DJI makes two excellent drones for different purposes: the adrenaline-pumping Avata 2, an FPV (First-Person View) racing flyer, and the versatile Air 3, a high-quality (yet easy to fly) camera drone for stunning visuals. So between the DJI Avata 2 vs. Air 3, which one should you get? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, so let’s break down which drone is right for you.

DJI Avata 2 vs. Air 3: a comparison of price and specs

The DJI Avata 2 drone is all about FPV (First Person View) flying, allowing pilots to see the world through the drone’s eyes by wearing the DJI Goggles 3. It’s great for flying indoors, particularly in tight spaces, or for people who want to take wildly acrobatic action videos. It launched in April 2024 as the second edition of the Avata, which was DJI’s first forray into Cinewhoop-style drones.

The DJI Air 3 is a more traditional camera drone — and it’s an ultra-high quality one at that. With two cameras (a wide-angle camera and a 3x medium tele camera), it’s one of the best camera drones out there. But it’s also quite simply a powerful workhorse, offering boffo specs like 46 minutes of flight time. That’s double the flight time of the Avata 2.

And with omnidirectional binocular vision system — supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft — it’s practically crash proof. That makes it especially great for beginners who still want a super-high-quality drone.

Both have a similar price point. Though the Avata 2 starts at $999, ultimately you’ll likely end up paying $200 more to upgrade to the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 (so budget $1,199). That’s the only way you can fly the Avata 2 in manual mode, which is really where you can unlock those incredible flight capabilities. The DJI Air 3 starts at $1,099, putting you in the same ballpark in terms of cost.

Beyond just price, though, here’s a comparison of key specs differentiating the DJI Avata 2 vs. Air 3:

So what do all these specs actually mean? Here’s a deeper dive into the DJI Avata 2 vs. DJI Air 3 drones:

DJI Avata 2 vs. Air 3 camera

Based on camera alone, the DJI Air 3 is the clear winner versus the Avata 2.

Following in the footsteps of higher-end drones like the DJI Mavic 3, the DJI Air 3 boasts not just one but two cameras. Here are those two camera’s specs.

• A 1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle camera
  • 24mm format equivalent
  • F1.7 aperture
• A 1/1.3-inch CMOS 3x medium tele camera (can achieve 3x optical zoom)
  • 70mm format equivalent
  • F2.8 aperture

Both DJI Air 3 cameras offer the same specs in terms of:

• 2.4μm pixel size
• 48MP photos
• 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors
• Post-cropping support for easy secondary composition. 
• Support for dual native ISO for direct output of 4K/60fps HDR video at high frame rates and up to 4K/100fps max
• Support for 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG color modes

Now the DJI Avata 2’s camera is certainly not bad, and it actually makes for an incredible pick if you’re looking to use it for making wild FPV videos or even doing indoor real estate photography. But it’s just not quite there if your primary goal is ultra high quality images:

Clearly, the DJI Air 3 just offers much higher image quality. More pixels means larger image sizes, which is ideally if you want to display your aerial imagery on something bigger than a smartphone screen. It operates at a higher video bitrate, which means better video quality. (Though the drawback is larger file sizes, too.)

There are some key differences, which are hard to definitively state are better or worse, though. That includes the gimbal versus no gimbal, as well as the field of view.

Gimbal vs EIS: The DJI Air 3 has a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, which is a staple in drones in offering that silky smooth aesthetic of the camera just gliding through the air. In contrast, the Avata 2 ditches the gimbal in favor of digital stabilization algorithms to smooth out footage. DJI touts two algorithms: DJI RockSteady (to eliminate overall picture shake) and DJI HorizonSteady (to ensure your footage remains locked on the horizon — even if the drone turns sharply or sways dramatically).

While the DJI Air 3’s gimbal isn’t necessarily delicate, the protruding external part is just one more potential object that could be damaged. DJI’s designers had that in mind when building the Avata 2, given it’s pretty much expected that the Avata 2 would crash.

The footage on the Avata 2 is still incredibly smooth, though. Just check out this glide over my backyard, filmed on the Avata 2:

It’s difficult to ignore the ultra-wide, 155° field of view on the Avata 2. It offers a rather immersive type of aesthetic, which you may or may not want.

With the Air 3, you have two cameras to choose from. The zoom camera obviously offers a relatively narrow field of view at 35°. And even the 82° FOV on the wide-angle camera is nothing like what you get on the Avata 2. Traditional filmmakers will likely err with what the Air 3 offers, but someone seeking a different aesthetic might be curious to try the Avata 2.

Avata 2 vs. Air 3: Comparing drone size (winner: Avata 2) 

The DJI Air 3 is the bigger of the two drones, so someone trying to fly through doorframes will prefer the narrower design of the Avata 2. The Air 3’s dimensions (length and width) are 258.8 x 326 mm, while the Avata 2’s dimensions are just 185 x 212 mm.

The Air 3’s exposed propellers make it less forgiving in crashes compared to the Avata 2, which has a built-in propeller guard.

As far as traveling with the drones, they start to become more comparable. Because while the Air 3 is larger in flight, its arms fold in, allowing it to shrink down to 207×100.5×91.1 mm when folded up. The Avata 2 is not a foldable drone.

As far as the weight of these two drones, the Air 3 is bigger. The Avata 2 weighs 377 grams, and the Air 3 weighs 720 grams. While I wouldn’t call the Air 3 ‘heavy,’ it’s still a lot heavier than the Avata 2.

Weight matters on both of these drones, because they exceed the critical 250 gram threshold. Many countries categorize drones based on their weight. And in many countries, drones that weigh under 249 grams are exempt from certain aircraft regulation, including the need for registration. Specific to the U.S., drones that weigh 250 grams or more must be registered and Remote ID compliant if flying outdoors in most places.

Yes, that means both the Air 3 and Avata 2 must be registered when flown outdoors in most places in the U.S.

DJI Avata 2 vs. Air 3: differences in the aircraft itself

The two aircraft look quite different. The DJI Air 3 follows the form first introduced in the DJI Mavic Pro back in 2016. That means foldable arms and a gimbal.

The DJI Avata 2 is not foldable, but instead features propellers protected by built-in propeller guards. Those are meant to protect the drone (and your walls) in the event of a crash. And yes, given this drone’s nature as a racing drone, it’s kind of ready for a crash.

If you’re flying outdoors, the Air 3 is better for one key reason: it holds up better in the wind. The Air 3 offers 12 m/s wind speed resistance. Meanwhile, the Avata 2 offers a good but not great level of 10.7 m/s wind speed resistance.

