The RTK receiver helps provide flight stability along with centimeter-level mapping accuracy on image metadata. With the Phantom 4 RTK, you can achieve 1cm+1ppm RTK horizontal positioning accuracy, 1.5cm+1ppm RTK vertical positioning accuracy, and 5cm absolute horizontal accuracy of photogrammetric models (when flying at 100m high, 2.7cm GSD, on a sunny day. The RTK receiver can also be connected to an (optional) D-RTK2 Mobile Station, NTRIP (Network Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol), or it can store its data to be used in PPK (Post Processed Kinematics) after the flight.

The TimeSync system is engineered to help ensure the Phantom 4 RTK’s ability to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. It continually aligns the flight controller, camera, and RTK module, as well as fixing the positioning data to the center of the CMOS. These optimizations give each photo the most accurate metadata possible.

The included controller comes with an integrated mobile device mount. Your smartphone or tablet connects to the controller via Micro-USB and a variety of apps can be used to pilot the Phantom RTK. You can use DJI Pilot for Android, GS Pro for iOS, or any other 3rd party app that’s developed using the DJI Mobile SDK.

With the Phantom 4 RTK, you get the standard flight modes and abilities of a Phantom 4 quadcopter, plus mapping-specific Photogrammetry and Waypoint Flight modes in the GS RTK app. With these modes, pilots can select a flight plan while adjusting the overlap rate, altitude, speed, camera parameters, and more. Other features include a strong wind alarm, the ability to directly load KML area files for in-office flight planning, and the ability to use the shutter priority mode for keeping the exposure of your images consistent.

The included remote controller utilizes DJI’s OcuSync transmission technology to stream HD images and video up to 4.3 miles away. With a strong enough signal, this gives you the opportunity to map large jobsites.

Sensor size is often more important to image quality than the number of pixels, because a larger sensor has dynamic range, better signal-to-noise ratio, and boosted low light performance. The 1″ 20MP CMOS sensor in the Phantom 4 RTK is almost four times the size of the Phantom 4’s 1/2.3″ sensor. It uses larger pixels and has a maximum ISO of up to 12,800 as well as increased contrast.

Powerful video processing supports H.264 4K videos at 60 fps or H.265 4K at 30 fps, both recorded in a 100 Mbps bitrate. Advanced sensors and processors ensure everything is captured with more image detail and the image data needed for manipulation in post-production.

An enhanced video processing system allows video to be captured in cinema- and production- optimized DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 60 fps and a bitrate of 100 Mbps. The Phantom 4 RTK also supports the H.265 video codec at 30 fps in 4K resolution. For a given bitrate, H.265 doubles the amount of image processing as H.264, resulting in significantly enhanced image quality from a more efficient compression. Record in the high dynamic range D-log mode to make the most of this image data for color grading.

The Phantom 4 RTK camera has an aerial-optimized f/2.8 wide-angle lens with a 24 mm equivalent focal length. It features eight elements — two aspherical — arranged in seven groups that fit into a smaller, more compact frame. Its images are consistently detailed with low distortion and low dispersion, ensuring that photos and videos are sharp and vivid.

Capturing objects moving at high speed can be a challenge for flying cameras using an electronic shutter. This is why the Phantom 4 RTK is the first DJI Phantom to use a mechanical shutter and a large-aperture prime lens. A maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000-second eliminates motion blur and “jello effect” caused by shooting a fast-moving object with a rolling electronic shutter. The electronic shutter has also been improved with a max shutter speed of 1/8000-second, and a there is Burst Mode shoot capable of shooting 14 fps at 20 megapixels to catch the perfect moment.

The Lightbridge HD video transmission system used in the Phantom 4 RTK uses TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) to transmit signals, allowing it to send controller signals and receive video transmission signals at the same frequency. As the 2.4 GHz frequency band is often affected by Wi-Fi, 4G cell towers, and other types of interference in urban areas, a 5.8 GHz band will increase transmission reliability. When switched on, the Phantom 4 evaluates local signal levels, automatically choosing the transmission frequency with the lowest level of interference. This enables a maximum video transmission range of 4.3 miles.

With Draw, simply draw a route on screen and the Phantom 4 RTK will move in that direction while keeping its altitude locked. This allows the pilot to focus on camera control and enables more complex shots. There are two Draw modes that can be used in different scenarios:

Standard: The aircraft follows the route at a constant speed with the camera facing in the direction of flight.
Free: The aircraft only moves along the route when instructed. In this mode, the camera can face in any direction during a flight.

