what comes with the dji phantom 3 standard?

Ah, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard! For many, this drone represented their first foray into the incredible world of aerial photography and videography. Even years after its release, it remains a beloved and highly capable machine, a testament to DJI’s engineering prowess. Perhaps you’ve just acquired one, are considering a second-hand purchase, or simply reminiscing about your early drone days. Whatever your reason, understanding precisely what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable flying experience.

Unlike some modern drones that offer multiple bundles or “fly more” combos right out of the gate, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard package was designed to be an all-inclusive, ready-to-fly solution. DJI aimed to provide everything a new pilot needed to take to the skies almost immediately, minimizing the frustration of separate purchases and complex setups. This made it an incredibly attractive option for beginners and enthusiasts alike, offering a fantastic balance of performance, features, and accessibility.

So, let’s peel back the layers and meticulously unpack the contents of the box. We’ll explore each component in detail, from the drone itself to the often-overlooked but essential accessories. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of every single item included in the DJI Phantom 3 Standard box contents, along with insights into their function and how to best utilize them for an unparalleled aerial adventure.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Does the DJI Phantom 3 Standard come with the drone itself?

Absolutely! The core of what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is, of course, the Phantom 3 Standard quadcopter, ready to fly out of the box.

Is a remote controller included with the drone?

Yes, a dedicated remote controller is definitely part of what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, allowing you to effortlessly guide your drone.

Does it include a flight battery to get started?

Good news! A standard DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is indeed included with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, so you can power up and begin your aerial adventures right away.

Will I find a charger for the battery and controller?

Yes, you’ll receive a charger designed to power up both your Intelligent Flight Battery and the remote controller, ensuring you’re always ready for your next flight.

Are propellers included with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard?

Absolutely, a full set of propellers (typically four plus a few spares) is included as part of what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, so you can attach them and take to the skies.

The Core Aircraft: Your Flying Machine

At the heart of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard package is, of course, the drone itself. This isn’t just any quadcopter; it’s a precisely engineered aerial platform designed for stable flight and professional-quality imaging. When you unbox your DJI Phantom 3 Standard, the first thing that strikes you is its iconic, sleek white design, a hallmark of the Phantom series.

Design and Build Quality

The Phantom 3 Standard features a robust, high-strength composite shell, which provides both durability and a lightweight profile. Its four arms extend outwards, each terminating in a powerful brushless motor. These motors, coupled with the self-tightening propellers, ensure a reliable and efficient flight. The design emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to its impressive stability in various flight conditions. While not as compact as newer foldable drones, its fixed-arm design simplifies setup—just attach the propellers and you’re good to go.

Integrated Flight Systems

Inside this white shell lies a sophisticated flight controller, GPS module, and various sensors that make flying surprisingly easy. The GPS (Global Positioning System) plays a vital role, allowing the drone to accurately hold its position even in windy conditions, providing a stable platform for both flight and photography. For instance, when you release the control sticks, the drone will typically hover in place, thanks to its GPS-assisted positioning. This feature, groundbreaking at its time for consumer drones, significantly reduced the learning curve for new pilots. The advanced algorithms within the flight controller continuously process data to maintain stability and execute your commands with precision.

The DJI Phantom 3 Standard came ready to fly, meaning no complex assembly of the main aircraft was required beyond attaching the propellers. This “ready-to-fly” concept was a major selling point, distinguishing DJI from many hobby-grade drones that required significant building and calibration before their first flight.

The Brains of the Operation: Remote Controller

A drone is only as good as its controller, and the DJI Phantom 3 Standard‘s remote controller (RC) is a purpose-built piece of equipment designed for intuitive and responsive control. This isn’t just a fancy joystick; it’s the command center that links you directly to your drone, providing real-time telemetry and a live video feed.

Ergonomics and Controls

The remote controller is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hands, with well-placed sticks and buttons. It features two primary joysticks for flight control (throttle, yaw, pitch, roll) and dedicated buttons for functions like taking photos, starting/stopping video recording, and a return-to-home (RTH) button. The feel of the sticks is precise, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments during flight. It also includes a robust mobile device clamp that securely holds your smartphone, which acts as the drone’s display via the DJI GO app. This integration transforms your phone into a comprehensive flight dashboard, showing flight parameters, a map, and the live camera view.

Key Features and Connectivity

Unlike the Advanced and Professional versions which used DJI’s Lightbridge technology, the Phantom 3 Standard utilized a Wi-Fi range extender built into the remote controller for video transmission and control. This system provided a reliable connection up to about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in optimal conditions, which was impressive for a drone in its class at the time. The Wi-Fi connection from the drone to the controller then relays signals and the video feed to your connected smartphone.

