It’s official: DJI has launched the Avata 360, its first drone constructed round 360-degree seize. I previewed what was coming earlier this month, and now now we have the official specs and pricing.
And sure, the drone by itself is lower than $500 — and even when you go for the complete Fly Extra Combo, it’s meaningfully cheaper than its closest competitor, the Antigravity A1 drone.
Right here’s every part you must know concerning the DJI Avata 360 — together with the way it stacks up towards the Antigravity A1, the drone that some say compelled DJI’s hand on this course within the first place.
One essential be aware upfront: DJI states the Avata 360 is “not formally accessible in the US through official web sites” although U.S. patrons might be able to discover it via third-party retailers. Extra on that beneath.
What the Avata 360 drone really is
The Avata 360 is a departure from different DJI drones, such because the Mavic and Air traces, however even prior drones within the Avata line. That’s as a result of this new quadcopter is a 360-degree FPV drone.
Avata 360 digital camera
Listed below are a few of its key digital camera specs:
- Two 1/1.1-inch sq. CMOS sensors with 64MP efficient pixels every
- 8K/60fps HDR video
- 120MP images
- f/1.9 aperture
- 2.4μm pixels (that’s meaningfully bigger pixels than you’d discover on most action-camera-class sensors, which interprets straight to raised low-light efficiency).
- Max video bitrate of 180 Mbps and D-Log M shade profile suppor
Like the opposite 360 digital camera in the marketplace, the Antigravity A1, the Avata 360 makes use of a dual-lens setup to seize full spherical footage. However what when you don’t need that 360 model? The DJI Avata 360 has added a twist: a Single Lens mode that switches the drone into traditional Avata-style forward-facing 4K/60fps filming (one thing the A1 can’t do natively). It’s a dual-mode drone, which meaningfully adjustments the worth proposition.
I haven’t personally flown this drone but, although DJI shared some photos taken from its personal creators.
And right here’s what that shot appears like if you make the most of that 360 view and make it a nonetheless:
Right here’s yet one more akin to a regular drone shot:
Flying the Avata 360
The transmission system is DJI’s O4+, with a rated vary of as much as 20km and 1080p/60fps stay feed. Flight time is as much as 23 minutes, with a max flight distance of 13.5km. The drone contains nightscape omnidirectional impediment sensing and built-in propeller guards — each essential for much less skilled FPV pilots. The entrance lens component can be replaceable with out sending the drone in for service, which is a welcome sensible contact.
The drone contains omnidirectional impediment sensing (in 360° mode) supplemented by forward-facing LiDAR and a backside infrared sensor, plus built-in propeller guards.
The Avata 360 weighs roughly 455g — notably, this places it properly above the sub-250g threshold, which issues for regulatory compliance in some markets. Within the U.S., you’ll have to register with the FAA earlier than flying this drone.
For FPV flying, you may pair it with DJI goggles and movement controllers for the immersive expertise, or fly it with normal RC controllers (RC 2, RC-N2, RC-N3) for extra conventional aerial digital camera work. DJI says novices can carry out aerial acrobatics together with drifting utilizing the RC Movement 3, mirroring the expertise already accessible on the Avata 2.
The Avata 360 workflow
Submit-production is dealt with via DJI Fly and DJI Studio, with options together with Highlight Free (which locks onto a shifting topic and replicates refined digital camera language), ActiveTrack 360°, FPV mode (which provides roll results in submit), and a Digital Gimbal that allows infinite rotation and tilt from a single shot.
One-tap modifying through GyroFrame enables you to alter 360° footage to a really perfect angle and export straight from the DJI Fly app.
Storage is 42GB inner, with Wi-Fi 6 high-speed switch that may transfer 1GB of footage to the DJI Fly app in round 10 seconds.
The way it compares to the Antigravity A1
The Antigravity A1, which I’ve lined extensively since its launch, was the primary main drone constructed round 360 seize. It launched in late 2025 at $1,599 for the Normal Bundle (drone, Imaginative and prescient goggles, Grip movement controller, one battery). The A1 is a sub-250g drone — a significant weight class for regulatory causes in lots of nations — with twin 1/1.28-inch sensors taking pictures 8K/30fps, its personal immersive FPV goggles with micro-OLED shows, and Insta360’s confirmed “fly first, body later” workflow.
The DJI Avata 360 and the A1 are clearly competing for a similar basic purchaser: creators who need immersive 360 aerial footage with out the complexity of attaching a 360 digital camera to a regular drone. However they’ve some key variations:
Digicam sensor dimension: The Avata 360’s 1-inch-equivalent sensors are bigger than the A1’s 1/1.28-inch sensors. Although I haven’t flown it myself, in apply, this implies higher low-light efficiency from the DJI. That’s a identified weak spot of the A1, which reviewers have famous produces grainy footage in low-light circumstances. When you shoot at nightfall or in difficult lighting, the Avata 360 ought to have the sting.
