DJI launched the Avata 2 in April 2024, bringing main enhancements to the unique Avata. Avata launched in 2022 because the Chinese language drone maker’s first foray into Cinewhoop-style drone racing. However for individuals who already personal the Avata (or wish to rating a deal on the older mannequin as retailers filter out stock, is it price upgrading to the brand new Avata 2? On this information to the Avata 2 vs. Avata, let’s break down the important thing enhancements and whether or not it’s price paying extra for the brand new and improved DJI Avata 2.
DJI Avata 2 vs. Avata: which is healthier?
DJI Avata 2 vs Avata: take into account the worth
To preface this information, the Avata 2 is healthier on practically each metric. It wouldn’t make sense to check the 2 purely on specs like digital camera or battery life, as a result of the Avata 2 would win out each time.
When evaluating the DJI Avata 2 vs Avata, you actually need to issue within the worth each time. Positive, the Avata 2’s digital camera is healthier, however is it THAT a lot better?
If cash isn’t any object to you, then I’ll prevent a ton of time in studying the remainder of this information. Cease now, and simply purchase the Avata 2. However should you’re worth delicate, let me inform you if it’s price paying extra for the Avata 2.
Avata 2 value
DJI sells the Avata 2 in two configurations, the one distinction being what number of batteries you get. The most cost effective configuration prices $999, however right here’s what you get with each configurations:
What do you truly get contained in the DJI Fly Extra Combo? I put collectively an unboxing of the three-battery combo to point out you what’s included. Test it out right here:
The unique Avata value
When the unique Avata launched, there have been just a few extra configurations to select from. On the time of the 2022 launch, your choices included:
So whereas the unique Avata launched at an total greater price ticket than what the brand new DJI Avata 2 sells for right now, it’s undergone a big worth lower.
Now, the Avata Explorer Combo goes for $719, which is $280 much less. As you flick through this information, take into account whether or not the brand new options are actually well worth the roughly 30% low cost you’d get by choosing the Avata vs. Avata 2.
Avata 2 vs. Avata: evaluating the digital camera
One large distinction in these two drones is improved picture high quality.
Geared up with a brand new 1/1.3 inch picture sensor, DJI Avata 2 boasts an efficient pixel of 12MP. That’s bigger than the unique Avata’s 1/1.7-inch sensor, which interprets to raised gentle sensitivity and better element (notably in low gentle).
Listed below are some key specs, in contrast:
| Characteristic | DJI Avata 2 | DJI Avata |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Measurement | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.7-inch CMOS |
| Inner Storage | 46 GB | 20 GB |
| FOV | 155 levels | 155 levels |
| Aperture | 46GB | 20GB |
| Max Video Bitrate | 130 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
| Most Video Decision | 4K (4∶3): 3840×2880@30/50/60fps 4K (16∶9): 3840×2160@30/50/60fps 2.7K (4∶3): 2688×2016@30/50/60fps 2.7K (16∶9): 2688×1512@30/50/120fps 1080p (4∶3): 1440×1080@30/50/120fps 1080p (16∶9): 1920×1080@30/50/120fps |
With DJI FPV Goggles V2 ： 4K@50/60fps 2.7k@50/60/100/120fps 1080P@50/60/100/120fps With Imaginative and prescient (New Goggles) 4K@50/60fps 2.7k@50/60/100fps 1080P@50/60/100fps |
Observe the excessive decision on each variations, which suggests clear footage even when you find yourself cropping in post-production.
One thing each drones have in widespread — however that you just gained’t discover in most digital camera drones — is a uniquely huge lens The DJI Avata and Avata 2 digital camera lenses provide a most FOV of 155°. Evaluate these in opposition to one thing just like the DJI Mini 4 Professional which movies video with a 75° area of view (solely increasing to 100° with a wide-angle lens attachment). What which means in observe is principally an even bigger feeling such as you’re within the zone on this big-screen, intense fashion view.
