
UPDATE 24/06/2016: See below for our video of the Matrice 600 in action and find out what our technicians think now that they've had a chance to get to grips with it.
DJI's Matrice 600 in Action: Our Thoughts
Here's what our technicians thought of their time with the M600: "The Matrice 600 essentially makes flying the largest craft in their lineup no more difficult than it would be to fly their Phantom range. The remote will make previous Phantom users feel right at home along with the DJI GO App showing clear concise information from the craft in words rather than having to be deciphered from a single flashing LED as it was on the older craft." "What took us off guard was how quiet the motors were, once you're twenty or so metres away it's less intimidating in terms of noise than an Inspire 1. Also, the ability to carry the Ronin Mx and Zenmuse line of cameras and gimbals makes it incredibly versatile as a commercial asset." "Finally, what impressed us the most was the flight time - granted we were not carrying anything but 45 minutes in the air is incredible and the potential of 16 minutes carrying a red epic will allow filmmakers to take their time making sure their footage is exceptional."UPDATE 15/06/2016: Heliguy have received a shipment of M600s - CLICK HERE - to see our photo gallery, giving you an up-close-and-personal view of DJI's new heavy lift or read on for our in-depth comparison between the Matrice 600, the S900 & the S1000+.
DJI have recently unleashed the Matrice 600 onto the market which is exciting news for anybody looking to capture stunning aerial footage. Aside from being an impressive bit of kit, the M600’s announcement was also used to launch some nifty new additions from DJI like the Ronin-MX aerial gimbal and the new A3 flight controller. In the grand tradition of new releases, it’s time to compare it to what has come before - in this case – the S900 and S1000+ from DJI’s Spreading Wings series. Like the S900, DJI’s M600 is a hexacopter so there are clear parallels to be drawn. However, the new Matrice is also capable of the heavy payloads handled by the S1000+ octocopter. This is an impressive feat and one that handily brings the S900's larger sibling into the discussion. Has the Matrice 600 got what it takes to unseat the S900 and S1000+? Let’s compare them and see how they all stack up. See our comparison infographic below for a more detailed look at each model's specifications:
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Diagonal Wheelbase |
1133 mm | 900 mm | 1045 mm |
Takeoff Weight |
15.1 kg (Max) | 4.7 kg - 8.2 kg | 6.0 kg - 11.0 kg |
Operating Temperature |
-10°C to 40°C | -10°C to 40°C | -10°C to 40°C |
FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM
Model |
A3 | A2, WooKong-M | A2, WooKong-M |
Supported DJI Gimbals
Model |
Ronin-MX; Zenmuse X3; Zenmuse X5 series; Zenmuse XT; Zenmuse Z15 series HD gimbals: Z15-A7, Z15-BMPCC, Z15-5D III, Z15-GH4 | DJI Z15, Z15-BMPCC, Z15-GH3, and Z15-GH4 (HD) | Any of the Zenmuse series |
PERFORMANCE
Hover Time |
with six TB47S batteries No payload: 35 min, 6 kg payload: 16 min with six TB48S batteries No payload: 40 min, 5.5 kg payload: 18 min |
18min (@12000 mAh & 6.8Kg Takeoff Weight) | 15min (@15000 mAh & 9.5Kg Takeoff Weight) |
Battery
Model |
TB47S (standard) TB48S (optional) |
N/A | N/A |
Capacity |
4500 mAh (standard) 5700 mAh (optional) |
10,000 - 15,000mAh (DJI recommended) | 10,000 - 20,000mAh (DJI recommended) |
Voltage |
22.2 V (standard) 22.8 V (optional) |
N/A | N/A |
Type |
LiPo 6S | Compatible with non-DJI batteries e.g. Gens Ace | Compatible with non-DJI batteries e.g. Gens Ace |
Energy |
99.9 Wh (standard) 129.96 Wh (optional) |
N/A | N/A |
Net Weight |
595 g (standard) 680 g (optional) |
N/A | N/A |
Max Charging Power |
180 W | N/A | N/A |
CHARGER
Model |
A14-100P1A | N/A | N/A |
Voltage Output |
26.3 V | N/A | N/A |
Power Rating |
100 W | N/A | N/A |
REMOTE CONTROLLER
Operating Frequency |
920.6 to 928 MHz 5.725 to 5.825 GHz 2.400 to 2.483 GHz |
N/A | N/A |
Max Transmission |
FCC Compliant: 3.1 miles (5 km) CE Compliant: 2.1 miles (3.5 km) |
N/A | N/A |
EIRP |
10 dBm @ 900 M 13 dBm @ 5.8 G 20 dBm @ 2.4 G |
N/A | N/A |
Video Output Port |
HDMI, SDI, USB | N/A | N/A |
Dual Users Capability |
Master-and-Slave control | N/A | N/A |
Mobile Device Holder |
Supports smartphones and tablets | N/A | N/A |
Output Power |
9 W | N/A | N/A |
Built-in Battery |
6000 mAh, 2S LiPo | N/A | N/A |
Max Tablet Width |
170 mm | N/A | N/A |
M600 versus S900 & S1000+ Key Features
It’s time to take a look at these three models side-by-side to compare their functionality, features and all-round quality. This rundown will focus on the following key features: what’s included, appearance, performance, compatible cameras and battery life. We'll also take a look at the DJI Assistant 2's new, overhauled ground system which allows for the control of multiple crafts.1. What’s Included?
Before making such a large purchase, it’s always worth checking what you’re going to get in the box. For instance, the M600’s marketing materials may play up its ability to carry professional quality cameras with the Ronin-MX, however, it’s important to note that this revolutionary aerial gimbal is a separate purchase. Matrice 600 DJI’s sturdy new hexacopter comes with plenty of new features and additions. See below for what’s included in the box for the Matrice 600.- Centre Frame
- A3 Flight Controller
- Lightbridge 2 Air System
- Frame Arm (With Propeller Holder) x6
- Landing Gear Leg x2
- Landing Skid x2
- Retractable Module (Left and Right)
- Remote Controller
- Intelligent Flight Battery (TB47S) x6
- Centre Frame
- Frame Arms x6 (S900) x8 (S1000+)
- Landing Skid Tubes x2
- Landing Gear Legs x2
- GPS Collapsible Mount
- Connector Set
- 3-PIN Connection Cables x8
- 3-PIN Servo Cable
2. Appearance