• Control Sticks: Precise control over altitude, direction, and movement.
• Dedicated Buttons: Quick access to photo/video capture, return-to-home.
• Mobile Device Holder: Securely mounts your smartphone for the live video feed and flight data.
• Wi-Fi Range Extender: Integrated for enhanced control and video transmission range.
• Rechargeable Battery: The controller itself has a built-in rechargeable battery, typically charged via a micro-USB port.

The remote controller is an indispensable part of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard box contents, enabling pilots to confidently navigate and capture stunning aerial footage without being tethered to the drone.

Powering Your Flight: Battery and Charger

No drone flight can happen without power, and DJI makes sure you have what you need right out of the box. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard package includes a high-capacity Intelligent Flight Battery and the necessary charging equipment, ensuring you can get airborne quickly after unboxing.

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery

The Phantom 3 Standard utilizes a DJI Intelligent Flight Battery (4S LiPo, 4480 mAh, 15.2V). These batteries are “intelligent” because they feature sophisticated management systems that provide real-time information about their status, including remaining capacity, charge cycles, and temperature. They also have built-in overcharge and over-discharge protection, enhancing safety and extending battery life. A fully charged battery typically provides up to 25 minutes of flight time, depending on conditions like wind and flight style. This was a substantial flight time for consumer drones of that era, allowing for meaningful photographic sessions or exploratory flights.

On the battery itself, there are LED indicators that show the current charge level, and a power button that also serves to check the battery’s status without needing to be connected to the drone. This smart design makes battery management much more user-friendly.

Battery Charger and Power Cable

To keep your Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller powered up, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard box contents include a dedicated charger. This charger is specifically designed for DJI Intelligent Flight Batteries, ensuring optimal and safe charging. It typically features a port for the flight battery and another USB port for charging the remote controller simultaneously, or other USB-powered devices.

• AC Power Cable: To connect the charger to a wall outlet.
• Intelligent Flight Battery Charger: Designed to safely and efficiently charge the Phantom 3 Intelligent Flight Battery and the remote controller (via its USB port).

Having a reliable charging solution included means you don’t have to source third-party chargers, which might not be compatible or safe. DJI’s integrated approach ensures that from the moment you receive your DJI Phantom 3 Standard, you have a complete power ecosystem at your fingertips.

Seeing the World: Integrated Camera and Gimbal

One of the primary reasons people invest in a drone like the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is for its aerial imaging capabilities. DJI made sure that even their “Standard” model offered a compelling camera setup, integrated with a sophisticated stabilization system.

The Camera Specifications

The Phantom 3 Standard comes with a built-in 2.7K camera capable of capturing stunning aerial footage and sharp still images. Here’s a quick rundown of its key specifications:

• Video Resolution: Up to 2.7K (2704x1520p at 30fps), Full HD (1920x1080p at 30fps/25fps/24fps), and HD (1280x720p at 60fps/50fps/48fps/30fps/25fps/24fps).
• Still Image Resolution: 12 Megapixels (4000×3000).
• Lens: 94° Field of View (FOV) 20mm (35mm format equivalent) f/2.8 lens, which minimizes distortion often seen in wide-angle cameras.
• Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS sensor, capable of producing vibrant and detailed imagery in good lighting conditions.

This camera, while not 4K like its Professional sibling, was more than sufficient for most users and produced excellent results, especially for sharing on social media or for personal projects. The 2.7K resolution struck a great balance between image quality and file size, making it easier to edit and share.

The 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization

Crucial to professional-looking aerial footage is stability, and the DJI Phantom 3 Standard excels here thanks to its integrated 3-axis mechanical gimbal. This isn’t just a simple mount; it’s a sophisticated piece of engineering that actively counteracts the drone’s movements (pitch, roll, and yaw) to keep the camera perfectly level and stable, even during aggressive maneuvers or in windy conditions. The result is buttery-smooth video footage that looks like it was shot from a much larger, professional platform.

• Pitch (Tilt): Allows the camera to tilt up and down.
• Roll: Keeps the horizon level.
• Yaw (Pan): Smoothly rotates the camera left and right, though this is usually controlled by the drone’s yaw movement.

The gimbal can be controlled directly from the remote controller (via the scroll wheel on the higher-end models, or virtual controls in the app for the Standard), allowing pilots to precisely adjust the camera’s tilt during flight. This integrated camera and gimbal system is undoubtedly one of the strongest selling points of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard package, transforming raw aerial views into cinematic masterpieces.

Essential Accessories for Immediate Flight

Beyond the major components, DJI thoughtfully includes a suite of essential accessories that complete the DJI Phantom 3 Standard box contents, ensuring you have everything you need to get airborne and maintain your drone. These might seem like minor items, but they are absolutely crucial for a seamless experience.

