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 superb drone in lots of respects, it’s not with out its trade-offs. On this purchaser’s information, we’ll examine the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones by way of flight efficiency, functions, and limitations. This may provide help to make an knowledgeable determination primarily based in your wants and flying model.
within the Avata 2? Take a look at my full evaluation right here: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
The place to Purchase?
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Learn to construct your individual 5inch FPV drone on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Chasing Quick-Shifting Objects
In contrast to conventional digital camera drones just like the DJI Mavic or Mini, the Avata 2 offers dynamic, responsive, and interesting flight experiences—good for cinematic photographs or informal flying. You’ll be able to fly it like a freestyle drone, but it surely’s significantly slower in comparison with {custom} constructed 5inch FPV drones.
In case your purpose is to chase fast-moving objects like vehicles, a 5-inch FPV drone is certainly the higher selection. These drones can simply attain speeds over 150km/h (~100mph), and a few fashions even exceed 200 km/h (~130mph). The DJI Avata 2, then again, tops out round 100km/h (~60mph) in calm situations.
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 splendid for freestyle flying. In case your focus is on cinematic photographs and cruising, the Avata 2 is a stable selection, however for high-speed motion, the 5-inch FPV drone wins palms 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 larger when you attain that top cap. Moreover, the prop guards don’t permit for clean 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 situations, 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), usually 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 may be very succesful at this out of the field. You don’t have to tinker with the setup, or add extra gear, it simply works. For 5-inch FPV drones, reaching long-range flight requires choosing the precise propellers, utilizing a big Li-ion battery, and optimizing antenna—duties that demand extra expertise and information. For a simple long-range setup, the Avata 2 is the simpler possibility.
Ease of Use and Comfort
As somebody who travels continuously, I prioritize comfort and portability.
The DJI Avata 2 may be very transportable, gentle weight and hassle-free. I really like how all of the gear matches in the identical small storage bag. It’s a ready-to-fly answer 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 carry a giant backpack with numerous completely different gear. In addition they supply a lot shorter flight time, sometimes round 5-6 minutes (although you may lengthen this with a bigger battery), and so they require extra apply 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 learners, Regular and Sport modes supply altitude maintain, sensible touchdown, and return-to-home options, enormously decreasing the chance of crashes. This makes studying FPV flying considerably extra accessible.
Inventive Photographs
My favourite characteristic of the Avata 2 is its adjustable one-axis digital camera gimbal. Conventional FPV drones sometimes have mounted digital camera angles, limiting inventive flexibility. With Avata 2, you may dynamically change digital camera angles mid-flight, enabling modern photographs like flying backwards whereas adjusting the digital camera angle, offering unparalleled cinematic prospects.
Reliability
It is perhaps stunning for some, however I truly really feel extra assured flying long-range or over water with the Avata 2 attributable to its dependable GPS system and Return to Dwelling (RTH) characteristic. Whilst you can add GPS to a {custom} constructed 5-inch FPV drone and setup related “return to house” characteristic 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 to your command, which is de facto helpful in difficult surroundings, espeically for learners. Customized constructed drones don’t have this characteristic, you may put it in self-stabilized mode comparable to Angle mode, however it is going to drift round and you continue to have to manage 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 parts might be changed or upgraded primarily based in your flying model. Whether or not you need to concentrate on 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 unbelievable 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 might be simply broken. However, {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 related, particularly in case you’re utilizing DJI parts (comparable to DJI Goggles and the O4 Professional air unit) in your 5-inch FPV drone construct. Nonetheless, in relation to repairs, 5-inch drones are cheaper and simpler to repair. You’ll be able to substitute particular person components, like motors or frames, your self. The Avata 2, then again, is nearly unimaginable to restore at house attributable to its refined design. You’ll be able to 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/yr, with a $50 alternative price for the primary crash and $200 for subsequent replacements. This may be costly if crashes are frequent.
And in case you plan to fly loads, buying additional batteries are pricey, roughly $100 every, in comparison with $20-$40 for typical FPV drone batteries.
Digicam Body Charge Restrictions
The Avata 2 digital camera lacks the favored cinematic body charge 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 as a result of lack of energy.
Last Verdict: Which Drone Is Proper for You?
After a yr of use, I firmly consider the DJI Avata 2 stays a unbelievable drone, particularly for content material creators prioritizing comfort, portability, and reliability. Its proprietary nature and price 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 selection—even right this moment.
Select the DJI Avata 2 if:
- You need an all-in-one, ready-to-fly answer that avoids the complexity of {custom} builds.
- You prioritize clean, high-quality footage for cinematography.
- Security and GPS return-to-home options are vital to you.
- You like an easier setup with minimal tuning and upkeep.
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Select a 5-Inch FPV Drone if:
- You’re in search of 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 deal with difficult, fast-paced flights.
- You’re excited about pushing the bounds of what an FPV drone can do by way of agility and pace.
- You anticipate to crash loads and will probably be repairing the drone by your self.
Learn to construct your individual 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 numerous areas. The Avata 2 is ideal for cinematic FPV photographs and other people searching 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 selection finally comes right down to your flying model, expertise stage, and what you need to obtain together with your drone.