One other part of the DJI Avata 2 to like that you just gained’t discover executed as properly within the authentic Avata: far more inside storage. Actually, over twice the quantity seen within the authentic Avata. You may not even want a separate microSD to movie with this. 46GB is big — sufficient to retailer as much as about 90 minutes of video shot at 1080p/60fps.
How easy is the video?
In comparison with the usual three-axis gimbals present in most drones, each the Avata and Avata 2 use a single-axis gimbal.
The Avata 2 advantages from DJI’s newest stabilization applied sciences, RockSteady and HorizonSteady, making certain sharp and secure movies even throughout high-speed maneuvers or windy circumstances.
Each RockSteady and HorizonSteady depend on DJI’s Digital Picture Stabilization algorithm — model 3.5 — to be particular. Simply word which you can’t allow each stabilization modes concurrently, they usually should be used with DJI RC Movement 3 or RC Movement 2 with a 16:9 video recording specification. Moreover, body charges should be ≤ 60fps.
Avata 2 vs. Avata: the precise flight expertise
Flying the 2 drones does really feel fairly totally different — and for some clear causes.
Acro mode
The Avata 2 pairs with the brand new DJI RC Movement 3 controller, which options “One-Push” buttons that make your drone do flips, rolls, and drifts. Provided that pilots are now not restricted to M-mode FPV Distant Controller customers, this makes capturing dynamic FPV footage simpler than ever, particularly for newbie pilots.
| Characteristic | DJI Avata 2 | DJI Avata |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobatic Maneuvers | One-Push Flips, Rolls & Drifts (RC Movement 3 Controller) | Handbook management required |
FPV Goggles
With the Avata 2 come the DJI Goggles 3, which additionally occur to be appropriate with the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Professional. The DJI Goggles 3 provide an enormous improve from the unique DJI Goggles — however by many metrics they’re even higher than the DJI Goggles Integra that DJI put out final yr.
Essentially the most noticeable variations on the brand new DJI Goggles 3? Adjustable diopters, a 10-bit enhanced show with a 100Hz refresh charge, and binocular cameras for improved situational consciousness with out eradicating the goggles. You’ll be able to even share the dwell feed from the goggles with others utilizing the DJI Fly App.
Avata 2 vs. Avata: the drone’s construct
So what’s truly new and improved within the physique of the Avata 2? You’ll discover just a few issues, together with a barely prolonged wheelbase, which DJI says makes it extra energy environment friendly.
It’s additionally usually quieter when within the air than the Avata. That mentioned, it’s nonetheless considerably loud. I used to be flying in my patio and my neighbor got here out after listening to the noise, so mood your expectations that it’s completely silent.
And it’s ever so barely smaller by way of weight, coming in at 30 grams lower than the unique Avata. Although, word that the size and width dimensions even have barely elevated (the rotor diameter stays at 3 inches).
For racing of us, it additionally will get a bit quicker, able to flying at 9 m/s whereas in Sport mode.
| Characteristic | DJI Avata 2 | DJI Avata |
|---|---|---|
| Takeoff Weight | 377 grams | 405 grams |
| Dimensions | 185×212×64 mm | 180x180x80mm |
| Max Ascent Pace | 6 m/s (Regular mode) 9 m/s (Sport mode) |
6 m/s (Regular mode) 6 m/s (Sport mode) |
Security options
The Avata 2 comes with an up to date propeller guard for higher safety in tight areas. It additionally encompasses a new “Turtle Mode” that flips the drone upright if it lands on its again. Plus, an improved low-altitude flight mode means elevated security indoors.
| Characteristic | DJI Avata 2 | DJI Avata |
|---|---|---|
| Propeller Guard | Up to date for higher safety | Fundamental propeller guard |
| Turtle Mode | Flips drone upright if landed on again | N/A |
| Low-Altitude Flight Mode | Improved security options | Fundamental low-altitude flight mode |
Flight time
Not solely does Avata 2 provide practically 30% extra battery life (23 minutes over the Avata’s 18 minutes), however the charging system is extra highly effective, too.
| Characteristic | DJI Avata 2 | DJI Avata |
|---|---|---|
| Most Flight Time | 23 minutes | 18 minutes |
| Battery Charging | Commonplace charging or Two-Means Charging Hub for energy switch | Commonplace charging |
With a most flight time of 23 minutes, the machine meets or exceeds the battery wants of most customers seeking to get pleasure from immersive flying with the RC Movement. Because the flight time improved by 28% over the earlier technology, customers can expertise longer immersive flights, unlocking extra flying situations.
