DJI’s Avata took the drone world by storm in 2022. Its cinewhoop-style design supplied an intro for individuals who know and love DJI’s digital camera drones to check out first-person view (FPV) drone flying. However very like its digital camera 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 latest value cuts on the Avata (and sure, even some unverified leaks of a possible new mannequin of the identical drone), may a DJI Avata 2 be on the horizon?
If the newest advertising and marketing electronic mail from DJI is any indication, the reply is sure. DJI subscribers on Tuesday obtained an electronic mail with the topic line “Prepared To Roll.”
Opening it the reveals an obscured photograph of what’s positively drone, and nearly positively a drone with the identical kind 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 probably that DJI will launch some form of successor to the unique DJI Avata come April 11. Right here’s what we all know thus far aboutt he subsequent product launch — in addition to what we need to see:
DJI Avata 2 preview: all the things we hope for — and all the things we count on
The historical past of the DJI Avata
After I first reviewed the DJI Avata, there was rather a lot to like. I preferred the way it seamlessly flew indoors, however was nonetheless highly effective sufficient for out of doors flight. The digital camera was a lot larger high quality than what you’d discover in different FPV racing drones, making it a very 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 purported to be simpler to make use of, however for folks used to the usual joystick controller, it usually felt tougher to make use of. The goggles had been good, however had some design flaws, like a dangling battery pack.
DJI solved a number of of the issues criticized within the Avata’s August 2022 launch nearly this time final 12 months. 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 operate.
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 known as.
Let’s discover what options we’d like to see within the subsequent iteration of this fashionable FPV flyer. From there, we’ll dive into the rumors of after 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 may actually brainstorm some blue sky options, however listed here are three sensible 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 digital camera is unbelievable 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 profitable 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 digital camera 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.
After all, a bigger picture sensor would all the time be welcome. However, I’m additionally in search of higher filming workflows. That ranges from extra inner storage (the present 20 GB is sweet in a pinch, however not adequate to depend on), to higher in-app modifying capabilities to share video rapidly out of your telephone.
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 colour mode for a broader colour palette that allows 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 digital camera drone?
However what when you may 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 way that showcases what number of methods you are able to do, like flipping, flying upside, or maneuvering via 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 prime FPV pilots (simply notice that this was not filmed utilizing a DJI drone).
It’d be enjoyable to see if the Avata may nook the market of FPV freestyle, which is an ultra-fun sport to look at, but a discipline of drone flight that DJI has but to have interaction in.
And I’ve good purpose to consider will probably be able to freestyle — simply look to the ‘trailer’ that DJI launched promoting the April 11, 2024 launch. The webpage reveals a drone not simply racing, however even doing a complete flip.
A push to the same old 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 provides us 18 minutes, which is sweet 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 concerning 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 (yow will discover 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 is perhaps engaged on.
Alas, since they’re unconfirmed, I received’t hyperlink to them right here — however you need to have the ability to discover them by yourself.
Unprecedented reductions on the present DJI Avata mannequin
Then there’s one other, clearer purpose why we anticipate the Avata getting an improve: DJI’s latest value discount on the Avata. Typically, value 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 Picture. That $449 low cost is large. In truth, it’s the most important 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 this moment’s value at an extra $60 decrease than what it was a couple of month in the past.
Given the worth retains dropping, must you 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 seems to be like, so it’s powerful to say how rapidly the corporate will promote out. However usually talking, each time DJI launches a brand new product, it discontinues manufacturing on the outdated mode. So bounce on this deal now in order for you one.
As for whether or not you need 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 for certain: 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 revolutionary options, the Avata 2 may solidify DJI’s place on the forefront of the FPV revolution.
It may 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 info (sometimes by way of a distant ID module). Additionally they have to be registered. However for the reason that guidelines don’t apply to indoor drone flights, merchandise just like the Avata which are particularly designed for indoor flying might be extra engaging.
Right here at The Drone Woman, we’ll be preserving 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! In the event you may decide just one new characteristic on what we’ll name the DJI Avata 2 drone, which wouldn’t it be? Depart a remark under!