Hiya, and thanks for checking this text on what drone to decide on: The Autel EVO Lite Plus or DJI FPV.
We have now two unbelievable drones however from completely completely different worlds.
Or not?
You’ll be stunned what number of FPV pilots have a fleet of normal GPS drones or vice-versa. I’m one in every of them.
I like FPV and customary drones, and these two are related in value and value a particular point out.
On this article, we’ll do an in-depth comparability between the Autel EVO Lite Plus and DJI FPV drone, my general experiences with each of them, and why I select the Autel EVO Lite Plus to be a winner however with a plot twist for the DJI FPV drone.
Subsequently, when you have the finances to accumulate one in every of them, we wish to assist you make the proper determination and keep away from spending your cash on the flawed drone.
Transient Overview
Autel EVO Lite Plus
The EVO Lite Plus was launched in January 2022 by Autel Robotics, an actual competitor to DJI with wonderful drones from finances to skilled and enterprise editions.
For photographers of all stripes, you’re in luck as a result of, surprisingly for its value, the EVO Lite Plus comes with a big 1-inch CMOS with a 20-megapixel digital camera and adjustable aperture.
However the forte level making this drone stand out is the brilliant orange model that makes this drone extra seen on the blue skies, wonderful for respecting the legal guidelines concerning the visible line of sight.
The EVO Lite Plus additionally affords:
- Three-way impediment avoidance is ideal for avoiding collisions and even saving the drone when it’s about to crash into an impediment.
- 1-inch CMOS, an enormous sensor appropriate for skilled images and video recordings, even in low-light situations, with nice dynamic vary.
- This drone, like most Autel drones, doesn’t have any geo-restrictions. Subsequently, you received’t be restricted from taking off the place you’re not alleged to.
- Lengthy flight time and vary capabilities: The Autel EVO Lite Plus can fly for as much as 40 minutes and seven.4 miles transmission vary.
» MORE: Autel Evo Lite+ Assessment
DJI FPV
If we take a step again from common drones for one thing a bit completely different, we’ve the primary FPV drone launched by DJI, the DJI FPV.
An utter success, this drone was step one for a lot of drone pilots to get into flying FPV drones and studying to fly acro.
Launched in January 2021, the DJI FPV is one yr older than the Autel EVO Lite Plus. However on this case, age doesn’t matter that a lot – and also you’ll discover out why in a minute.
DJI FPV additionally has a number of perks in its pocket:
- It’s a singular FPV drone able to flying in regular and sports activities modes, like a typical drone, and in guide mode, like an FPV drone.
- It affords a straightforward technique to get into FPV with out the complexity of coping with transmission protocols and compatibilities, analog transmissions, charging customized LiPo batteries, and the deep studying curve behind Betaflight.
- For an FPV drone, the DJI FPV affords an unparalleled flight time and vary – it may fly for as much as 20 minutes and 10.4 miles or 16.8 km (with out restrictions).
- You’ll take pleasure in a singular FPV expertise whilst you see the world from above by way of a pair of “VR” Goggles when flying at excessive pace, delivering a excessive degree of adrenaline and pleasure.
» MORE: DJI FPV – How one can Take Off and Land (Step-by-Step Information)
Fast Verdict
Simply to let you already know, at Droneblog, we’ve almost all of the big-name drones. We check and evaluate them frequently and promise a good evaluate and comparability based mostly on expertise and hands-on information.
After I first obtained my DJI FPV drone after it was launched, I felt I entered a brand new world of FPV. It was my first step, and I by no means remorse that call.
Even these days, I’m utilizing my DJI FPV drone regularly. That was my favourite drone and nonetheless is one in every of them.
However it is a private alternative.
Nevertheless, based mostly on information and what these drones can provide, you’ll most likely get extra use out of the Autel EVO Lite Plus, which will be utilized commercially for skilled images and filmmaking, delivering an unmatched expertise for its price ticket.
The DJI FPV drone can be an incredible drone if you wish to get into FPV. It’s a straightforward alternative; it is available in an entire package able to fly and affords many instruments for learners.
Nonetheless, you need to be conscious that DJI FPV has one draw back concerning crash resistance, making not a number of FPV learners intention to accumulate DJI Avata as a substitute.
» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI FPV (Right here’s My Alternative)
What are the primary variations?
Let’s have a look at the variations between these drones and what else we are able to say about them.
Let’s begin with the Autel EVO Lite Plus, we could?
- This can be a customary GPS drone: It has an identical flight model to the DJI Mini and Mavic sequence, DJI Air 2S, and many others. From hobbyists to business customers, the Autel EVO Lite Plus targets a big area of interest of drone pilots.
- Digital camera: The Autel EVO Lite Plus comes with a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor with an adjustable aperture between f/2.8 and f/11. This digital camera can be hosted in a 3-axis gimbal system. The Moonlight Algorithm is unbelievable for capturing low-light or night time images.
- Lack of Geofencing: For a lot of drone pilots, geofencing will solely floor your drone, even if you wish to fly indoors or in your individual yard, or for some roof inspections when near restricted airspace. The Autel EVO Lite Plus is unhampered by this method.
- The Autel EVO Lite Plus is foldable: Whereas the DJI FPV has a typical kind issue with mounted arms, the Lite Plus is properly foldable, making it nice for transportation and to journey with.
On the opposite facet, let’s take a look on the DJI FPV, we could?
- It’s an FPV drone and might fly like a customized quad: In guide mode, when you have disabled the “M Mode Perspective Restrict,” your DJI FPV can totally fly acro like a customized FPV drone.
- It might probably freestyle and race: Though not really helpful, we should know that the DJI FPV is able to acrobatic freestyle methods and even racing.
- Appropriate with Goggles: Having FPV Goggles in your head and seeing stay transmission by way of it’s a step in the direction of the longer term as in comparison with observing the drone stay feed by way of a telephone display screen, providing an unmatched expertise.
- It has a number of security options behind it, comparable to return-to-home and regular modes. The DJI FPV additionally hosts one distinctive characteristic not present in every other drones, aside from Avata: Emergency Break – it is a button that may immediately cease the drone in place in the event you’re about to crash, making it swap to regular mode and hover, ready for additional pilot enter.
- It has an LED highlight for touchdown: This drone is supplied with an intense LED highlight close to the downward imaginative and prescient sensors to make touchdown in a darkish setting as simple as throughout daytime.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite+ vs. DJI Mini 2 SE (Right here’s My Favourite)
Autel EVO Lite Plus
The Autel EVO Lite Plus is a singular different to many DJI drones, particularly contemplating that its present value is a breaking level for skilled drones with giant digital camera sensors and nice general potential.
In contrast to DJI FPV, the EVO Lite Plus additionally hosts a number of clever features comparable to Dynamic Monitor 2.1, equal to DJI’s Lively Monitor, follow-me mode, moonlight algorithm, and several other fast photographs choices, simply to call a number of.
Certainly, the checklist goes on.
The Autel EVO Lite Plus sits within the center floor between the cheaper sub-250-gram Autel EVO Nano Plus and the costlier Autel EVO II Professional drone made for professionals and business pilots.
It’s an ideal alternative in the event you’re not searching for an inexpensive drone, however you’re aiming for professionalism at an inexpensive value.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite Plus vs DJI Avata (Which One Is Higher?)
Many people at Droneblog have this drone. Additionally, most of us are skilled and business drone pilots, and it’s what we do. We check drones, fly them in real-world eventualities, and luxuriate in each second our buzzers are up within the air.
So, hear me right here. The Autel EVO Lite Plus isn’t a foul drone; if we’ve to make a “Prime 5 Drones” right now, this drone positively has its place there.
We merely find it irresistible, and it has proved itself to be a really environment friendly instrument in so many conditions – aside from touring, the place we are likely to desire the sub-250-gram ones.
So, after many checks and deliberations, we’ve concluded that the Autel EVO Lite Plus wins on a small margin above the DJI FPV. We’ll dive in additional about this later.
Autel EVO Lite Plus
Premium Bundle, NEWEST 1-Inch CMOS Drone with 6K HDR Digital camera, F2.8 – F11 Aperture, 6K/30fps Video, 40 Minutes Flight Time, 3-Method 360° Impediment Avoidance, 12Km (7.4 Miles)
We earn a fee in the event you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/15/2023 06:56 pm GMT
DJI FPV
Proper now, after I’m writing this text, I’m trying to my left facet on the desk and observing my DJI FPV drone. It’s one of many few that’s not in long-term storage, and I like flying it each time I can.