3. Performance
The measure of a good drone is how it performs in the air, its overall functionality and how intuitive it is for the pilot controlling it. While the Spreading Wings series was built for serious professional filmmaking and aerial photography, the M600 has been taken a step further. DJI suggest that as well as capturing footage, their new aerial platform is capable of industrial applications such as surveying structures or offshore rigs. All of these tasks require a high level of quality and reliability from the model.
4. Battery Life

5. Compatible Cameras and the New Ronin-MX

6. DJI Assistant 2: Pushing Boundaries
With the announcement of the A3 flight controller, it was also revealed that the DJI Assistant 2 has an improved Ground Station that is able to control multiple drones to fly and capture images in formation. Their site describes it as follows:"The brand new DJI Assistant 2 is powerful yet simple, making it easy to set up a variety of DJI aerial systems. A new, built-in flight simulator ensures that complex moves can be practised in advance without risking the aircraft, and a completely overhauled Ground Station supports touch screen interaction, offline mission design, route planning and even formation flight for multiple aircraft."If you skimmed through the sales pitch, you'd be forgiven for missing what could be a potentially game changing feature for aerial photographers. The ability to control multiple crafts in formation allows you to get a range of shots from numerous angles simultaneously giving a comprehensive advantage over competitors limited to one perspective. This feature could revolutionise aerial filming, everything from cinematography to capturing live events for news purposes would benefit from having multiple viewpoints at their command. Certainly, one of the most interesting announcements to come from the Matrice 600 launch, this is going to be one to watch.
Our Take on the Matrice 600

Expert Service From Heliguy

Matrice 600 FAQs
There has already been significant interest in the M600 from Heliguy’s customers, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about DJI’s new aerial platform. What are the new features of the Matrice 600 when compared to the S1000+? The M600 is a fully-integrated aerial platform designed for professional filmmaking and various industrial applications. Its A3 flight controller ensures reliable flight performance while the E2000 Pro propulsion system increases payload. The M600 also integrates the Lightbridge 2, which has the ability to communicate directly with gimbals like the Ronin-MX. In comparison, the S1000+ is a more basic aerial platform with no integrated electronic devices on board. What is the maximum payload of the Matrice 600? When 6 TB47S batteries are installed, the maximum payload is 6kg. When 6 TB48S batteries are installed, the maximum payload is 5.5kg. What is the maximum flight time of the Matrice 600? With TB47S batteries, the M600 can fly for 35 minutes with no extra payload or 16 minutes with 6kg of payload. With TB48S batteries, the M600 can fly for 40 minutes with no extra payload or 18 minutes with 5.5kg of payload. Does the Matrice 600 come with the A3 or the A3 Pro flight controller as standard? The standard flight controller is the A3. However, you may upgrade to the A3 Pro by adding two additional A3 GNSS and IMU modules. You can also upgrade to D-RTK for greater positioning accuracy. Can the Matrice 600 be connected to multiple remote controllers? The Lightbridge 2 on the M600 supports up to one Master and three Slave devices at the same time. Will the Matrice 600 come with a carry case? The M600 has no case, the package is same as M100. Do you need to have all 6 TB47S or 6 TB48S batteries in at the same time? Can you mix the TB47S with TB48S? All six batteries are required to be in use at the same time and there should be no mixing. Will the Matrice 600 be offered as a combo with Ronin-MX and A3 Pro? There are currently no combos planned including the M600, A3 Pro and Ronin-MX. To add an A3 Pro into your M600, you are required to purchase the A3 upgrade kit.Watch the video below to see the Matrice 600 in action:
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