Phantom 5 Rumors and DJI's "Big" Event
Photo Credit: @OsitaLV on Twitter
Rumor has it that DJI plans to release the latest edition of their Phantom series sometime this year. Drone enthusiasts are speculating that DJI will release the Phantom 5 at their big event scheduled for November 28th, so that it's available in time for Christmas shoppers.
What sparked the speculation? These rumors began spreading after what some people believe to be leaked photos of the Phantom 5 prototype appeared on Twitter a couple of months ago. The photos most commonly linked to the rumors were uploaded by user OsitaLV, whose profile states that their a verified drone pilot on DJI BBS (China) and an aerial photographer and filmmaker. They show a drone with interchangeable lenses (with varying focal lengths), a highly requested feature for future installments in the Phantom series, which is likely what fueled the rumors. Speculators believe that other key features of the Phantom 5 series will be a higher resolution camera, larger sensor, and longer flight time.
DJI has refuted any claims identifying this UAV as the highly anticipated Phantom 5, instead stating that these images are actually of a modified version of the Phantom 4 Pro designed as a one-off drone and made specifically for an enterprise client. Though, speculators have found this explanation to be less than satisfying.
Rumors were further fueled by the announcement that DJI will be hosting a big event later this month. Speculators believe that this event would be the perfect setting to reveal a new, highly anticipated product like the newest Phantom 5. This event is scheduled for November 28th, 2018 between 2 pm and 4 pm EST at Good Morning America Studios in New York City and is titled "Because Life is Big!" The event's press invitation has an illustration with people and objects emanating from a curved rectangular shape that resembles a zoom lens and may be a reference to the drone's desired features.
Photo Credit: Dronedj.com
For those interested in keeping track, this isn't the first time DJI has had an alleged photo leak of a new product. Earlier this year in NYC, DJI scheduled another event, but the event was postponed. After people were notified about the change, an image started circulating of what appeared to be a new Mavic pro.
Could this be a pattern? Will the new Phantom 5 be released on the 28th? We'll find out if anyone's theories were correct this week.
I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron
