After flying the DJI Avata 2 for over six months, I’ve gathered some insights on the way it compares to conventional 5-inch FPV drones. Whereas the Avata 2 is a wonderful drone in lots of respects, it’s not with out its trade-offs. On this purchaser’s information, we’ll evaluate the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones by way of flight efficiency, functions, and limitations. This can make it easier to make an knowledgeable resolution based mostly in your wants and flying model.
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The place to Purchase?
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
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Chasing Quick-Shifting Objects
In contrast to conventional digicam drones just like the DJI Mavic or Mini, the Avata 2 supplies dynamic, responsive, and interesting flight experiences—good for cinematic pictures or informal flying. You may fly it like a freestyle drone, but it surely’s significantly slower in comparison with {custom} constructed 5inch FPV drones.
In case your aim is to chase fast-moving objects like vehicles, a 5-inch FPV drone is certainly the higher alternative. These drones can simply attain speeds over 150km/h (~100mph), and a few fashions even exceed 200 km/h (~130mph). The DJI Avata 2, alternatively, tops out round 100km/h (~60mph) in calm circumstances.
Whereas the Avata 2 has built-in prop guards for security, they create extra air resistance, decreasing the drone’s agility and making it much less perfect for freestyle flying. In case your focus is on cinematic pictures and cruising, the Avata 2 is a strong alternative, however for high-speed motion, the 5-inch FPV drone wins arms down.
Diving Mountains and Buildings
For excessive dives off tall mountains or buildings, the Avata 2 faces some limitations. It has a 500-meter restrict, which causes the drone to refuse to fly any increased when you attain that top cap. Moreover, the prop guards don’t permit for easy dives, resulting in potential wobbles or shakes throughout free falls. 5-inch drones, with out prop guards, excel at dives and supply a smoother free-fall expertise. And you may fly as far and as excessive as your battery and radio/video hyperlinks permit.
Flying within the Wind
In terms of flying in windy circumstances, 5-inch FPV drones are the clear winners. These drones are heavier and extra highly effective, permitting them to deal with stronger winds. In distinction, the Avata 2 struggles in winds exceeding 30km/h (20MPH), typically displaying “Excessive wind velocity” warnings, and the drone is much less steady on this situation and can drift.
Lengthy-Vary Flying
Each the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones can obtain spectacular vary, however the Avata 2 could be very succesful at this out of the field. You don’t must tinker with the setup, or add extra gear, it simply works. For 5-inch FPV drones, reaching long-range flight requires deciding on the fitting propellers, utilizing a big Li-ion battery, and optimizing antenna—duties that demand extra expertise and data. For a simple long-range setup, the Avata 2 is the simpler choice.
Ease of Use and Comfort
As somebody who travels incessantly, I prioritize comfort and portability.
The DJI Avata 2 could be very moveable, mild weight and hassle-free. I like how all of the gear suits in the identical small storage bag. It’s a ready-to-fly resolution that doesn’t require any meeting or tuning. Proper out of the field, the Avata 2 affords 15-20 minutes of flight time and greater than 5 km of vary.
In contrast, with my 5-inch FPV drones, I’ve to convey a giant backpack with a lot of totally different gear. Additionally they supply a lot shorter flight time, sometimes round 5-6 minutes (although you may prolong this with a bigger battery), and so they require extra observe to grasp attributable to their uncooked energy. There’s additionally the added complexity of constructing, tuning, and sustaining the drone.
The DJI Avata 2 helps a number of flight modes—Regular, Sport, and Handbook (Acro). For inexperienced persons, Regular and Sport modes supply altitude maintain, good touchdown, and return-to-home options, significantly decreasing the probability of crashes. This makes studying FPV flying considerably extra accessible.
Artistic Photographs
My favourite function of the Avata 2 is its adjustable one-axis digicam gimbal. Conventional FPV drones sometimes have mounted digicam angles, limiting inventive flexibility. With Avata 2, you may dynamically change digicam angles mid-flight, enabling modern pictures like flying backwards whereas adjusting the digicam angle, offering unparalleled cinematic prospects.
Reliability
It may be stunning for some, however I really really feel extra assured flying long-range or over water with the Avata 2 attributable to its dependable GPS system and Return to Residence (RTH) function. When you can add GPS to a {custom} constructed 5-inch FPV drone and setup comparable “return to residence” function in Betaflight, DJI’s autonomous flight know-how is extra dependable, mature and user-friendly. The Avata 2’s superior options give it a security edge over custom-built drones with none tinkering.
The Avata 2 additionally has emergency braking, by urgent the brake button, the drone simply stops and hover on the identical spot and wait in your command, which is admittedly helpful in difficult surroundings, espeically for inexperienced persons. Customized constructed drones don’t have this function, you may put it in self-stabilized mode equivalent to Angle mode, however it should drift round and you continue to have to regulate its altitude manually which isn’t very newbie pleasant.
Flexibility
5-inch FPV drones supply unmatched flexibility and customization, whereas Avata 2 suffers from its closed DJI ecosystem.
In contrast to custom-built drones the place particular person elements could be changed or upgraded based mostly in your flying model. Whether or not you need to deal with freestyle, racing, or long-range flights, you may customise the drone to fit your wants.
With the Avata 2, you’re locked into DJI’s equipment, batteries, goggles, and controllers. Repairing or customizing the drone your self voids the guarantee. It’s a improbable out-of-the-box drone however lacks the flexibility that comes with a {custom} 5-inch setup.
Sturdiness
The Avata 2 will not be made for crashes and the plastic body could be simply broken. Alternatively, {custom} constructed FPV drones normally use sturdy carbon fibre frames and might take some beating.
Price
The preliminary price for each drones is definitely fairly comparable, particularly when you’re utilizing DJI elements (equivalent to DJI Goggles and the O4 Professional air unit) in your 5-inch FPV drone construct. Nevertheless, in terms of repairs, 5-inch drones are cheaper and simpler to repair. You may exchange particular person elements, like motors or frames, your self. The Avata 2, alternatively, is nearly not possible to restore at residence attributable to its refined design. You may change propellers, that’s about it.
Whereas DJI affords DJI Care, which reduces restore and alternative prices, you’re restricted within the variety of claims, and replacements can take weeks. DJI Care Refresh insurance coverage prices round $59/12 months, with a $50 alternative payment for the primary crash and $200 for subsequent replacements. This may be costly if crashes are frequent.
And when you plan to fly so much, buying further batteries are pricey, roughly $100 every, in comparison with $20-$40 for typical FPV drone batteries.
Digital camera Body Price Restrictions
The Avata 2 digicam lacks the favored cinematic body price of 24fps. Though it helps 4K 60fps, filmmakers preferring conventional movie aesthetics may miss having 24fps or 48fps choices. With a {custom} constructed FPV drones, you may simply put a GoPro on it and use 24fps. You may additionally put a GoPro on the Avata 2, but it surely’s going to fly so badly because of the lack of energy.
Ultimate Verdict: Which Drone Is Proper for You?
After a 12 months of use, I firmly consider the DJI Avata 2 stays a improbable drone, particularly for content material creators prioritizing comfort, portability, and reliability. Its proprietary nature and value could deter freestyle pilots preferring customization, however for skilled filmmakers or hobbyists who need highly effective inventive flexibility with out complexity, the Avata 2 stays a compelling alternative—even immediately.
Select the DJI Avata 2 if:
- You need an all-in-one, ready-to-fly resolution that avoids the complexity of {custom} builds.
- You prioritize easy, high-quality footage for cinematography.
- Security and GPS return-to-home options are essential to you.
- You like a less complicated setup with minimal tuning and upkeep.
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Select a 5-Inch FPV Drone if:
- You’re searching for high-performance freestyle flying or racing.
- You get pleasure from constructing, repairing, and customizing your drone for various flying types.
- You need to have the ability to fly in windy environments or sort out difficult, fast-paced flights.
- You’re keen on pushing the bounds of what an FPV drone can do by way of agility and pace.
- You anticipate to crash so much and might be repairing the drone by your self.
Learn to construct your personal 5inch FPV drone on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Each the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones excel in several areas. The Avata 2 is ideal for cinematic FPV pictures and other people looking for easy FPV options, whereas 5-inch FPV drones are the go-to for seasoned pilots who don’t thoughts tinkering and like excessive efficiency. Your alternative in the end comes all the way down to your flying model, expertise degree, and what you need to obtain along with your drone.