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 many who already personal the Avata (or want 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: think about the worth

To preface this information, the Avata 2 is best on almost each metric. It wouldn’t make sense to check the 2 purely on specs like digicam 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 value each time. Positive, the Avata 2’s digicam is best, however is it THAT a lot better?

If cash is not 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 in case you’re value 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 affordable configuration prices $999, however right here’s what you get with each configurations:

What do you really 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 a couple of extra configurations to select from. On the time of the 2022 launch, your choices included:

So whereas the unique Avata launched at an general greater price ticket than what the brand new DJI Avata 2 sells for right this moment, it’s undergone a big value reduce.

Now, the Avata Explorer Combo goes for $719, which is $280 much less. As you flick thru this information, think about whether or not the brand new options are actually definitely worth the roughly 30% low cost you’d get by choosing the Avata vs. Avata 2.

Avata 2 vs. Avata: evaluating the digicam

One huge 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 higher gentle sensitivity and better element (notably in low gentle).

Listed below are some key specs, in contrast:

Be aware the excessive decision on each variations, which implies clear footage even when you find yourself cropping in post-production.

One thing each drones have in widespread — however that you simply gained’t discover in most digicam drones — is a uniquely extensive lens The DJI Avata and Avata 2 digicam lenses provide a most FOV of 155°. Evaluate these towards one thing just like the DJI Mini 4 Professional which movies video with a 75° subject of view (solely increasing to 100° with a wide-angle lens attachment). What meaning in observe is principally a much bigger feeling such as you’re within the zone on this big-screen, intense model view.

One other element of the DJI Avata 2 to like that you simply gained’t discover executed as nicely within the authentic Avata: far more inner storage. The truth is, 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, guaranteeing sharp and steady movies even throughout high-speed maneuvers or windy situations.

Each RockSteady and HorizonSteady depend on DJI’s Digital Picture Stabilization algorithm — model 3.5 — to be particular. Simply word you could’t allow each stabilization modes concurrently, and so they 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 completely 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. On condition that pilots are not restricted to M-mode FPV Distant Controller customers, this makes capturing dynamic FPV footage simpler than ever, particularly for newbie pilots.

FPV Goggles

With the Avata 2 come the DJI Goggles 3, which additionally occur to be suitable 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.

Probably the most noticeable variations on the brand new DJI Goggles 3? Adjustable diopters, a 10-bit enhanced show with a 100Hz refresh fee, and binocular cameras for improved situational consciousness with out eradicating the goggles. You possibly can even share the stay feed from the goggles with others utilizing the DJI Fly App.

Avata 2 vs. Avata: the drone’s construct

So what’s really new and improved within the physique of the Avata 2? You’ll discover a couple of 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 when it comes to 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 people, it additionally will get a bit sooner, able to flying at 9 m/s whereas in 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.

Flight time

Not solely does Avata 2 provide almost 30% extra battery life (23 minutes over the Avata’s 18 minutes), however the charging system is extra highly effective, too.

With a most flight time of 23 minutes, the system 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 era, 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 cut back that.

It takes about 88 minutes to totally cost the drone, which is completed by the Kind-C to Kind-C PD quick cost cable (included while you bought the combo). Should you’re utilizing the fancier charging hub within the 3-battery model of the combo, you possibly can cost your drone absolutely in 45 minutes.

And right here’s one other neat characteristic of the charging hub: energy accumulation. With a number of batteries sitting within the charging hub, you possibly can merely press a button to switch the remaining energy out of your assortment of mostly-depleted batteries to at least one single battery with the very best remaining energy. So, in case you had one battery with 50% cost, and a couple of with 25% cost, you might switch the ability from the 2 25% charged batteries to create one, suddenly-fully-charged battery.

DJI Avata 2 vs. Avata: what must you purchase given the associated fee?

The Avata 2 is clearly costlier 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 is not any object, completely go along with the DJI Avata 2. However do you NEED to spend the additional, almost $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 quite a 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 have been sophisticated. For instance, the brand new Fast Join&Switch characteristic makes it simple to add footage to your cellphone 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 yet one more barrier in sharing video.

Until you’re tremendous on a funds, it’s not price chopping corners and selecting the cheaper mannequin. Of us new to DJI’s FPV merchandise ought to go along with the Avata 2.

Must you improve to the DJI Avata 2 in case 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 a couple of conditions the place I’d say undoubtedly sure. Should you’re flying outdoor or must fly for prolonged time, the roughly 30% enhance in battery life is big.

You additionally may think about the improve if picture high quality is crucial. Should you’re simply posting on Instagram, you may not discover a distinction. However in case you’re making an attempt to win a drone video contest, think about 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. Value: $999
• DJI Avata 2 Fly Extra Combo (Three Batteries): Consists of all the pieces within the single-battery combo plus a two-way charging hub, two batteries and one sling bag. Value: $1,199

Then there’s another choice if you wish to improve your equipment to the Avata 2, however with out really 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 fantastic preserving your outdated controller and goggles, you might have one of the best of each worlds of types, as you possibly can nonetheless use the brand new drone with the earlier era 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 — in case you’re an current Avata proprietor who prioritizes improved picture high quality, smoother stabilization, easy acrobatics, longer flight instances, and a extra immersive FPV expertise with enhanced security options — then the Avata 2 is a worthwhile improve.

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