DJI Inspire

DJI Inspire is a family of camera-equipped quadcopters developed and marketed by DJI for aerial photography, cinematography, television production, commercial imaging, and other professional uses. The series is distinguished by a transforming airframe in which the landing legs and structural arms move out of the camera’s field of view during flight. This arrangement allows the aircraft’s gimbal to rotate broadly, including unobstructed panoramic movement, while giving operators a stable platform for moving shots and elevated viewpoints. The series began with the Inspire 1, announced by DJI on November 13, 2014. It combined a ready-to-fly aircraft, a stabilized Zenmuse camera and gimbal, live video transmission, a dedicated remote controller, and indoor positioning assistance in one system. Its original Zenmuse X3 camera used a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Sony Exmor sensor and could record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. The aircraft’s retractable landing gear and 360-degree gimbal movement gave it a visual and operational profile different from DJI’s Phantom line, which was more strongly associated with fixed-camera consumer and prosumer flying cameras. A central design principle of the Inspire 1 was modularity. The camera and gimbal could be removed and replaced, allowing owners to move from the original X3 system to the higher-quality Zenmuse X5 and X5R Micro Four Thirds systems introduced in 2015. The X5R added raw-image and raw-video capabilities aimed at professional post-production. DJI subsequently offered the Inspire 1 Pro, Inspire 1 Raw, Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition, and Inspire 1 V2.0, giving the first generation a longer product life and creating a bridge between enthusiast aerial imaging and dedicated cinema workflows. The Inspire 2, introduced in November 2016, substantially expanded the series’ professional ambitions. Its magnesium-aluminum body, dual-battery architecture, forward-facing FPV camera, obstacle-sensing system, higher-performance propulsion, and compatibility with multiple Zenmuse cameras made it a more capable production platform. Buyers could configure it with the Zenmuse X4S, X5S, or later X7 camera systems, or purchase the aircraft without a primary camera. The Inspire 2 also formalized a two-operator workflow in which one person pilots the aircraft while another controls the main camera. Professional editions with Apple ProRes and CinemaDNG functionality were offered for users working in demanding film and television pipelines. The Inspire 3, announced on April 13, 2023, represents the current generation. It moves the platform into full-frame 8K aerial cinematography through the Zenmuse X9-8K Air gimbal camera and supports interchangeable DJI DL-mount lenses. Depending on the licensed recording format, the system can capture full-frame 8K CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes RAW footage. Other major features include the O3 Pro transmission system, a low-light and night-vision FPV camera, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, GNSS and centimeter-level RTK positioning, dual-operator control, and automated flight-planning functions such as Waypoint Pro. DJI positions Inspire as an integrated cinema system rather than merely a drone airframe. Its value proposition combines aircraft stability, camera movement, lens choice, remote monitoring, high-bandwidth video transmission, precision positioning, and professional recording formats. The system is used where aerial shots must be repeatable, smoothly framed, and integrated into a larger production workflow. Its price and weight place it above DJI’s consumer and prosumer drone families, while its modular camera architecture and two-person operation make it comparable to specialized cinema-drone platforms. The Inspire 2 is no longer part of DJI’s current camera-drone lineup, while Inspire 3 remains actively supported. DJI’s current support documentation lists Inspire 3 specifications, accessories, manuals, firmware materials, and software support, with guara…

