Whats up, and thanks for checking this text on what drone to decide on: The Autel EVO Lite Plus or DJI FPV.
We’ve two incredible drones however from completely completely different worlds.
Or not?
You’d be stunned what number of FPV pilots have a fleet of normal GPS drones or vice-versa. I’m one in all them.
I really like FPV and normal drones, and these two are comparable in worth and price 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 total 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, you probably have the price range to amass one in all them, we wish to allow you to make the suitable determination and keep away from spending your cash on the unsuitable 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 price range to skilled and enterprise editions.
For photographers of all stripes, you’re in luck as a result of, surprisingly for its worth, 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 intense 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 gives:
- 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 presupposed 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+ Evaluate
DJI FPV
If we take a step again from common drones for one thing a bit completely different, now we have 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 just a few 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 handbook mode, like an FPV drone.
- It gives a simple 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 gives an unparalleled flight time and vary – it could actually 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 when you see the world from above through a pair of “VR” Goggles when flying at excessive velocity, delivering a excessive stage of adrenaline and delight.
» MORE: DJI FPV – How one can Take Off and Land (Step-by-Step Information)
Fast Verdict
Simply to let you realize, at Droneblog, now we have practically all of the big-name drones. We check and evaluation them often and promise a good evaluation and comparability based mostly on expertise and hands-on information.
Once I first bought 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 frequently. That was my favourite drone and nonetheless is one in all them.
However it is a private alternative.
Nonetheless, based mostly on info and what these drones can provide, you’ll most likely get extra use out of the Autel EVO Lite Plus, which may be utilized commercially for skilled images and filmmaking, delivering an unmatched expertise for its price ticket.
The DJI FPV drone can also be a tremendous drone if you wish to get into FPV. It’s a simple alternative; it is available in a whole package able to fly and gives many instruments for freshmen.
Nonetheless, you need to be conscious that DJI FPV has one draw back concerning crash resistance, making not just a few FPV freshmen intention to amass DJI Avata as a substitute.
» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI FPV (Right here’s My Alternative)
What are the principle variations?
Let’s take 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 normal GPS drone: It has the same flight fashion to the DJI Mini and Mavic sequence, DJI Air 2S, and so forth. From hobbyists to industrial 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 also be hosted in a 3-axis gimbal system. The Moonlight Algorithm is incredible for capturing low-light or evening 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 personal 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 type issue with mounted arms, the Lite Plus is properly foldable, making it nice for transportation and to journey with.
On the opposite aspect, let’s take a look on the DJI FPV, we could?
- It’s an FPV drone and may fly like a customized quad: In handbook mode, you probably have disabled the “M Mode Angle Restrict,” your DJI FPV can absolutely fly acro like a customized FPV drone.
- It may well freestyle and race: Though not really helpful, we should know that the DJI FPV is able to acrobatic freestyle tips and even racing.
- Appropriate with Goggles: Having FPV Goggles in your head and seeing dwell transmission by means of it’s a step in the direction of the longer term as in comparison with observing the drone dwell feed through a cellphone display, providing an unmatched expertise.
- It has just a few security options behind it, resembling return-to-home and regular modes. The DJI FPV additionally hosts one distinctive function not present in some other drones, aside from Avata: Emergency Break – it is a button that can immediately cease the drone in place if you happen to’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 surroundings 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 various to many DJI drones, particularly contemplating that its present worth is a breaking level for skilled drones with massive digital camera sensors and nice total potential.
Not like DJI FPV, the EVO Lite Plus additionally hosts a number of clever capabilities resembling Dynamic Observe 2.1, equal to DJI’s Lively Observe, follow-me mode, moonlight algorithm, and a number of other fast pictures choices, simply to call just a few.
Certainly, the listing 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 industrial pilots.
It’s an ideal alternative if you happen to’re not searching for an affordable drone, however you’re aiming for professionalism at an affordable worth.
» 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 industrial drone pilots, and it’s what we do. We check drones, fly them in real-world eventualities, and revel in each second our buzzers are up within the air.
So, hear me right here. The Autel EVO Lite Plus will not be a nasty drone; if now we have to make a “High 5 Drones” presently, this drone undoubtedly has its place there.
We merely like it, and it has proved itself to be a really environment friendly instrument in so many conditions – aside from touring, the place we are inclined to desire the sub-250-gram ones.
So, after many checks and deliberations, now we have 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-Means 360° Impediment Avoidance, 12Km (7.4 Miles)
We earn a fee if you happen to make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
11/15/2023 06:56 pm GMT
DJI FPV
Proper now, after I’m writing this text, I’m seeking to my left aspect on the desk and observing my DJI FPV drone. It’s one of many few that’s not in long-term storage, and I really like flying it every time I can.
I all the time fly it long-range in handbook mode and consider me, the DJI FPV is able to that.
