The best mid-sized drone - DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ Obsidian

DJI's Phantom 4 Pro+ Obsidian edition drone is an incredible midsized drone that I use all the time for my filmmaking needs. In my opinion, this is the best mid-sized drone currently on the market as of late 2018.
See more of my drone adventures on my Instagram: / christopherhelkey
Product link: Search "Phantom 4 Pro+ Obsidian" on www.amazon.com
I had a lot of fun making this video. I am an FAA licensed drone pilot and I do a lot of aerial cinematography for commercials and other video content. Looking forward to seeing what DJI does for the DJI Phantom 5 when they release it.
Thanks for watching! ;)

[@zolaneger]

I paused this video at 1:00 and laughing , how you cant hide happiness for bringing that obsidian to your home...I felt the same

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Haha yes it is very exciting ;)

[@kostasnikolaou7869]

Bravo!!i think one off the best reviews for p4p obsidian!!well done ✅

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks so much Kostas! Glad you liked it :)

[@akumakilles1966]

I LOBE THE DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO+ OBSIDIAN EDITION nice Video

[@KimDiscoveringHistory]

Amazing footage, I too have the Obsidian version without the monitor as I have my own CrystalSky 8.4. Very informative video. thank you.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Hey Kim, Glad you like my footage! Thanks :) Awesome to hear you also have the Obsidian version! How do you like the CrystalSky monitor?

[@KimDiscoveringHistory]

Hi, the CrystalSky is an awesome monitor and so bright in daylight conditions. I particularly like the ease of connecting it to the controller. 😎

[@ce-750pilot3]

Agreed! I purchased my Phantom 4 Pro+ Obsidian on Amazon (with a great bundle deal), and it is the best consumer medium-sized drone on the market! In addition to all the things you mentioned, the forward, rearward and side obstacle avoidance is phenomenal! The return to home is consistently within 1/2” as measured on my drone launch pad. Keep up the good work on the videos!

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thank you for the kind comment :) Glad you found a great deal on Amazon! And wow, I have never measured the return home but it is crazy it is that accurate! Thank you for your support!!

[@nadhiya_govindaraj5102]

Hey Chris, great video! Loved the LMU shot!

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks so much Nadhiya!! :) LMU looks amazing both from the ground and air ;)

[@scotthopkins7711]

For me really thought this video is one of the best I’ve seen regarding this drone. Just got mine and looking forward to my first flight.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks! Good luck with your first flight Scott!!

[@scotthopkins7711]

ChristopherHelkey Thank you 😊

[@CRAIGSCHULER]

I bought the P4P+ Obsidian last November. I only use it for stills but like you I’m blown away by what an amazing product it is. I love the camera, the drone and the screen. Excellent! 👍🏻

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Hey Craig! Thanks for the comment! Yes, it's pretty awesome. What type of stills do you take with it? Is it just for fun or do you use it professionally? I have been very impressed with the still images and it's so cool I can shoot in raw!

[@CRAIGSCHULER]

ChristopherHelkey I’m a passionate hobbyist. The stills are very good. I mostly shoot using the 5 shot AEB function too, which is extremely easy and convenient to get further DR out of the sensor. Keep enjoying! 👍🏻

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Oh awesome to hear! Best of luck with all your aerial photos! Best wishes, Christopher

[@stevek46]

Hi there. I have my eye on one. Can you tell me about the noise levels the drone makes while flying? Would you say it’s loud? Or so so? Thanks.

[@jameschastain1904]

Thanks buddy!

[@bobby25111]

Great footage.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks Roman! Glad you enjoyed the footage :)

[@stevehutchesson1321]

Thanks, good sensible review.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

You are welcome

[@jameschastain1904]

Nice video, I have the phantom 4 pro plus ( regular white version), I bought it right before they released they obsidian. But I had always flew phantoms, my first real camera drone before the p4p +, was a phantom 3 standard, and I loved it so much I bought two, so I wanted a portable drone for me to use when I go on trips etc., so last Christmas (2017), I bought a Mavic Pro Platinum, and it was a lot different controller wise, and it sucked having to rely on my phone again, but once I got used to all that I love it. But the p4p + is definitely my prized possession, and favorite drone, and also my drone I will be using when I start a business, hoping it all goes well, right now I’m in the studying process of going to take my part 107 test. Anyway I loved your video!

