DJI is going to announce (March 2) its new FPV (First Point View) drone. The drone has leaked already, reveals one of a kind innovation and uniqueness regarding FPV technology. DJI’s goal is to expand the accessibility for FPV to hobbyists, which is a brave move since the FPV market is focused on professionals who know how to build and fly these powerful toys. Anyway, let’s have a glimpse at one of DJI’s most ambitious projects.
DJI FPV First Look
The DJI FPV Combo already leaked before so the new drone’s design may no longer be a surprise. A single camera is seated on the top, not the bottom, of the drone while forward and downward cameras are suggested to be obstacle avoidance instead. The FPV goggles look similar to DJI’s first version but V2 was noted to be lighter and the padding more comfortable this time around.
It has a different wing to body orientation than DJI’s other drones. Instead of the propellers laying on the same horizontal axis as the front camera array, they instead tilt forward in a way that appears to be designed to pull the drone forward. Since this is a FPV racing drone, this design likely makes the product significantly faster than DJI’s more photo and video-focused flying cameras.
Unboxing
Camera
In recent years, the FPV niche has changed from racing to cinematic footage thanks to advancements in action cameras like GoPro and DJI’s Osmo Action, along with FPV pilots like FPV Johnny and Nurk.
The specs aren’t confirmed, but the DJI FPV drone should be closer to the Mavic Mini in terms of sensor size capable of 12MP stills, 4K60p, and 1080 at 120p. The bitrate is unknown, but power concerns would have me leaning towards 100Mbps. That’s a solid number and a good first entry for DJI into the niche.
Goggles
The new FPV drone means a next-generation of DJI’s well-regarded digital FPV goggles. There isn’t a design change, but the internals is getting plenty of upgrades, including a higher refresh rate. Latency was already top-tier in the first version, so it will be something to watch if DJI can shave a few milliseconds off the transmission.
Controller
The biggest change is in the controller that comes as part of the combo. Shaped more like a gamepad than a box, the controller features DJI’s new detachable joysticks that hide inside the handles when not in use.
FPV Stats
- 21 minute flight time
- GPS Return-to-Home
- High-def low latency image transmission
- Two-axis gimbal
- 150km/h top speed
The last of the leaked photos shows the content of what seems to the DJI FPV Combo package. It includes the following:
- The DJI FPV drone with 4k60fps camera
- The DJI FPV Goggles V2
- Remote Controller 2
- AC Power Cable
- 6 Cell Lithium Intelligent Flight Battery
- Goggles Headband
- Control Sticks
- Goggles Power Cable
Propellers - Goggles Battery
- AC Power Adapter
- USB-C Data Cable
Top Shell - Goggles Antenna x 4
Manuals - USB-C OTG Cable
The DJI FPV Combo is expected to US$1300.00. We think that price point may even have been the starting point for development of a DJI FPV drone.
One concern surrounding the drone since it was first rumored would be the ease of use. It won’t be foolproof like a Mavic, but there are numerous safety features that will set it apart from the competition, including a return-to-home function.
We think the DJI FPV Combo is creating an entirely new FPV category for users looking for performance in a robust airframe, and/or those who just want a complete system without setting up a workshop in the basement.