The adrenaline rush this drone gives after I fly it at over 60 miles per hour, browsing 2 meters above the bottom and lacking an impediment by just a few inches whereas my coronary heart is pounding at 150bpm is one thing unimaginable.
I can by no means examine this with flying any normal drone. Not now, not ever.
However I’m form of a scared rabbit.
I really like taking dangers when flying this drone and FPV normally, for distinctive FPV footage, however on the similar time, I miss so much as a result of I’m afraid if my fingers react incorrectly on my joysticks when flying like this, even by just a few 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 strive 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 possibly seize some distinctive FPV footage incapable of being captured by some other form of drone?
If that is your choice, the DJI FPV is an ideal alternative above the Autel EVO Lite Plus and plenty of normal drones if you wish to step out of the usual drone circle and fly one thing distinctive.
DJI FPV Combo
Get pleasure from crystal-clear real-time and HD Low-Latency Transmission video, even at distances of as much as 6.2 miles.
We earn a fee if you happen to make a purchase order, at no extra 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 motive most drone pilots purchase a drone is to movie or {photograph} with it.
This being the case, now we have to check 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 massive because the one present in DJI FPV.
This makes the EVO Lite Plus approach higher by way of images and filming high quality, with a fantastic dynamic vary for contrasty movies, significantly better low-light and evening capabilities, and even greater 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 aspect, the DJI FPV can movie in 4k at 60 frames per second. And if you happen to’re seeking to {photograph} with this drone, look elsewhere as a result of FPV drones should not meant for images – on this case, you’ll be able to 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, in truth, a incredible FPV drone with robust motors able to reaching excessive velocity, it could actually help a payload.
And on this case, we are able to look into attaching an motion digital camera, resembling GoPro Hero 12 Black or comparable, on high of the drone, and this can fly properly.
The truth is, in FPV, that is the same old strategy; you don’t movie with the included digital camera. You connect an motion digital camera if the drone helps the payload.
This truly makes the DJI FPV’s age out of date – as a result of, total, we don’t care about how good or dangerous the digital camera can movie, as we use it merely for dwell 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 very clean footage.
If now we have to check 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 major improve and addition to DJI FPV to seize essentially the most distinctive cinematic FPV movies on the highest high quality, beneath 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 a fantastic 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 all the time need to take away the propellers earlier than transportation.
On high of the drone, you even have the distant controller, the FPV goggles, batteries (together with for goggles), the goggle antennas (you probably have the DJI FPV Goggles V2), and possibly a movement controller.
All the pieces talked about right here matches properly right into a images bag or particular FPV bag. However it’ll occupy a lot 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, by way of weight, each drones are very comparable (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 an extra observe, each drones have to be registered if you happen to plan to fly them in the USA.
» MORE: Drone Legal guidelines in the USA
Flight Expertise
Winner: DJI FPV
Effectively, it appears like I hold coming again to how nice is the DJI FPV by way of 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 completely distinctive expertise, and I can let you know proper now if you happen to get into FPV, you danger creating 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 true FPV expertise behind DJI FPV (hmm…it appears 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, now we have a pointy picture transmission, above common – in truth, above any DJI drones – that can look incredible on any pill related to the EVO Lite Plus distant controller.
However what you will note through the goggles – selecting the unique DJI FPV Goggles V2 – is greater than you’ll be able to see with any drones, FPV or non-FPV.
First, the latency is beneath 28ms or 40ms, relying on the transmission mode we select with DJI FPV: Low-Latency or Excessive-High quality Mode.
Second, now we have an 810p decision on the goggle’s screens. However the incredible half is that the transmission comes as much as 120 frames per second, whereas the goggles have a 144Hz display.
To place this right into a sensible clarification, what you see by means of the goggles will not be solely excessive decision and low-latency transmission with so many particulars displayed in a VR approach, however additional clean at 120 frames per second – silky clean transmission.
Some folks have reported movement illness when utilizing 120 frames per second.
My mind merely releases a punch of dopamine after I’m observing the dwell view by means of the VR goggles.
It’s like I’m there!
» MORE: FPV Drones vs. Common Drones (Defined for Newcomers)
Compatibility
Winner: DJI FPV
When it comes to EVO Lite Plus compatibility, there’s not a lot to speak about apart 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 with a view 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 now we have a superb package of appropriate units 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 incredible distant controller, however many FPV drone pilots desire massive transmitters as a substitute – so there isn’t a choice to swap except you DIY your drone.
However if you happen to bought this drone with the distant controller, you should utilize the similar 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 also be appropriate with the DJI FPV Goggles V2 that comes with the DJI FPV drone.
So, if you happen to purchase the DJI FPV drone package, which may be bought with DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 and DJI FPV Goggles V2, and also you wish to strive Avata, you then 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 accordance with 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.
On account of FCC and CE restrictions within the USA and Europe, we’ll be struggling to fly this drone and some other drones previous 4-5 miles in a sensible 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, in truth, 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 incredible 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 could actually fly for a whopping 40 minutes.
