Each drone model needs to broaden the boundaries of what’s attainable, producing more and more higher shopper drones that captivate the general public’s consideration.
That’s at all times been DJI’s mission, and it’s a quest EXO can also be on.
That gave me the thought – why not examine these two drone manufacturers to see which is actually pushing the envelope? In any case, there can solely be one king of drones.
I’ve cherished DJI for so long as I can bear in mind, a trait I’m positive I’ve in widespread with lots of you studying this. Nevertheless, EXO grabbed my consideration too and has held it with its simplified but exciting-to-use drones.
As EXO says itself, they’re promoting an expertise.
So, which one wins out?
Be a part of me as I put EXO and DJI drones head-to-head, inspecting the perfect fashions, evaluating an important options, and serving to you resolve which drone producer is price spending your hard-earned cash on.
EXO vs. DJI – Which is healthier? The fast reply
EXO is a promising up-and-comer within the drone world. I anticipate it’s going to do large issues.
DJI is the long-established reigning chief of shopper drones. It’s a crown nobody can take away.
Finally, which model you consider is healthier will likely be a matter of non-public selection. My suggestion is predicated on attempting many drone fashions from each manufacturers and flying them for dozens of hours every.
I can confidently say based mostly on expertise that DJI drones proceed to be the reigning, defending champion of the drone world. Though EXO drones have comparable battery lives and impediment avoidance, the newer drone model can’t contact DJI by way of picture and video high quality, transmission distance, and sensible options.
EXO is competing for DJI’s share of the market keen on lower-cost shopper drones, and whereas it definitely has a promising future if it continues on its present path, it’s nonetheless not fairly there but.
It’s someplace between Holy Stone and Autel in high quality, with costs nearer what you’d see from Autel however together with price range fashions with pricing on par with Holy Stone.
Within the meantime, DJI is in a category all its personal.
What are EXO drones?
EXO produces what it calls “the drones of tomorrow.” It likens its historical past to a David vs. Goliath state of affairs, with EXO being David and heavyweights like DJI being Goliath.
This up-and-coming model has at all times sought to innovate to the identical extent DJI has and continues to broaden the parameters of what shopper drones are able to.
Its workforce started small upon its founding however expanded as the corporate skilled speedy development.
The pillars of the EXO model are affordability and high expertise, with a mantra of “no pilot left behind.”
Its merchandise cater to younger rookies looking for a low-cost first drone, to skilled business pilots looking for automated options and progressive video.
EXO has partnered with manufacturers like T-Cellular, additional rising its clout.
The model prides itself on its tutorials, buyer assist, and drone high quality. EXO has solely existed for 2 years, so its roster of drones is small however mighty.
There’s the EXO Mini, an apparent response to the DJI Mini sequence, the EXO Cinemaster 3 with a high-end digicam, the EXO Blackhawk sequence for on a regular basis flights, and the EXO X7 Ranger PLUS, a wind-resistant, FAA-compliant mannequin.
» MORE: EXO Mini vs. DJI Mini 3 (Which One is Proper for You?)
What are DJI drones?
DJI is a kind of manufacturers that wants no introduction. Each drone pilot is acquainted with them, from newbies flying for the primary time to essentially the most skilled execs.
Nevertheless, although DJI doesn’t want an introduction, I’m going to offer it one anyway, because it’s solely honest.
DJI is a Chinese language drone manufacturing firm based in 2006. On the time, shopper drones existed, however expertise was in its infancy in comparison with the place it’s immediately.
They had been additionally a lot costlier and fewer accessible than they’d later develop into.
Frank Wang, actual identify Wang Tao, created the model, designing the primary prototypes for DJI drones in his school dorm room.
The primary official DJI drone, the Phantom, was a large success, and the model grew steadily from there.
DJI partnered with Hasselblad in 2015, a Swedish digicam producer. The union grew, and by 2019, DJI took a majority stake within the digicam model. Lots of DJI’s flagship drones function Hasselblad cameras.
The model has acquired awards, and its drones have been used to movie main tv exhibits like Recreation of Thrones and Higher Name Saul. Its drones account for greater than 70 p.c of the market worldwide.