DJI Inspire emerged during the rapid professionalization of consumer and prosumer unmanned aircraft. Before the series appeared, DJI’s Phantom family had established the company as a major provider of ready-to-fly camera drones, while the Spreading Wings line addressed larger and more specialized aerial platforms. Inspire was developed to combine the accessibility of an integrated DJI aircraft with the camera movement and operational flexibility expected by professional image makers. DJI announced the first Inspire model, the Inspire 1, on November 13, 2014. The aircraft introduced a distinctive transforming structure: its carbon-fiber arms and landing gear rose during flight, lifting the camera assembly clear of the airframe. This allowed the stabilized gimbal to rotate through a largely unobstructed 360-degree range. The design addressed an important limitation of earlier camera drones, whose landing gear or fixed body structures could intrude into wide-angle and panoramic shots. The Inspire 1 was delivered as an integrated aerial imaging system rather than a bare aircraft. Its Zenmuse X3 camera used a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Sony Exmor sensor and recorded 4K video. A dedicated remote controller provided direct access to camera settings, while DJI’s mobile application supplied flight telemetry, camera control, and live viewing. Optional dual-controller operation separated piloting from camera operation, a workflow that became one of the defining characteristics of the product family. The aircraft also included downward optical-flow and ultrasonic sensing intended to improve position holding indoors or in locations where satellite navigation was unavailable. Modularity gave the first generation unusual longevity. The camera and gimbal could be detached from the aircraft, allowing DJI to introduce more advanced imaging equipment without replacing the complete platform. In September 2015, DJI introduced the Zenmuse X5 and X5R. These Micro Four Thirds systems provided larger sensors, interchangeable lenses, and a more professional imaging path than the original X3. The X5R additionally supported raw workflows. DJI then broadened the range with the Inspire 1 Pro, Inspire 1 Raw, the matte-black Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition, and the Inspire 1 V2.0. A motor and propeller revision in late 2015 was intended to improve controllability and propulsion performance while retaining approximately the same endurance. The second generation arrived in November 2016. DJI positioned Inspire 2 as a dedicated high-end filmmaking platform, not simply as a faster replacement for Inspire 1. Its magnesium-aluminum structure, improved propulsion, dual TB50 battery system, obstacle-sensing cameras, and forward FPV camera were designed for demanding production environments. The FPV camera gave the pilot a forward view while a second operator controlled the main gimbal camera. This separation improved framing, safety, and coordination on film sets. Inspire 2 supported multiple camera configurations. The Zenmuse X4S offered a one-inch sensor, while the X5S brought a larger Micro Four Thirds format and raw-capable professional workflow. The later Zenmuse X7 extended the platform with a Super 35-class camera and interchangeable lenses. DJI also offered editions or software configurations with Apple ProRes and CinemaDNG functions activated. Through launch demonstrations and promotional productions, DJI presented the aircraft as a tool for narrative filmmaking, action coverage, commercials, television, and other work that traditionally relied on cranes, helicopters, or large cinema rigs. The Inspire 2 launch also illustrated the challenges of marketing a technically ambitious aircraft. Shortly after introduction, DJI revised its originally announced acceleration and maximum-speed figures following further testing. The company explained that the changes were made to protect stability and image quality, and it offered refunds to customers who no longer wished to proceed with their orders. The episode was a specification correction rather than a reported safety scandal, but it showed the importance of precise performance claims in professional equipment markets. DJI announced in January 2022 that Inspire 2 would be discontinued the following month in favor of a new generation. The transition reflected the age of the Inspire 2 airframe and the rapid development of full-frame imaging, digital transmission, precision navigation, and automated flight planning. The Inspire 3 was announced on April 13, 2023. Inspire 3 substantially redesigned the aircraft for modern cinema production. It introduced a more aerodynamic body, a Zenmuse X9-8K Air full-frame gimbal camera, a low-light FPV camera, the O3 Pro transmission system, omnidirectional collision sensing, GNSS support, RTK positioning, and new automated flight features. The camera supports interchangeable DL-mount lenses and high-resolution recording formats including 8K CinemaDNG and 8K Apple ProRes RAW, subject to the relevant software or license requirements. Its two-person control system retained the operational concept established by earlier Inspire models while adding more sophisticated monitoring and production integration. As of 2026, Inspire 3 is the active flagship of the series. DJI continues to publish support materials, release notes, manuals, maintenance documents, and accessories. Inspire 1 and Inspire 2 remain historically important and continue to appear in professional, educational, used-equipment, and lower-budget applications, but Inspire 3 defines DJI’s current interpretation of the professional cinema drone: a complete aerial camera system combining a large-format sensor, stabilized movement, high-resolution raw recording, precision navigation, collision awareness, and a workflow designed for multi-person film crews.

1. 2026Continued Inspire 3 support

   DJI continued publishing Inspire 3 release notes, manuals, maintenance material, and support documentation, with guaranteed software updates listed through December 31, 2026.