[@ChristopherHelkey]

James, Thank you so much! Awesome to hear you also have the Phantom 4 pro plus! The Phantoms are great! My first drone was the Phantom 2 with the GoPro. Good luck with the part 107 test! I used "Drone Pilot Ground School" to study as its a pretty hard test. I know there are a lot of free videos out there with study information as well though. Good luck keep me update on how it goes with the test and business :) Best wishes -Christopher

[@ricardopr54]

Totally agree! I have the white one and it is amazing! 👍👍👍

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Awesome, yes the Phantom 4 is great! I just looked at your channel and you have some cool footage! The "Puerto Rico Summer 2016" locations looked really beautiful!

[@ricardopr54]

ChristopherHelkey I really appreciate your response to my comment. I'm glad that you like my content, although, that video you mentioned was recorded with a Phantom 2 not vision with a Zemuse Gimbal and a Gopro hero 3 black edition. The one called "My beautiful Puerto Rico 2017" was recorded with my Phantom 4pro+... It was one of my first times using the drone so, I set everything to automatic. I'm still in the process of learning to use this camera settings... I'm going to subscribe to your channel because I want to learn from the people that knows about it. I hope that you can do the same in order to support my small channel... Have a great day! Greetings from Douglas, Arizona 👍👍👍🇵🇷

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Hey! The Phantom 2 was my first drone so I recognize the style! I also checked out "My beautiful Puerto Rico 2017" . My favorite shot is the top down shot of the beach at around 1 minute and 2 seconds! The air balloon was also so cool! shoot me a message when you release your next drone video with the Phantom 4! Thanks for the support! Greeting from Los Angeles! - Christopher :)

[@ricardopr54]

ChristopherHelkey Here are 3 other videos recorded with my Phantom 4pro+... There are more in my channel... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZiUo6lohs-dmpI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmvhqSklMlqpac kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppLFnmpvnpehrMU I'm still working on another one of Upstate New York from last March 2018. I'll be traveling to Puerto Rico this July. If you don't want to miss my next video of the island, you can subscribe to my channel and will receive notifications whenever I post a new video... I'm subscribed to your channel... Are you subscribed to mine, I don't remember🤔 Have a great evening my friend! Greetings from Douglas, Arizona 👍👍👍👍

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@MichaelHurdleStudio]

Really nice video dude. I'm thinking about getting one.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks Michael! Let me know if you end up getting it! Btw I checked out your channel and you have some awesome stuff!! The "Clone Effect With After Effects & Mavic Air Active Track" looked so cool! If you ever do a tutorial send me a message as I would love to check it out! Best, Christopher

[@MichaelHurdleStudio]

Sure thing dude. I'll let you know. Thank you for the luv man. I'll make sure to send you a link when I make the tutorial.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Awesome! Looking forward to it!

[@chrislemessurier9678]

Cool Vid. I’ve got the P4A love it 😊

[@jonpetersdronemedia4142]

Very informative post Christopher many thanks, I’ve subbed!! I fly the inspire 1 pro but want a drone for travel (waiting to see if a phantom 5 comes out) What video settings do you use??

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thank you Jon! Glad to have you as a subscriber :) For video settings I normally shoot in 4K at 24 fps.

[@grullord]

thanks very helpful review

[@ChristopherHelkey]

You are very welcome Rafael!

[@Siufu]

Great video love it liked subbed , i may probably get this thing when phantom 5 is released so it will be cheaper

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks!

[@VideoEditor960]

Good overview, I like the sample footage of the new flight modes. Does the "Tripod Mode" affect up and down movement and turning, or does the mode only affect left/right and forward/back movement?

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks Greg! Yes, it also affects up and down and turning! It's great for getting cinematic smooth shots when close to an object. I am thinking about doing a few videos focused specifically on one flight mode each. Would that be something that you would be interested in watching?

[@VideoEditor960]

Yeah I think something going into greater detail on some of these new modes would be useful.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Okay! You might see some content like that soon :)

[@sipapito]

I love the camera on this drone, what were your setting flying on Westwood? I miss Cali. Thumbs up from Germany oh yeah I got the same drone and I love it!

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. What part of Germany are you from? I have spent a few months in Bonn in the past. And for the Westwood stuff, I think I had it mostly on auto exposure at 24fps in 4k. A lot of the times when I am shooting a sunset I will keep the drone on auto exposure so I can tilt the camera down (were it's darker) and up (where the sun is) and still have a nicely exposed image.

