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DJI has resumed production of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drone, reversing a discontinuation announced in 2019 due to component supply shortages. The professional quadcopter returned to DJI’s store in January 2020 and remains available as of 2026, filling a persistent gap between the portable Mavic series and the cinema-grade Inspire lineup.

According to statements provided to industry publications, DJI apologized for the extended unavailability, explaining that sourcing components meeting their quality standards required significant lead times. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining the Phantom line despite speculation about its demise.

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Why the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Matters

The Gap in DJI’s Lineup

When DJI announced the Phantom line’s apparent end in 2019, professional users identified a missing product category. The Mavic series offered portability and convenience, while the Inspire line provided professional cinema features at significantly higher prices. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 occupied the middle ground—professional-grade imaging in a more accessible package.

Key specifications:

Professional Use Cases

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 remains relevant for specific professional applications:

Surveying and Mapping:

• Stable flight characteristics for photogrammetry
• Mechanical shutter eliminates rolling shutter artifacts
• RTK-compatible for centimeter-level accuracy

Inspection Work:

• Reliable GPS positioning for repeatability
• Ocusync transmission for extended range
• Robust wind resistance

Photography and Videography:

• 1-inch sensor quality in traditional drone form factor
• Mechanical shutter for crisp stills
• H.265 4K 60fps recording

For photographers considering aerial work, our beginner’s guide to drone photography covers essential techniques regardless of specific equipment choice.

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Current Market Context (2026 Update)

Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Today

Six years after its return, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 remains available through DJI and authorized retailers. However, prospective buyers should consider:

Advantages:

• Proven reliability and repair ecosystem
• Lower price than newer alternatives
• Familiar workflow for existing operators
• Mechanical shutter for surveying applications

Limitations:

• Older obstacle avoidance technology
• Less portable than Mavic series
• No ActiveTrack 4.0 or newer intelligent features
• Component aging concerns for long-term support

Alternatives to Consider

The DJI Mini 4 Pro has become particularly popular for photographers prioritizing portability while maintaining image quality comparable to larger drones.

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Drone Photography Considerations

Legal Requirements

Drone operators must understand current regulations:

United States (FAA):

• Part 107 certification required for commercial work
• Registration for drones over 250g
• Remote ID compliance (September 2023 onward)
• Airspace authorization in controlled areas

European Union:

• Open category operation classes
• A1/A2/A3 competency requirements
• Registration in operator’s home country

Always verify current regulations before operating, as requirements evolve frequently.

Photography Techniques

Successful aerial photography requires different approaches than ground-based work:

Composition:

• Leading lines become more powerful from above
• Symmetry and patterns reveal themselves at altitude
• Negative space takes on new meaning

Exposure:

• Polarizing filters reduce glare on water
• ND filters maintain motion blur for cinematic video
• Bracketing compensates for high-contrast scenes

For comprehensive drone photography education, see our beginner’s guide to drone photography.

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The Future of the Phantom Line

Will There Be a Phantom 5?

Industry speculation about a Phantom 5 has persisted since before the V2.0’s discontinuation scare. DJI has not confirmed development, but several factors suggest continued viability:

• Persistent demand for mechanical shutter drones
• Surveying industry reliance on Phantom platforms
• Repair and accessory ecosystem investment

However, DJI’s product strategy has increasingly prioritized portability. The Mavic series has achieved image quality parity with the Phantom while offering superior convenience. A future Phantom 5 would likely need significant differentiation—perhaps medium format sensors or specialized industrial features—to justify its larger form factor.

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FAQ

Is the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 still worth buying in 2026?

For specific use cases requiring mechanical shutters (surveying, mapping) or operators preferring the traditional drone form factor, yes. For general photography and videography, newer Mavic models offer similar image quality with superior portability and intelligent features.

What’s the difference between Phantom 4 Pro and V2.0?

The V2.0 upgraded the remote controller to include OcuSync transmission (replacing Lightbridge) and introduced quieter propellers. Image quality remains identical between versions.

Can I still get Phantom 4 Pro batteries and parts?

Yes, DJI continues manufacturing batteries and common replacement parts. Third-party accessories remain widely available. However, long-term parts availability should be a consideration for professional operators planning multi-year deployments.

Is the Phantom better than the Mavic for photography?

Image quality is comparable (both use 1-inch sensors). The Phantom’s mechanical shutter benefits specific applications like surveying, while the Mavic’s portability advantages general photography work.

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Related Articles

• Beginner’s Guide to Drone Photography – Essential aerial techniques
• Best Lenses for Astrophotography – Night sky photography alternatives
• How to Photograph Fireflies – Low-light photography techniques

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Original News Date: January 2020
Updated: February 2026

Word Count: ~800 words
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Internal Links: 4
External Links: 0 (removed all petapixel, dpreview, diyphotography links)
Amazon Links: 3 (ASIN format with correct tag)

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