Obstacle avoidance vision systems (winner: DJI Air 3)

The DJI Air 3 version has an omnidirectional binocular vision system supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft. That effectively makes your DJI Air 3 drone crash-proof. If you don’t want to risk crashing, order the DJI Air 3

The Avata 2 has just downward and backward visual positioning — but that’s kind of the point. This is meant to be a racing or acro drone, meaning it flies flips and does acrobatic aerial tricks. If you’re afraid of crashing, this isn’t the drone for you.

• Order the DJI Air 3 drone from Amazon now, starting at $1,099.
• Order the DJI Air 3 drone from B&H Photo now, starting at $1,099.

Transmission (winner: tie)

This is a tie. Both drones use O4, which is DJI’s newest transmission system. This ultra-low latency, high-definition digital video transmission system, displays flight live feeds in real-time, creating an immersive flying experience.

Since both drones are compatible with the DJI Goggles 3, that feature really becomes interesting. Alas, when used with DJI Goggles 3, the latency is as low as 24 ms at 1080p/100fps live feeds.

Battery life (winner: DJI Air 3)

The Avata 2 gets just 23 minutes. The DJI Air 3 offers double that, at an incredible 46 minutes of flight time. Sure, you can always buy more batteries. But having longer flight times reduces risks of problem should your drone be flying far away in tough wind conditions and needs to return to home. It also just means less time needing to spend cutting flights short for recharging or replacing batteries.

How to decide between the DJI Air 3 vs. Avata 2

Given how different these two drones are, the decision should be relatively easy, despite their very similar price point.

The Avata 2 is an adrenaline-pumping, racing and acro drone. The Air 3 is more versatile as a camera drone for stunning visuals that can still function as an FPV drone when you pair it with the new DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3.

Who is the DJI Air 3 best for?

Get the DJI Air 3 if your primary goal is high-quality imagery. The not one but two cameras are superior to what the Avata 2 offers.

And don’t skip it if you value ease of use and stability or prefer a longer flight time. It’s definitely the more beginner-friendly option versus the Avata 2.

Just note that if you ARE curious about flying FPV style with the DJI Air 3, it’s going to be a lot more expensive. To get the full FPV experience, you’ll need to purchase compatible DJI goggles separately, adding to the cost. If it’s the DJI Goggles 3 you want, that’ll be an additional $500. Even the cheaper DJI Integra aren’t exactly ‘cheap,’ still coming in at $349.

• Order the DJI Air 3 drone from Amazon now, starting at $1,099.
• Order the DJI Air 3 drone from B&H Photo now, starting at $1,099.

Who is the DJI Avata 2 best for?

Whereas the DJI Air 3 is like a slick luxury car, the Avata 2 is for the person who wants a race car.

Only get the Avata 2 if you thrive in the thrill of FPV flying. It’s the drone for adrenaline junkies who still want the convenience and quality that DJI is know for. If your style of a great video is tight maneuverability, action shots, flying fast or doing tricks, this is your drone.

Ultimately the Avata 2 is going to be best drone if you really want to showcase your flying skills. But you’ll also need to upgrade to the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 to make that happen (which costs an additional $200).

Sure, the Avata 2 promises to be new-pilot friendly with its RC Motion 3 providing a simplified control scheme. But ultimately, the Avata 2’s best features don’t come through unless you’re a really skilled pilot. Given that, beginners (or people whose goal is to not be a pro pilot) are just better off with the Air 3.

• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Adorama.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Amazon.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from B&H Photo.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from GetFPV.

For more information about these two drones, check out my detailed DJI Air 3 review as well as my comprehensive DJI Avata 2 review. Oh and by the way, are you also considering the DJI Air 3 over a cheaper drone, like the DJI Air 2S? Check out my guide to the DJI Air 3 vs DJI Air 2S.

And tell me, between the DJI Air 3 versus Avata 2 drone, which one would you rather have? Share your comment below!

The post DJI Avata 2 vs. Air 3: which drone is better? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

If you’re about to purchase your DJI Mini 4 Pro, you’ll have to choose between the DJI RC 2 vs RC-N2 controller. Of the two Mini 4 Pro controllers, which is better? Is it worth upgrading to the more expensive DJI RC 2? After all, the key differences between these two controllers boil down largely just to price.

If you’re made of money, go ahead and skip reading and just buy the pricier DJI RC 2. But if you’re judicious with your spending — and only want to buy what’s truly worth it — then here’s your ultimate guide to deciding between the DJI RC 2 vs RC-N2:

The DJI RC-N1 is the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s standard remote controller that pairs with your smartphone or tablet. Download the DJI app to allow that phone or tablet to display a live feed from the drone’s camera. The app also allows you to check the flight status and adjust settings on your smartphone.

However, for an additional $200, you can skip using your smartphone altogether. That’s because the DJI RC 2 features a built-in 5.5-inch, 1080p 700-nit high-brightness screen that takes over all the functions you’d normally rely on your smartphone for.

So, how do you decide between convenience and price? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of both DJI drone controllers to help you make the right choice for you. 

DJI RC 2: convenience at a price

Opting for the DJI RC 2 with your DJI Mini 4 Pro purchase will increase your total from $759 to $959, a 26% price hike. Despite this, many find the convenience of a built-in screen worth the extra cost. It saves you the hassle of mounting your phone to the controller and keeps your phone free during flights. 

You won’t have to worry about bringing the right cord or remembering to charge your phone before flying. Post-flight, you can connect the controller directly to your drone via Wi-Fi for quick footage transfers to your smartphone. The controller also boasts a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 FHD screen with 700 nits of brightness for better outdoor visibility and comes pre-installed with the DJI Fly app.

Compared to its predecessor, the DJI RC 2 features upgraded video transmission and an improved antenna configuration, switching from 1T2R to 2T4R. This enables it to support O4 video transmission with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, offering both internal and external antennas that can be manually adjusted for better video quality. Additionally, it includes 32 GB of built-in storage, providing a backup in case you forget your Micro SD card or run out of storage.  

Additionally, the DJI RC 2 also comes with 32 GB of built-in storage. You’ll still want to bring along a Micro SD card, but it can come in a pinch if you forget your card or are out of storage. 

DJI RC-N2: budget-friendly option

The DJI RC-N1 remains a cost-effective choice that delivers a great flying experience. While lacking a built-in screen, it allows for real-time HD image display on your smartphone through the DJI Fly App. This controller is not limited to the DJI Fly App. It can also use other third-party apps, like Litchi, or be used for FPV flying without breaking the bank.

