DJI Avata 2: First-person drone comes with a larger sensor and more flight time

Around a year and a half ago, manufacturer DJI presented the Avata, an exciting first-person view (FPV) drone, which is now being replaced by its successor. Among other things, it offers better camera equipment and a longer flight time.

The DJI Avata 2 in detail

the new DJI Avata 2 FPV drone aims to offer “pure thrills”. Thanks to innovative goggles and motion control, you are virtually there live while flying, while the high-quality camera setup promises impressive shots.

The Avata 2 measures 185 mm x 212 mm x 64 mm (length x width x height) and is therefore extremely compact, while the weight of 377 grams is also pleasantly low. Nevertheless, the FPV drone has plenty of power and can reach speeds of up to 16 m/s horizontally and up to 9 m/s when climbing and descending.

DJI equips the drone with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which delivers a resolution of 12 megapixels and enables recordings in 3,840 x 2,160 pixels with up to 60 fps or in 4:3 format (3,840 x 2,880 pixels) with up to 60 fps and in HDR. Slow-motion recordings are possible in 120 fps at a maximum of 2.7K with 2,688 x 1,512 pixels.

The lens offers a large field of view of 155 degrees and is quite wide open at f/2.8 to capture a lot of light. The DJI Avata 2 can focus between 0.6 m and infinity. If desired, videos can also be recorded in 10-bit Log M format, which opens up more possibilities for post-processing and color grading.

RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady are used for image stabilization, which stabilize fast shots and thus ensure a blur-free image. A mechanical single-axis gimbal provides additional stabilization. The Avata 2’s 46 GB internal memory is used for storage.

More agile flights, longer flight time

The propellers of the DJI Avata 2 are protected to make them virtually indestructible even in the event of a fall. Thanks to the revised design, the drone should also be even more maneuverable, which is particularly advantageous in confined spaces. The maximum flight time is 23 minutes, five minutes more than its predecessor. This should result in a maximum flight distance of up to 13 kilometers.

The controls of the Avata 2 are said to be particularly simple and intuitive and are also aimed at beginners. For example, it is possible to bring the drone to an immediate stop at the touch of a button, while it can automatically turn back to the starting position after a fall thanks to “turtle mode”.

Operation via the DJI RC Motion 3 allows, for example, 360° turns forwards or backwards at the touch of a button or quick and easy 360° rolling using the analog stick. The FPV experience is also completed by the new DJI Goggles 3, which feature motion control.

By tilting the head, the Avata 2 adapts to the movements. There is also a new Real View PiP mode, which allows users to switch between the interactive user interface and the live view of the pilot’s real environment by double-tapping the right-hand control panel on the goggles. The flight images are always visible in the top left-hand corner. The DJI Goggles 3 use micro OLED screens with a refresh rate of 100 Hz and offer a diopter setting.

Professionals, on the other hand, can opt for the optional DJI FPV remote control 3, which should allow even more precise flight maneuvers in tight spaces thanks to two sticks.

Price and availability

The DJI Abata 2 can now be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Prices start from 489 euros for the drone alone. The Fly More Combo also includes the DJI Goggles 3 and DJI RC Motion 3 as well as an additional battery at a price of 999 euros. Alternatively, the bundle is also available with three additional batteries for 1,199 euros.