DJI Launches The FPV Drone Kit

DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, with a 70% market share, has recently launched the FPV drone kit. The package includes DJI’s V2 Goggles, a controller, and an all-new FPV drone. DJI’s FPV experience promises incredibly low latency, stabilized 4k shots, and much more. Additionally, the hybrid FPV drone packs some impressive specs and performance.

“Right out of the box, DJI FPV combines the best available technology for a hybrid drone like no other. It can fly like a racer, hover like a traditional drone, accelerate like a homebuilt project and stop faster than any of them. DJI FPV lets the world experience the absolute thrill of immersive drone flight without being intimidated by the technology or spending hours building a system from scratch. We can’t wait for the world to try it.” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe.

The DJI FPV Drone Kit

The FPV combo retails at $1299 which includes the FPV drone, remote controller 2, FPV Goggles V2, all required cables, and a 2000 mAh intelligent flight battery. The drone kit seems to be well priced as the FPV Goggles alone start at $569. The company has also released an additional ‘Fly More Kit’ which includes two flight batteries and a charging hub for $299.

DJI has introduced a small motion controller to help beginner pilots easily and intuitively fly the FPV single-handedly. The controller uses the pilot’s natural hand motions to steer the drone. DJI’s intuitive motion controller can be purchased additionally at $199.

The FPV Drone

The all-new FPV drone is not primarily meant for drone racing. However, it has a very nifty acceleration. The FPV is essentially a hybrid drone. Generally, racing drones are quite intuitive and require a greater level of skill to fly than a traditional drone. The FPV, however, is meant for pilots with a beginner skill level or even professionals. Therefore, the drone can be adapted according to the pilot.

Specifications:

• Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with 12 million Effective Pixels
• Lens: 14.66mm lens | Field of View (FOV):150° | Aperture: f/2.8
• ISO: 100-12800
• Shutter Speed: 1/50-1/8000s
• Video Resolution: 4k at 60fps | 1080p with upto 120fps
• Stabilization: EIS (Rocksteady Mode) and Mechanical (Single Axis)
• Take-Off Weight: ~795g
• Max. Speed: 140kph
• Max. Flight Time: 20 mins (when flying at 40kph in windless conditions)
• Max. Altitude: 6,000m (ASL)
• Max. Acceleration: 0-100kph in 2 seconds.
• Storage: No internal storage | External MicroSD card (up to 256GB) can be mounted

Multiple Flight Modes

As mentioned earlier, the DJI FPV is a hybrid drone and can cater to pilots of all skill levels. The option to choose from three pre-defined modes enables this hybrid functionality:

1. Normal (N) Mode: The N mode turns the FPV drone into a traditional hovering drone that uses a GPS. It activates the front obstacle detection sensors which warn the pilot and slows the drone down if an obstacle is detected.
2. Manual (M) Mode: This mode is like overclocking your FPV drone. It unlocks and gives control over the drone’s full capabilities. The M mode is best for experienced pilots.
3. Sport (S) Mode: The S mode is a “hybrid blend” between the N and M mode. It gives the pilot more control over the drone’s dynamic movements while retaining some of the safety features seen in N mode. Pilots can make use of this mode as a precursor to the more experienced Manual mode.

Failsafe Return to Home (RTH): The failsafe RTH is another important feature in the DJI FPV. With just a single tap, the drone returns to its starting point. The RTH works even in the event of loss of transmission signal.

Additionally, the FPV is also equipped with an ADS-B receiver system that provides audio and visual notifications to the pilot via the FPV Goggles when traditional aircraft such as airplanes or helicopters equipped with ADS-B transmitters are in the vicinity.

DJI FPV Goggles V2

The FPV Goggles V2 makes use of the O3 Transmission technology to deliver long-range, low latency video feed. The O3 technology is said to be the frontier in the next generation FPV transmission technology.

It offers a 10km transmission range, auto-switching dual-frequencies, a high bitrate of 50 Mpbs, and state-of-the-art anti-interference methods to ensure a reliable feed.

Just like the drone, pilots can toggle between three transmission modes in the FPV Goggles:

1. High-Quality Mode: This mode enables pilots to view the live feed from the drone in 1440x810p resolution at either 60fps with a wider 142° Field of View (FOV), or 50 fps with 150° FOV. In this mode, latency is as low as ≤ 40 ms.
2. Low-Latency Mode: The low-latency mode increases frame rates while decreasing the latency to as low as 28 ms. The resolution in this mode is 1440x810p at 120fps with 142° FOV or 100fps with 150° FOV.
3. Audience Mode: This mode enables spectators to share the pilot’s view. In the Audience mode, up to 8 FPV goggles can be connected to share the pilot’s view.

In conclusion, the DJI FPV appears to be the first all-rounder drone suitable for all types of pilots. It is a great fit for pilots who are beginning to explore FPV drone racing, or cinematographers looking for fast-paced shots at a reasonable price. Learn more about the DJI FPV here.