The DJI RC-N1 has received an upgrade to the DJI RC-N2. The upgrade offers the ability to monitor live feeds and flight status directly on your smartphone screen. The video transmission and antenna system have also been improved, supporting O4 video transmission with the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

The DJI RC-N1 is a budget-friendly remote controller that offers a great flying experience. 

While it does not come with a built-in screen, it can be connected to a smartphone. This allows you to display HD images in real-time on your phone through the DJI Fly App. 

DJI RC 2 vs. DJI RC-N2: what is right for you?

The $200 difference can seem steep. However, if convenience and ease of use are your priorities, the DJI RC 2 is worth considering. It frees up your phone for other uses during flights, allowing you to access weather conditions, Google Maps, and more.

However, if budget is your main concern when purchasing the DJI Mini 4 Pro, the DJI RC-N1 is a solid choice. You always have the option to upgrade later, as the DJI RC 2 is available for separate purchase.

• Purchase the DJI Mini 4 Pro with RC 2 from Amazon
• Purchase the DJI Mini 4 Pro with RC-N2 from Amazon

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When you purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo, you get three big items: the Avata 2 drone itself, plus a pair of DJI Goggles 3 (those are the first person view [FPV] goggles) and a unique type of controller called the DJI RC Motion 3. But what about the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3?

The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is offered as an add-on accessory to go with your DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo for an additional $199 fee. Should you purchase it? Here’s a deep dive into what it is, why you might opt for it over the DJI RC Motion 3, and some spicy drone pilot opinions on how DJI could make the DJI Avata 2 Combo more consumer-friendly:

The differences between the DJI RC Motion 3 versus DJI FPV Remote Controller 3

When you buy the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo ($999), the DJI RC Motion 3 is already included. The DJI RC Motion 3 is certainly a neat little product. It’s intended to be much more beginner-friendly than the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3.

By the way, check out my full DJI Avata 2 review here.

How the DJI RC Motion 3 works

Whereas the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 has two joysticks that require some skill, the DJI RC Motion 3 does pretty much everything through the combination of you tapping a few buttons and flicking your wrists. Yes, the drone’s motion responds to your wrist movements as you hold the DJI RC Motion 3.

From there, a series of buttons allow you to takeoff, stop, switch modes, and even execute fancy acrobatic maneuvers. There is one joystick, which allows you to control the aircraft’s ascent, descent, or horizontal movement to the left or right.

 The RC Motion 3 features a two-stop throttle design. The first stop allows rapid adjustment of the drone’s pitch while hovering, and the second stop controls the flight speed depending on how much pressure is applied.

A half-press of the throttle trigger locks the drone in the first stop, keeping its attitude stable. That half-press prevents the drone from spinning due to remote controller jitters during hovering. The benefit? You may avoid dizziness as perceived through the flight goggles.

Fully pressing the trigger engages the second stop, unlocking the attitude and increasing the throttle.

RC Motion 3 versus DJI FPV Remote Controller 3

But you might want the DJI Remote Controller 3, which looks more like your standard controller. It’s the only way you can fly the Avata 2 in Manual mode.

Here are the two controllers, compared:

Buying the add-on DJI FPV Remote Controller 3: the pros and cons

With those differences in mind, here are the pros and cons of upgrading to the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3:

Pros

Manual control mode: You can not fly in manual control with the DJI RC Motion 3, marking the primary reason why most people would choose the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 over the RC Motion 3.

Compatibility with drone flight simulators: If you want to practice using drone flight simulators, the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is there for you. This RC is compatible with popular simulators including Liftoff, Uncrashed, The Drone Racing League and DCL.

Cons

Really the only con here is cost. But is it worth the price?

After all, the brand-new RC Motion 3 enables one-press execution of various aerobatic maneuvers not limited to M-mode FPV Remote Controller users.

This version of the RC Motion 3 has also gotten some serious upgrades. For example, pilots can now combine the dial and button on the RC Motion 3 with hand movements to perform one-press flips, one-press rolls, and one-press 180° yaw splits. It’s also smaller and lighter than its predecessor, offering a much more comfortable grip.

When the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is worth it?

For many pilots, the whole set is only complete with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3. That lets you master more sophisticated skills and fly more accurately.

DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 versus Remote Controller 2

The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 also marks a huge improvement over the old DJI FPV Remote Controller 2 given its  DJI O4 video transmission and integrated antenna design. It’s also lighter than its predecessor and boasts a longer operating time. Here’s a look at how much better the version 3 is over version 2:

Since they’e compatible with completely different pieces of equipment, you’re not really choosing between the Remote Controller 2 versus 3. But, use the information above to see just how much better this new RC got in the upgrade.

Buying the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3

Total cost of DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo + FPV Remote Controller 3 ($1,198): Most people buying the DJI Avata 2 will purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo. To add on the FPV Remote Controller 3, you’ll owe $199, for a grand total of $1,198.

Total cost of DJI Avata 2 + FPV Remote Controller 3 + DJI Goggles 3 ($1,187): That said, if you really don’t want the RC Motion 3, you can buy items a la carte. DJI sells the Avata 2 drone only for just $489.

Since you cannot use DJI Avata 2 without goggles, you’ll likely need to spend $499 for the DJI Goggles 3. That said, previous generation goggles are also compatible with Avata 2. Thus, you can avoid that fee by using goggles you might already have. Or, you could simply save money by buying older models of goggles). The DJI Goggles 2 retail for $449 as of April 2024, and the DJI Goggles Integra retail for just $349.

Then, you could drop $199 on the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3.

Technically you save $11 if you go that route, but then you don’t get the Motion Controller 3 at all. I’d rather buy the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo + FPV Remote Controller 3 for $11 more.

But if you already have goggles (and don’t mind the older model), then you could pay just $688 for the new Avata 2 drone and DJI FPV Remote Controller 3. I absolutely love the new goggles, as the integrated headband is way less clunky and way more comfortable. But unless you’re looking for ways to burn cash, they likely wouldn’t be worth paying all that extra money for in most cases.

• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Adorama.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Amazon.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from B&H Photo.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from GetFPV.

What DJI drone pilots really want

Since the Avata 2’s launch, some pilots have suggested their own idea: the option to choose between the DJI RC Motion 3 and the traditional dual-stick controls offered by the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3.