DJI sells many varieties of drones at numerous value factors for all talent ranges. Its handheld drones embrace the DJI FPV, Encourage, Avata, Mini sequence, Air, and Mavic.
Its enterprise drones are used within the oil and fuel industries, public security, electrical energy, and aerial surveying. DJI additionally produces agricultural drones.
» MORE: How Do I Discover My DJI Distant ID? (A Full Information)
The highest EXO drones
I encourage you to make your personal selection on which drone model you favor between EXO and DJI.
That can assist you do this, subsequent, I’ll share my favourite fashions from every drone model.
I’ve personally flown these drones and examined all their options, deriving loads of enjoyment out of those experiments to convey you recent insights you should utilize to information your buying determination.
1. EXO Blackhawk 3 Professional
The Blackhawk 3 Professional is the brand new and improved version of the Blackhawk 2 Collection, which was already a well-liked EXO drone.
I attempted the Blackhawk 2 and loved it, so I used to be wanting very a lot ahead to the Blackhawk 3 Professional.
I’m blissful to say it didn’t disappoint.
For those who’re looking for the highest-quality drone below the EXO umbrella, that is it. The Blackhawk has options that make it corresponding to any DJI drone you may need had in your want checklist.
Let’s discuss turkey, lets?
The Blackhawk 3 Professional has an ultra-high-quality digicam with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS that shoots in 48 MP picture high quality and 4K HDR video high quality at 200 Mbps.
Certain, it’s no Hasselblad digicam, however you understand what? It’s fairly darn shut.
The quantity of picture data this digicam retains is corresponding to Swedish engineering.
Noise? Nope, not right here. Coloration vary? It’s beautiful, so your movies and pictures pop, making them a sought-after addition to your portfolio.
The dynamic vary is superb, and oh, the zooming! I don’t know the way EXO did it, however the zoom on this digicam doesn’t get crusty and blurry, even once you use it to the complete extent. Safer drone images and videography, right here you come.
The battery lifetime of the Blackhawk 3 Professional is known. EXO says it flies for 53 minutes, whereas my testing discovered a battery lifetime of slightly below 50 minutes. Nonetheless, that’s superb, exceeding even Autel requirements, and positively DJI.
The three-way collision avoidance sensors are pre-installed for sensing downward, rear, and frontal obstacles. It’s maybe not essentially the most progressive impediment avoidance system in the marketplace, but it surely will get the job executed.
Now, how about these sensible options? The Blackhawk 3 Professional can shoot in Evening Mode, and it has Waypoints for drawing a customized flight map.
Line Fly is one among many autonomous flight options, together with Return Residence and GPS-driven monitoring.
This EXO drone additionally has a number of modes, together with Regular and Sport Mode, one other reply to DJI’s persevering with drone innovation.
» MORE: When Ought to You Improve Your Drone? (Learn This First)
2. EXO X7 Ranger PLUS
Change the sport by flying the EXO X7 Ranger PLUS.
This drone is extra easy than the Blackhawk 3 Professional, with a value I feel many more recent drone pilots will discover extra agreeable.
Whereas it’s not boundary-breaking, it’s a stable drone throughout. Its 1/3-inch sensor and three-axis gimbal assist 2K video high quality and 4K photos.
That’s 9 MP high quality, which is lower than nice when you’re a stickler for picture readability.
That stated, you’d be shocked how clear the photographs taken on the X7 come out when you’re prepared to offer this drone a strive. I’m not saying they’re the world’s best, however completely nice for a brand new drone pilot.
It additionally helps that the digicam is adjustable and has 50x zoom inside EXO’s app. Simply understand that the already low picture high quality doesn’t get a lot better once you use the zoom perform.
My favourite function of this drone is its 360-degree impediment avoidance, placing the X7 on par with any Autel drone.
Its sensible options are extra quite a few than the Blackhawk 3 Professional, with RTH, Observe, Circle, and a mode referred to as Pin-Fly.
Right here’s the way it works. Mark a pin on a map, and the X7 makes use of GPS to get there. It’s drone expertise at its best!
