DJI Avata

The DJI Avata is a recently released first-person view (FPV) drone that breaks away from the niche market of racing-centric drones and is tailored for the average drone hobbyist. This new drone is targeted at those who enjoyed controlling radio-controlled airplanes during their childhood and now wish to enjoy the thrill of piloting a drone from a first-person perspective.

Unlike previous FPV drones, the DJI Avata is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its single-handed motion controller is easy to use and can be mastered within minutes, making the flight experience almost effortless. This makes the drone highly accessible even for beginners, removing the barrier of complex controls. Moreover, the drone is equipped with a gimbaled 4K camera, which allows users to capture stunning aerial footage. Although the drone is priced at $1,388, it offers sufficient value for the price given its unique features and high-quality performance.

From a specifications standpoint, the DJI Avata is compact yet robust. Its dimensions are 3.2 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches, and it weighs 14.3 ounces. The drone has a camera capable of shooting 4K video and capturing 12-megapixel stills. Despite its compact size, the Avata can reach speeds of up to 30mph in normal mode and 60mph in manual mode. Its battery life is also impressive, allowing for a flight duration of up to 18 minutes. The drone has a storage capacity of a microSD card and 20GB internal storage.

The Avata comes in several variations, with the Pro-View Combo recommended for most users. This bundle includes the drone, goggles, and a motion controller – all the essentials for a flight. The drone's physical appearance is quite distinctive, with a design resembling a compact, airborne pickup truck. The battery, which is a 2420-mAh brick-shaped component, is mainly dedicated to the frame, and the drone is built to endure damage with sturdy prop guards to tolerate high-speed collisions.

The goggles included with the Avata are light and comfortable due to the external battery, despite their geeky appearance. They offer a sharp 1080p, 100 fps display and have extensive diopter controls. They even come with removable frames where prescription lenses can be inserted for those who need them.

One notable feature of the Avata is the single-handed motion controller. This joystick-like device simplifies the control scheme, enabling users to fly the drone by moving the controller in the desired direction and using a trigger for acceleration.

Despite its many positives, the Avata does have some drawbacks. The initial setup can be daunting due to the lack of a concise quick-start guide, and the drone's design makes accessing the microSD card slot and USB-C port quite challenging. Additionally, the Avata lacks one-touch cinematic modes and collision avoidance sensors. Nevertheless, these downsides do not overshadow the drone's overall performance and unique features.

The DJI Avata offers a thrilling and immersive flying experience. The video footage captured by its 4K camera is impressive, offering realistic and natural colors. Although it's not cheap, it is a worthy investment for enthusiasts who have the means and the desire to experience first-person flying. As a word of caution, users should remember to fly the drone responsibly, avoiding populated areas and registering their drone with the FAA to avoid hefty fines. Overall, the Avata is a standout choice for flying enthusiasts and homemade drone video creators.