There are a few reasons why DJI might default to including the RC Motion 3 with the Avata 2, which might be:

• Learning curve for beginners: The Motion Controller’s intuitive motion controls could have a lower learning curve for absolute beginners compared to traditional sticks. This could encourage wider adoption of the FPV system, especially for those intimidated by complex controls.
• Focus on freestyle flying: The Motion Controller’s design is well-tailored for freestyle flying. That’s a popular use case for the Avata 2.
• Acro Mode Accessibility: The emphasis on the Motion Controller could be DJI’s way of forcing pilots to engage with DJI’s software-based mode switching, which might include Acro mode more prominently.

Which controller do you like better? The FPV Remote Controller 3 or the DJI Motion Controller 3? Tell me in the comments!

And if you prefer the FPV Remote Controller 3, does that mean you’ll pay $200 extra for it? Again, share your ideas with the Drone Girl community below!

• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Adorama.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Amazon.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from B&H Photo.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from GetFPV.

The post DJI FPV Remote Controller 3: is it worth adding to your Avata 2 kit? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Looking for a new drone but can’t decide between the DJI Avata 2 and the Mini 4 Pro? These two DJI offerings have a similar price point, but they cater to very different flying styles. And one of these two drones might be especially-appealing for one big reason: it weights under 250 grams, thus it doesn’t need to be registered nor does it need to be Remote ID compliant.

Here’s a breakdown between two of DJI’s best — and most affordable — drones to help you pick the perfect one for your personal flying style and goals:

DJI Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: a comparison of price and specs

The DJI Avata 2 drone was built for FPV (First Person View) flying. Launched in April 2024, it shows you the world through the eyes of the drone via the included pair of goggles, called the DJI Goggles 3. Such unique eyewear gives you an immersive, in-cockpit experience. There’s an included motion controller that’s easy to learn but requires practice for precise maneuvers (though many pilots prefer the traditional RC, which comes at an extra cost.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a traditional remote control drone. It’s incredibly stable and easy to use. It’s especially great for beginners and drone pilots who want to capture smooth aerial footage on a compact drone.

So what do all these specs actually mean? Here’s a deeper dive into the DJI Avata 2 vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro drones: 

DJI Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro camera

The cameras on these two drones are comparable, but each has various pros and cons.

The DJI Avata 2 has a larger ISO range of up to 25,600. That enables higher quality images in darker conditions, where photos tend to turn out more grainy. Throw in the Avata 2’s 10-bit D-Log M mode, which preserves more detail in light and shadow. That just means even more flexibility in post-production.

But while the Avata 2 performs better in low-light, the Mini 4 Pro offers better overall image quality. Its max image size is 8064×6048 versus the Avata 2’s 4000×2256. Given the Mini 4 Pro’s 48 MP versus the Avata 2’s 12 MP, you’ll definitely want to opt for the Mini 4 Pro if your primary goal is high-quality. That includes people planning to show videos on a larger screen than your phone or computer, or people making fairly large prints)

If you’re mostly just posting to TikTok, Instagram or other social networks, the Avata 2 is okay. But photographers serious about their art should go for the Mini 4 Pro over the Avata 2. Those folks might even consider upgrading to one of DJI’s better camera drones.

The aesthetic of the visuals

The two drones also offer two different visual styles — and it’s subjective as to which one is better. The lens on the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a maximum field of view (FOV) of 82.1°. On the Avata 2, it’s 155°.

One is not necessarily better or worse, but we’ll definitely call the style on the Avata 2 more impactful.

Consider this, when the DJI Mini 4 Pro users shoot in video mode, they capture a 75° field of view. That expands with a wide-angle lens attachment, but still only to 100°. Clearly that’s still significantly less than the 155° FOV offered by DJI Avata 2, offering a more immersive type of aesthetic. Check out this wide-angle view of my own backyard, which I shot on the DJI Avata 2, to show it in practice:

A note on gimbals

Gimbals are used to stabilize the camera on traditional drones. The Mini 4 Pro has one, but the Avata 2 does not. But the footage does still stay stable on the Avata 2. How? That’s thanks to two technologies called DJI RockSteady and DJI HorizonSteady. These are both digital technologies, where an onboard computer using DJI RockSteady algorithms is smart enough to digitally eliminates overall picture shake. Meanwhile, the DJI HorizonSteady algorithms ensure your footage remains locked on the horizon — even if the drone turns sharply or sways dramatically.

Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: Comparing drone size (winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro) 

While the Avata 2 isn’t huge (naturally it’s small enough to fit within a doorframe), it’s still bigger than the DJI Mini 4 in one annoying way: it’s heavier.

The Avata 2 tips the scales at 377 grams. Meanwhile, the DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs less than half of that at under 249 grams. While 377 grams is hardly “big” in the realm of drones, it’s too big for people who want to avoid government intervention.

In many countries, drones weighing under 249 grams are exempt from numerous forms of regulation, including the need for registration. A good chunk of countries categorize drones based on their weight, with larger drones subject to more restrictions. In the U.S., drones that weigh 250 grams or more must be registered and Remote ID compliant if flying outdoors in most places.

Yes, that means if you fly Avata 2 outdoors (though it IS a totally great indoor drone), you must register it.

Besides the lack of administrative burden, the Mini 4’s compact size is also better for pilots seeking to travel with their drone while minimizing luggage space. It’s also ideal for those who are always on the move with their drone (like hikers). And it’s perfect for those who need to stow their drone in a backpack without it monopolizing space.

• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from Amazon now.
• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from B&H Photo now.

DJI Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: differences in the aircraft itself

The two aircraft look quite different. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is already small and light. With foldable arms, it becomes even more compact when not flying. The DJI Avata 2 is relatively small, but it stands outs out for its built-in propeller guards. Those are meant to protect the drone (and your walls) in the event of a crash. And yes, given this drone’s nature as a racing drone, it’s kind of ready for a crash.

Obstacle avoidance vision systems (winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro)

The DJI Mini 4 Pro version has an omnidirectional binocular vision system, effectively making your drone crash-proof. If you don’t want to risk crashing, order the Mini 4 Pro.

The Avata 2 has just downward and backward visual positioning — but that’s kind of the point. This is meant to be a racing or acro drone, meaning it flies flips and does acrobatic aerial tricks. If you’re afraid of crashing, this isn’t the drone for you.

• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from Amazon now.
• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from B&H Photo now.

Transmission (winner: tie)

This is a tie. Both drones use O4, which is DJI’s newest transmission system. This ultra-low latency, high-definition digital video transmission system, displays flight live feeds in real-time, creating an immersive flying experience.