I at all times fly it long-range in guide mode and consider me, the DJI FPV is able to that.
The adrenaline rush this drone affords after I fly it at over 60 miles per hour, browsing 2 meters above the bottom and lacking an impediment by a number of inches whereas my coronary heart is pounding at 150bpm is one thing unimaginable.
I can by no means evaluate this with flying any customary drone. Not now, not ever.
However I’m sort of a scared rabbit.
I like taking dangers when flying this drone and FPV normally, for distinctive FPV footage, however on the identical time, I miss lots as a result of I’m afraid if my fingers react incorrectly on my joysticks when flying like this, even by a number of millimeters, the DJI FPV turns into a meteor!
Not even the emergency brake will save your drone from these conditions. Solely a dustpan.
» MORE: How one can Join DJI FPV to Cellphone (Step-by-Step Information)
Nonetheless, that’s the purpose behind flying the DJI FPV. Do you wish to attempt one thing new, have an immersive expertise flying drones like by no means earlier than, and really feel an adrenaline rush such as you’re racing a automotive?
Or perhaps seize some distinctive FPV footage incapable of being captured by every other sort of drone?
If that is your choice, the DJI FPV is an ideal alternative above the Autel EVO Lite Plus and plenty of customary drones if you wish to step out of the usual drone circle and fly one thing distinctive.
DJI FPV Combo
Take pleasure in crystal-clear real-time and HD Low-Latency Transmission video, even at distances of as much as 6.2 miles.
We earn a fee in the event you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/16/2023 09:07 am GMT
Head-to-Head Comparability
Digital camera
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus (with a plot twist)
The primary cause most drone pilots purchase a drone is to movie or {photograph} with it.
This being the case, we’ve to match the 1-inch Sony CMOS from the Autel EVO Lite Plus with the 1/2.3-inch sensor put in within the DJI FPV drone.
The digital camera sensor present in Autel EVO Lite Plus is greater than twice as huge because the one present in DJI FPV.
This makes the EVO Lite Plus manner higher when it comes to images and filming high quality, with an awesome dynamic vary for contrasty movies, a lot better low-light and night time capabilities, and even increased decision.
The Autel EVO Lite Plus can movie in 6k at 30 frames per second and {photograph} at 20 MP decision. Wow. That’s merely excellent video high quality.
On the opposite facet, the DJI FPV can movie in 4k at 60 frames per second. And in the event you’re trying to {photograph} with this drone, look elsewhere as a result of FPV drones aren’t meant for images – on this case, you possibly can simply snapshot the filming decision.
So, it’s a no-no for DJI FPV images.
However right here’s the twist I already talked about twice.
As a result of DJI FPV is, the truth is, a unbelievable FPV drone with sturdy motors able to reaching excessive pace, it may assist a payload.
And on this case, we are able to look into attaching an motion digital camera, comparable to GoPro Hero 12 Black or related, on prime of the drone, and this can fly nicely.
In actual fact, in FPV, that is the same old method; you don’t movie with the included digital camera. You connect an motion digital camera if the drone helps the payload.
This really makes the DJI FPV’s age out of date – as a result of, general, we don’t care about how good or dangerous the digital camera can movie, as we use it merely for stay transmission.
And to have a look at what GoPro Hero 12 Black can provide, it has a 1/1.9 inch CMOS, can movie in 5.3k at 60 frames per second, and has wonderful HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization for terribly easy footage.
If we’ve to match the GoPro Hero 12 Black with the digital camera discovered within the Autel EVO Lite Plus, the Lite Plus nonetheless wins, however the Hero 12 is a big improve and addition to DJI FPV to seize essentially the most distinctive cinematic FPV movies on the highest high quality, under cine-lifters.
However, in fact, we do have to offer this level to the Autel EVO Lite Plus.
» MORE: Digital camera Know-how in Drones (Defined)
Portability
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus
If we consider portability, the EVO Lite Plus is at an awesome benefit over the DJI FPV.
