Few brands have the same influence and stature as DJI in the world of videography and aerial photography. DJI was born out of one man’s fascination for flight and technology. It has since become the industry standard, thanks to its unwavering commitment and continuous innovation.
DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations) was founded in 2006. It has revolutionized the way we photograph the world. Professional and amateur photographers can now capture the view from the sky. DJI technology is responsible for a wide range of visual storytelling, from the breathtaking landscapes captured by drone footage to the exciting perspectives provided in sports videography.
DJI’s commitment to open up the sky, combined with its unwavering dedication to deliver cutting-edge technologies, has made it a leader in aerial photography and videography. The journey to these heights was a tale of innovation, vision, and an understanding of the needs of users. We’ll explore the history of DJI to see how it continues redefining the boundaries of aerial videography and photography.
DJI FOUNDATION
DJI was founded by Frank Wang in 2006. He is a graduate of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. In his dorm, Wang was inspired by the possibilities of drone technology and his fascination with flight. It was his unwavering dedication and vision, however, that turned a simple fascination with drone technology into a global leader.
DJI was focused from the beginning on creating reliable and affordable drone technology. The drone market was not what it is today, so this goal was ambitious. The drone market was dominated by military and specialized industry, with only a few hobbyists dabbling.
Wang, however, saw drone technology as having potential beyond its conventional uses. He imagined a world in which drones would be used to perform a wide range of tasks, including photography and videography, as well as surveying and inspections. He envisioned a world in which the skies would be open to creativity and exploration.
DJI’s first innovations were driven by this vision. The company spent countless hours developing and refining drone technology. They wanted to create drones that are not only reliable and high-performing but also easy to operate. These early efforts have had a huge impact. DJI’s focus was on accessibility and usability, which brought drones from the military into the hands and minds of consumers. This effectively launched the consumer drone industry we know today.
Early Innovations and Market Leadership
DJI understood that in order to revolutionize drone technology, it had to be innovative with every product it released. The company’s first drone models were innovative and reshaped expectations about what a consumer-grade drone could be.
Phantom, for example, was a game changer in the industry. In 2013, DJI launched the Phantom, one of the industry’s first drones with a combination of advanced technology, easy-to-use controls, and an affordable price. The drone was equipped with GPS, which allowed it to hold its position and return automatically to the launch point if there was a loss of signal or the battery was running low. At the time, these features were virtually unheard-of in consumer drones.
DJI’s dominance in the drone market is largely due to the success of the Phantom series. With subsequent drone models, the company continued to push boundaries. In 2014, the Inspire series brought high-quality image stabilization to the consumer market. In 2016, DJI introduced the Series Mavic. This series offered portability while maintaining the high quality and capability of DJI drones.
DJI products have left a lasting impression on the drone market. They have raised the bar on what consumers expect from drones, from ease of use to reliability and the quality of camera footage. DJI has cemented its position as the market leader with their relentless innovation and commitment to quality.
EXPANDING TECHNOLOGY INTO GIMBAL
DJI’s drones aren’t the only thing that set the bar. It was also the first company to develop gimbals. The Zenmuse gimbals introduced by DJI alongside its Inspire series offered unparalleled camera stability and precision.
DJI recognized the potential of its stabilization expertise to be applied beyond the drone industry and ventured into the gimbal market, revolutionizing handheld filmmaking in the process. DJI made a significant move into this territory with the series.
The DJI Ronin, which was introduced in 2014, received a positive response from the filmmaking industry. A 3-axis stabilizer was available at an affordable price that provided precision control, flexibility, and ease of use. The Ronin allowed filmmakers to capture smooth and cinematic footage, previously only possible with expensive Steadicam systems.
The Ronin series has continued to innovate and evolve. In 2015, the Ronin M, a smaller and lighter version, was released. The Ronin MX, designed for aerial and handheld use, was launched in 2016. DJI released the Ronin 2 in 2017. It features a powerful motor with greater versatility, which supports a wide range of cameras.
Launched in 2018, the Roin-S is one of the most important additions to this line. DJI launched its first single-handed stabilizer for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras in 2018. In 2019, the Ronin-SC, a smaller and lighter stabilizer designed for mirrorless cameras, was released.
These products have made a significant impact on the videography market. These products have made professional-quality stabilization accessible to filmmakers of all levels, allowing them to produce smooth, cinematic footage. DJI’s Ronin Series has become an essential piece of videography equipment, whether for feature films or music videos. It is also used to create travel vlogs. DJI is a leading innovator in stabilization technology.
THE PHANTOM SERIES
DJI Phantom has become synonymous not only with drone videography and photography but also with the entire drone market. Launching the original Phantom in January 2013 marked an important step towards making aerial photography and filming accessible to everyone.
