The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is Back! Should You Buy This Drone in 2020? Long Term Review and more!

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is Back!
The Return of the King of Prosumer Drones
I was excited to see that, as of January 6, 2020, DJI brought back the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. I was convinced that I got one of the last ones -maybe even the last one - when I bought mine a little over a year ago from B&H. I checked their site right after I ordered it, and it said they were out of stock. And that status continued until it changed to “discontinued” later in the year. Not only did the Phantom 4 Pro appear to be history, it looked like the entire Phantom line might be discontinued since DJI has been very quiet about the possibility of a Phantom 5. This was a bit disturbing since I’d just bought a piece of expensive tech that was no longer available. Parts would be more difficult to find in the event that had any maintenance needs, or worse yet, crashed my drone (which did happen). And third parties would not be likely to continue developing accessories.
But all those fears were laid to rest when the announcement of the Phantom’s return hit the internet. Well, sort of... I don’t know how long the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 will last. First of all it is an older model having come out in May 2018. And the version 1 of the Phantom 4 Pro came out in November 2016... that’s a long time ago in tech years. In the meantime, folding drones like the Mavic series seem to have dominated the consumer drone market. That having been said, I for one, really like the Phantom’s position in the lineup. It represents the crossover from consumer to pro drones in a way that is easy to identify both in price range and physical appearance. Not only that, the introduction of the Phantom line had a huge impact on the drone market. It’s a modern classic.

[@viaggiatordazzurropianeta4962]

I'm a Phantom user for years in Italy: I began with a refurbished Phantom 3 Pro a lot of years ago. Then I bought a Phantom 4 Pro Plus Obsidian - the black version of the Phantom 4 Pro - (flying in the dolomites on glaciers at 13000 feet is amazing) then recently I bought a V2.0 with the screen built in. I have a Mavic Mini and a Mini 2 but the Phantoms are and will be the most beautiful, reliable and capable drones ever produced both for hobby and for business use. I'd like DJI to produce a "Phantom 5" with retractable landing gears, an interchangeable camera moving 360 degrees, Ocusync 3.0, improved obstacle avoidance. I know: it's a science fiction!!!

[@creightondaggett9004]

Incredible video quality and organization! Refreshing to see a well thought out video that gets to the point without being half an hour long. Well done👍 I really hope that they keep the phantom around as an option even if there might be a new Mavic available

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you so much for your comment! Yes, I still think there are some advantages for the Phantom body style in certain situations. It would be nice if they could implement retractible legs for 360° rotation of the camera on the Phantom 5. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@KevinMullenger]

Carl, I have watched a dozen review videos on this drone and YOU have presented the absolute BEST video! You gave more details, demonstrated the procedures, and provided the information that I was looking for! Well done, Carl.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you so much, Kevin! I really appreciate the kind words. And thanks for watching!

[@darylnd]

Amen to that!

[@flywrightdrones]

Great video sir, glad to see the Phantom still has some love

[@carlculpepperimages]

Fly Wright Drones yes, it’s still my favorite drone! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@melissaculpepper7663]

Who could ever be mad at you, schmoopie💕💕💕🥰🥰🥰🥰 Great video, sweetie!

[@carlculpepperimages]

Haha! Thank you, Schmoops! ;o)

[@henrihuisjes1451]

Nice video, very informative! Thanks a lot!

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thanks you so much! And thanks for watching!

[@leoaugustsson8726]

I’m gonna buy a Phantom and go fly with my grandpa. I had the phantom 2 when I was younger and he loved watching it fly. Thanks for the review it really helped!

[@carlculpepperimages]

That's awesome! I hope you guys have fun! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@aldunning6118]

Great review, the trusty Phantom 4 is destined to be a classic, it is still hard to beat!

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you! The long live the P4P!

[@visualjon]

Excellent review, thanks

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@shakeadog_photography]

I shoot drone stills for my profession , and not only is the Phantom 4 Pro the drone for the job, it looks professional, the controller is sturdy and I agree, a larger screen is a must. Ive just ordered the v2.0 model. Good review thanks.

