DJI updated its Phantom series of drones today with two new models, the Phantom 3 Professional and Phantom 3 Advanced.

Both models look a lot like the current Phantom 2 Vision+, but include improvements in flight precision and imaging quality.

The compact quadcopters are small enough to fit into a backpack or similarly sized carrying case, and include First Person View (FPV) flight control, so you can see what the camera is recording at all times, and potentially avoid obstacles when operating the drone beyond your line of sight.

The Phantom series is designed to be simple enough to be flown by new pilots, but robust to the point where it can be used for professional photography and videography. Your video needs should determine which model you choose.

The Professional records footage in 4K resolution at 24p, 25p, or 30p, while the Advanced is limited to 1080p, but can shoot at up to 60fps. Both models feature a prime f/2.8 lens with a 940-degree field of view and the ability to capture still images in either JPG or Raw DNG format. That's about equal to a 20mm lens on a full-frame camera, and it's the same field of view used by DJI's expensive Inspire 1 4K drone. The Phantom 2 had a much wider lens, one that covered a 140-degree field of view, which gave images and video distinct fish-eye distortion. That's not the case with the Phantom 3. 

A 3-axis gimbal keeps aerial footage smooth and steady. A new remote control allows you to guide the camera through the air and control the camera's tilt. The DJI Pilot app also shows a live feed from the camera, tracks the drone's flight path, and includes video-editing tools and the ability to upload video clips to YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. It also has a flight simulator mode that can be used by new pilots to hone their quadcopter skills. Live streaming is also available with an optional accessory. 

The app (with iOS and Android compatibility) also allows for full manual control over exposure settings. The remote control has a clip that can accommodate phones and smaller tablets, and the live view feed works at distances of up to 1.2 miles.

The integrated GPS has been improved, and the app can display the Phantom's position on a map, as well as its orientation relative to you, so you can bring it back home in the event that you lose track of it in the sky.

There's no confirmation of waypoint flying in DJI's press materials, but that feature was standard in the Phantom 2 Vision+, so we expect to see it on the Phantom 3 as well. The Phantom 3 does offer automatic return to home, and adds automatic take-off and landing functionality. Flight time looks to be about the same, just under 25 minutes per charge, despite improvements to motor power. 

DJI expects shipments to start in May. The Phantom 3 Professional is priced at $1,259 and the Advanced sneaks in at just under a grand, $999.