Avata 2 vs. Avata: should you upgrade from the original model?

Avata 2 vs. Avata: should you upgrade from the original model?

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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 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.

For starters, listed here are some key variations it is best to know:

DJI Avata 2
DJI Avata
Can it do flips?Sure, with Straightforward Acro mode. Entrance/Again Flips, Left/Proper Rolls, 180° DriftsNo.
Digital camera1/1.Three″ CMOS Extremely-Vast-Angle Digital camera1/1.7″ CMOS Extremely-Vast-Angle Digital camera

Movies4K/60fps HDR Movies

4K/60fps Movies

Shade10-bit D-Log M Shade ModeD-Cinelike Shade Mode
Visible PositioningDownward/BackwardDownward
Max Flight Time23 minutes18 minutes
Max Video Transmission Distance13 km10 km
Inner Storage46 GB20 GB
Worth$999 (DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo)$829 (DJI Avata Explorer Combo)

Clearly, the DJI Avata 2 is best on virtually each metric save for one — worth. The main target of this information digs into whether or not you’re wonderful with the Avata, or higher off paying extra for the Avata 2.

Avata 2 (left) vs Avata (proper)

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 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 should issue within the worth each time. Positive, the Avata 2’s digital camera 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 worth delicate, let me inform you if it’s value paying extra for the Avata 2.

Avata 2 value

The brand new DJI Avata 2 with the DJI FPV Distant Controller Three. (Photograph by Sally French)

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 point out you what’s included. Test it out right here:

The unique Avata value

The unique DJI Avata drone.

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 larger price ticket than what the brand new DJI Avata 2 sells for at present, it’s undergone a big worth reduce.

Now, the Avata Explorer Combo goes for $719, which is $280 much less. As you flick through this information, contemplate whether or not the brand new options are actually well 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.

Outfitted with a brand new 1/1.Three 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 raised mild sensitivity and higher element (notably in low mild).

Listed here are some key specs, in contrast:

FunctionDJI Avata 2DJI Avata
Sensor Measurement1/1.Three-inch CMOS1/1.7-inch CMOS
Inner Storage46 GB20 GB
FOV155 levels155 levels
Aperture46GB20GB
Max Video Bitrate130 Mbps150 Mbps
Most Video Decision4K (four∶Three): 3840×2880@30/50/60fps
4K (16∶9): 3840×2160@30/50/60fps
2.7K (four∶Three): 2688×2016@30/50/60fps
2.7K (16∶9): 2688×1512@30/50/120fps
1080p (four∶Three): 1440×1080@30/50/120fps
1080p (16∶9): 1920×1080@30/50/120fps
With DJI FPV Goggles V2 :
4K@50/60fps
2.7k@50/60/100/120fps
1080P@50/60/100/120fps
With Imaginative and prescient (New Goggles)
4K@50/60fps
2.7k@50/60/100fps
1080P@50/60/100fps

Notice 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 widespread — however that you simply gained’t discover in most digital camera drones — is a uniquely large lens The DJI Avata and Avata 2 digital camera lenses supply a most FOV of 155°. Examine these towards one thing just like the DJI Mini 4 Pro which movies video with a 75° subject of view (solely increasing to 100° with a wide-angle lens attachment). What meaning in follow is principally a much 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 simply gained’t discover executed as properly within the unique Avata: far more inner storage. The truth is, over twice the quantity seen within the unique Avata. You won't even want a separate microSD to movie with this. 46GB is large — sufficient to retailer as much as about 90 minutes of video shot at 1080p/60fps.

How clean 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 secure movies even throughout high-speed maneuvers or windy circumstances.

Each RockSteady and HorizonSteady depend on DJI’s Digital Picture Stabilization algorithm — model Three.5 — to be particular. Simply notice you can’t allow each stabilization modes concurrently, they usually have to be used with DJI RC Movement Three 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 totally different — and for some clear causes.

Acro mode

The Avata 2 pairs with the brand new DJI RC Movement Three controller, which options “One-Push” buttons that make your drone do flips, rolls, and drifts. Provided 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.

FunctionDJI Avata 2DJI Avata
Acrobatic ManeuversOne-Push Flips, Rolls & Drifts (RC Movement Three Controller)Guide management required

FPV Goggles

With the Avata 2 come the DJI Goggles Three, which additionally occur to be suitable with the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro.& The DJI Goggles Three 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 yr.

The DJI Goggles bought with the unique Avata weren’t probably the most well-designed. (Photograph by Sally French)

Probably the most noticeable variations on the brand new DJI Goggles Three? 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 possibly can even share the reside feed from the goggles with others utilizing the DJI Fly App.

The brand new DJI Goggles Three (Photograph by Sally French)

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, observe that the size and width dimensions even have barely elevated (the rotor diameter stays at Three inches).

For racing people, it additionally will get a bit quicker, able to flying at 9 m/s whereas in Sport mode.

FunctionDJI Avata 2DJI Avata
Takeoff Weight377 grams405 grams
Dimensions185×212×64 mm180x180x80mm
Max Ascent Velocity‌6 m/s (Regular mode)
9 m/s (Sport mode)
‌6 m/s (Regular mode)
6 m/s (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.

FunctionDJI Avata 2DJI Avata
Propeller GuardUp to date for higher safetyPrimary propeller guard
Turtle ModeFlips drone upright if landed on againN/A
Low-Altitude Flight ModeImproved security optionsPrimary low-altitude flight mode

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.

FunctionDJI Avata 2DJI Avata
Most Flight Time23 minutes18 minutes
Battery ChargingNormal charging or Two-Means Charging Hub for energy switchCommonplace charging

With a most flight time of 23 minutes, the system meets or exceeds the battery wants of most customers trying 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.

In fact, most does imply max, so flying in modes like M mode at full throttle will unsurprisingly considerably scale back that.

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

The DJI Two-Approach Charging Hub (Photograph by Sally French)

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'll be able to 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, for those who had one battery with 50% cost, and a couple of with 25% cost, you might switch the facility from the 2 25% charged batteries to create one, suddenly-fully-charged battery.

DJI Avata 2 vs. Avata: what do you have to purchase given the price?

Sally French, The Drone Woman, with the DJI RC Movement Three and DJI Goggles Three. (Photograph by Sally French)

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 together 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 straightforward to add footage to your telephone 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 another barrier in sharing video.

Until you’re tremendous on a finances, it’s not value slicing corners and selecting the cheaper mannequin. People new to DJI’s FPV merchandise ought to go together with the Avata 2.

Do you have to improve to the DJI Avata 2 in case you already personal an Avata?

Should you’re new to the Avata household, go for the Avata 2. Should you’re upgrading from the unique Avata, contemplate buying simply the standalone drone to economize, however stick together with your previous goggles and controller. (Photograph by Sally French)

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 couple of conditions the place I’d say undoubtedly sure. In case you’re flying outside or have to fly for prolonged time, the roughly 30% improve in battery life is large.

You additionally may contemplate the improve if picture high quality is essential. For those who’re simply posting on Instagram, you won't discover a distinction. However when 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 Three, RC Movement Three, and various equipment like cables. Worth: $999
  • DJI Avata 2 Fly Extra Combo (Three Batteries): Consists of every little thing within the single-battery combo plus a two-way charging hub, two batteries and one sling bag. Worth: $1,199

Then there’s an alternative 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 purchase 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 protecting your previous controller and goggles, you can have one of the best of each worlds of types, as you'll be able to 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 Three. However, you'll get the remainder of what Avata 2 has to supply.

So with that — when you’re an present 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.

The publish Avata 2 vs. Avata: should you upgrade from the original model? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

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