Body fee: The Avata 360 shoots 8K at 60fps. The A1 shoots 8K at 30fps (with 5.2K as much as 60fps). For slow-motion work or high-frame-rate 8K, the DJI also needs to win win.
Twin mode: The Avata 360’s Single Lens mode — letting it operate as a conventional 4K/60fps FPV digital camera drone — additionally stands out. It’s not “simply” a 360 drone. With this providing, DJI gave us a stage of versatility the A1 doesn’t provide. When you already fly FPV and desire a single drone that may do each, that’s a compelling characteristic.
Weight and portability: The A1 is sub-250g, which issues for regulatory compliance in lots of markets. The Avata 360 is available in at about 455 grams, which can matter relying on the place you fly.
Ecosystem: There’s one more reason why you would possibly go for the Avata 360, and that’s when you already personal DJI goggles, controllers, or different equipment. The Avata 360 integrates into these present merchandise — saving you from having to pay for a semi-redundant product if you have already got them.
Regardless of who you’re, the A1 requires shopping for into a completely new ecosystem simply given the character of being a brand new product.
Value and availability: The A1 begins at $1,599 and is on the market now within the U.S. at Greatest Purchase, Amazon, and elsewhere. The Avata 360 just isn’t formally accessible within the U.S. via DJI’s personal channels — a big sensible caveat given DJI’s FCC scenario.
Purchase the Antigravity A1 if: You desire a sub-250g drone; you shoot primarily in good mild; or the “fly first, body later” workflow appeals and also you’re comfortable within the Insta360 ecosystem.
Purchase the DJI Avata 360 if: You’re outdoors the U.S. or comfy with grey market buy; you already personal DJI equipment; you need the dual-mode flexibility of each 360 and conventional FPV taking pictures; or low-light efficiency is a precedence.
The 360 drone class that the A1 pioneered is now formally a two-horse race. That’s excellent news for creators, as competitors between DJI and Antigravity will push each merchandise ahead.
How the FCC ban performs into this
By now you’ve doubtless heard of the FCC ban, which bans all future, foreign-made drones (which would come with DJI drones, being a Chinese language firm). DJI is at present contesting its placement on the FCC’s Coated Listing, and a lawsuit is ongoing.
Nonetheless, it’s neither unlawful to purchase nor fly the DJI Avata 360. That’s as a result of DJI acquired approval for the Avata 360 properly earlier than the ban was introduced. The ban solely applies to drones searching for approval post-ban announcement, not retroactively.
The larger problem, although, is definitely getting your arms on the DJI Avata 360. DJI says the drone is “not formally accessible in the US through official web sites.” Nonetheless, U.S. patrons might be able to discover it via different third-party retailers, however there’s no official home retail path at launch.
Avata 360 pricing
Assuming you may get your arms on an Avata 360 drone, you should purchase a couple of completely different configurations.
You would possibly get the Avata 360 drone, and pair it with some present FPV equipment, just like the DJI RC Movement 3 and DJI Goggles.
Then there’s the DJI Avata 360 Fly Extra Combo, which comes with further equipment resembling a touchdown pad and case.
After which there’s the model that almost all carefully resembles the Antigravity A1 drone, which is the Movement Fly Extra Combo.
DJI hasn’t revealed official U.S. pricing, however right here’s what the drone prices in markets the place it’s formally accessible:
- Drone-only configuration: £409 / €459 / $449 USD (Canada) / $799 AUD
- Model with the RC 2 controller: £639 / €719 / $659 USD (Canada) / $1,159 AUD
- The Fly Extra Combo — which incorporates three batteries, a two-way charging hub, sling bag, touchdown pad, spare propellers, and the RC 2: £829 / €939 / $929 USD (Canada) / $1,619 AUD
- The Movement Fly Extra Combo – which swaps the RC 2 for the movement controller setup: £829 / €939 / $929 USD (Canada) / $1,619 AUD
DJI notes that Canadian pricing is listed in USD however shouldn’t be taken as a direct proxy for an official U.S. value. That stated, if the Canadian figures maintain roughly true, the Fly Extra Combo would are available meaningfully beneath the Antigravity A1’s $1,599 beginning value — and the A1 solely contains one battery.
I haven’t personally reviewed the Avata 360 but, however hold following alongside to the Drone Woman as I attempt to get my arms on it and try it out for you.
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Woman
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e-mail.
