Why the DJI Phantom 3 Standard holds up in 2021
As each new generation of Commercial UAV/Drone is unveiled, new quirks and innovations are being pushed; maybe it’ll forego electrical charging and be able to sustain itself on solar energy; perhaps it’ll be able to soar to literal greater heights and touch the edge of the known stratosphere; or it might push the boundaries of reality-science fiction and take the form/be no bigger than a Housefly!
The possibilities are endless. Technology as we know it is constantly making new breakthroughs, and just by typing the above “innovations” I realize in retrospect that they don’t even seem all that groundbreaking. But the more intricate and shiny each new generation of DJI Mavic Air looks, the more appreciative and more nostalgic I feel for it’s predecessors- Each new James Bond movie might swoon over the roar and sleekness model of Aston Martin DBX, but nothing quite beats the magic and nostalgia of the classic DB5.
Above is a photo of my first Drone-a Phantom Standard 3-gifted to me by the CEO of Coastal Media Studios himself-Jake Combe. Originally released to the public in August 2015, the Standard 3 is equipped with a 2.7K camera and a 4480 mAh Battery and as a consummate novice “pilot” it’s everything I could ever ask for in a drone drone and more.
Given that it’s already been over 5 Year since it’s inception, it’s age has already began to show in its specs and physical design. Due to it’s bulky design, it’s not always been the most travel convenient as traveling requires it to be carried in a hard shelled backpack about 17+ Inches long. Additionally, it’s not quite as aerodynamic as it’s smaller and more nimble successors, such as the aforementioned DJI Mavic Air or DJI Mavic Mini which have been clocked at top speeds of 40mph/64kph and 13m/s respectively. Nonetheless, I for one believe that age doesn’t always equate to obsolescence-Just because the Spitfire has several decades on an F-35 Lightning II it doesn’t mean the former is any less valuable of a plane.
Earlier I had brought up my Phantom 3’s size and weight in contrast to the newer and more compact models. However, added bulk doesn’t necessarily have to be a hindrance. For instance, a lot of new drone owners that I’ve spoken to in the past have encountered difficulties and discouragement with maneuvering through strong winds and other inclement weather conditions, especially after purchasing the newer DJI models. In contrast, my Phantom 3 is a good 2.8 Ibs/ 1260 grams which-from personal experienced- has helped me brave many wanton gales in my past flights as a beginner.
As a proud, tried-and-tested broke college students I didn’t have enough scratch to spoil myself on a $1,399 drone, and I was a few bucks shy of $400! Needless to say, it was only thanks to my close friend’s sheer kindness and generosity that I was gifted his old Phantom 3. Apropo one’s budget, the Phantom 3 is priced under $1,000 and may vary in the $400-$850 range. Luckily, the prices will continue lowering since the Phantom 3 has phased out, to give way for the newer Mavic’s, and you might be lucky enough to strike a good bargain for a used/pre-owned model.
The DJI Phantom 3 Standard will always have a special place in my heart as my first love and introduction to the world of aerial photography. My Instagram feed might constantly be inundated with breathtaking views from a prolific influencer’s vacation in Bali or California utilizing a new state of the art model, but ultimately I’m not looking for the latest and greatest. I don’t need a model that’ll break the sound barrier or to be able to record a National Geographic documentary with a brand spanking new 4K camera- as long as I’ll be able to view a city skyline/forest treeline wreathed in the amber hue of a summer sunset, that’ll always be good enough for me.