The EVO Lite Plus can fold, and also you solely need to take the drone with the distant controller with you.
Conversely, the DJI FPV is cumbersome and doesn’t fold. You at all times need to take away the propellers earlier than transportation.
On prime of the drone, you even have the distant controller, the FPV goggles, batteries (together with for goggles), the goggle antennas (when you have the DJI FPV Goggles V2), and perhaps a movement controller.
Every part talked about right here matches nicely right into a images bag or particular FPV bag. However it can occupy many of the area, leaving little to no room for different stuff.
So, the DJI FPV drone is by far much less moveable, and plenty of are shopping for hard-rigid instances to move this drone in it as a substitute of utilizing up all of the area in a backpack.
And to say, when it comes to weight, each drones are very related (simply the drones).
The Autel EVO Lite Plus weighs 835 grams, whereas the DJI FPV drone weighs 795 grams.
Whereas the DJI FPV is barely lighter than the EVO Lite Plus, this doesn’t rely the additional accent poundage wanted to fly this drone.
As a further word, each drones should be registered in the event you plan to fly them in the US.
» MORE: Drone Legal guidelines in the US
Flight Expertise
Winner: DJI FPV
Effectively, it seems to be like I maintain coming again to how nice is the DJI FPV when it comes to flying expertise.
And it’s.
I don’t wish to be buggy, however the Autel EVO Lite Plus is only a easy drone and can fly the identical as any common drone (with higher efficiency and longer, in fact).
However an FPV drone is one other story, a very distinctive expertise, and I can let you know proper now in the event you get into FPV, you danger growing an obsession for FPV drones and such flights.
That’s from my expertise.
So, let me share this video with you rather than phrases, and you’ll see for your self the actual FPV expertise behind DJI FPV (hmm…it seems to be like I’m making an attempt to recruit you into the FPV world!)
Now, the picture transmission to the Autel RC by the EVO Lite Plus is displayed both at 1080 or 2.7k decision at 30 frames per second. The transmission latency is below 200ms.
In comparison with DJI drones, we’ve a pointy picture transmission, above common – the truth is, above any DJI drones – that may look unbelievable on any pill related to the EVO Lite Plus distant controller.
However what you will notice by way of the goggles – selecting the unique DJI FPV Goggles V2 – is greater than you possibly can see with any drones, FPV or non-FPV.
First, the latency is under 28ms or 40ms, relying on the transmission mode we select with DJI FPV: Low-Latency or Excessive-High quality Mode.
Second, we’ve an 810p decision on the goggle’s screens. However the unbelievable half is that the transmission comes as much as 120 frames per second, whereas the goggles have a 144Hz display screen.
To place this right into a sensible clarification, what you see by way of the goggles isn’t solely excessive decision and low-latency transmission with so many particulars displayed in a VR manner, however further easy at 120 frames per second – silky easy transmission.
Some individuals have reported movement illness when utilizing 120 frames per second.
My mind merely releases a punch of dopamine after I’m observing the stay view by way of the VR goggles.
It’s like I’m there!
» MORE: FPV Drones vs. Common Drones (Defined for Freshmen)
Compatibility
Winner: DJI FPV
By way of EVO Lite Plus compatibility, there’s not a lot to speak about aside from that this drone is appropriate with a single distant controller internet hosting the Autel SkyLink transmission system.
The distant controller would require you to connect a cell phone appropriate with the Autel Sky App in an effort to fly the drone.
However you received’t want this with the DJI FPV. No app is required to fly. Simply to replace it.
To make it easy, the DJI FPV drone is appropriate with the next:
- Controller: DJI FPV Distant Controller 2
- Movement Controller: DJI Movement Controller & DJI RC Movement 2
- Goggles: DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI Goggles 2, DJI Integra
So, right here we’ve package of appropriate gadgets with the DJI FPV drone.
I’ve the unique DJI FPV Goggles V2 and the DJI FPV RC 2 with my DJI FPV. I don’t personal the movement controller, however a few of us at Droneblog do.
The one unhappy half is that the drone is appropriate solely with the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 – which, certainly, is a unbelievable distant controller, however many FPV drone pilots desire giant transmitters as a substitute – so there isn’t a choice to swap except you DIY your drone.
