Tried searching for a thread on Phantom 3 but could not find one so trying to start one then. Let me know if there is already an existing discussion - I may have overlooked. The aim of this discussion thread is to build a local community around this RC camera and share tips and tricks among users.

**NEWS UPDATE**
- Firmware update v1.6.0040 for Phantom 3 released with new features!


Introduction to Phantom 3:
Official website

Latest firmware (for P3 Professional):
Official firmware

Anyway, for those of you who are either new to DJI Phantom 3 "Aerial Camera" or contemplating to get one, the new DJI Phantom 3 has 3 lines - Standard, Standard 4K and Advanced/Professional. The Standard model lacks VPS (visual positioning when there's no GPS available), Lightbridge and access to GLONASS satellites. Both Advanced and Professional have all the above - the difference is that the Advanced can record 2.7K videos whereas the Professional can record in 4K.

For NEW USERS:
Before you jump into flying the Phantom, the first thing you should do is to UPDATE the aircraft, RC controller and smart battery firmware. Ensure both your RC controller and Phantom 3 are fully charged (do not charge both at once to prevent the charger from overheating -DJI's FAQ advice). Some good guide on how to update firmware below:
Firmware update guide

Note: Make sure the small foam piece behind the gimbal and camera cover are removed prior to updating.

Once you have updated the firmware, here is a basic list of what should be done to setup your new Phantom 3:

Note: if your smart device does not have cellular service it may be best to first setup your P3 in a location (back yard, etc.) where there is a wireless network - the DJI Pilot app requires you to login with DJI and also may require some software and firmware updates. After setup, you can then take the P3 to a larger field for your actual first flights.

1. Download and Install the DJI Go app on your phone or tablet.

2. Mount your smart device in the included holder on the RC controller and connect it to the controller using either the supplied USB cord (android) or your own lightning connector (iOS). Make sure the 3-position switch on the top left of the RC controller is in the rightmost position (P-GPS).

3. Remove gimbal lock and lens cap (if included) – check that the micro SD card is in your camera.

4. Turn on the RC controller (first) then the Phantom - both are turned on by pressing the respective power button once then holding the button until the device turns on. In short, TAP then HOLD button.

5. Open the DJI Go app - this should guide you through the steps required to register and update your Phantom 3. A guide for your viewing pleasure:
Linking DJI Pilot/Go App

6. Calibrate compass on the Phantom (the DJI Pilot app should guide you through this step).

7. Activate the “Camera” screen in the DJI Pilot app. A banner across the top center should inform you of the status of the aircraft - “Safe to Fly-GPS” means the aircraft is ready. Check the map on your smart device to assure that the home point is where you are currently located.

8. Spend some time flying in the simulator that comes with the DJI Pilot App (under Help). Familiarise yourself with the controls - both on the RC controller and your phone/tablet screen, before taking the Phantom out for a real spin. For beginners, always bring along a friend to be your spotter to help watch out for hazards or obstructions.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional or drone specialist. I am just an enthusiast seeking RC fun, responsibly and ethically. Whatever I share is not prescriptive - it is merely one of many ways to get you started. Please consume the information here at your own risk and discretion.

Phantom UAV Repair Services
Phantoms, like all airborne UAVs, are fragile machines and Malaysia being a relatively young market lacks after-sales service. If you crash or damage your Phantom 2 or 3, there is still hope! Good service and reasonably priced. Check link below for more info:
Phantom 2 & 3 Repair Services (MY)

Phantom owners:
(1) pljex - P3 Advanced
(2) kayFX - P3 Professional
(3) uraki - P3 Professional
(4) SupermotoXL - P V1.1.1
(5) ' or 1=1 -- - P3 Professional
(6) red.mosquitos - P3 Professional
(7) mezerwi - P3 Professional?
(8) edwinnwh - P3 Professional
(9) jangz.EZ - P3 Professional
(10) tubik - P3 Standard
(11) Raymond6 - P3 Pro
(12) Jeffrey1987 - P3 Standard

This post has been edited by pljex: Apr 3 2016, 09:21 PM

Great to see another owner! Perhaps we can organize weekend meet-ups when we have critical mass. Let's start by compiling a list of owners.