[@carlculpepperimages]

I agree: in addition to being an excellent drone, the P4P’s appearance makes a nice impression. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kevinpaul8144]

Wow! Thank you, Carl. Been through dozens last week or so and you don't waste time with another actor, or ...anything. If I wanted to spend time ..I'd watch tv, ...You are straight n to the point. I got more, as new, from you than 10 others in 10th the time. thank you (leaning into the P4.. see how the election goes . another 4 yrs?, buy soon than late..)

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you, Kevin! I really appreciate your comment! I had written out my script for this video a few months before I shot it... I kept putting it off, thinking it might be a bit too straightforward. Feedback like yours helps me know that there are people, like myself, that like a concise approach to reviews. I might yammer on a bit more in my vlog-type videos, but I intend to keep my reviews in this straightforward style. Thanks again for the encouraging words, and stay tuned for more to come!

[@titusnixon]

I agree with pretty much everything you said about the Phantom 4 Pro. I have two of them and like the weight of both the drone and the controller. The camera is as good as you can expect.

[@carlculpepperimages]

It's amazing how the P4P has held its own. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kevinthayer9536]

Great information. I have just ordered the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. I struggled between it and the Mavic Pro 2. Your points were well taken and I made my decision. I have been flying a Blade Chroma Drone for 3 years and have yearned for the better camera quality and more flight capabilities. Thanks for your video.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy the P4PV2! The form factor will be familiar, and I think you'll get a lot out of the Phantom's camera and flight performance. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sallutz]

Great video. P4P is great. I have original & the v2. Both are great, but the Occusync 2.0 in the v2, is a better video transmission tech imo. Also, it’s nice using the v2 with DJI’s smart controller. P4P is arguably still DJI’s best pro-sumer drone to date.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you! And, yes, I agree about Occusync 2.0. It does seem a bit better than the Lightbridge. I haven't had the pleasure of using the smart controller yet, but it looks like a great rig. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@keithwhisman]

The camera on the phantom 4 is fantastic and as long as the phantom 4 has no competition we will not see a phantom 5. So maybe at the end of 2021 we will have a phantom 5.

[@carlculpepperimages]

I agree, the P4P camera is still great... especially for a drone in its price range. It's good to have a piece of technology that has remained current and relevant this long. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@keithwhisman]

@@carlculpepperimages yeah, I fly the Mavic 2 Pro and still lust after the Phantom 4 over its camera that allows you to take still photos from your video because of the shutter. I try taking still photos from video on my Mavic 2 Pro and it looks like crap though it does take fantastic still photos and fantastic video I just can’t take the pics from the video. So I’d prefer to own both drones.

[@WilliamFrogge]

A lanyard of some short is a must have. Nice to have would either be the "plus" controller with the CrystalSky screen built in or a dedicated CrystalSky screen/tablet. The 1,000 NITs screen of the base model is far superior to just about every tablet and phone

[@carlculpepperimages]

Yep, the large controller of the Phantom Series (especially with a tablet) is a lot easier to handle with a lanyard for support. And the brightness of the CrystalSky would be awesome if/when it fits into the budget. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@meudrone4k369]

Dji phantom 4 designer único perfeito 😃✌🏼👍🏻

[@darylnd]

Subscribed! I was nearly sold on the Mavic 2 Pro, but I'm leaning more toward the Phantom now for mechanical shutter, 4K/60, and more ergonomic controller (and, as you said, I can use a bigger screen with an iPad Mini and use the iPad for other things when not flying). Portability isn't a big factor: I asked my truck and it doesn't mind (and I can launch off the bed cover). The Phantom currently is $10 or $20 cheaper from DJI right now. One big factor in favor of DJI for me is their inclusion of ADS-B (they call it AirSense, because marketing) in their > 250g drones. I live in the San Francisco Bay area, which features some of the most congested airspace in the country. I'm also a student pilot. Even if it's not strictly necessary for drones (it is an FAA mandate for manned aircraft in this area) I do value it.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thanks for the sub! Yes, those are some of my favorite aspects of the Phantom. And I really like the form factor. One thing to keep an eye on: sometimes the metal body of a vehicle can make the drone's compass act a bit weird - so be take care when launching and landing. I think the Phantom would be a good Christmas present for yourself! Thanks for watching and commenting! And happy flying!