» MORE: Finest Funds Drones with 3-Axis Gimbal
3. EXO Cinemaster 2
It’s within the identify – the EXO Cinemaster 2 is designed for cinematics. Its digicam has a three-axis gimbal and 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor for taking pictures 4K UHD video and 10 MP photos.
Whereas I want the Cinemaster 2 had higher-quality picture decision, it’s not the worst I’ve seen, and its video high quality is outstanding via and thru.
A part of what makes the picture res higher than you may assume out of the field is that the pictures retain extra element and information.
These aren’t RAW picture information however shut, in that you simply get extra coloration (90 million of them, to be exact), much less noise, and an superior dynamic vary.
You may as well tinker with the aperture settings and publicity, which may also help you configure the digicam how you want to beat its decrease high quality.
I wouldn’t advocate this drone a lot for skilled business pilots, however for newer pilots constructing a portfolio from scratch or influencers attempting to get into drones, it ain’t half dangerous.
The foldable Cinemaster operates at two speeds: 13 or 27 miles per hour relying on whether or not you employ Cinematic or Sport mode.
You’ll be able to toggle between the 2 to catch the athlete crossing the end line or decelerate to take leisurely photographs of the encompassing panorama.
The beginner-friendly hands-free modes are nice for focusing extra on cinematics, particularly for social media stars and influencers studying drones.
The accessible modes are comply with me, Circle Me, Route Fly (like Waypoints, in that you simply arrange pins on a map), and an evening highlight.
Right here’s one other cool function: the Cinemaster 2 doesn’t want Wi-Fi to fly, an EXO trademark.
» MORE: Finest Inexpensive Drones for Newbies (2023)
4. EXO Mini
How did EXO reply to the rising DJI Mini line? With a Mini drone of its personal referred to as the EXO Mini.
EXO pulled out all of the stops right here, imbuing the drone with 48 MP picture high quality and 4K video at 200 Mbps because of the 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor.
How does a beneficiant dynamic vary, retained colours, publicity steadiness, and high-level element sound?
That is undoubtedly one among EXO’s finest digicam sensors, and it performs with the suitable steadiness of sunshine and shadow to cut back the time you spend modifying your work.
The 6x zoom is impeccable, eliminating a extreme high quality discount once you attain in nearer to your goal. You’ll be able to stand safely ft away taking photographs, increasing your means to shoot throughout the authorized restrict.
Its flight time is between 40 and 45 minutes. You must change out the batteries to get that full time, and once I examined the EXO Mini, it flew for much less time than marketed, however I anticipated that, and you need to too.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional vs. EXO Mini Professional (Which One is Proper for You?)
The three-way collision avoidance is noteworthy, as DJI Mini drones don’t at all times have impediment sensing and avoidance. Granted, it’s an add-on function within the EXO Mini, however that it’s even accessible is vital.
The EXO Mini additionally has some coveted sensible options, from trusted modes like Dronie and Comet to an auto-follow, Auto Drifting, and Fly to Sky.
These hands-free, automated modes will make any first-time pilot appear like a seasoned skilled!
EXO Mini
40 Minute Battery Life, 4K Digital camera, 5 Mile Vary, 12MP Picture, Observe-Me, Return to Residence, +15 extra, Able to Fly & Case Included (2 Batteries).
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11/28/2023 04:36 am GMT
The highest DJI drones
Now, it’s time to show the tide and examine DJI. Primarily based on what EXO has accessible, I pulled 4 comparable drone fashions from the main drone producer to make this comparability fairer.
1. DJI Mini 3 Professional
Is the Mini 3 Professional my favourite DJI drone? Responsible as charged. Truly, I feel it could be my favourite drone, interval.
I can’t assist it, and I do know lots of you studying this really feel the identical approach. I really like how light-weight the Mini 3 Professional is, actually dwelling as much as its identify.
It’s below 250 grams, so when you’re a hobbyist like me and luxuriate in flying your drone for enjoyable, you’ll be able to dodge the FAA’s registration necessities.
