Professional drone with swappable gimbal for cinema cameras. Stable enough in wind that aerial shots cut directly into sequences without post-stabilization.
Technical Details
The Inspire 1 (2014) features a 4K camera with a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, recording in DCI 4K (4096×2160) at 24/25fps or UHD 4K at 30fps. The Inspire 2 (2016) utilizes interchangeable cameras: the Zenmuse X5S with a Micro Four Thirds sensor captures 5.2K CinemaDNG RAW and 4K ProRes, while the X7 records up to 6K CinemaDNG with a Super 35mm sensor. The Inspire 2's dual-battery system provides a total capacity of 98 Wh for 25-27 minutes of flight time. The maximum transmission range is 7 km with the Lightbridge system at 1080p60 in real-time.
History & Development
DJI introduced the Inspire 1 in November 2014, establishing the standard for cinematic drones under 10,000 Euros. Its revolutionary design with retractable landing gear solved the problem of propeller shadows in camera shots. In 2016, the Inspire 2 followed with significantly improved image quality and professional codecs. The RAW recording capability and support for interchangeable lenses brought the series into the realm of Hollywood-ready production tools.
Practical Application in Film
Christopher Nolan used the Inspire 2 for spectacular chase sequences in "Tenet" (2020), and Martin Scorsese employed it for establishing shots in "The Irishman" (2019). The typical workflow involves two-person operation: one pilot controls the drone, and a camera operator manages gimbal movements via separate remote controls. The Inspire 2's obstacle sensing allows for a minimum distance of just 2 cm from objects, enabling extreme low-level flights. Limitations become apparent in winds exceeding 10 m/s and the flight time limited to 27 minutes.
Comparison & Alternatives
The Inspire series is positioned between consumer drones like the DJI Mavic and professional systems such as the DJI Matrice 600 with RED cameras. A direct competitor is the Autel EVO II Pro with a 6K sensor, which, however, does not offer RAW recording. For budget productions under 50,000 Euros, the Inspire 2 remains the standard; above that, productions opt for custom-built solutions with an Alexa Mini or RED Komodo. The series, discontinued in 2019, is complemented by modular DJI systems like the FPV drone for specialized applications.