Perhaps kayFX can answer this since he owns a Professional. There are samples you can find online but most have been downgraded to 1080p:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z4kTNqSZECE

The lens are essentially the same (Adv vs Prof) and there is minimal distortion (less post-production hassle). A big upgrade from Phantom 2 Vision+. Note that 4K footage requires a reasonably powerful PC for post-editing due to the large amount of data to handle and render. I have tried post-production on 1080p footage.

In terms of workflow, after recording, you'll need to transfer the videos/photos saved in the memory card of the Phantom to your PC before doing any post-production. The controller does save a copy of the streamed footage but in low quality (some artifacts are present so only useful if you want to quickly share online, not for professional work).

Nicely done, uraki! There's this miniature feel to the scale of things. Have you tried Course Lock under IOC (Intelligent Orientation Control)? Less worry on the flight path and more focus on the framing of your shot.

I'm also a Vegas user! hehe

You can also try YL Camera. They have physical stores in Pudu Plaza and Jaya 33. They also carry the higher-end Inspire 1 model.
http://www.ylcamera.com.my

SupermotoXL, i think you're likely the most experienced pilot around here. Very nice photos and videos! Professional-grade presentation. Do you do this as a hobby or as a profession?

Wow, is that you standing at the top of the bridge??

I would strongly advise against flying in populated areas unless you're very, very experienced. Any mistake you make can result in the damage of property or hurt people or even cause accidents. The flight near KLIA already raised a lot of eyebrows and DCA is already starting to regulate. Current policy as follows:

http://aip.dca.gov.my/aip%20pdf%20new/AIC/AIC%20200804.pdf

Best to fly in open area and when requested by authority to leave an area, please comply with a smile. Let's not give all pilots a bad name.

You guys are very up-to-date. Thanks for the notification. Have updated the main post to reflect new app and firmware. Let us know if you find any new features. Hope you set enough alarms to wake you up and do share your work of art. hehe

Hi wKkay, DJI is planning an official event in KL this coming 26 September (Saturday). This will be a good opportunity to get hands-on experience and hear from the experts. Look out for updates on the following link:

http://event.dji.com/newpilot2015/#apply

Unofficially, we can plan to have our own gatherings (I'm thinking once we can identify 10 Phantom pilots in this group, we can start thinking about holding such meet-ups). It will be good to meet to discuss ideas and perhaps work on mini projects, and spread the awareness of unmanned aerial cameras. This will be the future of things to come - safer, cheaper, faster.

Welcome, welcome!

There are several parties selling here at the moment, listed earlier in this forum. Price is going up because of the weakening MYR but you are looking at around 4.5k for the advanced model.

All, firmware update v1.4.0010 is out! Looking forward to test the Follow Me and Waypoint features! Let us know your experience or even better, post some videos!

This post has been edited by pljex: Sep 8 2015, 06:59 PM

Nice... looking forward to more shots from you, guru! Here's a snapshot of what I've taken with my P3 so far. Quality not top-notch as I recorded in 720x24fps. Bad idea as it gets blurry when the aircraft moves too fast. Lesson for myself - record in full HD and 48 or 60 fps, then post-process to 24 fps later for that "movie feel".



This post has been edited by pljex: Sep 9 2015, 12:33 AM

I received the confirmation too but unfortunately I will not be in town. Hopefully those attending can share some pictures of the event.

This post has been edited by pljex: Sep 23 2015, 09:43 AM

Keep us posted on the outcome. This may benefit future owners who wish to order direct from DJI. Thank you and keep sharing!

Sharing one I made while I was on vacay.



This post has been edited by pljex: Jan 12 2016, 09:01 PM

Mind-blown! But price is not friendly for starters, though it's meant to be easy for beginners.