[@jamesr.9239]

I am currently on the fence about a P4P v2 purchase . My P4 standard fell to the ground and was damaged beyond economic repair late last year and I am now holding a sizable amount of gear just for the P4 , such as hardcase, battery charge bank , quick gang charger, car charger, five batteries, many cables, small and large crystal sky monitors, and various and sundry bits and pieces of gear. The P4 is now old tech and will probably never be upgraded to a P5 but I miss my P4 and its rock steadiness and smooth flight characteristics. I always wanted to upgrade to a P4P but couldn't justify it based on my needs. I have a Mavic Air (1). but I never liked it the same way as the P4, and will be shedding it soon. The Mavic 2 Pro is a good little drone ,soon to be upgraded I think , but it never interested me too much . The new Autel Evo 2 looks good but too soon to say as they aren't shipping many yet. I hate to say it but , dammit , I just like the P4 and am sad that the Phantom line is likely dead and gone. So I still have a dilemma ...P4P V2 or what?

[@carlculpepperimages]

I feel for ya, James! Whenever I buy a tech oriented product or a computer, I can barely get acquainted with it before a new model shows up to make it obsolete (or to ,at least, make me envious). Haha! Oh, well... these are amazing times. Sorry to hear your P4 standard was totaled. That's a lot invested in a particular drone that is out of commission. Maybe you could find a good deal on a used P4P (either V1 or V2.0)? At least you could still use those batteries and chargers, as well as some of the other Phantom accessories. If DJI doesn't ever make a Phantom 5, I hope another company will step in to make a viable drone for the Phantom's position in the market. Thanks for watching and commenting! And best of luck with your drone purchase decision!

[@shmuliktubul1971]

TNX

[@alk5749]

I’m with you, the form factor of the foldable Mavics never appealed to me, I’ve had my P4P V2.0 since it hit the market and have never regretted my decision to buy it. It is rock solid and I have gotten it out just shy of 4 miles, occusync 2.0 is awesome. I don’t normally fly that far, but had to give it a shot just to see. I have flown my brothers Mavic 2 Pro and I did not like controller at all. I didn’t think the Mavic was as stable as the P4P and my brother agrees with me. That’s just my two cents, I’m sticking with my phantom, I have a lot invested into it to justify any change. Good review.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Wow, almost 4 miles! That's impressive... I've never been brave enough to test the distance limit like that. But, yep, Occusync 2.0 works really well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@alk5749]

I only tried it that one time and I was sick to my stomach until I saw it come back and land. Won’t do it again.

[@Geeios1]

I thought you were going to say "on the whimsical side it's like having a lava lamp". Did I miss you mention the mechanical shutter which makes stitching high quality panos together over the line drawn mavic pro 2 camera (yes, kinda). The top rig for a tablet takes time to assemble and yes it's heavy.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Haha! ...I think non-folding drones might be going the way of the lava lamp. But I still like it! I'm glad you mentioned the mechanical shutter... that was one of the original reasons I wanted the P4P! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jakesdronelife6307]

Mavic 2 side sensors only work In tripod mode which is weird I just bought my first phantom 4 pro last night I’m so used to mavics we will see what happens I think I’ll love it all my drone buddys are jealous 😆

[@carlculpepperimages]

Congrats! I'm sure you'll really enjoy the P4P!

[@daviddarwiche7932]

Excellet and informative video, I have a question How do I connect a crystalsky monitor7.85 to the remote control of a phanton 4 pro v2.0? what cable do i use?

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thanks, David! Since I don't own the CrystalSky monitor, I can't give you a definitive answer about the cable. But, in the CrystalSky literature, it appears that you could just use a USB-C to USB cable. Maybe check the Phantom Pilots forum to see if anyone there can give you a solid answer. Also, DJI makes a special mounting bracket (with a built-in cable) that is supposed to make the CrystalSky monitor attach more securely to the Phantom controller.