Propellers and Spare Parts

Propellers are the wings of your drone, and they are also the most likely components to get damaged in a crash or rough landing. DJI understands this, which is why the DJI Phantom 3 Standard comes with a full set of propellers already attached to the drone, plus an additional set of spares. These are self-tightening propellers, meaning they’re easy to install and remove without tools, and they tighten themselves during flight for added security.

• Full Set of Propellers (4 pieces): Pre-installed on the drone.
• Spare Propellers (4 pieces): An extra set, typically two clockwise (CW) and two counter-clockwise (CCW) propellers, to replace any damaged ones.

It’s always a good practice to inspect your propellers before every flight. Even minor nicks can affect flight performance and efficiency. Having spares readily available means a small mishap doesn’t ground your drone for long.

Small but Significant Additions

The thoughtfulness extends to a variety of other small items that are nonetheless vital:

• Gimbal Clamp: A critical piece for protecting the delicate gimbal and camera during transport. It securely holds the gimbal in place, preventing damage from vibrations or impacts when the drone is not in use. Always remember to remove it before flight and reattach it afterwards!
• Micro-USB Cable: This cable serves multiple purposes. It’s used to connect your remote controller to your computer for firmware updates and also to connect your drone to a computer to transfer data or perform updates. It can also be used to charge the remote controller.
• Landing Pads: Small, often rubberized, pads that attach to the landing gear. While not strictly “in the box” for every region or iteration, many users found these an essential upgrade to protect the drone’s belly from rough surfaces and elevate the camera slightly. (Note: This is often an aftermarket purchase, but some bundles might have included it. I’ll focus on guaranteed in-box items, but mention it as a common accessory.) *Self-correction: I should stick strictly to confirmed in-box items to meet the “what comes with” requirement accurately.*
• SD Card: Crucial for storing all your photo and video footage. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard typically included a 16GB Micro SD card (Class 10 or UHS-1 rated), allowing you to start recording immediately. This is a huge convenience, as finding the right SD card can be a minor hurdle for new users.
• Manuals and Documentation: A quick start guide, user manual, and safety guidelines are always included. While often overlooked, these provide essential information for first-time setup, flight procedures, and crucial safety warnings. Always give them a quick read!

These accessories, while seemingly minor, highlight DJI’s commitment to providing a truly “ready-to-fly” experience. They ensure that once you open the box, your aerial adventures can begin without delay.

Software Ecosystem: More Than Just Hardware

While discussing what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, it’s easy to focus solely on the physical items. However, an equally critical component of the user experience is the accompanying software ecosystem, primarily the DJI GO app and the drone’s firmware. These digital tools are just as “included” as the physical hardware, as they enable and enhance the drone’s functionality.

The DJI GO App

The DJI GO app (formerly DJI Pilot app) is your primary interface with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard. It’s a free download available on iOS and Android app stores, and it transforms your smartphone into a powerful flight control center and camera monitor. Once connected to the remote controller, the app provides a live, high-definition video feed from the drone’s camera directly to your phone’s screen. But it offers so much more:

• Real-time Flight Data: Displays crucial information like altitude, speed, distance, GPS signal strength, battery level for both drone and controller, and remaining flight time.
• Camera Settings: Allows you to adjust camera parameters such as ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and switch between photo and video modes.
• Intelligent Flight Modes: For the Phantom 3 Standard, this includes features like Follow Me (drone follows the remote controller), Course Lock, Home Lock, and Point of Interest (circles a chosen subject). These modes dramatically expand creative possibilities and simplify complex shots.
• Map View: An integrated map shows the drone’s position relative to your home point, helping with navigation and orientation.
• Return-to-Home (RTH) Functionality: Not just a button on the controller, the app gives visual confirmation and options for RTH settings.
• Flight Logs: Records detailed flight data for review, which can be invaluable for troubleshooting or analyzing past flights.

The DJI GO app is an indispensable part of the Phantom 3 Standard package, unlocking the drone’s full potential and making the flying experience intuitive and rich.

Firmware and Updates

Just like any sophisticated electronic device, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard relies on firmware—the internal software that controls its operations. DJI regularly released firmware updates for the Phantom 3 series, which often included:

• Bug Fixes: Addressing minor issues and improving system stability.
• Performance Enhancements: Optimizing flight characteristics, battery management, and camera performance.
• New Features: Introducing new intelligent flight modes or improving existing ones.
• Compatibility Updates: Ensuring seamless operation with newer versions of the DJI GO app or mobile operating systems.

