DJI has just announced the release of the highly anticipated DJI Avata 2 and Goggles 3 (Buy at Amazon/B&H Photo Video). This new addition to the Avata series promises to take the first-person view (FPV) drone experience to new heights, offering a range of impressive features and improvements over its predecessor. With a more affordable price point and enhanced capabilities, the Avata 2 is set to become the go-to drone for enthusiasts who want to experience the thrill of flying like never before.
The DJI Avata 2: A Significant Upgrade
The DJI Avata 2 boasts a host of upgrades that make it a significant improvement over the original Avata. One of the most notable changes is the larger 1/1.3-inch camera sensor, which features larger pixels to capture more light. DJI estimates that this new sensor offers two more stops of dynamic range, allowing for better image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
In addition to the improved camera, the Avata 2 also offers longer battery life, with a flight time of up to 23 minutes – four minutes more than its predecessor. The drone’s gimbal has also been enhanced, now offering a tilt range of negative 85 degrees to 80 degrees, providing greater flexibility in capturing stunning aerial footage.
The Avata 2’s design has been optimized for better aerodynamics, with a flatter and wider frame that weighs 28 grams less than the original. This new design, coupled with the three-bladed propellers, ensures more stable flight performance, even when diving or performing high-speed maneuvers. The drone also features backward collision avoidance sensors, adding an extra layer of safety during flight.
DJI Goggles 3: Immersive FPV Experience
The DJI Goggles 3, which come bundled with the Avata 2 kit, offer a truly immersive FPV experience. The dual 1080p 700-nit micro-OLED headset now features a built-in battery and GPS, eliminating the need for a dangling battery pack and phone tether for Remote ID. With an extra hour of battery life compared to the original goggles, pilots can enjoy longer flight sessions without interruption.
The Goggles 3 also boast a range of improvements to enhance the FPV experience. The headset now features two extra antennas and a new synchronization algorithm, ensuring smoother and more stable video transmission. The maximum video bitrate has been increased to 60Mbps, allowing for high-quality video streaming.
One of the most exciting features of the Goggles 3 is the passthrough view, enabled by a pair of outward-facing cameras. This allows pilots to view their surroundings without removing the headset, although the 44-degree field of view may be somewhat limited in practice.
RC Motion 3: Intuitive Flight Control
The DJI RC Motion 3, the bundled motion controller, has been redesigned to be more compact and lightweight. While some may find its size a bit toy-like, the buttons and joystick feel sturdy and responsive. The controller features a dual-stage trigger and a new dial that allows pilots to perform preprogrammed 360-degree flips, rolls, or 180-degree drifts with a simple flick of the joystick. While these camera movements may become repetitive over time, they add an element of fun and excitement to the flying experience.
Expanded Compatibility and Convenience
One of the most significant changes with the release of the Avata 2 and Goggles 3 is the expanded compatibility with other DJI drones. The Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 are now compatible with the DJI Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro, allowing pilots to enjoy an FPV experience with a wider range of drones.
The Avata 2 also offers improved convenience features, such as 46GB of built-in video storage, more than double that of the previous generation. This allows pilots to store up to 90 minutes of 1080p60 video or 45 minutes of 4K60 footage without the need for a microSD card. The drone’s built-in Wi-Fi enables direct downloading of footage to phones at speeds of up to 30MB/sec, as well as live feed sharing to mobile devices.
Pricing and Availability
The Avata 2 is available today; the $999 kit comes with the DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3; $1,199 also comes with two extra batteries, a sling bag, and a charging hub that can transfer power from multiple batteries to the one with the highest charge level. A stick-based controller is sold separately for $199, the RC Motion 3 is $99, and an ND filter kit is $79.
Conclusion
The DJI Avata 2 and Goggles 3 represent a significant step forward in the world of FPV drones, offering enhanced performance, improved image quality, and a more immersive flying experience. With its affordable price point and expanded compatibility with other DJI drones, the Avata 2 is poised to become a favorite among drone enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re an experienced pilot looking to take your skills to the next level or a beginner eager to experience the thrill of FPV flight, the DJI Avata 2 and Goggles 3 offer a compelling package that is sure to impress. With its cutting-edge features and user-friendly design, this new addition to the Avata series is set to redefine what is possible in the world of FPV drones.