This is a new Phantom 4 Pro purchased on 19th April. Firmware was upgraded to the latest (April version), DJI GO 4 app updated (latest), IMU calibration and Gimbal calibration were carried out succesfully.
Main reason for testing was the well-known issue of jerk frame (added redundant frame – every now and then) at 4k60fps. Thanks to DJI, the latest firmware update rectified the jerk frame issue.
But guess what. At the same video mode (i.e. 4k60fps) the video is twitching every now and then. It seems that the camera is twitching. Have an idea of the issue below. By the way, the twitch is not always the same, sometimes the camera moves downwards, sometimes upwards, and sometimes horizontally.
I cannot say that this is a problem of firmware or hardware issue!
I dont believe the mechanical shutter is used during video, at least that is what I have read here on the forum. But consider this, the maximum file for video size is 4 Gb. If the video you shoot takes more than one 4gb file, if the mechanical shutter does activate on start and shutdown of a video, every 4 gb file you will have a small jerk, at least you would see it live on the video view, but probably not on the video itself. While the video was on, did you take any still pictures?
SPIKE_151 Posted at 2017-4-20 23:45
I dont believe the mechanical shutter is used during video, at least that is what I have read here on the forum. But consider this, the maximum file for video size is 4 Gb. If the video you shoot takes more than one 4gb file, if the mechanical shutter does activate on start and shutdown of a video, every 4 gb file you will have a small jerk, at least you would see it live on the video view, but probably not on the video itself. While the video was on, did you take any still pictures?
I can see the camera shake, it could have been a gust of wind that caused that gimbal to move, you were at some altitude. The wind may not have been detectable from the ground
DJI Natalia Posted at 2017-4-21 00:53
I've transferred your video to the engineers, will get back to you once they figure it out, thanks for your patience.
Thank you Natalia for your quick response! For me it is important to sort out this issue as soon as possible because I bought the drone 2 days ago and I would like to know if I must return it within the first 7 days!
To locate this issue, our engineers need the original video, please upload the video directly from SD card to Dropbox then post the link here, do not edit it at all, thanks.
Besides, if you do not record the video with at 4K60fps, do you notice the same case or it performs fine? Thanks.
DJI Natalia Posted at 2017-4-23 20:12
To locate this issue, our engineers need the original video, please upload the video directly from SD card to Dropbox then post the link here, do not edit it at all, thanks.
Besides, if you do not record the video with at 4K60fps, do you notice the same case or it performs fine? Thanks.
I think it looks like a physical twitch in the camera/gimbal. There don't seem to be any missing or repeated frames like you would expect with data write or buffer issues. The movement doesn't happen one frame to the next, it's spread out over 2-3 frames. Like it's trying to move and then snaps into place, maybe because of friction or temperature changes in the construction. Or making a fast unsmoothed correction of the camera angle, which might make it a firmware issue.
Fruxen Posted at 2017-4-24 22:22
I think it looks like a physical twitch in the camera/gimbal. There don't seem to be any missing or repeated frames like you would expect with data write or buffer issues. The movement doesn't happen one frame to the next, it's spread out over 2-3 frames. Like it's trying to move and then snaps into place, maybe because of friction or temperature changes in the construction. Or making a fast unsmoothed correction of the camera angle, which might make it a firmware issue.
I've seen the same thing on my Phantom 4.
Yes, it is a physical twitch in the camera/gimbal. The fact that this happens only at 4k@60fps and not at FHD@60fps, gives the conclusion that it is a firmware problem.
kykphantom Posted at 2017-4-24 21:44
Dear Natalia, I have uploaded a video with camera twitch at 2:28. Here it is:
4k@60fps video with camera twitch at 2:28
Thanks, I transferred it to our engineers again, will get back to you if I hear from them.
kykphantom Posted at 2017-4-24 23:25
Yes, it is a physical twitch in the camera/gimbal. The fact that this happens only at 4k@60fps and not at FHD@60fps, gives the conclusion that it is a firmware problem.
I don't think that the framerate has any bearing whatsoever on the gimbal operation. My gimbal in both my P4 and P4P does this every once in a while. You will never have perfection in a product at this level, and even at times with products costing much more.. These are normal little hiccups - but if yours are excessive, you may need to send it in.. Mine does it but it doesn't bother me much because it only happens every once in a great while..
Mobilcams Posted at 2017-4-25 02:59
I don't think that the framerate has any bearing whatsoever on the gimbal operation. My gimbal in both my P4 and P4P does this every once in a while. You will never have perfection in a product at this level, and even at times with products costing much more.. These are normal little hiccups - but if yours are excessive, you may need to send it in.. Mine does it but it doesn't bother me much because it only happens every once in a great while..
If it happens once every 3-4 minutes of video recording, do you consider it as "excessive" or not?
