DJI Avata 2: New FPV drone does automatic flips and rolls

Drones that can be controlled in first-person view (FPV) have been around for several years. In 2022, DJI launched the Avata a very beginner-friendly model on the market. This is now getting a successor that has been improved in every nook and cranny.

Drone

EUR916,16

DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Single Battery)

23 min, 377 g, 12 Mpx

8

Drone

EUR1406,41

DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Three Batteries)

23 min, 377 g, 12 Mpx

40

The DJI Avata 2 is designed to make FPV drones even easier to operate while delivering better image quality. It has a larger camera sensor than its predecessor, stays in the air longer and offers automated flight manoeuvres. The most important specifications at a glance:

The improved battery life and the low weight are striking. The new sensor now also allows video recording in HDR - or in 10 bit with the D-Log M colour profile, which offers more SDR dynamic range. There is also optional digital image stabilisation. The maximum speed in sport mode is still 58 km/h (16 m/s).

In manual mode, DIJ reduces the maximum speed in EU regions from 27 m/s to 19 m/s in order to maintain the C1 classification. This means that the Avata 2 falls into the "A1 < 900g" category in Switzerland. This means relatively relaxed rules. However, it is important to note that when flying with FPV drones, a second person must stand next to the pilot to keep an eye on the aircraft.

Automatic flips, drifts and rolls

The small FPV drone is technically on a par with normal mid-range quadrocopters such as the DJI Air 3. However, the flying experience is completely different thanks to the first-person perspective. The biggest innovation is likely to be the automatic flight manoeuvres. Previously, spectacular manoeuvres required manual mode and a lot of practice. The DJI Avata 2 can perform three tricks automatically:

• One-Push Flip (somersault around the Y-axis)
• One-Push 180° Drift (half turn in flight around the Z-axis)
• One-Push Roll (roll around the X-axis)

Obstacle detection has also been improved. The Avata now has sensors facing backwards, in addition to those facing downwards. DJI is thus aiming even more than before to make entry into the FPV world as easy as possible. The focus seems to be on entertainment value.

New goggles

DJI is also renewing its FPV goggles along with the Avata 2. The DJI Goggles 3 have two micro OLED displays with a frame rate of 100 hertz. They support DJI's latest transmission standard O4, which should ensure a more stable connection. This was one of the few points of criticism when I tested the previous model. Short-sightedness can be corrected by up to 10 dioptres using the rotary wheel.

The augmented reality (AR) view is a new feature: The goggles have their own cameras that record your surroundings and transmit them to the displays, simulating transparent goggles. This is practical if you want to land the drone without taking off your goggles, for example. The live feed from the aircraft can also be transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone. Previously, a cable was required for this.

The DJI Avata 2 will be available from the end of April. The introductory price for the Fly More Combo with DJI Goggles 3 and a battery is 999 francs. <p