DJI’s See The Bigger Picture: 3 Reasons It Could Be A Phantom 5

Last week we shared the news of the upcoming DJI drone launch event “See The Bigger Picture” in New York. And while the theme of the article was  that a Mavic Pro II (2) was being released, there are a few good reasons it could actually be a new Phantom 5 drone.

The rumors about the next generation of Phantom drone, that everyone is calling a Phantom 5, have been running for months.  We reported on the concept of a new larger gimbal sensor and a set of interchangeable lenses for the Phantom 5 back in

Leaked Photos

Earlier this year we shared leaked photos that took the new multi-lens Phantom concept from a drawing to reality.  With a gimbal system unlike any of the previous Phantom series drones, it had to be an all new model. You’ll notice in the photo above that version of the rumored Phantom 5 has a metallic and black drone body.

DJI subsequently denied that this prototype was a new drone, instead saying it was a custom one-off for a commercial client.  We think that’s just a smoke-screen, because who would spend insane money on a one-off Phantom when a Zenmuse X7 and Inspire 2 would be a fraction of the cost and provide a superior result?

If this drone is really a one-off custom, then where did this other photo (below) come from of a Phantom 5 with an all-white body? Same new gimbal with interchangeable lenses.  Different color Phantom 5 body.

Prior to every single DJI drone release that we’ve reported on, leaked photos have always been found…even if it was just a day or two prior to the release.

With the Mavic Pro II (2) rumors there has never been a photo leaked our way, which takes a bit of wind out of the Mavic Pro II (2) theory.

Sensor Size

The theme of the launch event, “See The Bigger Picture” obviously has to do with the camera sensor and image capture of the new drone.  We already know that the prototype Phantom 5 drone above has a massive sensor compared to the existing Phantom 4 series of drones.  How big?

A new, larger sensor on the gimbal of the Phantom 5 (to maximize the value of an interchangeable lens system) is a compelling proposition.

The current Phantom 4 series enjoys a 1″ CMOS sensor, while the Mavic Pro carries a 1/2.3″ sensor.

The challenge with an upgrade to the Mavic Pro is whether it’s compact design could actually accomodate a gimbal system large enough to hold a 1″ sensor.  We’re not convinced that an enlarged Mavic Air form factor could accomodate an oversized gimbal.

Could a Phantom 5 gimbal carry a sensor larger than a 1″ CMOS? The next logical size up is 4/3″, which would likely be too large.

Hope, Not Rumors

For as long as we’ve been reporting on DJI rumors and leaks, there is one thing that we’ve noticed about the chatter regarding new drones: it comes in two flavors.  Drone enthusiasts are either discussing things that are likely, where there’s been some evidence or they are chatting about hope.

All of the chatter regarding the Mavic Pro II (2) has been completely without evidence.  By now we would have expected even tiny shreds of information, but instead the theme of all discussions regarding the Mavic Pro II (2) have been based on people’s hopes or concepted drawings.

While the Mavic Pro is definitely due for an upgrade, some will argue that the Mavic Air with it’s faster 4K write speed and rear sensors is a bit of an upgrade from the Mavic Pro (despite the lower battery life).

The Phantom 5 rumor is the exact opposite. It began as a concept, and grew to become a prototype with lots of leaked photos, like the one below.

We’re keeping an open mind about “See The Bigger Picture” until we have more evidence.  And as soon as we find out, we’ll report it here.  Check back often, or subscribe to our newsletter, on the right.

Let us know what you think in the comments below, or reach out to us using our Contact page.

Related: SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mavic Pro II Release In 33 Days