Like I said on mine it is occasional, maybe once every three or four flights - at times it doesn't happen at all. If you are having it that often then yeah I would definitely get it checked out.. The P4P gimbal does seem more prone to issues than the P4 due to the heavier weight of it. If you are under warranty I would definitely send it in for them to look at. The only thing you are going to lose is some time while it is out for repair.
Dear Natalia, although we are expecting the outcome from your engineers, I have tried one thing which seems that the issue, at least for me, has been solved.
I downgraded the firmware to the previous release, reset to the default settings, and then I upgraded the firmware to the latest one. Since then, I haven't noticed any camera twitch at 4k60fps!
kykphantom Posted at 2017-4-29 03:39
Dear Natalia, although we are expecting the outcome from your engineers, I have tried one thing which seems that the issue, at least for me, has been solved.
I downgraded the firmware to the previous release, reset to the default settings, and then I upgraded the firmware to the latest one. Since then, I haven't noticed any camera twitch at 4k60fps!
Thanks you so much for the important information, the latest firmware improved 4K60fps performance, they are working on the issue you reported to figure out why it makes no sense.
I'll let them know that you resolved the issue, appreciate your feedback.
DJI Natalia Posted at 2017-4-30 01:31
Thanks you so much for the important information, the latest firmware improved 4K60fps performance, they are working on the issue you reported to figure out why it makes no sense.
I'll let them know that you resolved the issue, appreciate your feedback.
Dear Natalia, thank you for your reply. I would like to let you know that yesterday and today I have this gimbal twitch when using mode FHD@60fps.
This really concerns me and as I have just 2 days before the 14 days for replacement is expired, I am thinking seriously to return it. I would appreciate it if I have some solid answer, for the issue.
kykphantom Posted at 2017-4-30 01:38
Dear Natalia, thank you for your reply. I would like to let you know that yesterday and today I have this gimbal twitch when using mode FHD@60fps.
This really concerns me and as I have just 2 days before the 14 days for replacement is expired, I am thinking seriously to return it. I would appreciate it if I have some solid answer, for the issue.
Can you please upload an original video to Dropbox? please do not edit it at all, thanks.
DJI Natalia Posted at 2017-4-21 00:53
I've transferred your video to the engineers, will get back to you once they figure it out, thanks for your patience.
I bought mine months ago when the p4p was first released, and I had this problem here and there.
Dear Natalia, the answer is yes. I see this gimbal twitch every time I record at 1920X1080@60fps. I have a number of videos with the issue and I can say that this issue occurs once every 4-5 minutes of video. At the beginning I thought it was due to strong winds, but I had the problem also at almost 0 wind.
kykphantom Posted at 2017-5-2 04:51
Dear Natalia, the answer is yes. I see this gimbal twitch every time I record at 1920X1080@60fps. I have a number of videos with the issue and I can say that this issue occurs once every 4-5 minutes of video. At the beginning I thought it was due to strong winds, but I had the problem also at almost 0 wind.
Thanks for clarification, I've forwarded all information to engineers, will let you know if I hear from them, thanks for your patience.
jburkett@zackbu Posted at 2017-5-8 18:49
it seems the gimbal is saving parameters in the mid air, which is possible in some case, i will fix this as soon as possible !
What do you mean you will fix it, how are you going to fix that?
DJI Natalia Posted at 2017-5-2 20:07
Thanks for clarification, I've forwarded all information to engineers, will let you know if I hear from them, thanks for your patience.
jburkett@zackbu Posted at 2017-5-8 18:47
it seems the gimbal is saving parameters in the mid air, which is possible in some case, i will fix this as soon as possible !
Dear jburkett, I would like to know if you have fixed this issue, can you please let us know?
Dear Natalia, please let us know if the issue has been fixed. I had sent my P4P to DJI support in the Netherlands and after 2 weeks they sent me back the same drone saying that everything was working fine and asked me to check if the issue happens again. Unfortunately, the camera twitch happens again even from my first flight test at 4k60fps. I am very disappointed since I sent the drone back within the first 14 days of purchase and instead of replacing as DJI is committed, they sent back to me the same drone with the issue still there. I will expect an official answer please.
kykphantom Posted at 2017-5-27 10:19
Dear Natalia, please let us know if the issue has been fixed. I had sent my P4P to DJI support in Holland and after 2 weeks they sent me back the same drone saying that everything was working fine and asked me to check if the issue happens again. Unfortunately, the camera twitch happens again even from my first flight test at 4k60fps. I am very disappointed since I sent the drone back within the first 14 days of purchase and instead of replacing as DJI is committed, they sent back to me the same drone with the issue still there. I will expect an official answer please.
Sincerely sorry for the trouble caused.
What's your case number?
Would you please upload a new video here so I can confirm it with the engineers?
Thank you very much for your patience.
DJI Natalia Posted at 2017-5-30 02:59
Sincerely sorry for the trouble caused.
What's your case number?
Would you please upload a new video here so I can confirm it with the engineers?
My case number is: CAS-616799-W6P4X4
A new video with problem, after I received it back from DJI Support, is here: Camera twitch at 1:37s