Soon, DJI is going to announce a very cool product. That would be a CineWhoop version of its FPV drone (a Mini FPV) titled AVATA. Although leaks are everywhere, the question remains, what is it good for? Will the AVATA offer a new level of indoor aerial cinematography?
DJI AVATA: A CineWhoop style drone
The AVATA is DJI’s upcoming drone. It’s a mini FPV drone, which is much smaller than the current FPV drone, and with a CineWhoop style design (Cine derives from the word cinematic, and Whoop is derived from the TinyWhoop, which is a tiny propeller). The CineWhoop structure offers many advantages regarding the maneuverability of flying. Basically, CineWhoop can easily carry a GoPro camera. Thus, providing safe, steady, and high-quality aerial shots. Generally speaking, CineWhoops drones were created to provide smaller and safer options while flying in various environments. They usually run 3” propellers that are protected in ducts that give them more lift. The CineWhoops is for everyone who wants slow smooth footage. Hence, we can understand why DJI targets the CineWhoop market.
New Goggles 2 headset
Besides the actual drone, DJI is also going to release new goggles, named Goggles 2. Leakers confirm that these goggles will provide an immersive experience. As for the AVATA, a Motion Controller will be also provided as a set. Leaked pictures show the compactness of the Goggles 2 compared to the current DJI goggles. As for now, there’s no info regarding the compatibility of the Goggles 2 to the current DJI FPV drone. However, they will be compatible with the AVATA for sure.
Indoor cinematography
If so, the forthcoming DJI AVATA will allow filmmakers the privilege to shoot indoors with minimal hassle. As explained, the AVATA is much smaller in size compared to the DJI FPV drone, and thanks to its CineWhoop structure, it will be much safer to be operated indoors. On the other hand, shooting indoors demands excellent sensors and codecs. As for that, we are not sure if the AVATA has beefy specs in order to deliver professional results. Most probably it won’t unless a GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones is attached. According to the specs, the AVATA can lift a GoPro, especially the Black Bones model. When paired, indoors aerial cinematography might be a valid implementation for the AVATA.
DJI Avata general specifications
According to the last leak (published in the DJI AVATA FB group), here‘re the specs:
- 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor
- 48 MP
- FOV 155 degrees
- f/2.8 Aperture
- Focus Range 0.6m to infinity
- ISO range: 100 – 25600
- Video with the DJI Goggles 2: 4K at 50 and 60 fps, 2.7K at 50, 60, 100 fps, 1080p at 5and 0, 60, 100 fps
- Video with the DJI FPV Goggles V2: 4K at 50 and 60 fps, 2.7K at 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps, 1080p at 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps
- Codecs: H.264 and H.265
- EIS, RockSteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady
- Weight 410 grams
- Dimensions: 180x180x80 mm (unfolded), Diagonal 120 mm
- Speed: Manual 27 m/s, Sport 14 m/s, Normal 8 m/s
- Max hover time: 18 minutes
- Internal storage 20 GB
Prices and combos
The latest leak (published in the DJI AVATA FB group) exposed the prices and packages;
- Pro View Combo – DJI AVATA, DJI Goggles 2 + V1 Motion Controller: $1,388
- Fly Smart Combo – DJI AVATA, DJI FPV Goggles V1, V1 Motion Controller: $1,168
- DJI AVATA (single): $629
- DJI Goggles 2: $649
Initial thoughts
The DJI FPV drone was (and still is) a revolutionary device. It has been awarding content creators the privilege of FPV videography. DJI FPV shifts aerial FPV from being a niche hobby to a mainstream solution for videographers. DJI successfully packs the complicated aerial FPV profession in a much more friendlier package, simplifying the ability to get awesome aerial shots. It seems that with the AVATA, DJI wants to further expand the option for aerial FPV, by making it even more straightforward, easy, and not less important, safe. Paired with the GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones, the AVATA can make marvels, mainly when shooting indoors. Indeed, filming indoors with the AVATA would be its main advantage over his big brother, the DJI FPV. Here’ indoor aerial videography is simplified. Would you want one?