[@My_Alchemical_Romance]

Do you have vanished maps too....?

[@neilwilson966]

Hi. I have had a DJI Phantom 3 Advanced drone for about 5 years and it's been excellent. Still works as good as the day I bought it and never changed any parts. The downside is that even with the brightness on my phone or tablet at max, I still struggle to see the screen. I'm thinking of buying the DJI Prov 4 2.0 (maybe +). Do you know if the built in screen is any use in bright light as I don't want to buy and have the same visibility problems? I have seen these screen hoods. Is there a hood that fits to my current Phantom 3 drone? Finally, is the Phantom still manufactured. I heard it may be discontinued . As at 15th April 2022. Apologies for all the questions. Neil Wilson

[@carlculpepperimages]

Hello, Neil. Thanks for watching and commenting. I think the P4P V2 is discontinued now. But you might still be able to find one in stock somewhere online. Regarding the Plus model, I had that model first and the screen was a bit brighter than my iPad mini screen. But a hood is still good to have in order to reduce reflection in bright sun. I don't know what hood would be right for your Phantom 3 screen, but I would just check the measurements. I'm sure there is something out there that would fit.

[@neilwilson966]

@@carlculpepperimages Thanks for getting back. Much appreciated. I guess the screen that comes with the DJI isn't perfect for viewing then. I might try and make a hood myself 🙂

[@monkeyattackedmyass5435]

Any thoughts on an issue I keep hearing about with the P4V2: props in the shot? How big a deal is it, how often, how to avoid it? Thanks!

[@carlculpepperimages]

I haven't had any real problems with that. I usually keep the camera's tilt limited to the range of level and below (which is 99.9% of useful drone shots, anyway). It's possible for the props to be in the shot if you are heading into a strong headwind or flying at high speed while filming. But, again, this would be a pretty rare occasion for most of us. So you can easily avoid it by just knowing not to tilt the camera up above level under normal conditions. Thanks for watching!

[@monkeyattackedmyass5435]

@@carlculpepperimages Ahh, got it. Thanks for the info!

[@dylanjopp2556]

I have a Mavic Pro and the Phantom 4 Pro v2.0. I have a tablet mount that works alright with the Mavic controller, but it blocks the information screen on the Mavic controller. Phantom's controller is much better in terms of holding a tablet.

[@carlculpepperimages]

That's what I was thinking might be the case. Really cool that you have both options! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rickdavidson82]

Is the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 still feasible in 2021 going into 2022?

[@carlculpepperimages]

I think it is. DJI keeps ratcheting up the specs of the Mavic line, but the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is still a very solid performer for imagery, and the Phantom's design is still preferred by many (myself included).

[@jakesdronelife6307]

I also think we’ll see a mavic 3before we see a phantom 5 Foldable drones are taking over

[@carlculpepperimages]

You might be right.

[@christosbursonius]

You were correct!

[@steptoe362]

i have a mavic pro v1 and a p4 pro v1, although the specs are close, take the p4 and the mavic out at night !!!!! thats where there is a BIG BIG difference, the p4 will kill the mavic images at night....80% better from the p4

[@carlculpepperimages]

Interesting! And, yeah, it seems like they improved the Mavic Pro line's camera a lot more with the 2nd version, whereas the Phantom's 4 Pro's 1st and 2nd versions have the same image quality. I probably wouldn't have updated from the P4PV1 to the V2 if mine hadn't had a permanent gimbal issue. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@carlosadkins9221]

Now it is 2024 and the phantom 4 pro is no longer supported by DJI. Would you still buy one

[@carlculpepperimages]

When it comes to tech oriented products, I would only recommend currently supported products to most people. I still have my P4P, and I still like the form factor, but I wouldn't buy another one at this point.

[@captainmidnight7012]

Waiting for the phantom 5 , ( PATENTLY ) 🤬

[@carlculpepperimages]

I hope there is a P5 someday... may your patience be rewarded! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jakesdronelife6307]

Got a sub from me brother

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thank you!