DJI Avata 2? 3 options we wish most in DJI’s subsequent FPV drone

DJI’s Avata took the drone world by storm in 2022. Its cinewhoop-style design offered an intro for individuals who know and love DJI’s digicam drones to check out first-person view (FPV) drone flying. However very similar to its digicam drones, DJI’s Avata supplied up not simply stellar picture high quality however user-friendly options, making it a favourite for each informal flyers {and professional} videographers alike. However with current worth cuts on the Avata (and sure, even some unverified leaks of a possible new mannequin of the identical drone), might a DJI Avata 2 be on the horizon?

If the most recent advertising and marketing electronic mail from DJI is any indication, the reply is sure. DJI subscribers on Tuesday acquired an electronic mail with the topic line “Prepared To Roll.”

Opening it the exhibits an obscured picture of what’s undoubtedly drone, and virtually undoubtedly a drone with the identical type as the unique Avata, together with the built-in propeller guards. It advertises a product launch set for April 11 at 9 a.m. ET.

Suffice to say, it’s very seemingly that DJI will launch some kind of successor to the unique DJI Avata come April 11. Right here’s what we all know to this point aboutt he subsequent product launch — in addition to what we need to see:

The historical past of the DJI Avata

After I first reviewed the DJI Avata, there was so much to like. I favored the way it seamlessly flew indoors, however was nonetheless highly effective sufficient for out of doors flight. The digicam was a lot greater high quality than what you’d discover in different FPV racing drones, making it a extremely compelling product for filming eventualities like actual property brokers filming indoor fly throughs of properties.

However, the unique Avata drone did have some points. The Movement Controller was imagined to be simpler to make use of, however for individuals used to the usual joystick controller, it typically felt tougher to make use of. The goggles had been good, however had some design flaws, like a dangling battery pack.

DJI solved a couple of of the issues criticized within the Avata’s August 2022 launch nearly this time final yr. In March 2023, DJI gave its goggles a large improve, together with no extra free connecting cables. It additionally launched the brand new DJI RC Movement 2, with an upgraded joystick and accelerator with reverse perform.

Nonetheless although, there’s extra that drone pilots say they’d wish to see in a possible Avata 2, or regardless of the subsequent technology of the DJI Avata drone is named.

Let’s discover what options we’d like to see within the subsequent iteration of this standard FPV flyer. From there, we’ll dive into the rumors of once we would possibly subsequent see a brand new model of the DJI Avata drone:

3 options we need to see within the subsequent model of the DJI Avata drone

We might actually brainstorm some blue sky options, however listed below are three real looking units of upgrades we’d wish to see within the subsequent model of a DJI Avata.

An elevated emphasis on cinematography

The Avata’s 4K digicam is implausible for what it’s. However given what number of drone pilots have been leveling up the cinematic high quality of FPV drone movies. Simply try these successful movies from the annual FPV Video of the 12 months contest by AirVuz for instance. Yep, many are shot on DJI drones, together with the Avata.

When DJI Avata launched in 2022, it wasn’t completely clear what it was. Was it a digicam for filming? Was it a drone for racing? It’s more and more confirmed itself best-suited as the previous, which is why I’d wish to see extra options to make filming higher than ever.

In fact, a bigger picture sensor would all the time be welcome. However, I’m additionally on the lookout for higher filming workflows. That ranges from extra inside storage (the present 20 GB is nice in a pinch, however not adequate to depend on), to higher in-app enhancing capabilities to share video rapidly out of your cellphone.

Listed below are some key specs on the unique Avata:

• 1/1.7” CMOS sensor
• 48 million efficient pixels
• Movies at 4K/60fps and slow-motion footage at 2.7K/50/60/100/120fps.
• f/2.8 aperture
• Extremely-wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of as much as 155°
• D-Cinelike coloration mode for a broader coloration palette that permits detailed chromatic changes

Let’s watch to see the place DJI can push and enhance.

Extra FPV freestyle talents

I discussed earlier than that typically it seems like DJI doesn’t know what it’s. Is it a racing drone or a digicam drone?