   Source
2. 2023Inspire 3 announced

   DJI launched the current generation with full-frame 8K imaging, O3 Pro transmission, RTK positioning, night-vision FPV, omnidirectional sensing, and dual control.

   Source
3. 2022Inspire 2 discontinuation announced

   DJI announced that Inspire 2 would be discontinued in February 2022 as the company prepared the next-generation platform.

   Source
4. 2016Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition released

   DJI added a matte-black variant of the Inspire 1 Pro, broadening the first generation’s professional product range.

   Source
5. 2016Inspire 2 introduced

   The second generation added a metal structure, dual batteries, obstacle sensing, an FPV camera, improved propulsion, and expanded Zenmuse compatibility.

   Source
6. 2016Inspire 2 specification revision

   DJI revised published acceleration and top-speed specifications after testing and offered refunds to customers who no longer wanted the aircraft.

   Source
7. 2016The Circle promotional film premiered

   DJI showcased Inspire 2 through a narrative short film shot entirely with the drone and a professional Zenmuse camera.

   Source
8. 2015Zenmuse X5 and X5R introduced for Inspire 1

   DJI expanded the Inspire 1’s modular camera architecture with Micro Four Thirds X5 and raw-capable X5R camera systems.

   Source
9. 2015Inspire 1 propulsion revision

   DJI introduced higher-rated 420 KV 3510H motors and an updated propeller-locking system for later Inspire 1 configurations.

   Source
10. 2014Inspire 1 announced

    DJI announced the first Inspire aircraft with a transforming airframe, 4K camera, stabilized gimbal, live HD transmission, optical-flow positioning, and optional dual-operator control.

    Source

A premium, modular cinema-drone platform for professional aerial cinematography, television, commercial production, and high-end imaging. Inspire emphasizes camera mobility, transforming landing gear, interchangeable gimbals and lenses, dual-operator control, high-quality raw recording, precision positioning, and integration with professional production equipment.

• Inspire 1Professional camera drone2014

  The original Inspire aircraft introduced DJI’s transforming landing-gear and arm design, which lifted the structure away from the camera during flight. It combined a Zenmuse X3 three-axis gimbal camera, 4K video, 12-megapixel still photography, live HD transmission, optical-flow positioning, and optional dual-controller operation. Its removable camera and gimbal enabled later upgrades to the Zenmuse X5 and X5R systems. The family included standard, Pro, Raw, Black Edition, and V2.0 variants with different camera, motor, and propeller configurations.

• Inspire 1 RawRaw-capable professional camera drone2015

  The Inspire 1 Raw paired the first-generation aircraft with the Zenmuse X5R camera and gimbal as standard equipment. It was designed for image-makers who required raw capture and a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor than the original X3 system. The model used the later 3510H motor configuration and 1345T propellers, with flight time varying according to the battery installed.

• Inspire 1 ProProfessional camera drone2015

  The Inspire 1 Pro was a first-generation professional configuration built around the Zenmuse X5 camera and gimbal. Compared with the original Inspire 1, it provided a larger-sensor Micro Four Thirds imaging system and interchangeable-lens capability. The model targeted filmmakers, photographers, and commercial operators who wanted more control over depth of field and image quality without moving to a larger custom cinema-drone platform.

• Inspire 1 Pro Black EditionProfessional camera drone2016

  The Inspire 1 Pro Black Edition was a matte-black version of the Inspire 1 Pro aircraft and controller. Its underlying imaging and flight architecture remained based on the Pro configuration, but the darker finish gave the product a more specialized professional appearance and differentiated it from the standard white Inspire models.

• Inspire 1 V2.0Camera drone2015

  Inspire 1 V2.0 retained the original X3 camera and the earlier 3510 motor arrangement while adopting updated 1345T propellers. It served as a later revision of the first-generation platform rather than a fundamentally new aircraft, preserving compatibility with the Inspire 1 ecosystem while incorporating a propulsion-related hardware update.