[@sipapito]

@@ChristopherHelkey iam in the south 20 minutes from Stuttgart Ludwisburg area.Thanks for the reply.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Very cool. That looks like a beautiful area! Best wishes from LA :) - Christopher

[@azatakmatov1440]

Hello, they are out of production?

[@rajazaheedafiq]

Great video pal! What is the title of the song at 3.35?

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Glad you liked it! Song is "Out At Sea"

[@BBWinner48]

yes, great , you show how fast to get it in the air, but you need to show the 3 hour pre flight setup camera and landing settings,,,must I go further... Great video, I like the fact of its own screen..

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thank you for your feedback :)

[@e-minus3416]

3 hour pre flight setup?....You clearly don't own one

[@zolaneger]

COOL

[@arnoldpetersen8203]

Great review Chris, I was about to buy the Parrot Anafi but now, you made the decision much easier for me, its just the portability that worries me... By the way, good music, I don't know who the singer is but a great song nonetheless.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thank you so much! This drone is several years old so there are now much newer models out there. I just purchased the Mavic 3 and have really been liking it.

[@arnoldpetersen8203]

@@ChristopherHelkey Oh great, I hope you will review the Mavic 3 soon!. by the way who was the singer, I wonder?

[@maximushase7812]

hi, did you test the new dji mavic pro 2 and which would you recomend ? thx

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Hey, Yes I did as well! Take a look at this comparison video of the Mavic 2 Pro and the Phantom 4 Pro . kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmO3naVsatCJpck Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@chrj86]

Great review! New subscriber from here

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed the review Christian :)

[@chrj86]

My pleasure ☺️

[@SANDERVANDERVEEN_]

Nice drone, someday... just the Mavic Air for now 😄

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thanks! How do you like the Mavic Air? I am thinking about getting it for when I am traveling and don't have room for the P4P

[@lazarbrothers6881]

what would I do if the controller screen got complaint..?

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Not sure I understand your question

[@tieroneventuresllc3559]

How does this compare with the mavic pro 2?

[@ChristopherHelkey]

I have a video comparison coming out soon! Stay tuned

[@khmerscenery9043]

hi there you don't have to calabrate the drone?

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Hey! That is recommended but I do not calibrate overtime I fly.

[@ruitorre]

I've sold mine and bought a mavic air. In portugal a drone that weights more than 900g its obligated to have insurance witch is crazy expensive (yearly) so mavic air justifies more for me!

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Oh interesting. I did not know that about drones in Portugal. How do you like the mavic air?

[@ruitorre]

I'm loving it. Its crazy portable witch is a factor I never thought I would love so much, keeps me bellow the 900g, has an amazing 4k camera and I'm inlove with this little bug. Can't imagine a better drone for vloging or day to day jobs. P.S. I'm not sponsored by Mcdonnalds :P

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Sounds awesome! Glad you got a good drone that you love :) Good luck with your films!

[@PeterLinyov]

Это потрясающие кадры, спасибо! Ты хороший мастер! Но...я очень хочу чёрный. это круто! НО... я хочу V2.0. Это нет у Obsidian ! Это v 2.0 , это важно, нужно? Ваше мнение очень важно, Спасибо.

[@haprocreativesmedia7584]

Hi. Your review made me feel like there's no Phantom 4 Pros out there, that white birdy? I know you focused on the Obsidian, but would be nice to mention the phantom 4 pro at the end as another best drone, because you saying the Obsidian is the best, might give one tons of questions if they do not know about the Phantom 4Pro which is not an Obsidian, yet are all having the same features/specs. They only difference is that the Obsidian is black which makes it easier to see from a distance compared to the white one, otherwise they are all the best drones on the market in that price line, of which they have the same price. Check out my videos on Instagram on instagram.com/hapro_creatives/ and instagram.com/hapro_creative_films/

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Thank you for your comment. I did mention at 1:23 that the Phantom 4 Pro has the same specs because yes you are right they are both the best :) Same drone except color. Thanks for the comment and hope you are getting some awesome drone shots with you P4P :)

[@Bobster986]

If you can obtain these shots yourself, then you're not a good pilot and need to develop your skills. Never rely on auto modes unless you have the ability to perform them equally well manually, and never fly commercially unless you are FAA Certified and properly insured.

[@ChristopherHelkey]

Bobster986 Thank you for watching my video! I am a professional drone operator licensed with the FAA. Do you also fly professionally? I took a look at some of the aerial footage you shot of the firefighters spraying the hoses and it was really cool to see that from an aerial perspective 👍👍 Best wishes from LA - Christopher