The New DJI Matrice Drone Series Is Weatherproof

Aerial camera giants DJI have released a new drone series and even though it's marketed as a tool search & rescue and wind turbine inspectors can use, its rugged body and camera options make it something photographers could be interested in, too. 

The Matrice 200, 210 and 210RTK all feature for sets of 17-inch propellers and high-performance motors so they remain stable when it's windy and a new dual-battery system heats batteries when flying in sub-zero temperatures to ensure the drones constantly have power. The enclosed body design means the drones are weather and water resistant so flying in rain won't damage them and they have a max flight time of 38 minutes. 

Intelligent flight modes such as 'active track', which keeps moving subjects in frame, and 'point of interest', which circles and focuses on your object of interest are built in along with an obstacle avoidance system.

Various camera configurations can be used, including the option to use a Micro Four Thirds camera (ZenMuse X5S) which supports up to eight standard M4/3 lenses (including zoom lenses) with focal lengths ranging from 9mm-45mm.

The new drone series will be available in Q2 of 2017 through official DJI dealers, but there's no pricing information currently available. Photographers will also be interested in the DJI Phantom 4 which ePz reviewed last year. We also have an introduction to drone photography should it be a new genre you're exploring.