In actuality, like with any drone, we by no means drain the battery to zero p.c – so count on about 32 to 34 minutes of flight time earlier than you’ll want to land the drone.
That’s completely incredible and one of many high drones on the subject of flight time.
In distinction, the DJI FPV is rated to fly for a most of 20 minutes. In actuality, if you happen to fly in handbook mode, don’t fly for greater than 12-13 minutes, otherwise you danger damaging the battery or not reaching it again residence.
That’s how lengthy I’ve managed to fly in handbook mode, more often than not, whereas the battery normally falls beneath 20 p.c.
If now we have to check the DJI FPV with any customized FPV drone, the flight time is far more than the common – in truth, 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, normal drones just like the Autel EVO Lite Plus, DJI Mini 3 Professional, DJI Mavic 3 Professional, and so forth should not crash-resistant in any respect.
In the event you crash them, that’s it. You normally can not 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 may stand up to many impacts and crashes with out breaking right into a thousand items.
Avata is one in all them.
However DJI FPV has a flaw on this case – the arms are manufactured from low-cost plastic and may simply break off even on the slightest affect.
So, you’re questioning why you’d crash the drone within the first place.
FPV drones in acro or handbook mode are quick, with out security options, and can simply crash in comparison with normal drones.
I imply, don’t count on the impediment avoidance sensors to work on an FPV drone in handbook or acro mode. They received’t.
And the nice footage ensuing from FPV drones all the time comes with a major 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 just a few good options that set this drone other than some other FPV drone; possibly DJI Avata matches these options.
However you will be unable to search out in some other FPV drones obtainable as we speak with options resembling:
- Return to residence – Having a return to residence 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 lots of engineering and testing behind this particular function.
- Frontal impediment avoidance sensors – And right here now we have the primary and solely FPV drone on the earth with impediment avoidance sensors. Absolutely, they are going to not work when flying in handbook mode, solely in regular mode, however FPV + Impediment Avoidance = Failure or Success?
- Switching from regular to sport and handbook mode at will with the power to regulate the digital camera angle whereas in mid-air is yet one more clever, distinctive function discovered solely in DJI FPV and Avata drones. With normal drones, it’s normal 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 by way of intelligence and security options?
Effectively, as a result of the EVO Lite Plus has much more than the DJI FPV, resembling:
- Dynamic Observe 2.1 – A novel, 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 novel de-noising software program included on professional-level Autel drones that can make the evening images with out picture noise, clear and sharp.
- Defog mode – With Autel EVO Lite Plus, if you happen to’re filming in a depressing surroundings, there’s a particular software program filter that can scale back the hazing and make your photographs look incredible, without having for post-processing.
- Rocket, Fadeaway, Orbit, Flick – Just a few fast shot choices are one thing we proudly use with our Autel EVO Lite Plus drone at occasions when we have to seize some distinctive pictures the place doing it manually might not get us the identical outcomes. The DJI FPV has no fast pictures modes.
- A 3-way impediment avoidance system – Frontal, backward, and downwards – can 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 way more in comparison with DJI FPV, however in actuality, Autel EVO Lite Plus may be automated to carry out numerous capabilities unavailable with the DJI FPV drone.
The one automated operate with the DJI FPV is the return-to-home function.
This makes the EVO Lite Plus stand above DJI FPV by way of security and clever options.
How laborious is it to fly?
Abstract: Autel EVO Lite Plus – Simple; DJI FPV in Handbook Mode – Tough
There’s one thing we have to focus on right here.
Whereas the Autel EVO Lite Plus, like all normal GPS drone, is straightforward to study 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 restricted, 2-axis gimbal stabilization)
However flying in handbook mode is one other story.
Handbook mode is equal to acro mode if we disable the auto-leveling choice known as “M Mode Angle Restrict” (Angle, to not be confused with Altitude).
Flying an FPV drone in acro mode is advanced and would require lots of apply behind FPV simulators. Even with that, flying it easily will want extra coaching.
So, with a view to fly the DJI FPV drone in handbook mode, you’ll have to undertake at the very least a number of hours of coaching in FPV simulators for primary flights and, to let you know from expertise, at the very least 50 hours of coaching for advanced and clean flights.
» MORE: DJI Digital Flight (DJI Avata Simulator)
Conclusion
There’s not a simple 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 incredible for lots of issues, from hobbyists flying and studying to fly a drone, to skilled video manufacturing, creating content material, and vlogging, even industrial purposes.
And the DJI FPV, though it’s an older drone, remains to be a incredible technique to get into FPV and even create distinctive FPV cinematic content material, particularly if you happen to connect an motion digital camera to it.
For the overall pilots, I’ll suggest the Autel EVO Lite Plus. Go along 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 pictures – however by no means as a first-time drone pilot.
» MORE: Finest ND Filters for DJI FPV