DJI Inspire 2 Review

We review DJI's Inspire 2 drone for 2024, is it worth and should you buy it? Let's find out...

Explore the cutting-edge realm of drone technology with our insightful reviews. DJI, a trailblazer in the drone industry, continues to redefine efficiency with its state-of-the-art offerings. The DJI Inspire 1, a pioneer in filmmaking drones, revolutionized the market with its 4K camera and a 360° rotating gimbal. Now, enter the era of innovation with the DJI Inspire 2, an impressive upgrade boasting advanced features for unparalleled recording functionality. Stay tuned as we delve into the intricacies of this remarkable drone.

Considering all issues regarding Inspire 1, the Inspire 2 was released. By taking the best Inspire 1 features, modifying elements that need enhancement and filling the gaps between, Inspire 2 is built to dominate the sky. It has an improved flight performance, high reliability, and video transmission and has a more defined look. For professionals who want a magnificent video capturing performance and a well built, incredibly-designed drone, the DJI Inspire 2 is indeed an excellent choice, for other quad-copters check out our review of the best drones for 2021.

The Inspire 2 Quadcopter is an impressive photographic and cinematic instrument. For high-quality images, combine Inspire 2 with X5S and X4S cameras separately available. Images are recorded using H. 265 and H.264 formats. In the case of X5R images are yielded in Cinema DNG raw or various forms of Apple ProRes using licenses needed this can be accessed from the DJI. Recording functionality is developed by the CineCore 2.0 image processor Engine.

The DJI Inspire 2 kit includes; DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter and ZenmuseX4S. The manufacturer package includes:

• 4 x Propeller Pairs​Remote control​Battery charger
• ​2 Intelligent Flight Battery​Charging Hub​USB Cable
• Vision System Calibration Plate
• Propeller Mounting Plates
• ​​4x Battery insulation Sticker​​Carrying Case​​Micro SD card
• ​​3x Gimbal Damper

There are also additional accessories including:

• ​Microfiber Cleaning Cloth​32 GB SanDisk MicroSD with adapter
• 1550T Quick Release Propellers
• 4 Intelligent Flight Batteries
• ​3 PC Cleaning Kit

The DJI Inspire 2 comes with a16GB SD card. It can support up to 128 GB SD cards. Some of the MicroSD cards currently supported include:

• ​Panasonic 32GB UHS-3 MicroSDHC
• ​Sandisk Extreme 32GB UHS-3 V30 MicroSDHC​Sandisk
• Extreme 64GB UHS-3 V30 MicroSDXC​​Panasonic 64GB UHS-3 MicroSDXC​Samsu​Samsung PRO 64GB UHS-3 MicroSDXCSamsung PRO 32GB UHS-1 MicroSDHC

Inspire 2 measures 42.7cm length, 31.7cm height and 42.5 cm width excluding propellers. It features 1550T propellers and 3512 motors. The drone does not come with highland propellers. For each rotor, the maximum thrust reaches 2Kg.

The Inspire 2 image processor records up to 5.2K in Apple ProRes, CinemaDNG RAW and more. In only 4 seconds, the drone moves from 0 to 50 mph. Its maximum speed is 67 mph and an unheard of decent speed of up to 9m/s for an aircraft of its size. With the dual battery system, is flight time is prolonged to a span of 27 minutes with no effect to the speed. Inspire 2 can fly in low temperature, not exceeding-4°F, with the self-heating technology. Its flight Autonomy has been enhanced to provide two directions of sensor redundancy and obstacle avoidance.

The DJI Inspire 2 has increased intelligence allowing single pilots to create dramatic and complex shots. The video transmission system is upgraded to enable dual channel and dual signal frequency. This makes it possible to simultaneously stream video from the main camera and the FPV camera for a better camera operator and pilot collaboration.

​​The DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter shell is composite of magnesium and aluminum, with carbon fiber arms. It has 2-axis First Person View camera and various support cameras with vision sensing configuration. It features a dual self-healing battery with a capacity of 98Wh. The remote controller has an HDMI port, an extension port, and a USB port. Its control range limit is 4.3 miles. The remote signal frequency switches between 2.4GHz- 5.8GHz.

The Inspire 2 remote controller features a master-slave mode, supporting multiple slave controllers. To fully charge the 2 remote controllers takes around 3 hours. The remote has a 6000 mAh LiPO 2S battery. The remote controller supports a range of modes including custom, under the stick, MODE3, MODE2, and MODE1. It is equipped with a portable device holder for tablets and smartphones.

The DJI Inspire 2 has been fully optimized for efficient workflow. It can record video in both Apple ProRes and Cinema DNG among other formats for film making. It also supports the FAT32/exFAT* file formats to enable quick file copying without any additional software. Inspire 2 can detect obstacles in a range of 30 meters active during Intelligent Flight modes, normal flight, and RTH. It has infrared sensors facing upwards to scan any objects within 5m for obstacle-free usage in enclosed spaces.

The Spotlight Pro is an intelligent feature of the Inspire 2 for powerful tracking. This mode uses excellent visual-tracking algorithms during a flight to capture a subject without the input of a camera operator. When the gimbal is close to its limit rotation, the drone rotates in a similar direction with no impact on the shot capturing and flight control to free the gimbal movement.

DJI Inspire 2 consists of two shooting modes; composition mode and quick mode. For the composition mode, you select both the subject and track position. Once the subject enters the selected tracking position, push on shortcut to start tracking. You may move the gimbal while shooting for adjustments. For quick mode, choose an object to start tracking. Spotlit pro is in all the Intelligent Flight modes TapFly, ActiveTrack, Point of Interest and WayPoint included.

