera which can be used for more than just professional filming.  The Phantom 4 is terrific for aerial landscape photography and cinematography.  With the existing camera it can be used to create 3D photogrammetry maps and images.  There are also a number of multispectral sensors for drones on the market including the DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

Phantom 4 Parts

Because the Phantom 4 is very popular, it is very easy there is a terrific range of Phantom 4 parts, upgrades and accessories available.

Phantom 4 Review

Now to finish this post, here is an excellent hands on field testing of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro.  In this video, Colin Smith also answers many questions regarding the Phantom 4 Pro. https://www.youtube.com/embed/jWRdGyqfnmM?rel=0