The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor shoots in 4K HDR video and takes 48 MP pictures, making it the pioneer. EXO merely adopted in its footsteps.
That’s why it has such an unimaginable vary of shadows and lightweight, with an aperture ratio completely configured to seize the perfect of your world it doesn’t matter what’s behind the lens.
Because it helps evening images and videography, the Mini 3 Professional is superb at decreasing noise. You gained’t miss the truth that you’ll be able to’t modify the aperture.
DJI’s D-Cinelike Coloration is unparalleled. Even in comparison with the EXO Mini, I couldn’t assist however fall again on my previous favourite, the Mini 3 Professional. The depth of coloration in movies and pictures is hotter and extra attractive.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Which Drone Is Higher?)
As talked about, many Mini drones endure from a scarcity of impediment avoidance.
The Mini 3 Professional has APAS 4.0, an older however nonetheless satisfactory security system from DJI. It’s supported by multidirectional impediment sensing that’s like a one-two punch of security.
The Clever Flight Modes show how DJI is incomparable, particularly with the superb options roster the Mini 3 Professional has. It affords True Vertical Taking pictures, 4x Digital Zoom, Panorama, Hyperlapse, FocusTrack, and MasterShots.
All the things it is advisable to automate your drone flights and create the form of footage purchasers are wanting to see is out there on this drone.
DJI Mini 3 Professional (DJI RC)
Light-weight and Foldable Digital camera Drone
- 4K/60fps Video
- 48MP Picture
- 34-min Flight Time
- Tri-Directional Impediment Sensing, Built-in RC and display
We earn a fee when you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/28/2023 01:26 am GMT
2. DJI Mavic 3 Professional
I talked about DJI’s partnership with Hasselblad earlier, and one among my favourite usages of the Swedish digicam expertise is within the Mavic 3 Professional.
As nice as EXO is, it doesn’t have any drone to match the Mavic 3 Professional’s triple-camera system.
You get a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad digicam in 20 MP high quality, a 1/1.3-inch CMOS medium tele digicam in 48 MP high quality with 3x Optical Zoom, and a ½-inch CMOS tele digicam in 12 MP high quality with 28x Hybrid Zoom and 7x Optical Zoom.
The flight time of almost 40 minutes (marketed) is excessive for DJI. I didn’t fairly log that a lot time, however that’s okay, as I didn’t actually really feel like I wanted it. You are able to do a lot with this drone that it’s unreal.
Wildlife, structure, nature: the Mavic 3 Professional can seize all of it with aplomb.
If you wish to discuss constructing your drone portfolio, I’m hard-pressed to consider a drone higher fitted to the duty than this one. It rises to each event.
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Professional Evaluation (I’ve NEVER flown a drone that I loved a lot)
Additional bolstering the immensity of the triple-camera system are nighttime taking pictures capabilities, the color-rich 10-bit D-Log, HLG, and Hyperlapses.
Oh, and did I point out 4K video at 120 fps and 5.1K video at 50 fps? Sure, certainly.
Nevertheless, the Mavic 3 Professional continues to be a drone, on the finish of the day, so it wants drone options.
DJI left no holds barred, equipping it with top-of-the-line APAS 5.0, multidirectional imaginative and prescient help, and omnidirectional impediment sensing.
The wealth of Clever Flight Modes will present each kind of shot you’re keen on, similar to setting the Mavic 3 Professional’s path with Waypoints, utilizing Superior RTH for automated retrieval, or selecting Cruise Management so you’ll be able to give attention to cinematics.
I’m not even executed! The Mavic 3 Professional additionally boasts Panorama, MasterShots, QuickShots, and FocusTrack.
Our Decide
DJI Mavic 3 Professional (Fly Extra Combo)
Flagship Triple-Digital camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Digital camera, 15km Video Transmission, three Batteries, Charging Hub, and extra.
We earn a fee when you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/28/2023 12:46 pm GMT
3. DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S is a superb companion drone to have as you discover this large, large, glittering world. Its video capabilities nostril previous even the Mavic 3 Professional, with a one-inch sensor that captures 4K video at 60 fps and 5.4K at 30 fps.