In fact, most does imply max, so flying in modes like M mode at full throttle will unsurprisingly considerably scale back that.
It takes about 88 minutes to completely cost the drone, which is completed by the Sort-C to Sort-C PD quick cost cable (included once you bought the combo). When you’re utilizing the fancier charging hub within the 3-battery model of the combo, you’ll be able to cost your drone totally in 45 minutes.
And right here’s one other neat function of the charging hub: energy accumulation. With a number of batteries sitting within the charging hub, you’ll be able to merely press a button to switch the remaining energy out of your assortment of mostly-depleted batteries to 1 single battery with the very best remaining energy. So, should you had one battery with 50% cost, and a couple of with 25% cost, you may switch the facility from the 2 25% charged batteries to create one, suddenly-fully-charged battery.
DJI Avata 2 vs. Avata: what do you have to purchase given the associated fee?
The Avata 2 is clearly dearer than the unique Avata. The bottom combo for the Avata 2 begins at $999, whereas the DJI Avata Explorer Combo goes for simply $719.
If cash isn’t any object, completely go together with the DJI Avata 2. However do you NEED to spend the additional, practically $300? I’d nonetheless say sure. There are such a lot of tweaks within the Avata 2 that enhance upon the unique. The unique was neat, however had a whole lot of kinks to work out. The headset was annoying and uncomfortable to put on. The unique Movement Controller didn’t really feel as intuitive because it ought to have been.
Workflows post-flight had been difficult. For instance, the brand new Fast Join&Switch function makes it straightforward to add footage to your telephone with out connecting any wires. On the DJI Avata, you both needed to take away your SD card or use a wire to export the footage. This cumbersome course of simply added another barrier in sharing video.
Except you’re tremendous on a funds, it’s not price reducing corners and selecting the cheaper mannequin. Of us new to DJI’s FPV merchandise ought to go together with the Avata 2.
Do you have to improve to the DJI Avata 2 should you already personal an Avata?
Now what about upgrading from the Avata to the Avata 2? That is trickier, because you already sunk the primary value. Is it price shopping for one more drone when you have already got a drone that’s fairly good?
There are just a few conditions the place I’d say positively sure. When you’re flying open air or must fly for prolonged time, the roughly 30% improve in battery life is big.
You additionally would possibly take into account the improve if picture high quality is essential. When you’re simply posting on Instagram, you may not discover a distinction. However should you’re attempting to win a drone video contest, take into account the improve.
- DJI Avata 2 Fly Extra Combo (Single Battery): Consists of the DJI Avata 2 drone, Goggles 3, RC Movement 3, and various equipment like cables. Worth: $999
- DJI Avata 2 Fly Extra Combo (Three Batteries): Consists of every part within the single-battery combo plus a two-way charging hub, two batteries and one sling bag. Worth: $1,199
Then there’s another choice if you wish to improve your equipment to the Avata 2, however with out truly spending $999 on a complete new equipment. You should buy the drone solely — no goggles or controller — for simply $489. If you have already got the unique Avata, controllers and goggles and also you’re positive holding your previous controller and goggles, you may have the very best of each worlds of kinds, as you’ll be able to nonetheless use the brand new drone with the earlier technology goggles and controller.
Positive, you gained’t get the brand new, extra snug (and higher designed headset). You gained’t get the cool Acro motions with the DJI RC Movement 3. However, you’re going to get the remainder of what Avata 2 has to supply.
So with that — should you’re an present Avata proprietor who prioritizes improved picture high quality, smoother stabilization, easy acrobatics, longer flight occasions, and a extra immersive FPV expertise with enhanced security options — then the Avata 2 is a worthwhile improve.