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 need to rating a deal on the older mannequin as retailers filter stock, is it value 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 value paying extra for the brand new and improved DJI Avata 2.

DJI Avata 2 vs Avata: contemplate the worth

To preface this information, the Avata 2 is best on almost each metric. It wouldn’t make sense to match the 2 purely on specs like digital camera 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 worth each time. Certain, the Avata 2’s digital camera is best, however is it THAT significantly better?

If cash isn’t 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 the event you’re worth delicate, let me inform you if it’s value 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 cost effective configuration prices $999, however right here’s what you get with each configurations:

What do you truly get contained in the DJI Fly Extra Combo? I put collectively an unboxing of the three-battery combo to indicate you what’s included. Test it out right here:

The unique Avata value

When the unique Avata launched, there have been a number 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 increased price ticket than what the brand new DJI Avata 2 sells for in the present day, it’s undergone a major worth minimize.

Now, the Avata Explorer Combo goes for $719, which is $280 much less. As you flick thru this information, contemplate 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 digital camera

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 mild sensitivity and higher element (notably in low mild).

Listed here are some key specs, in contrast:

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

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

One other element of the DJI Avata 2 to like that you just gained’t discover executed as properly within the unique Avata: far more inner storage. Actually, over twice the quantity seen within the unique Avata. You won’t 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, making certain 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 notice you could’t allow each stabilization modes concurrently, they usually have to be used with DJI RC Movement 3 or RC Movement 2 with a 16:9 video recording specification. Moreover, body charges have to 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. Provided that pilots are now 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 appropriate with the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Professional.  The DJI Goggles 3 supply 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 12 months.

Essentially the most noticeable variations on the brand new DJI Goggles 3? Adjustable diopters, a 10-bit enhanced show with a 100Hz refresh price, and binocular cameras for improved situational consciousness with out eradicating the goggles. You’ll be able to even share the reside feed from the goggles with others utilizing the DJI Fly App.

Avata 2 vs. Avata: the drone’s construct

So what’s truly new and improved within the physique of the Avata 2? You’ll discover a number 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 stated, 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, notice 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 quicker, 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 includes 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 supply 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 gadget meets or exceeds the battery wants of most customers seeking to take pleasure in 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.

After all, 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 via the Kind-C to Kind-C PD quick cost cable (included if you bought the combo). Should you’re utilizing the fancier charging hub within the 3-battery model of the combo, you may cost your drone absolutely in 45 minutes.

And right here’s one other neat function of the charging hub: energy accumulation. With a number of batteries sitting within the charging hub, you may 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 best remaining energy. So, in the event you had one battery with 50% cost, and a couple of with 25% cost, you would 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 dearer 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 isn’t 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 plenty 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 difficult. For instance, the brand new Fast Join&Switch function 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 finances, it’s not value slicing corners and selecting the cheaper mannequin. Of us new to DJI’s FPV merchandise ought to go along with the Avata 2.

Do you have to improve to the DJI Avata 2 in the event 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 value shopping for yet one more drone when you have already got a drone that’s fairly good?

There are a number of conditions the place I’d say positively sure. Should you’re flying outdoor or have to fly for prolonged time, the roughly 30% improve in battery life is big.

You additionally would possibly contemplate the improve if picture high quality is crucial. Should you’re simply posting on Instagram, you won’t discover a distinction. However in the event you’re attempting to win a drone video contest, contemplate the improve.

• DJI Avata 2 Fly Extra Combo (Single Battery): Contains the DJI Avata 2 drone, Goggles 3, RC Movement 3, and diverse equipment like cables. Worth: $999
• DJI Avata 2 Fly Extra Combo (Three Batteries): Contains all the pieces within the single-battery combo plus a two-way charging hub, two batteries and one sling bag. Worth: $1,199

Then there’s another choice if you wish to improve your package to the Avata 2, however with out truly spending $999 on an entire new package. 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 nice maintaining your previous controller and goggles, you would have the most effective of each worlds of kinds, as you may nonetheless use the brand new drone with the earlier era goggles and controller.

Certain, 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 the event you’re an current Avata proprietor who prioritizes improved picture high quality, smoother stabilization, easy acrobatics, longer flight occasions, and a extra immersive FPV expertise with enhanced security options — then the Avata 2 is a worthwhile improve.

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