However in the event you bought this drone with the distant controller, you should use the identical one with DJI Avata, contemplating that Avata doesn’t include any distant controllers aside from the movement controller.
And right here’s the enjoyable half: Avata can be appropriate with the DJI FPV Goggles V2 that comes with the DJI FPV drone.
So, in the event you purchase the DJI FPV drone package, which will be bought with DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 and DJI FPV Goggles V2, and also you wish to attempt Avata, then you definately solely want the Avata drone and nothing else.
» MORE: DJI Goggles 2 vs DJI FPV Goggles V2 (Defined)
Flight Time and Vary
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus
In response to DJI, the DJI FPV drone’s most transmission distance is 10.4 miles. However this can occur solely in an ideal world, with out restrictions.
As a result of FCC and CE restrictions within the USA and Europe, we’ll be struggling to fly this drone and every other drones previous 4-5 miles in a practical situation. Think about the battery life to be yet one more issue contributing to the max flight distance.
Autel advertises the EVO Lite Plus as having a transmission distance of as much as 7.4 miles, which is lower than DJI FPV, however in real-world purposes, you’ll nonetheless be restricted and will by no means fly that far.
I bear in mind the final time I flew a long-range drone was, the truth is, my DJI FPV into the mountains, and I managed to fly it to the sting of some clouds (whereas respecting my native drone legal guidelines).
It was a unbelievable expertise, however I bear in mind not having the ability to go a lot farther than 2 miles.
As for battery life, that is the place the Autel EVO Lite Plus shines – it may fly for a whopping 40 minutes.
In actuality, like with any drone, we by no means drain the battery to zero p.c – so anticipate about 32 to 34 minutes of flight time earlier than you should land the drone.
That’s completely unbelievable and one of many prime drones with regards to flight time.
In distinction, the DJI FPV is rated to fly for a most of 20 minutes. In actuality, in the event you fly in guide mode, don’t fly for greater than 12-13 minutes, otherwise you danger damaging the battery or not reaching it again house.
That’s how lengthy I’ve managed to fly in guide mode, more often than not, whereas the battery normally falls under 20 p.c.
If we’ve to match the DJI FPV with any customized FPV drone, the flight time is far more than the typical – the truth is, customized FPV quads are rated to fly between 3 and seven minutes, relying on the drone and LiPo battery.
So, take this as a win to fly the DJI FPV for this lengthy – as soon as extra, bear in mind – this isn’t a typical drone, so you’ll attain speeds as much as 87 miles per hour.
Crash Resistance
Winner: None
Effectively, this isn’t good, is it?
I imply, customary drones just like the Autel EVO Lite Plus, DJI Mini 3 Professional, DJI Mavic 3 Professional, and so forth aren’t crash-resistant in any respect.
If you happen to crash them, that’s it. You normally can’t restore them your self and need to ship them again to DJI for repairs.
However with FPV drones, that’s one other story.
Typically, FPV drones are very crash-resistant and might stand up to many impacts and crashes with out breaking right into a thousand items.
Avata is one in every of them.
However DJI FPV has a flaw on this case – the arms are product of low cost plastic and might simply break off even on the slightest influence.
So, you might be questioning why you’d crash the drone within the first place.
FPV drones in acro or guide mode are quick, with out security options, and can simply crash in comparison with customary drones.
I imply, don’t anticipate the impediment avoidance sensors to work on an FPV drone in guide or acro mode. They received’t.
And the nice footage ensuing from FPV drones at all times comes with a big danger of merely crashing the drone.
» MORE: Drone Crash? Do This (Step by Step)
Clever Flight Modes & Security Options
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus
The DJI FPV drone has a number of sensible options that set this drone aside from every other FPV drone; perhaps DJI Avata matches these options.
However you will be unable to seek out in every other FPV drones obtainable as we speak with options comparable to:
- Return to house – Having a return to house to an FPV drone is a luxurious. There are some GPS modules for customized FPV quads, however none will ever match the capabilities of DJI’s return-to-home modules.
- Emergency Brake – As we already talked about, being able to cease the drone immediately in mid-air, even when flying 70+ miles per hour, if we really feel we misplaced management, is exclusive. There was loads of engineering and testing behind this particular characteristic.
