If flying like a bird and viewing the world from a high altitude seems appealing to you this DJI Avata is an excellent option. The first-person view (FPV) drone is available as a stand-alone item or in combination with a pair of FPV Googles and a controller. Our test unit is the Pro-View Combo for S$1,879, that comes with the brand new DJI Goggles 2 along with the DJI Motion Controller. The less expensive S$1,549 bundle includes the old DJI FPV Goggles V2.
Quick specifications
1/1.7-inch of CMOS (48MP) with 155 degrees FOV, f2.8
20GB internal storage, microSD slot
2,420mAh Li-ion battery
DJI Goggles 2 HD resolution and with 290g
The first-person perspective of flying is difficult if you’ve not been there before. It is possible to practice using the DJI Virtual Flight app that connects your smartphone and DJI Goggles 2. DJI Goggles 2, and provides the fundamentals in a virtual course. The Motion Controller is straightforward. It is easy to point down to dive, then pull upwards to ascend, just as an ordinary joystick. You press the trigger to accelerate and then move forward. Your wrist is rotated to turn. It’s easy to understand if you’ve been on a flight simulator. It’s actually more fun as opposed to using an actual controller, such as that of the DJI Mavic Pro 3. I also tried to fly further than I usually do because the control was precise.
The drone’s own camera shoots at 4K/60FPS and up to 100FPS with smaller resolutions, such as 2.7K or 1080p. The drone comes with 20GB of storage, however you can also add micro-SD cards for additional storage. The ports are on the bottom part of the propeller’s guard. In contrast to other DJI drones Avata, the Avata isn’t able to fold. It’s more of a fixed layout with the battery taking most of the weight. It’s still small enough that to fit into my camera bag without difficulty. Both the drone and the Goggles can record your video, however you’ll need to record with the drone. This is because it’s not affected by any problems with video transmission when you fly far away.
The Goggles aren’t heavy, but they’re not the most comfortable to wear due to them pressing the cheekbones of your face. It’s not necessary to wear the glasses for long as the Avata is recommended for an average flight time of just 18 minutes. However, I’ve noticed that the average time is 9 minutes or so. It is possible to adjust the Goggle’s lenses for shortsightedness or the distance between your eyes quickly. The straps fit on your head, and are pretty safe. The lens resolution isn’t HD however it’s clear and bright enough. I loved flying across the sky just looking from the glasses. The range is good, reaching 500m or more, with no obstacles. The range did begin to decrease about 300m when it’s not completely clear. The drone will return to its home base in the event that it loses signal.
It’s a great model. DJI Avata isn’t cheap at S$1,879 for the Pro View Combo However, I believe it’s worth every penny considering the amount of amusement I had flying it. Since it weighs over 250g, you’ll need to sign up through the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) before you are able to fly it. Also, be aware of flying in zones that are illegal.