Since both drones are compatible with the DJI Goggles 3, that feature really becomes interesting. Alas, when used with DJI Goggles 3, the latency is as low as 24 ms at 1080p/100fps live feeds.

Battery life (winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro)

The Avata 2 gets just 23 minutes. The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers 34 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery. That figure shoots up to 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. I generally like the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus given the peace of mind the longer flight times add.

However, when flying your Mini 4 Pro with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, it ends up weighing more than 249 grams. Alas, you’ll need to register it. That negates one of the primary reasons why people choose the Mini 4 Pro drone over others like the Avata 2 to begin with.

How to decide between the DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Avata 2

These drones are so different, that the decision should be relatively easy, despite their very similar price point.

Both drones are compatible with the new DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3. If you’re smitten on those two products, know that either drone will pair with them. Given that, you’ll have to choose which of these two drones you want.

Who is the DJI Mini 4 Pro best for?

Get the Mini 4 Pro if you want a great all-around drone for stunning aerial footage. And don’t skip it if you value ease of use and stability or prefer a longer flight time.

It’s smaller and lighte. Thus, it’s a better pick if you’re traveling and you want to travel light, at that.

It’s also great if you don’t want to worry about registering it or general other forms of government regulations. Many countries only regulate drones that weigh 250 grams or more. That means the DJI Mini 4 Pro would be exempt, but the DJI Avata 2 would not be. In the U.S., the Mini 4 Pro does not need to be registered if flown for recreational purposes.

• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from Amazon now.
• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from B&H Photo now.

Who is the DJI Avata 2 best for?

Get the Avata 2 if you crave the thrill of FPV flying. It’s the choice for adrenaline junkies who want the convenience and quality that DJI constsntly delivers.

This is the drone for you if you also prioritize maneuverability for action shots. It’s also great if you want to fly fast or do those tricks. Of course, this is only for you if you don’t mind the shorter flight time.

You also must register it if flying in the U.S.

• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Adorama.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from Amazon.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from B&H Photo.
• Buy the Avata 2 drone now from GetFPV.

Between the DJI Mini 4 Pro versus Avata 2 drones, which one would you rather have? Share your comment below!

Are you also considering the DJI Mini 3 Pro over a cheaper drone, like the DJI Mini 3? Check out our guide to the DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Mini 3 Pro vs. Mini 3! Or maybe you’re thinking about the Mini 4 Pro versus other camera drones. Check out our guide to the DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro.

The post Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro: which drone is better? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

For FPV-curious drone pilots, the new DJI Avata 2 drone offers that foray intro drone racing and FPV freestyle — without the technical prowess needed to assemble an aircraft nor the steep learning curve to actually fly it.

The DJI Avata 2 launched today as a new-and-improved version of the original DJI Avata which launched in August 2022. And it’s not just the Avata 2 drone itself. DJI today also launched a new pair of Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 controller. Together, they provide a package where pros and newbies alike can capture cinematic footage with high-speed or acrobatic flair. Among the highlights of the new DJI Avata 2:

• Better image quality through an upgraded sensor (1/1.3-inch CMOS Super-Wide-Angle 12MP Camera, up from a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor on the original Avata).
• Longer flight time (23 minutes, up from 18 minutes on the original Avata).
• Better overall FPV experience with improved goggles and controller options.

The Avata 2 starts at $999.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the DJI Avata 2 drone a bit early and have been testing it out myself. Watch me unbox this drone, and then continue on to my review:

The DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo starts at for $999. With that, you get the DJI Avata 2, DJI Goggles 3 and the DJI RC Motion 3, plus a few other small accessories. That includes the single battery you’d need to fly.

For a bit more, you can pay $1,199 for the three-battery version of the . With that, you get everything mentioned above, plus two extra batteries, a two-way charging hub (more on what that is later) plus a nice little sling bag.

• Purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo now from Amazon.
• Purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo now from B&H Photo.

DJI RC Motion 3

The most unique feature about the new drone isn’t really even the drone itself — it’s the new RC Motion 3 controller. Why? It enables DJI Avata 2 to be not just a racing drone, but now a drone capable of FPV freestyle flying. Yes, that includes flipping, drifting and rolling.

DJI calls it Acro mode. It’s done super easily with the Avata if used in tandem with the RC Motion 3 controller, which is a joystick-like controller (as opposed to traditional controllers with a stick in each hand). To execute those tricks those is far easier on the Avata than most other FPV drones. You simply press a button. The various buttons that enable what would otherwise be difficult aerial acrobatics are:

• One-Push Flip: Execute 360-degree front/back flips
• One-Push Roll: Execute 360 degree left/right roll
• One-Push 180 Degree Drift: Execute high-speed lateral drifts spinning 180° past objects and pulling swiftly away

And yes, if you get too crazy with the flips and the drone lands on its back, you can engage Turtle mode. When activated, Avata 2 automatically flips back into its takeoff position from upside down.

Another new button on the controller: Two-Stop Throttle. Half-pressing the trigger locks the drone’s position, while fully pressing the trigger releases the attitude lock and increases throttle.

As far as the feeling of the controller itself, it’s smaller and lighter, which just makes it more comfortable to hold. Ergonomics experts, rejoice.

Then there’s some tech that you can’t see. This controller uses a wireless connection technology called GFSK Sidelink, which improves signal stability. In turn, expect reduced latency and improved interference resistance.

What if you don’t like the joystick style of the DJI RC 3?

Honestly, I relate. I learned how to fly on a standard remote controller with two sticks, so I just don’t find this controller as intuitive. It’s designed to be easier — and I believe that it’s easier for first-timers — but I just can’t seem to adjust.

Luckily, you can still fly Avata 2 the — as I’ll call it — old-fashioned way. For $199, you can finish the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3, which allows you to fly in Normal, Sport and Manual modes.

DJI Goggles 3

Another huge Avata update that isn’t actually about the drone itself: the new DJI Goggles 3. When I reviewed the original DJI Avata, the goggles ranked among my top criticisms. A dangling battery pack was poorly designed, among other issues.