• Inspire 2Professional cinema drone2016

  Inspire 2 was a redesigned professional aerial platform with a magnesium-aluminum body, four 3512 motors, dual TB50 batteries, forward, upward, and downward obstacle sensing, and a dedicated forward-facing FPV camera. It supported the Zenmuse X4S, X5S, and X7 camera systems, allowing configurations ranging from one-inch-sensor imaging to higher-end interchangeable-lens cinema capture. ProRes and CinemaDNG options, dual-operator control, and advanced flight modes made it suitable for film, television, commercial, and documentary production.

• Inspire 2 ProResCinema drone configuration2016

  The Inspire 2 ProRes configuration was supplied with Apple ProRes functionality activated for professional editing workflows. It retained the Inspire 2 aircraft, camera compatibility, dual-battery design, sensing system, and two-person operation while reducing the need for a separate software activation step for users whose production workflows required ProRes recording.

• Inspire 2 LCinema drone configuration2016

  The Inspire 2 L configuration included both Apple ProRes and CinemaDNG functionality activated. It was intended for productions needing a broader choice of acquisition formats, from relatively streamlined editing workflows to raw image sequences requiring extensive post-production. The aircraft itself remained part of the Inspire 2 platform and shared its cameras, batteries, controllers, and flight systems.

• Inspire 3Full-frame 8K cinema drone2023

  Inspire 3 is the current flagship generation. It combines a redesigned aircraft with the Zenmuse X9-8K Air full-frame gimbal camera, interchangeable DL-mount lenses, a night-vision FPV camera, O3 Pro video transmission, omnidirectional collision sensing, GNSS and RTK positioning, dual-control operation, and automated flight-planning tools. DJI lists maximum flight time at approximately 28 minutes with the landing gear lowered and approximately 26 minutes with it raised. The system supports full-frame 8K CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes RAW recording subject to licensing and workflow requirements.

• Zenmuse X9-8K AirInterchangeable-lens gimbal camera2023

  The Zenmuse X9-8K Air is the primary camera system for Inspire 3. It uses a full-frame CMOS sensor, supports DJI DL-mount lenses, and records high-resolution stills and video. Its capabilities are designed for cinema workflows, including full-frame 8K CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes RAW capture, with the aircraft and gimbal providing stabilized movement and broad pan and tilt control.

• Zenmuse X7Super 35 camera and gimbal2017

  Zenmuse X7 expanded Inspire 2’s professional camera ecosystem with a Super 35-class sensor, interchangeable lenses, and recording features suited to high-end production. When mounted on Inspire 2, the camera delivered greater control over lens choice and cinematic rendering than the smaller-sensor X4S, while imposing a corresponding reduction in flight endurance.

• Zenmuse X5SMicro Four Thirds camera and gimbal2016

  Zenmuse X5S was one of the principal professional cameras for Inspire 2. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor, interchangeable-lens design, stabilized gimbal, and raw-capable workflow made it suitable for filmmakers and commercial image-makers. DJI designed the camera to work with the Inspire 2’s processing, storage, transmission, and dual-operator systems.

• Zenmuse X5RRaw-capable Micro Four Thirds camera and gimbal2015

  Zenmuse X5R was introduced as a raw-capable Micro Four Thirds camera and gimbal for the Inspire 1 platform. It provided a substantially more production-oriented capture path than the original X3 camera, allowing users to retain greater image information for color grading and post-production.

• Zenmuse X4SOne-inch camera and gimbal2016

  Zenmuse X4S was an Inspire 2 camera option using a one-inch CMOS sensor. It offered a balance between image quality, system weight, and flight endurance, making it appropriate for operators who wanted more image performance than the original Inspire camera without the full weight and power demands of larger professional camera configurations.

• 2023Master the Unseen

  Global professional filmmaking market

  DJI launched Inspire 3 with messaging centered on full-frame 8K cinematography, creative freedom, a streamlined professional form factor, night-vision FPV operation, O3 Pro transmission, and integration with larger film-set ecosystems.

  Outcome. The campaign established Inspire 3 as DJI’s flagship aerial-cinema system and moved the series’ positioning further toward high-end film and television production.

