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 wonderful 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 can aid you make an knowledgeable resolution primarily based in your wants and flying type.
within the Avata 2? Take a look at my full assessment right here: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
The place to Purchase?
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Discover ways to construct your individual 5inch FPV drone on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Chasing Quick-Transferring Objects
In contrast to conventional digital camera drones just like the DJI Mavic or Mini, the Avata 2 supplies dynamic, responsive, and fascinating flight experiences—excellent for cinematic pictures or informal flying. You may fly it like a freestyle drone, nevertheless it’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, however, 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, lowering the drone’s agility and making it much less excellent for freestyle flying. In case your focus is on cinematic pictures and cruising, the Avata 2 is a strong selection, however for high-speed motion, the 5-inch FPV drone wins arms 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 increased when you attain that top cap. Moreover, the prop guards don’t enable 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 enable.
Flying within the Wind
In the case 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 tools, it simply works. For 5-inch FPV drones, attaining long-range flight requires choosing the proper propellers, utilizing a big Li-ion battery, and optimizing antenna—duties that demand extra expertise and information. For an easy long-range setup, the Avata 2 is the better possibility.
Ease of Use and Comfort
As somebody who travels regularly, I prioritize comfort and portability.
The DJI Avata 2 may be very moveable, gentle weight and hassle-free. I 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.
Against this, with my 5-inch FPV drones, I’ve to carry a giant backpack with a lot of totally different tools. In addition they supply a lot shorter flight time, sometimes round 5-6 minutes (although you’ll be able to lengthen this with a bigger battery), and so they require extra follow to grasp on account of 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 newcomers, Regular and Sport modes supply altitude maintain, sensible touchdown, and return-to-home options, significantly lowering the chance of crashes. This makes studying FPV flying considerably extra accessible.
Artistic Pictures
My favourite function of the Avata 2 is its adjustable one-axis digital camera gimbal. Conventional FPV drones sometimes have fastened digital camera angles, limiting inventive flexibility. With Avata 2, you’ll be able to dynamically change digital camera angles mid-flight, enabling progressive pictures like flying backwards whereas adjusting the digital camera angle, offering unparalleled cinematic prospects.
Reliability
It may be stunning for some, however I really really feel extra assured flying long-range or over water with the Avata 2 on account of its dependable GPS system and Return to Residence (RTH) function. When you can add GPS to a {custom} constructed 5-inch FPV drone and setup comparable “return to house” function in Betaflight, DJI’s autonomous flight expertise 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 in your command, which is actually helpful in difficult atmosphere, espeically for newcomers. Customized constructed drones don’t have this function, you’ll be able to put it in self-stabilized mode resembling Angle mode, however it should drift round and you continue to have to regulate 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 elements will be changed or upgraded primarily based in your flying type. Whether or not you need to deal with freestyle, racing, or long-range flights, you’ll be able to 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 incredible out-of-the-box drone however lacks the flexibility that comes with a {custom} 5-inch setup.
Sturdiness
The Avata 2 is just not made for crashes and the plastic body will be simply broken. Then again, {custom} constructed FPV drones normally use sturdy carbon fibre frames and may take some beating.
Price
The preliminary value for each drones is definitely fairly comparable, particularly should you’re utilizing DJI elements (resembling DJI Goggles and the O4 Professional air unit) in your 5-inch FPV drone construct. Nevertheless, on the subject of repairs, 5-inch drones are cheaper and simpler to repair. You may substitute particular person components, like motors or frames, your self. The Avata 2, however, is nearly unattainable to restore at house on account of its refined design. You may change propellers, that’s about it.
Whereas DJI affords DJI Care, which reduces restore and substitute prices, you might be restricted within the variety of claims, and replacements can take weeks. DJI Care Refresh insurance coverage prices round $59/yr, with a $50 substitute payment for the primary crash and $200 for subsequent replacements. This may be costly if crashes are frequent.
And should you plan to fly quite a bit, buying further batteries are expensive, roughly $100 every, in comparison with $20-$40 for typical FPV drone batteries.
Digicam Body Fee Restrictions
The Avata 2 digital camera lacks the favored cinematic body fee of 24fps. Though it helps 4K 60fps, filmmakers preferring conventional movie aesthetics would possibly miss having 24fps or 48fps choices. With a {custom} constructed FPV drones, you’ll be able to simply put a GoPro on it and use 24fps. You might also put a GoPro on the Avata 2, nevertheless it’s going to fly so badly as a result of lack of energy.
Ultimate Verdict: Which Drone Is Proper for You?
After a yr of use, I firmly imagine the DJI Avata 2 stays a incredible drone, particularly for content material creators prioritizing comfort, portability, and reliability. Its proprietary nature and value might 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 at present.
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 essential to you.
- You like a less complicated setup with minimal tuning and upkeep.
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Select a 5-Inch FPV Drone if:
- You’re on the lookout for high-performance freestyle flying or racing.
- You take pleasure in constructing, repairing, and customizing your drone for various flying kinds.
- You need to have the ability to fly in windy environments or sort out difficult, fast-paced flights.
- You’re fascinated with pushing the boundaries of what an FPV drone can do by way of agility and pace.
- You count on to crash quite a bit and will likely be repairing the drone by your self.
Discover ways 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 pictures and folks 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 in the end comes all the way down to your flying type, expertise stage, and what you need to obtain along with your drone.
