DJI Avata 2 review: is it the best FPV drone for beginners?

FPV (First Person View) drone flights have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering flight enthusiasts the chance to experience flight directly from the pilot’s perspective. While FPV flying used to require building and setting up the drone yourself, solutions are now on the market that make it accessible to a wider audience. One such solution is the DJI Avata 2, which offers users an intuitive and immersive flight experience.

The DJI Avata 2 is DJI’s third FPV-centric drone, launched on 11 April 2024. It follows the Avata model, released in August 2022, and the DJI FPV, launched in March 2021. The Avata 2 is available as a Fly More Combo kit, which includes the drone, the new DJI Goggles 3 goggles and the new DJI Motion Controller 3 controller. The price of the bundle with one battery is €999, while the bundle with three batteries costs €1189.

Design and durability

Compared to its predecessor, the Avata 2 has been completely redesigned, with a longer wheelbase and a flatter frame that improves aerodynamics. DJI claims that the Avata 2 is more durable and powerful than its predecessor, while being 30 grams lighter. Without a battery, the drone is surprisingly light, but its ability to withstand repeated impacts depends largely on the user’s flight skills and use of the built-in obstacle detection and avoidance features.

Flight modes and control

Avata 2 offers three flight modes.

  • Normal Mode: suitable for beginners, offering a stable and safe flight experience where the drone uses obstacle avoidance sensors and automatic return to the starting point.
  • Sport Mode: offers increased speed and manoeuvrability, but without obstacle avoidance.
  • Manual Mode: available only with the DJI Remote Controller 3 (sold separately), allows experienced pilots to take full control of the drone, including acrobatic manoeuvres.

The DJI Motion Controller 3, which is included in the kit, provides an intuitive control experience, allowing even beginners to operate the drone with ease. More experienced pilots may prefer the traditional control panel, which allows full manual control.

Camera and image quality

The Avata 2 is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that allows recording up to 4K 60 frames per second video. Improved dynamic range ensures more detailed shadow areas and better balance with bright areas. In addition, the drone supports the 10-bit D-Log M colour profile for more flexibility in post-processing.

Battery life

The 2150 mAh battery allows up to 26 minutes of flight time in windless conditions. More intensive manoeuvres and windy conditions can reduce flight time, but overall the Avata 2 offers good durability, which is particularly useful for commercial users who need longer flight times.

Summary

The DJI Avata 2 brings FPV flying to the masses, offering a user-friendly and engaging experience for beginners and experienced pilots alike. Its intuitive controls, high quality camera and rugged design make it an attractive choice for those who want to try FPV flying without the complexity of traditional FPV drones. Priced at €1189 for the Fly More Combo, it’s a competitive offer for those looking for a quality FPV drone.