Categories : DJI has introduced the Matrice 600 (M600), a six-rotor aerial platform that integrates the company’s new A3 flight controller and Lightbridge 2 video-transmission technology.
The system, with a maximum payload of 6 kg, can fly up to 36 minutes with a Zenmuse X5 camera and up to 16 minutes with a larger camera, such as a RED EPIC. Flight time will vary for different cameras, gimbals and a number of other conditions, notes DJI.
According to the company, the drone is suited for professional aerial photography, filmmaking and industrial applications.
The M600’s carrying weight also allows it to fly the Ronin-MX, DJI’s newest handheld and aerial three-axis gimbal, which is compatible with a range of cameras from Arri, Black Magic, Canon, Panasonic, RED, Sony and Nikon. Its maximum load weight is around 4.5 kg.
“The M600 is the most powerful and easiest to use professional platform DJI has ever produced,” says Paul Pan, senior product manager. “We’ve pre-programmed all M600 platform data and information into the A3 flight controller, remote and transmission system to minimize setup and get you flying as quickly as possible.”
The M600’s retail price, including the A3 flight controller with Lightbridge 2 and a full set of batteries, is $4,599. With the Ronin-MX, the retail price is $5,999. On its own, the Ronin-MX sells for $1,599.
The M600 is powered by six of DJI’s intelligent batteries. A customized battery-management system and power distribution board allow all six batteries to be turned on and off with the push of one button and keep the system aloft, should a single battery fail.
In addition, says DJI, the M600 has a dust-proof propulsion system, actively cooled motors and retractable landing gear.
The M600 supports the DJI GO app, which includes a live video feed, battery and redundancy status, transmission strength, and other data to keep the user informed of flight status at all times. The app also provides access to aperture, shutter speed, photo and video capture on any Zenmuse X series camera, plus remote focus on the Zenmuse X5 and X5R cameras. The Ronin-MX also operates through the DJI GO app.
The drone is compatible with DJI’s onboard and mobile software development kits and has dual parallel CAN and API ports for connecting DJI devices, including the Guidance sensor system, real-time kinematic GPS units or third-party components.
When paired with the new DJI Ronin-MX, the M600 offers three-axis aerial video stabilization. According to the company, the Ronin-MX is the first universal aerial gimbal DJI has made that communicates with the onboard flight controller.
Mounted on the M600, the Ronin-MX’s CANBUS port allows all flight controller data to pass through to the Ronin-MX – meaning the gimbal is positionally aware and able to keep the horizon level. The Ronin-MX can pan 360 degrees and tilt +45 to -135 degrees and has redundant slip rings.
In addition, it is powered by a 4S Ronin-M battery. Third-party cameras mounted on the Ronin-MX can be powered by an optional onboard DJI battery.
“For film directors, the M600 is a game-changer,” says Sheldon Schwartz, DJI’s executive creative director.
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