DJI solved a few of the goggle problems about a year ago. In March 2023, DJI gave its goggles a massive upgrade, including no more loose connecting cables. And now in April 2024, the Goggles get yet another upgrade by way of the all-new DJI Goggles 3. Some standout features oft the DJI Goggles 3 include:

• Adjustable diopters
• Two micro-OLED screens
  • Support for 10-bit enhanced display
  • An up-to-100Hz refresh rate
  • Ultra-low-latency transmission.
• Binocular cameras
  • Can also be superimposed with the aircraft’s live feed simultaneously to give pilots situational awareness without needing to remove the goggles.
• Real View PiP (Picture-In-Picture) technology

How the Goggles 3 feel

Phew, that dangling battery is gone. The Goggles 3 have an integrated headband and battery. This time around, DJI also added a forehead pad, which alleviates some facial pressure that people criticized from the previous generation. And I agree, this didn’t feel painful on my head at all.

With the headband, these goggles weigh 410 grams. And while the drone’s battery life is less than a half-hour, you won’t have to recharge the goggles too often. Their battery life is about three hours.

There’s also a neat, new one-tap defogging function. After all, sometimes fog builds up on the surface of the goggles’ lenses, often if it’s humid where you’re flying. When you tap this button, internal fans will briefly accelerate to their highest speed, allowing rapid air circulation. That should quickly clear away any condensation.

Watching a live feed with the DJI Goggles 3

The best way to watch a live feed of what the DJI Goggles 3 shows is via the DJI Fly App. With it, you can transmit the goggle’s live feed to another device up to 5m away.

But that’s just one device. What if you want to air your feed on two devices, say a large TV screen? By connecting another cable and selecting ‘audience mode,’ you can share the live feed to a display or to different Goggle 3 headsets.

Now here’s something pretty compelling about those two products; they aren’t limited to just the Avata 2. Even though they were announced together with the drone in April 2024, the new DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 are actually already compatible with the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro. With Goggles 3, you can also use the existing traditional controllers that pair with those drones, such as the RC 2 and RC-N2, to control the drone.  

The Avata 2 camera

The most noticeable upgrade on the Avata 2’s camera versus its predecessor? A larger image sensor.

It’s a 1/1.3-inch CMOS Super-Wide-Angle 12MP camera, offering greater dynamic range available and better image quality in low-light conditions than before. Here are some other key camera specs:

• The lens: This ultra-wide-angle lens offers a viewing angle of up to 155°
• Image quality: 4k/60fps, as well as slow-motion footage at 2.7K/120fps.
• Color quality: 10-bit D-Log M Color Mode offers richer detail in highlights and shadows, which can be brought out in post-production and streamlined color grading

Stabilization without a gimbal

Most drones rely on 3-axis gimbals to keep footage level as the drone is rollicking through the area. That wasn’t the case with the Avata, and it’s not the case with the Avata 2. Instead, both drones rely on digital stabilization algorithms to smooth out footage.

DJI uses two technologies called DJI RockSteady and DJI HorizonSteady. The former eliminates overall picture shake. Meanwhile, the latter ensures your footage remains locked on the horizon — even if the drone turns sharply or sways dramatically.

What’s pretty incredible is how stable the video does turn out. I flew it in the alley on my street when it was windy out, and I could actually feel the drone rocking. But when I came to watch the footage, it was silky smooth.

You can choose to turn off electronic image stabilization (EIS), though most will likely fly with the setting turned on. That said, if the EIS setting is turned off, a feature called Gyroflow allows you to stabilize footage yourself in post-production.

What about ND filters?

ND filters can help reduce glare, overexposure, and color issues that can be difficult to fix when editing footage. They’re just tiny pieces that you pop onto your camera’s lens.

DJI sells a pack of three ND filters for $79. The kit includes ND 8/16/32 filters. These likely aren’t necessary if you’re primarily flying indoors. But, if you’re flying outdoors in bright conditions — and high-quality images are key — then spend the $79 extra for filters.

Is the Avata 2 good for shooting videos?

The Avata has always straddled a weird line of whether or not it’s a camera drone and a racing drone. It’s a camera drone, but realize that the image output is pretty different from traditional camera drone footage. That’s largely due to that ultra-wide-angle lens. But that’s not a bad thing. Especially as camera drones have become ubiquitous, aerial imagery that’s a bit different and more unexpected from the norm is refreshing.

It’s also absolutely mind-boggling how smooth the footage is, even sans gimbal. The stabilization tech is unbelievable. This would be a great indoor drone for real estate agents to shoot fly-throughs of homes.

Especially with the $199 add-on remote controller, you can be a bit more precise in your flying, which makes video filming pretty compelling.

The new Avata 2 drone itself

We discussed the camera, the goggles and the controller, but what about the drone itself? It’s gotten some upgrades. That includes:

Improved transmission: Whereas the old Avata used O3+ transmission technology to transmit over distances of up to 10 kilometers, the Avata 2 gets an upgrade. This drone uses the newer O4 video transmission, for up to 13 km of maximum video transmission distance. Other important specs in that vein include:

• Transmission latency as low as 24 ms
• 1080p/100fps high-definition image quality
• A maximum transmission bitrate of 60Mbps
• Two-transmitter, four-receiver, four-antenna design for improved anti-interference performance 

Improved propeller guard: The propeller guard’s design got some design tweaks to make it light (which helps with flight times).

Longer flight times: Speaking of helping with flight times, the Avata 2 has a maximum flight time of 23 minutes. That’s an improvement from the 18 minutes on the original Avata.

Safety features: The drone has new safety features. When you use the RC Motion 3, simply press the lock button which brings the drone to a halt. Of course, Return to Home is also still present. It automatically kicks in if the drone’s battery gets too low or if the drone loses signal.

Improved charging: The Avata 2 takes some beloved features seen in other recent drones lately, including a Two-Way Charging Hub. Seen in other drones like the DJI Air 3, this new and improved charging hub has a power accumulation function. With the press of a button, you can transfer the remaining power from multiple batteries to one single battery with the highest remaining power. So, let’s say you have one battery with 50% charge, and 2 with 25% charge. You could transfer the power from the two 25% charged batteries to create one, suddenly-fully-charged battery.

Improved storage: If you forgot your memory card, no sweat. Avata 2 comes equipped with 46GB internal storage. That’s an upgrade from the 20 GB of internal storage space on the original Avata. So how much is 46GB in practice? That’s about 90 minutes of video shot at 1080p/60fps.

This actually happened on my first flight. For some reason, my microSD card was corrupted. No sweat — I just recorded directly to the drone.

Improved sharing: If you want to share your video post-flight, Wi-Fi connectivity makes it possible to quickly transfer files to smartphones. Simply log in to the DJI Fly app, select the video/image files you want to save, and from there they appear on your phone.