The first Phantom quadcopter was a white, pre-flight quadcopter. It made drone flight easy and accessible. It had a GPS module and a simple control panel, which was incredibly innovative at the time. It didn’t come with a GoPro camera at first, but users could attach one to it. This made it a popular tool for hobbyists and adventurers who wanted to capture aerial footage.
Phantom 2 Vision was released in the same year. It was the first consumer drone to be equipped with a high-definition inbuilt camera. This opened up the skies for photographers and videographers.
The Phantom 3 and subsequent models continued to push boundaries. Phantom 3, released in 2015, featured a Live HD View, which allowed users to see the drone’s camera live on their mobile devices. The Phantom 4 was released in 2016 and introduced intelligent features such as obstacle avoidance, active track, and a more secure and easy way to take complex photos.
Phantom 4 Pro was released at the end of 2016. It was another major leap forward. Its 1-inch, 20-megapixel camera could take high-quality pictures and videos in 4K, which rivaled the output of expensive professional aerial equipment.
The Phantom series has had a profound impact on the industry. The Phantom series has had a profound impact on the industry. The Phantom series, whether it is capturing breathtaking landscapes or filming action sequences in a bird’s eye view, has played an important role in popularizing drone videography and photography.
The MAVIC and SPARK Series
DJI launched the Spark and Mavic series in an effort to further democratize aerial videography and photography. These product lines marked a shift in DJI drones towards portability without compromising the advanced features they were known for.
In 2016, the Mavic Pro was launched, breaking new ground for the drone industry. The Mavic Pro was the first consumer drone to have a foldable body, making it extremely portable. The drone was equipped with a 4-K camera mounted on a 3-axis motorized gimbal. It also had advanced features like obstacle avoidance, ActiveTrack, and obstacle avoidance. The Mavic Pro showed that powerful drones could be packaged in a small, portable package.
Mavic Air and Mavic 2 were introduced in 2018. Each new model improved camera quality, flight performance, and intelligent features. Mavic 2 came in two different versions, the Mavic 2 Pro with its Hasselblad camera, a 1-inch sensor for high-quality aerial photography, and the Mavic 2 Zoom with zoom for creative and dynamic video possibilities.
The Spark was launched in 2017 as a mini-drone that anyone could operate. With its gesture control and lower price point, the Spark was created to appeal to casual users and drone photographers. Despite its size, the Spark was equipped with an advanced camera that could perform intelligent maneuvers.
Mavic and Spark have made drone videography and photography more accessible. These drones are great for aerial photography and professional drone solutions.
DJI’S INFLUENCE ON VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY
DJI has radically changed how amateurs and professionals capture and view our world. Drones and gimbals from the brand have been more than just tools. They’ve also opened up new possibilities and perspectives for visual storytelling.
DJI products are indispensable to professionals in many fields. Drones are replacing expensive helicopter shots in cinematography and TV, providing breathtaking aerial footage for a fraction of the cost. Journalists and documentarians have used drones to access remote or dangerous areas. They provide unique insights and amplify untold stories. Drones are excellent for real estate, landscape, architectural and architectural photography. They allow for high-angle shots previously impossible to get.
DJI has a considerable impact that extends far beyond the professional world. Amateurs and hobbyists have adopted these tools to enhance their videography and photography projects. Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have made drone-captured images a part of the digital landscape. The platforms are flooded with stunning photos and videos captured by DJI products. These include everything from cityscapes and sweeping landscapes to creative shots taken at weddings.
The annual SkyPixel Aerial Photo & Video Contest is a testament to DJI’s influence, attracting entries worldwide. This contest highlights the diversity and creativity in aerial photography. Many iconic images were captured using DJI drones. The photos show the DJI products’ unique visual capabilities. From the ethereal beauty captured by a Mavic Pro to the vibrant patterns seen on a tulip field from a Phantom 4.
DJI is not just a camera company; it’s a way to see the world. The drones and gimbals of the company have added a third dimension to photography, videography, and other forms of media. They’ve pushed the limits and inspired photographers and videographers to reimagine their work constantly.
DJI’s release of DJI FPV has also made a mark in the growing FPV (First Person View) drone flying market, especially for drone racing and immersive photography. We may soon see DJI releasing more advanced FPV (First Person View) systems that offer even more significant speed and agility.
DJI will likely continue developing specialized drones for these industries as drones become commonplace, from construction and agriculture to emergency services and deliveries.
DJI’s impact on the videography and photography industries has been undeniable in less than 20 years. DJI, founded in 2006, pioneered drone technology and pushed the limits of aerial photography and videography.
DJI’s innovative drones have set the industry standard since its inception. DJI has become a market leader thanks to the success of its Phantom series, the portability of Mavic and Spark, and the professional capabilities of Inspire.
The company’s influence is evident beyond its products. DJI has changed the way we think about photography and videography. It’s democratized aerial imagery and raised our expectations of what these tools are capable of. We expect DJI to continue on its path of innovation as it moves forward. This will push the limits of what is “possible.”