Following fast-moving objects can be very challenging, but advanced image-recognition algorithms used by the Phantom 4 RTK allow it to recognize and track an object while keeping it in frame. This algorithm also recognizes a range of subjects, from people to vehicles to animals, and will adjust its flight dynamics to match, ensuring smoother shots. Pilots can now choose between:

Trace: Follow behind or in front of a subject, avoiding obstacles automatically.
Profile: Fly alongside a subject at a variety of angles to get profile shots of the subject.
Spotlight: Keep the camera trained on a subject while the aircraft flies almost anywhere.

Fly in any direction visible on-screen with a simple tap. Tap anywhere on-screen to smoothly adjust the direction of flight while automatically avoiding obstacles and tap the screen again or use control sticks to change direction. An AR route function shows the aircraft’s real-time flight direction for reference as its route is adjusted. As it can be difficult to control altitude, course, speed, and camera pitch simultaneously using joysticks, TapFly Free allows a pilot to set the direction of flight, allowing them to turn the Phantom 4 RTK or tilt the gimbal as required without changing the direction of flight. In total, there are now three TapFly modes:

TapFly Forward: Tap to fly in the selected direction.
TapFly Backward: Tap to fly in the opposite direction of the tap, e.g. tap in the bottom right corner of the screen to fly backward towards the top left.
TapFly Free: Lock the forward direction of the Phantom without locking the camera direction allowing it to turn as it flies.

Note: Obstacle Avoidance is not available with TapFly Free.

In its Return to Home mode, the Phantom 4 RTK can automatically choose the best route to return home depending on environmental conditions. It records its route as it flies, allowing it to return along the same route and avoid obstacles if the control signal is disconnected.

Based on its altitude at the time of disconnection, the Phantom 4 RTK is also able to adjust its flight path to avoid obstacles it has seen during its flight. At takeoff, the Phantom 4 RTK will record the scene below and compare its recording with what it sees as it returns, for a more precise landing. It can also detect the ground to see whether there is a suitable spot for landing. If any obstacles are found, or if there is water on the ground, it will alert the pilot and hover at an appropriate height, helping the aircraft to land more safely.

With Gesture Mode, selfies can be captured using a few gestures without the remote controller. Computer vision technology allows the Phantom 4 RTK to take instructions through gestures. The subject simply lifts their arms when facing the camera and the aircraft will recognize this movement by locking on and placing the subject in the center of the frame. When ready for a photo, the subject holds their arms out to signal the aircraft. A three second countdown will begin, making time to strike a pose, allowing moments to be captured without the remote control.

Different productions require different flight characteristics, and the Phantom 4 RTK offers three modes for flight: P, A and S. Switching between them allows pilots to get the control they need, whether they seek smoothness, simplicity, intelligent navigation, or speed. In Position Mode (P), TapFly, ActiveTrack, obstacle sensing, and positioning features are available. Sport Mode (S) adds extra agility and higher speed, reaching 45 mph. Attitude Mode (A) switches off satellite stabilization and holds the Phantom 4 RTK’s altitude. It is ideal for experienced pilots looking to capture smoother footage. Tripod Mode, which limits speed to 4 mph provides precision control for fine framing and indoor flying. Both the infrared sensing system and vision sensors are enabled in these modes for a safer flight experience.

The Phantom 4 RTK features dual compass modules and dual IMU units, making it more reliable when compared to many hexacopters and octocopters. Compasses and IMUs are important sensors to ensure a stable flight and the Phantom 4 RTK constantly compares the data it receives through both pairs. This data is run through various algorithms to check accuracy, and any inaccurate data is simply discarded without affecting flight, keeping the flight steady and reliable.

Professional aerial imaging benefits from longer flight times. The Phantom 4 RTK features a maximum flight time of 30 minutes, providing more time in the air to capture the perfect shot. The DJI GO app shows battery lifetime and calculates remaining flight times according to distance traveled and more. It will give alerts when it reaches a minimum safe amount required for a safe journey back to the takeoff point. An advanced battery management system is also in place to prevent overcharging and over draining. When placed in longer-term storage, batteries will discharge power to maintain good health.