  Source
• 2016The Circle

  United States · Global film and television industry

  DJI promoted Inspire 2 through The Circle, a narrative short film produced with Academy Award-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda and shot entirely using the Inspire 2 and a professional Zenmuse camera. The film used the aircraft for both close creative coverage and broad aerial movement.

  Outcome. The project positioned Inspire 2 as a production camera platform capable of supporting story-driven filmmaking rather than only conventional aerial establishing shots.

  Source
• 2016Control / Create Inspire 2 launch presentation

  United States · Global professional filmmaking market

  At a Warner Bros. studio-lot presentation in Los Angeles, DJI demonstrated Inspire 2 through a live-action sequence and highlighted ActiveTrack, Spotlight Pro, live HD transmission, dual-operator control, and the aircraft’s use in cinema production.

  Outcome. The presentation reinforced Inspire 2’s association with Hollywood-style production and multi-person camera crews.

  Source
• 2014Inspire 1 United States launch event

  United States · Global professional and enthusiast imaging markets

  DJI introduced the Inspire 1 to a live audience in San Francisco, presenting the aircraft as a flying 4K camera with a transforming body, integrated HD transmission, indoor positioning, and professional camera control. The event helped frame Inspire as a major expansion of DJI’s aerial-imaging ambitions.

  Outcome. The launch established the Inspire name as DJI’s transforming, camera-centered drone platform and emphasized its potential for both professional and creative users.

  Source

• 2023Launch of Inspire 3 with full-frame 8K cinema capabilityGeneration change

  Professional productions increasingly demanded larger image sensors, high-resolution raw recording, improved low-light monitoring, centimeter-level positioning, and better integration with multi-person film sets.

  What changed. DJI introduced Inspire 3 with the Zenmuse X9-8K Air, interchangeable DL lenses, O3 Pro transmission, night-vision FPV, omnidirectional sensing, GNSS and RTK positioning, dual control, and Waypoint Pro flight planning.

  Aftermath. Inspire 3 became DJI’s current flagship aerial-cinematography platform and replaced Inspire 2 in the company’s active professional camera-drone lineup.

  DJI Inspire 3 United States package pricing. USD 8,499 for the listed basic package and USD 16,499 for a higher-priced listed configuration (Current DJI Store listings accessed in 2026; prices and availability may vary)

  Source
• 2022Retirement of Inspire 2 ahead of a new flagship generationStrategy

  The Inspire 2 platform had become an established professional system, but advances in full-frame imaging, transmission, precision navigation, and automation created pressure for a substantial redesign.

  What changed. DJI announced that Inspire 2 would be discontinued in February 2022 and indicated that the successor would be Inspire 3.

  Aftermath. Inspire 2 moved into legacy status while the product family transitioned toward a newer full-frame cinema architecture.

  Source
• 2016Launch of Inspire 2 for high-end filmmakingProduct launch

  DJI aimed to serve professional productions requiring better sensing, improved endurance, more robust construction, camera choice, and coordination between pilot and camera operator.

  What changed. DJI launched Inspire 2 with a magnesium-aluminum structure, dual batteries, obstacle sensing, a forward FPV camera, dual-operator control, and support for the X4S, X5S, and X7 camera systems.

  Aftermath. Inspire became more clearly differentiated as a professional cinema platform rather than an advanced consumer drone.

  Announced United States retail price for Inspire 2 aircraft. USD 2,999 at launch (November 2016 launch announcement)

  Source
• 2016Correction of Inspire 2 performance specificationsOther

  Post-launch engineering tests showed that the originally communicated acceleration and top-speed figures needed revision to preserve flight stability and image quality.

  What changed. DJI revised the expected acceleration from four seconds to five seconds for 50 mph and reduced the stated top speed from 67 mph to 58 mph. It notified customers and offered refunds to pre-order customers who no longer wished to purchase the aircraft.

  Aftermath. The company preserved the product launch while acknowledging that the published performance specifications had changed.

  Source
• 2015Expansion of the Inspire 1 camera ecosystemGeneration change

  Professional users required larger sensors, interchangeable lenses, and raw workflows beyond the original X3 camera.