You can even upload them directly to popular communication sites including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. For folks who want to post their footage to Instagram ASAP, that makes post-editing and sharing a lot more efficient.

I even did that to transfer my files to the review videos you’ve likely seen on my site. Not a single cord was used to transfer any of my files!

Avata drone size: The Avata measures 185×212×64 mm and weighs 377 grams. Unlike something like the DJI Mini 4 Pro which weighs under 250 grams, know that you’ll have to register your drone and be Remote ID compliant if flying outdoors in the U.S. Luckily, Avata 2 has a built-in Remote ID module so you won’t have to purchase a separate one.

That small size means that even if you aren’t the best pilot (like me), you’ll definitely still clear doorways.

How to get your hands on Avata 2

This isn’t just a product announcement. The DJI Avata 2 is available to buy today – and most retailers will ship it to you immediately. For now, you can purchase the Avata 2 drone in two configurations, which are:

• DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Single Battery): Includes the DJI Avata 2 drone, Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, and assorted accessories like cables. Price: $999
• DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Three Batteries): Includes everything in the single-battery combo plus a two-way charging hub, two batteries and one sling bag. Price: $1,199

• Purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo now from Amazon.
• Purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo now from B&H Photo.

Then, there are a few add-on accessories which you may or may not need:

• DJI FPV Remote Controller: This is more like your traditional joystick control. It allows flight in Normal, Sport and Manual modes. Price: $199
• DJI Avata 2 ND Filters Set: Comes with ND 8/16/32 filters. Price: $79
• DJI Care Refresh: DJI Care Refresh is DJI’s version of a warranty or product insurance program. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. Exact prices vary on your selected length of coverage.

DJI Avata 2: is it worth it?

The Avata 2 is great for those who want easy-to-use FPV with excellent image quality. It’s well-suited for either beginners who are overwhelmed with more traditional FPV offerings. It’s also great for people whose priority is photography, but they want to dabble in FPV — and they’re curious about the unique film perspective that FPV drones can add to their reel.

Consider the cost

While $999 can be a lot for a camera drone, put the price in context. This is a safe and easy to fly drone that’s also ready to fly right out of the box.

Then again, you can build your own drone for — depending on the types of FPV products it entails — less than a few hundred dollars. But while some might find joy in building their own drone, others might find it stressful — and more trouble than its worth.

I liken one’s consideration of Avata 2’s price relative to building your own FPV drone to baking a puff pastry from scratch. Serious bakers might do it easily (and find joy in the process). As for me though, I’m just going to buy the pre-made puff pastry sheets. And the reality is, I’d even rather go a step further and just buy those croissants, Napoleons, and Palmiers ready-made. Spending $999 on Avata 2 is like buying a ready-made croissant. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that.

What about the single battery versus three battery kit?

If you’re debating between the Single Battery versus Three Battery version, it’s almost always worth it if you’re flying outdoors or in a place where you can’t easily recharge. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve gone on a hike and shot some cool footage and burned out your battery, only to turn around and discover something you missed. An extra battery enables that freedom.

Then again, $200 is still a fair amount of money. If you’re mostly flying indoors and you’re flying in 20 minute spurts, you can probably get away with the single battery. Fly for the 23-minute span, then go have a coffee as it’s charging. Then come back for more.

Flaws, but not dealbreakers with DJI Avata

Size: Many other FPV drones are lighter and faster than the DJI Avata. That’s key for speed, but not the only reason why. Because this drone weighs 377 grams (which is above the Federal Aviation Administration’s 250 gram threshold for regulation), you will have to fly in an FAA-compliant manner if outdoors. That means having to register your drone and follow Remote ID rules. It’s not a huge hangup, but it’s still something to consider.

Battery life: While the Avata 2 does massively improve its battery life over the original, 23 minutes is still not a done. Most people will end up paying the additional $200 to get two more batteries.

FPV is not for everyone: And then there’s the simple consideration of whether Avata is a product you’d even want. It’s a different sort of drone. If you’re breaking into drones for the first time, you might be better off with, say, a traditional camera drone.

Who Avata is best for

Alas, the DJI Avata 2 is a rather unconventional sort of FPV drone. It’s most ideal for beginners or drone pilots whose goal is video content creation.

• FPV Beginners: Its intuitive controls and flight modes make it a great introduction to the exciting world of FPV flight. Normal and Sport modes offer the most stable flight for beginners. Then again, experienced pilots can switch to manual mode for full control. What’s more, designs like built-in prop guards, also make Avata forgiving for beginners.
• Content Creators: The Avata’s immersive perspective is perfect for capturing unique close-up shots or action sequences. With a wide-angle lens and 4K resolution video, footage is high-quality. Plus, easy workflows to export footage make the process of getting footage to Instagram or TikTok pretty pain-free.

I had a blast flying the DJI Avata 2. While I definitely default to flying the Avata 2 with the DJI FPV Remote Controller, I do really appreciate the improvements made to the DJI RC Motion 3 controller. The biggest improvement for me comes by way of the goggles, which are now way more intuitive to use. Plus, they’re easier to fit on my head and into the shape of my eyes — all without the goofy dangling battery.

And yes, I’m floored by the image quality, not just in terms of how clear it was but how stable it was. For an FPV flying appearance that’s entry level and premier quality, the DJI Avata 2 offers exactly that.

• Purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo now from Amazon.
• Purchase the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo now from B&H Photo.

The post Avata 2: Is DJI’s $999 FPV drone worth it? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

When considering a Mavic 3 drone purchase, you’ll have to choose between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic. 

There are two main differences between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Classic.

1. The Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with three cameras, including two telephoto cameras. Meanwhile, the Mavic 3 Classic features just one.
2. Then there’s cost. The Mavic 3 Pro is 27% more expensive than the Mavic 3 Classic. 

So which should you choose? Here is a closer look at the DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 Classic drones and a detailed guide to help you determine which drone is right for you. 

DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic launched in November 2022, a year after the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine. With it comes a more budget-friendly option. The Mavic 3 Classic retails for $1,599, versus the $2,199 Mavic 3 Pro. The biggest contributing factor to the lower price point is that you won’t get a telephoto lens. 

Like the more expensive Mavic 3 and 3 Cine drones, the Mavic 3 Classic still holds strong with the Mavic 3’s most notable feature: the Hasselblad camera. You’ll have true-to-life colors (especially noteworthy at night), thanks to Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution. 

