The decision-making process which can accompany purchasing a drone for commercial use warrants some careful thought – after all, it is likely to be one of the most significant outlays made by your business over the course of the year.

In this blog, we take a close look at two of the most prominent quadcopters to have been manufactured in recent times – the DJI Matrice 200 and Inspire 2. Both are being used prominently in the commercial drone industry, but which one is right for your business?

Jump straight to the conclusion.

Key stats

DJI Matrice 200

• Weight (TB55): Approx. 4.53 kg
• Max Takeoff Weight: 6.14KG
• Max Payload (2 TB55): Approx.1.61kg (with two standard batteries )
• Max Speed: S Mode: 51.4mph (82.8kph) / P Mode: 38mph (61.2kph) / A Mode: 51.4mph (82.8kph)
• Max Flight Time (No Payload, with TB55): 38min
• Operating Temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
• IP Rating: IP43

DJI Inspire 2

• Weight (Battery & Propellers Included): 1388 g
• Diagonal Size (Propellers Excluded): 350 mm
• Max Speed S-mode: 45 mph (72 kph) / A-mode: 36 mph (58 kph) / P-mode: 31 mph (50 kph)
• Max Tilt Angle S-mode: 42° / A-mode: 35° / P-mode: 25°
• Max Angular Speed S-mode: 250°/s / A-mode: 150°/s
• Max Flight Time: Approx. 30 minutes
• Operating Temperature Range: 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)

When taking a look at the top line stats of each drone, it is clear there are some key differences between the two. Unfolded, the DJI M200 dwarfs the Inspire 2 in everything but height, adding to its rugged, industrial appearance. Whether you opt for the TB50 or TB55 battery, your DJI Matrice 200 will weigh considerably more than the Inspire 2, however, you’ll be pleased to know that it still comes with the 0-7kg brack for PfCO holders.

The DJI Matrice 200 can handle a 2.14 kg higher take-off weight than the Inspire 2. For this reason, for those who need to load heavier, industrial third-party payloads, the DJI M200 can make sense, while for users who are more focused on activities such as photography or cinematography, the Inspire 2 might appeal.

It is worth noting that the legs are not retractable on the M200 series which can often mean that they are visible on camera. On the other hand, the Inspire 2 benefits from retractable landing gear to provide an unhindered 360-degree view. – Perhaps a key point to consider for those looking to acquire high-level cinematography.

In the box

DJI Matrice 200

• Aircraft body and landing gear
• Remote controller x 1
• Propellers (pair)
• Intelligent flight battery (TB50) x 2
• Battery charger x 1
• Charging hub x 1
• Power cable x 1
• USB cable (with double A ports) x 1
• Micro SD card (16GB) x 1
• Carrying case x 1
• Battery insulation sticker x 4

DJI Inspire 2

• DJI Inspire 2 aircraft
• Inspire 2 propellers (pair) x 4
• Intelligent flight battery x 2
• Charger x 1
• Battery charging hub x 1
• Power cable x 1
• USB cable (with double A ports) x1
• microSD card (16GB) x 1
• Vision system calibration plate x 1
• Gimbal damper x 1
• Propeller mounting plates x 1
• Carrying case x 1
• Battery insulation sticker x 4

Performance play-off

Down to the nitty gritty – how do these two drones compare when you put them into action? It can’t be denied that the DJI M200 can stand up to the challenges of inhospitable conditions with its IP43 rating, putting another tick in the box for industrial applications. In fact, the COPTRZ team put it through its paces during Storm Caroline during the DJI Matrice Demo Day in December and performed incredibly. Its 17-inch propellers combine with its motors to offer powerful performance, and the encased structure makes it resistant to wind and rain within the temperatures of -20° and 45° C. The operational range of 7 km which the DJI M200 offers should also be noted, as should its ability to fly for a very impressive 38 minutes with the TB55 battery. Onboard SDK can expand the software and hardware capabilities of the DJI M200 with additional payloads such as a LiDAR scanner or third-party multispectral camera.

Meanwhile, the Inspire 2 also offers the advantage of a high operational temperature range (-20° to 40° C) but it is the supreme high-quality imaging capabilities which seem likely to impress prospective buyers. Unlike the M200, the DJI Inspire 2 has the ability to record 5.2K in CinemaDNG RAW and Apple ProRes. Data can be captured on DJI CINESSD and SD cards at the same time whilst broadcast mode allows you to stream live pictures to a TV. You can also benefit from intelligent flight modes that make aerial cinematography a breeze – such as ‘Tapfly’ and SpotlightPro. As with the Matrice 200, you’ll also have the benefit of an obstacle avoidance system which is able to sense objects above, below and in front of the aircraft. Flight time can take the Inspire 2 up to 27 minutes, with a top speed of 58mph.

Aesthetic quality

Looks certainly aren’t everything when it comes to drones, but it is clear to see that the M200 has a more industrial look to it as you would expect.

The DJI M200 comes with a more rugged case than that of the Inspire 2, making it much more convenient to transport. For those investing in an Inspire 2, you may find yourself paying out for extra piece of mind in the form of a specialist case.

Compatible payloads

In terms of payload compatibility, the DJI Matrice 200 wins hands down, with the ability to use it alongside the X4S, X5S, Z30 & XT, in addition to custom builds if required.

DJI Matrice 200 Payloads – DJI Zenmuse X4S, DJI Zenmuse X5S, DJI Zenmuse Z30, DJI Zenmuse XT

DJI Inspire 2 – DJI Zenmuse X4S, DJI Zenmuse X5S, DJI Zenmuse X7

The verdict

Both these drones have a lot going for them, so how do we at COPTRZ go about recommending one over the other? It’s all about assessing your commercial applications. Where image processing is an absolute priority, the Inspire 2 can claim to be the outright winner, giving operators a host of options when it comes to both stills and video, and flying the flag for quality, too. Meanwhile, for the attributes which promote performance in challenging conditions, the DJI M200 stakes a very big claim for the title of best industrial drone, with its ability to take enterprise-grade DJI payloads along with a longer flight time.

Applications

DJI Matrice 200

• Building and Inspection
• Search & Rescue
• Wind Turbine Inspection
• Offshore Rig Inspections
• Firefighting

DJI Inspire 2

• Professional cinematography
• Aerial photography
• Live aerial video

Whichever model you choose we’re sure you’ll be more than happy with your purchase, given the exceptional feedback we’ve received about these two units. If you any more help to decide which drone is right for your commercial applications, contact the COPTRZ team or call 0330 111 7177.

Watch: What you need to start a commercial drone business

COPTRZ UAV Strategist George Burne takes you through everything you will need to get your commercial drone business off the ground.