There are various other shooting and intelligent flight modes available. To make complex shots repeatable and simple, obstacle avoidance is maximized when using Waypoint and Point of Interest modes. The ActiveTrack, QuickSpin, and TapFly simplify challenging shots. With the dual-axis FPV camera onboard, the camera view is separated from the flight view making the Tapfly camera effective. To set the flight route, just tap onscreen in view of the FPV. Inspire 2 automatically flies along the route selected. The pilot is left to focus on the movement of the gimbal.

The ActiveTrack Mode enables recognition of different objects such as bikes, people, cars or boats. For better tracking precision, you may adjust tracking profiles on subjects. Inspire 2 has the capability of creating real-time maps during flight through the Forward, Downward vision systems. In case it loses the video transmission system signals and Smart Return home feature is enabled, Inspire 2 uses its original route to fly home. When it regains the signal, it uses a straight line. For safety, it will identify any obstacles within 200m ahead, using the primary camera. It quickly reconnects after the connection is lost (such as the best drones with trackers).

With the latest DJI Lightbridge technology update, Inspire 2 can deliver both 720P/1080P video and also the FPV view to the camera operator and the pilot. Users can switch to different frequencies to overcome noise for greater stability. The wireless HD image transmitter technology can send video data from master to slave controller within a range of 100m without any quality interference.

Inspire 2 broadcasters to allow broadcasting using its dedicated720P60 and 1080i50 signal. To stream direct to the TV, you just need to connect the satellite truck to the remote controller. An enhanced propulsion system brings Inspire 2 flight performance to a new level. It flies at an optimal attitude 40-degree angle with a fast speed of 6m/s climbing and 9m/s descending. The controller sticks are adapted for sensitivity making it easier to maneuver. With the optionally dedicated propellers, Inspire 2 can fly in extreme conditions including high altitude of 2500-5000m above the sea level.

Through key modules dual redundancy like barometer IMU and compass, increased reliability has been achieved. The intelligent control system oversees the redundancy system for accurate flight data. Collision risk is reduced through the advanced obstacle sensing system. With two batteries, a hitch on one battery does not stop flight instantly. The other one can hold long enough for safe landing. To fully charge the 2 batteries takes around 90 minutes. Inspire 2 can be used with batteries that have different charge levels as long as the power discrepancy is below 13%. If the drone fails to take off, the DJI app will notify you.

An exit button click is produced as a confirmation of proper mounting of the batteries. If you do not intend to use your batteries for a long duration, it is recommended to charge them to 50% before you store them. Be sure to discharge them completely every 3 months.

The propulsion system uses PWM signals. It has a serial port redundancy for transmission in case signal is lost. To ensure reliability, the propulsion system is thoroughly tested when put together with the dual battery design and key sensors. The DJI CINESSD station, separately purchased, connects the CINESSD into a PC for quick and efficient data transfer. DJI CINESSD supports exFAT2/FAT32 file formats. It applies an NVMe logical specification and also has 4 ports for PCI Express1. The CINESSD comes in 480GB and 120GB. Using the 480GB, Inspire 2 has the capability of recording videos at high speeds of 4.2Gbps sourcing enough information to meet even the most demanding film making requirements.

Inspire 2 supports 4G-LTE connection. SDK development and USB dongle are required. With the high bandwidth, the drone can transmit high-resolution videos to a server and can also be used for long distance control. Additionally, it cuts video transmission dormancy to 500ms. For flexible film making, a handheld camera mount is suitable for both ZenmuseX4S and X5S for ground filming. For improved positioning of the controller, there is a GPS accessory. It is used with the Dynamic Home Point task that regularly updates the remote controller’s location as the home point. This ensures the correct return of Inspire 2 to its home point.

It is agreeable that the DJI Inspire is a revelation to the film making industry with the following pros​:

• ​The magnesium design makes it highly durable
• ​The two camera options support 5.2K videos​Offers SSD storage
• ​​Panasonic 64GB UHS-3 MicroSDXC
• ​Has retractable gear to land​Users can access various Intelligent flight modes
• ​The detection system is effective for obstacle avoidance
• ​​It supports full camera rotation

​The DJI Inspire comes with a number of disadvantages to the user. It is quite pricey as compared to the previous Inspire 1. Other Inspire remotes are not compatible with the DJI Inspire 2. The license keys for the Cinema DNG and the Apple ProRes have to be acquired separately. The device is not suitable to serve hobbyist users. Without any doubt, the DJI Inspire 2 is a big advancement from the Inspire 1. Does Inspire 2 play its part? It records quality and amazing videos and its enhanced operator makes it easy to manage. It is also highly stable for fast movements.

The DJI Inspire 2 is available at various online stores including Amazon, Best Buy among others. You can also purchase Inspire 2 directly from DJI which is highly advised. DJI continuously makes slight changes to the drones every couple of weeks. It can either be the hardware or the software. The changes are supposed to improve reliability and safety. DJI has a free shipping policy. DJI has an accidental damage protection program that comes in handy in case you accidentally crash your drone during the learning process. Check the companies policy before activating your drone.

Below are some dos and dont's for drone owners:

• ​Ensure you register the drone with the FAA unless it is lighter than 0.5lb
• ​If the police approach you, be ​POLITE​
• Ask for permission before flying over people
• Always check if your drone is ready to fly before taking off
• ​Do not fly in animal parks ​Keep off airports, at least 5miles ​Avoid flying over government facilities ​
• Avoid flying over people’s property​ Never fly over crime scenes and fires​Flights should not exceed 400 feet from the ground

FAQs