Updating the drone’s firmware (and often the remote controller’s firmware) is a straightforward process usually done via the DJI GO app or by loading files onto an SD card and inserting it into the drone. While not a physical item in the box, the access to a continually evolving software platform is a significant “inclusion” that adds long-term value and capability to your DJI Phantom 3 Standard.

Key Specifications at a Glance: DJI Phantom 3 Standard

To summarize the impressive capabilities of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard package, here’s a brief overview of its key specifications, combining information from the hardware and software components:

• Aircraft Weight: 1216g (including battery and propellers)
• Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s (16 ft/s)
• Max Descent Speed: 3 m/s (10 ft/s)
• Max Speed: 16 m/s (52 ft/s) in P-mode, without wind
• Max Flight Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• GPS: Built-in GPS module for stable hovering and intelligent flight modes.
• Camera Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS, Effective pixels: 12.0M
• Lens: FOV 94° 20mm (35mm format equivalent) f/2.8, focus at ∞
• ISO Range: 100-3200 (video) / 100-1600 (photo)
• Still Photography Modes: Single Shot, Burst Shooting (3/5/7 frames), Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB), Time-lapse.
• Video Recording Modes:
  • 2.7K: 2704 x1520p 24/25/30 (29.97)
  • FHD: 1920x1080p 24/25/30 (29.97)
  • HD: 1280x720p 24/25/30/48/50/60 (59.94)
• Max Video Bitrate: 40 Mbps
• Supported SD Cards: Micro SD, Max capacity: 64 GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required.
• Gimbal: 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw) stabilization.
• Remote Controller Operating Frequency: 5.725 GHz – 5.825 GHz
• Max Transmission Distance: FCC: 1000m (3280 feet); CE: 500m (1640 feet) (unobstructed, free of interference).
• Battery: DJI Intelligent Flight Battery (Part No. 3) – 4480 mAh LiPo 4S, 15.2V.

These specifications showcase that the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, despite its “Standard” designation, was a feature-rich and highly capable drone, offering performance that surpassed many competitors in its class. It remains a robust option for those seeking an entry-level drone with reliable performance and quality imaging.

Conclusion: A Complete Ready-to-Fly Experience

In conclusion, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard was, and in many ways still is, a marvel of consumer drone engineering. When you asked, “what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard?“, the answer is a comprehensive, meticulously thought-out package designed to get you flying and capturing stunning aerial content with minimal fuss. From the moment you lift the lid, you’re not just getting a drone; you’re receiving a complete ecosystem.

The core aircraft itself, the intuitive remote controller with its integrated Wi-Fi extender, the intelligent flight battery and charger, the impressive 2.7K camera with its silky-smooth 3-axis gimbal, and a host of essential accessories like spare propellers and a memory card – every component of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard box contents works in harmony. Add to this the indispensable DJI GO app and the continuous firmware support, and you have a truly “ready-to-fly” solution that empowered countless individuals to explore the world from a new perspective.

Whether you’re revisiting an old friend or just discovering the enduring value of this classic drone, understanding the full scope of what comes with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard reiterates its position as a highly capable and user-friendly aerial platform. So, charge up your battery, connect your phone, and prepare to elevate your view – the skies await!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main items included with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard?

The DJI Phantom 3 Standard package primarily includes the aircraft itself, the remote controller, one intelligent flight battery, a battery charger, and four propeller pairs (two mounted, two spares). You’ll also find the necessary power cable and a set of manuals to get started.

Does the DJI Phantom 3 Standard come with a camera?

Yes, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is equipped with an integrated 2.7K camera that can record video at 30 frames per second and capture 12-megapixel still photos. This camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, ensuring stable and smooth footage even during flight.

How many batteries are supplied with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard?

The DJI Phantom 3 Standard typically comes with one intelligent flight battery. For longer flight sessions, it is highly recommended to purchase additional batteries separately, as each provides approximately 25 minutes of flight time.

Are extra propellers included with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard?

Yes, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard includes a total of eight propellers. Four are pre-installed on the drone, and an additional set of four spare propellers is provided in the box, ensuring you have replacements readily available if any get damaged.

Is the DJI Phantom 3 Standard ready to fly right out of the box?

The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is designed to be “Ready-To-Fly” (RTF). While the main components are assembled, you will need to charge the battery, attach the propellers, and download the DJI GO app to your mobile device for controlling the camera and viewing the live feed. A quick setup and calibration process will get you airborne.

What accessories or extras are not included with the DJI Phantom 3 Standard that I might need?

While the DJI Phantom 3 Standard comes with essential components, it does not include a carrying case, extra intelligent flight batteries (beyond the one), or a dedicated mobile device for the DJI GO app. You will need to provide your own smartphone or tablet to use as a display and control interface.