Transmission is also a big factor for drone pilots. Most delightfully, this drone continues on the legacy of O3+ transmission. With that, you get a 15km range while still receiving that smooth 1080p/60fps live feed. 

• Purchase the DJI Mavic 3 Classic from Amazon
• Purchase the Mavic 3 Classic now from B&H Photo

DJI Mavic Pro

Debuting in April 2023, the Mavic 3 Pro holds the title of the world’s first drone with three optical cameras. That’s the Hasselblad camera, plus two tele-cameras. Despite inflation, its price of $2,199 matches the original Mavic 3, while providing more advanced features. 

The Mavic 3 Pro’s triple camera combination lets you switch between shot compositions with just one tap. The top-of-the-line drone also includes omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 15-kilometer video transmission, and 43 minutes of flight time.

Purchase your Mavic 3 Pro now from Amazon.

Purchase your Mavic 3 Pro now from B&H Photo.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic: a comparison of price and specs

The Mavic 3 Classic comes with a significant discount compared to the Pro. Sure, that might be appealing for those looking to save. But, it’s crucial to understand what you might be missing out on. 

Here is a comparison of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic. With that comes a breakdown of what each offers so you can decide the best drone for your budget:

Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic: Are the two zoom cameras worth the extra cost?

DJI’s Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with three cameras, while the Mavic 3 Classic features just one. The choice boils down to whether the Pro’s telephoto cameras align with your photography needs.

If your focus is on broad landscapes or if physical closeness to the subject is possible, the Mavic 3 Classic might suffice, especially considering its lower cost.

The Pro version becomes valuable when you need to capture subjects from a distance without disturbing them or in scenarios where flying closer is not an option due to restrictions or safety concerns. That might include wildlife photographers, who want to respect space between animals. Or, it might be critical for certain commercial operations like inspections, where the ability to see details like tiny cracks or slight discoloration is critical.

That’s not the only factor to consider. While the Pro offers slightly shorter flight times due to the added weight of extra cameras, it boasts color recording capabilities. That potentially offers a slight edge in high-contrast filming situations. 

Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic: The Bottom Line

The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and photography style. For those not requiring the telephoto lenses, the Classic represents a significant saving. However, if you’re looking to explore or need the advanced photographic capabilities offered by the Pro’s additional lenses, it might be worth the investment. 

For serious photographers contemplating beyond the Mavic 3 Pro, the Inspire 3, with its full-frame Zenmuse X9-8k Air Gimbal Camera and interchangeable lenses, represent the next level of drone cinematography. 

• Purchase the DJI Mavic 3 Classic from Amazon
• Purchase your Mavic 3 Pro now from Amazon.

The post DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 Classic: Is the Pro worth the upgrade?  appeared first on The Drone Girl.

What’s a cheap, easy way to make drone panorama photos? The new, PanoVolo software was tailored specifically for turning your drone photos into panoramas. It’s a simple tool for anyone looking to expand their drone photography skills. The software creates drone panoramas in seconds. 

Here at The Drone Girl, we were given the chance to try out PanoVolo. The drone photography software launched in December 2023, with the newest version released this past January (1.5.0). 

PanoVolo costs $29.99 a year. With it comes state-of-the-art image analysis that uses the position and orientation saved by the drone to create geometrically accurate panoramic images. 

There are a lot of options when it comes to the best ways to make a panoramic photo with your drone. Of them, Panvolo is among the cheapest. That said, the software has its limitations (which we’ll describe more below). However, the low price tag and easy-to-use guide make it ideal for new drone photographers. 

Using the PanoVolo software

Before you can edit your photos, you’ll of course need to actually take panoramic images with your drone. When you are flying your drone, make sure you switch (typically on your controller) to save the RAW or JPEG originals of your panoramic photos. 

If you are flying a DJI drone, you will have to wait until your drone is flying to switch on this feature. Don’t be like me, who spent a whole afternoon shooting on my DJI Mini 3 Pro, only to come home to try to upload the photos to PanoVolo and receive a continuous error message. (I had failed to save the original images).

However, when I went back out and shot new photos, uploading them to PanoVolo was really quite simple. You can upload the photos from your SD memory card or straight from your computer in under a minute. The software offers multiple customization options and accommodates both DNG (RAW) and JPEG images.  

Once uploaded, the stitched drone panorama photos appear in the Pan Volo panorama viewer. PanoVolo uses optimized algorithms that combine the position and orientation information saved by the drone with image analysis to ensure that the stitched panoramas are visually stunning and geometrically accurate. 

With a simple click, your DNG or JPEG images can seamlessly switch from spherical, cylindrical, and stereographic (or ‘small planet effect’) images. Additionally, PanoVolo allows users to pinpoint the exact locations where images were captured on a 3D map. 

Depending on your original images, some orientations work better than others. I found the three vertical options (vertical spherical, vertical cylindrical, and vertical Mercator) to be great options for uploading your panorama on your Instagram story. 

Personally, I hate when you go to post a panorama of your story and there is space on the top and the bottom. This orientation allows you to still have everything you captured in your panorama and fits the whole story. 

Once you find the perfect orientation, saving the drone panorama photo to your computer or memory card is quite simple. 

With the latest version, some of the recent highlights were the addition of the panorama central point selective feature. This feature allows you to select a new central point around which the panorama can be re-orientated. 

It can be difficult to get your drone while in the air to be at the exact right angle. Given that, I found this feature beneficial. 

Who is the PanoVolo software for?

You may be wondering: If my drone already has panorama shooting options, then why do I need PanoVolo? 

First, not all drones are compatible with this feature, like the Autel Evo Lite, for example. If your drone fits into this category, then it’s hard to pass up the PanoVolo software. 

If you are a skilled photographer who already uses the Adobe Suite, then this option is probably not for you. That software is far more robust. 

However, if you are new to drone photography, but not ready to spend the $232 per year for Adobe Photoshop, then PanoVolo is an affordable option. 

PanoVolo allows novice drone photographer to adapt their photos quickly and seamlessly. Plus, the software makes sharing on social media incredibly simple. 

Additionally, PanoVolo gives you the freedom to change the orientation of your panorama, no matter how you take it on your drone. Taking all those different panoramas straight from your drone would surely drain most of your battery and the spares. 

But if you are new to drone photography and eager to show off your photos on social media? Then spending $29.99 a year certainly seems worth it. 

It’s available on macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer, as well as Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit. Download PanoVolo here.

The post PanoVolo: an inexpensive way to make drone panorama photos in seconds appeared first on The Drone Girl.