Whereas the 20 MP picture high quality may not appear to be something to write down dwelling about initially, don’t be so hasty.
The Air 2S has a few of the finest coloration retention ever seen in a DJI drone. Its 10-bit D-Log M can generate one billion colours, and every is wealthy, immersive, and positive to brighten up your drone pictures and movies.
You’ll be able to’t get this diploma of coloration retention in an EXO drone, supplying you with a transparent benefit.
You already know what else is nice about this drone? RAW information!
So sure, the picture high quality isn’t the best in comparison with another DJI drones, however with the better element and dynamic vary in each photograph, you’re not going to overlook out on a lot.
» MORE: DJI Air 2S – A Full Actual-World Evaluation
The Air 2S will even cut back time in post-production by stitching collectively a shot with its HDR function, looking for the perfect dynamic vary, shadows, highlights, and particulars with out you having to do it.
For those who’re a YouTube star, you understand the behind-the-scenes is time-consuming and arduous. Any time you’ll be able to cut back in submit will make it easier to add extra often.
This DJI drone has a distinct assortment of Clever Flight Modes, from Hyperlapse to Panorama, Sphere, 180 Levels, and Broad-Angle automated videography.
MasterShots affords three taking pictures modes, whereas Level of Curiosity 3.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Highlight 2.0 help in monitoring and automatic cinematics.
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digital camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
We earn a fee when you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/27/2023 05:21 pm GMT
4. DJI Mini 2 SE
Let’s additionally take a look at the entry-level DJI Mini 2 SE, a extra cheap drone in the identical vein as an EXO.
Regardless that it’s an earlier Mini, it nonetheless has many options newer pilots search when shopping for one among their first drones, from a low weight (below 249 grams) to beginner-friendly options, an honest flight time of over half-hour, and Clever Flight Modes.
Launching and touchdown your drone occurs with a faucet. The Mini 2 SE will take to the sky and are available again down mechanically, so that you don’t have to fret about jerky landings as a brand new pilot.
The infrared sensing, downward imaginative and prescient, and GNSS allow the Mini 2 SE to hover reliably, additional rising your confidence with every use.
The auto-RTH triggers when the battery drains and in different dangerous conditions, performing as a failsafe and additional preserving the lifetime of your drone.
» MORE: Holy Stone HS720G vs. DJI Mini 2 SE (Right here’s My Favourite)
Boasting Clever Flight Modes galore, the Mini 2 SE contains 5 QuickShots modes and three Panorama modes.
Oh, and let me discuss images and videography. The drone’s stabilized three-axis mechanical gimbal, and 1/2.3-inch CMOS produce 2.7K video and 12 MP pictures.
Certain, it’s not the best in a DJI drone, however contemplating the Mini 2 SE’s age, value, and viewers, I feel it’s nice.
DJI Mini 2 SE (Fly Extra Combo)
Light-weight Drone with QHD Video, 10km Video Transmission, 3 Batteries for Complete of 93 Minutes Flight Time, Beneath 249 g, Automated Professional Pictures, Digital camera Drone for Newbies.
We earn a fee when you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/28/2023 04:31 pm GMT
EXO vs. DJI – Which drone model wins?
You’ve seen the perfect of what DJI and EXO have to supply, so now we’re prepared for essentially the most thrilling half: the head-to-head comparability!
This part will study an important qualities pilots go for when looking for a drone, pitting EXO in opposition to DJI to see which excels and the place.
Picture and video high quality
Winner: DJI
Total, DJI wins right here.
Whereas DJI has some drones, just like the Mini 2 SE, with decrease video and picture high quality, most DJI drones stand out above the gang by way of picture and video high quality.
EXO drones have decrease picture and video high quality in some fashions to maintain them cost-effective.
Picture and video high quality comes all the way down to greater than decision. It’s additionally concerning the high quality of the digicam sensor, aperture settings, coloration profiles, low-light assist, dynamic vary, and gimbal stability.
Whereas EXO builds drones in DJI’s likeness, bettering alongside the way in which, DJI largely excels within the above areas extra.