- Frontal impediment avoidance sensors – And right here we’ve the primary and solely FPV drone on the planet with impediment avoidance sensors. Certainly, they are going to not work when flying in guide mode, solely in regular mode, however FPV + Impediment Avoidance = Failure or Success?
- Switching from regular to sport and guide mode at will with the flexibility to regulate the digital camera angle whereas in mid-air is yet one more clever, distinctive characteristic discovered solely in DJI FPV and Avata drones. With customary drones, it’s customary to regulate the digital camera tilt like this, however not with FPV whereas flying.
Now you’re most likely questioning, with all these options, why doesn’t DJI FPV stand above Autel EVO Lite Plus when it comes to intelligence and security options?
Effectively, as a result of the EVO Lite Plus has much more than the DJI FPV, comparable to:
- Dynamic Monitor 2.1 – A singular, modern, and sophisticated system that tracks topics with excessive accuracy to make use of with many clever flight modes, together with follow-me mode.
- Moonlight Algorithm – A singular de-noising software program included on professional-level Autel drones that may make the night time images with out picture noise, clear and sharp.
- Defog mode – With Autel EVO Lite Plus, in the event you’re filming in a depressing setting, there’s a particular software program filter that may scale back the hazing and make your pictures look unbelievable, without having for post-processing.
- Rocket, Fadeaway, Orbit, Flick – A couple of fast shot choices are one thing we proudly use with our Autel EVO Lite Plus drone at instances when we have to seize some distinctive photographs the place doing it manually could not get us the identical outcomes. The DJI FPV has no fast photographs modes.
- A 3-way impediment avoidance system – Frontal, backward, and downwards – could be wonderful for any newbie to keep away from crashing the EVO Lite Plus in some havoc conditions. If flying the DJI FPV in regular mode, this solely has frontal anti-collision sensors, so once more, we discover extra within the Lite Plus.
On paper, it doesn’t look rather more in comparison with DJI FPV, however in actuality, Autel EVO Lite Plus will be automated to carry out varied features unavailable with the DJI FPV drone.
The one automated operate with the DJI FPV is the return-to-home characteristic.
This makes the EVO Lite Plus stand above DJI FPV when it comes to security and clever options.
How exhausting is it to fly?
Abstract: Autel EVO Lite Plus – Simple; DJI FPV in Handbook Mode – Troublesome
There’s one thing we have to focus on right here.
Whereas the Autel EVO Lite Plus, like every customary GPS drone, is straightforward to be taught and fly, even for a newbie, the DJI FPV is one other story.
First, flying the DJI FPV in Regular and Sport mode is straightforward sufficient – you’ll actually fly like a typical GPS drone, however inside some limits (e.g., the digital camera tilt angle is proscribed, 2-axis gimbal stabilization)
However flying in guide mode is one other story.
Handbook mode is equal to acro mode if we disable the auto-leveling possibility known as “M Mode Perspective Restrict” (Perspective, to not be confused with Altitude).
Flying an FPV drone in acro mode is advanced and would require loads of apply behind FPV simulators. Even with that, flying it easily will want further coaching.
So, in an effort to fly the DJI FPV drone in guide mode, you’ll have to undertake a minimum of a number of hours of coaching in FPV simulators for primary flights and, to let you know from expertise, a minimum of 50 hours of coaching for advanced and easy flights.
» MORE: DJI Digital Flight (DJI Avata Simulator)
Conclusion
There’s not a straightforward ending right here as a result of each drones are wonderful for his or her functions. However it appeals to various kinds of drone pilots.
The Autel EVO Lite Plus is unbelievable for lots of issues, from hobbyists flying and studying to fly a drone, to skilled video manufacturing, creating content material, and vlogging, even business purposes.
And the DJI FPV, though it’s an older drone, continues to be a unbelievable technique to get into FPV and even create distinctive FPV cinematic content material, particularly in the event you connect an motion digital camera to it.
For the overall pilots, I’ll advocate the Autel EVO Lite Plus. Go together with DJI FPV provided that you’re searching for some challenges and an adrenaline rush to enter the FPV world and seize some distinctive cinematic photographs – however by no means as a first-time drone pilot.
» MORE: Greatest ND Filters for DJI FPV