However what for those who might additionally name it an FPV freestyle drone? FPV freestyle is one thing of an offshoot of drone racing. However as an alternative of flying drones as quick as you possibly can, you fly them in a fashion that showcases what number of tips you are able to do, like flipping, flying upside, or maneuvering by way of tight areas. Curious to see an instance of a freestyle drone flight? Right here’s a clip from Zoe Stumbaugh, one of many world’s high FPV pilots (simply observe that this was not filmed utilizing a DJI drone).

It’d be enjoyable to see if the Avata might nook the market of FPV freestyle, which is an ultra-fun sport to observe, but a area of drone flight that DJI has but to have interaction in.

And I’ve good cause to consider will probably be able to freestyle — simply look to the ‘trailer’ that DJI launched promoting the April 11, 2024 launch. The webpage exhibits a drone not simply racing, however even doing a complete flip.

A push to the standard specs

And my fully unoriginal ask: a basic spec improve. We usually see this occur in new drone fashions. However, some issues I’d wish to see is boosted battery life and longer transmission distance. The present Avata offers us 18 minutes, which is nice however not nice. And the present transmission distance is 10 kilometers, with a transmission delay of 30 milliseconds. Longer distances and fewer delay is all the time welcome.

What makes us assume an Avata 2 drone is coming

So why are we speaking in regards to the DJI Avata 2 drone now? Past the apparent DJI launch web page, the rumor mill has been churning. We’ve already seen loads of leaks (you could find them in a fast Google search by yourself!) indicating an April 2024 launch for the Avata 2.

With these leaks, I’ve seen issues like an upgraded Movement Controller and upgraded FPV Controller, too. Whereas leaks ought to all the time be taken with a grain of salt, they do give us a glimpse into what DJI may be engaged on.

Alas, since they’re unconfirmed, I gained’t hyperlink to them right here — however it is best to have the ability to discover them by yourself.

Unprecedented reductions on the present DJI Avata mannequin

Then there’s one other, clearer cause why we anticipate the Avata getting an improve: DJI’s current worth discount on the Avata. Typically, worth drops like this may sign the upcoming launch of a brand new mannequin as DJI clears out inventory for the brand new model. It doesn’t damage that the corporate, in flip, drums up pleasure for the upcoming launch.

The DJI Avata Explorer Combo sometimes goes for $1,278. However now it’s 35% off, promoting for $829 on most retailers together with Amazon and B&H Photograph. That $449 low cost is big. In reality, it’s the largest we’ve seen. For instance, DJI’s most up-to-date sale for President’s Day 2024 priced the DJI Avata Explorer Combo at $889. That places right now’s worth at an extra $60 decrease than what it was a couple of month in the past.

Given the worth retains dropping, do you have to wait to purchase the DJI Avata? We want we had a crystal ball and will give a greater reply on that one. For starters, we don’t know what DJI’s inventory of Avata drones appears to be like like, so it’s robust to say how rapidly the corporate will promote out. However usually talking, at any time when DJI launches a brand new product, it discontinues manufacturing on the outdated mode. So bounce on this deal now if you would like one.

As for whether or not it is best to watch for a possible new mannequin of the DJI Avata? That’s additionally exhausting to say. Generally new fashions are cheaper than their predecessors, however they will also be costlier — notably if the specs get an improve.

The way forward for DJI FPV

Whether or not the rumors are true or not, one factor is definite: DJI’s Avata reinvigorated the FPV drone market. The Avata 2, if it involves fruition, has the potential to be much more spectacular. With its mixture of energy, user-friendliness, and progressive options, the Avata 2 might solidify DJI’s place on the forefront of the FPV revolution.

It might additionally show a very engaging product now that Distant ID enforcement is in full swing. With that, drones flying open air that additionally weigh 55 grams or extra are required to transmit distant ID data (sometimes by way of a distant ID module). Additionally they have to be registered. However because the guidelines don’t apply to indoor drone flights, merchandise just like the Avata which can be particularly designed for indoor flying may very well be extra engaging.

Right here at The Drone Lady, we’ll be holding our eyes peeled for the official announcement on April 11. I personally can’t wait to see what DJI has in retailer for the way forward for FPV flight!

Now comes the enjoyable half! It’s time so that you can be an armchair DJI drone designer! For those who might decide just one new characteristic on what we’ll name the DJI Avata 2 drone, which wouldn’t it be? Depart a remark beneath!

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