» MORE: Digital camera Expertise in Drones (Defined)
Sensible options
Winner: DJI
Many drone producers attempt to make sensible options akin to DJI, from Holy Stone and Autel to now EXO. Nevertheless, none do it fairly as effectively.
DJI’s Clever Flight Modes are extra quite a few and expansive than something EXO affords. That’s not a knock on them, as no different drone producer has reached the top like DJI.
If something, I’d say Autel has gotten the closest to matching DJI on this enviornment, however I really feel like EXO might do the identical given time.
» MORE: Sensible Options in Drones (Defined for Newbies)
Battery life
Winner: Toss-up
That is one other space the place it is dependent upon the drone.
DJI excels in lots of areas, however battery life isn’t essentially one among them. Its common battery life is round 34 minutes, and bear in mind, you at all times get much less flight time than marketed.
Whereas positive, DJI’s battery life is concerning the common restrict of what you’d count on a drone to fly immediately, since when has this model been okay with being common?
In fact, a few of its drones can fly longer, round 40 minutes, however not sufficient of them, when you ask me.
EXO has extra drones that may fly longer, with some promising greater than 50 minutes of flight!
» MORE: Drone Batteries (In-Depth Data)
Transmission vary
Winner: DJI
EXO tries to match and exceed DJI’s transmission vary in some fashions, but it surely’s robust to beat DJI expertise.
Its O3+ transmission system is among the finest in the marketplace, and its older transmission methods that facilitated the O3+ system aren’t half-bad both.
The transmission vary of the Blackhawk 3 at over 9 miles is EXO’s most spectacular, proving it is a model price listening to.
» MORE: DJI Transmission System (All the things You Have to Know)
Security options
Winner: DJI
DJI’s security options are a few of the finest round.
Whether or not it’s built-in propellers, impediment sensing, or sensor-driven multidirectional impediment avoidance, you’ll be able to depend on these drones to soundly pilot the drone away from hazard.
Not each DJI drone has impediment avoidance, similar to some entries within the Mini sequence, however as an entire, you’ll be able to count on a DJI drone to maintain you protected within the skies.
EXO drones embrace impediment avoidance and detection throughout the board. Their expertise is sort of good, even corresponding to DJI, however I wouldn’t essentially say it’s higher.
» MORE: Drone Security Options (All You Have to Know)
Equipment
Winner: EXO
DJI is notoriously stingy about equipment with its drones.
You should purchase a Fly Extra Combo with a distant controller, however you hardly ever get greater than that with out spending additional.
EXO drones don’t all include equipment, however some provide a carrying case and a touchdown pad.
It’s no Autel, but it surely’s one thing.
» MORE: 27 Finest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Stay With out)
Pricing
Winner: EXO
EXO prides itself on its cost-effective drones, a sentiment DJI doesn’t share. The DJI Mini drones are cheaper, however most drones from this model will value you a reasonably penny.
Nevertheless, simply because EXO tries to be reasonably priced doesn’t at all times imply it’s.
The Blackhawk 3 is sort of pricey, extra like DJI ranges. Most of its drones are what many would think about cheap.
» MORE: Finest Drones Beneath $1,000
Ease of use
Winner: DJI
Right here is one other space the place DJI can’t be beat.
EXO has beginner-friendly drones simply the identical, with tutorials and flight directions, however DJI drones facilitate simpler begins for rookies, particularly a mannequin just like the Mini 2 SE.
You’ll recall that it has auto-launching and touchdown. Entry to the useful DJI Fly app and tutorials makes selecting up this drone straightforward.
Even different DJI drones exterior the Mini line assist ease of use. I reduce my tooth on DJI and am so glad I did.
» MORE: Find out how to Fly a Drone: Final Newbie Information (with Drawings)
Conclusion
DJI stays the king of drones, however EXO is proving on a regular basis that it’s a worthy contender to try to push DJI out of that spot.
Whether or not it occurs stays to be seen, however when drones innovate to earn our loyalty (and cash), we win as a result of we get the perfect options in the marketplace!