  What changed. DJI introduced the Zenmuse X5 and X5R and offered Inspire 1 Pro and Inspire 1 Raw configurations.

  Aftermath. The upgrade path extended the useful life of the first-generation aircraft and moved Inspire closer to dedicated cinema equipment.

  Source
• 2014Launch of the Inspire 1 as a modular flying-camera platformProduct launch

  DJI sought to combine the accessibility of a ready-to-fly drone with the camera movement, stabilization, and upgradeability expected by professional image-makers.

  What changed. DJI introduced the Inspire 1 with a transforming airframe, Zenmuse X3 camera, integrated live transmission, optical-flow positioning, optional dual control, and a detachable camera and gimbal.

  Aftermath. The platform created the product architecture for later Inspire generations and established the series as DJI’s principal professional camera-drone family.

  Source

• 2026DJI continues Inspire 3 firmware and documentation support

  DJI’s current Inspire 3 support and download centers continue to provide manuals, release notes, software, maintenance documentation, and product support. DJI states that guaranteed software updates extend through December 31, 2026.

  Other
  Source
• 2023DJI announces the Inspire 3

  DJI launched the Inspire 3 as a full-frame 8K cinema drone with the Zenmuse X9-8K Air, night-vision FPV camera, O3 Pro transmission, RTK positioning, omnidirectional sensing, and dual-control operation.

  Product launchProduct generation
  Source
• 2022DJI announces the discontinuation of Inspire 2

  DJI announced that the Inspire 2 series would be discontinued in February 2022 in preparation for the next-generation Inspire 3 platform.

  Product generationOther
  Source
• 2016DJI introduces the Inspire 2

  The Inspire 2 was introduced as a higher-performance platform for professional filmmakers and video creators, with a reinforced metal structure, improved sensing, dual batteries, a forward FPV camera, and compatibility with several Zenmuse camera systems.

  Product launchProduct generation
  Source
• 2016DJI revises Inspire 2 speed specifications

  After additional testing, DJI revised the Inspire 2 acceleration and top-speed claims to prioritize flight stability and video quality. Customers who no longer wanted the aircraft were offered a refund process.

  OtherPricing
  Source
• 2016The Inspire 2 is used in DJI’s The Circle film campaign

  DJI promoted the Inspire 2 through The Circle, a short film shot entirely with the aircraft and a professional Zenmuse camera. The project was presented as evidence that aerial systems could support narrative filmmaking beyond isolated aerial establishing shots.

  CampaignProduct launch
  Source
• 2015Zenmuse X5 and X5R upgrade path expands Inspire 1

  DJI expanded the modular Inspire 1 platform with Micro Four Thirds Zenmuse X5 and X5R camera systems, giving users higher-resolution imaging, interchangeable lenses, and, in the X5R, raw capture capabilities.

  Product generationProduct launch
  Source
• 2014DJI announces the Inspire 1

  DJI announced the first Inspire aircraft as an integrated flying camera with 4K video, a transforming airframe, indoor optical-flow positioning, a stabilized gimbal, optional dual-controller operation, and a removable camera system.

  Product launchProduct generation
  Source
• 2014DJI launches the Inspire 1 in San Francisco

  DJI presented the Inspire 1 at its first major United States product event, emphasizing the aircraft’s 4K camera, midair transformation, wireless HD transmission, indoor stabilization, and professional imaging potential.

  CampaignProduct launch
  Source

1. DJI Inspire
2. Announcing the DJI Inspire 1 Drone
3. Inspire 1 Drone Launches at DJI Evolution Event in San Francisco
4. DJI Raises Bar for Aerial Imaging with Two New Flying Cameras
5. Inspire 2 Specs Update
6. DJI Premieres Short Film by Academy Winner Shot Entirely on Drone
7. DJI’s New Inspire 3 Is the World’s Ultimate Cinema Drone
8. DJI Inspire 3 Product Page
9. DJI Inspire 3 Specifications
10. Support for DJI Inspire 3
11. DJI About Us
12. DJI Contact and Headquarters
13. Control / Create Inspire 2 launch presentation
14. DJI Inspire 3 United States package pricing