Comparison of DJI Avata 360 and Antigravity A1 Drones
YouTuber Jeven Dovey conducted a side-by-side comparison of the DJI Avata 360 and the Antigravity A1, analyzing various aspects including flight handling, camera output, controllers, and software. The results indicate that the less expensive DJI model does not automatically outperform the Antigravity A1.
Weight and Registration Requirements
The Antigravity A1 weighs 249 grams (8.78 oz) with its standard battery, keeping it below the FAA registration threshold and compliant with EU C0 regulations. Its design allows for a compact, travel-friendly form factor with folding arms. In contrast, the DJI Avata 360 weighs 455 grams (16 oz) in its Cinewhoop-style cage, necessitating FAA registration and placing it in EU C1 or higher categories. This weight difference is significant for pilots concerned about regulatory compliance.
Flight Time and Transmission Performance
Dovey reported flight times of 15 to 16 minutes for the Avata 360, which is below its rated 23 minutes, while the A1 achieved 30 to 35 minutes against its 39-minute specification. This indicates that the A1 offers nearly double the flight time under demanding conditions. However, the Avata 360 excels in transmission performance, utilizing DJI’s O4 system, which showed fewer dropouts compared to the A1, particularly when flying behind obstacles.
Controller Options
The Avata 360 is compatible with the RC 2 twin-stick controller, allowing pilots to operate it like other DJI drones without the need for goggles. It also supports DJI Goggles N3 and the Motion Controller that comes with the Avata 2. Conversely, the A1 requires its Vision Goggles and Grip Controller, lacking a twin-stick option.
Viewing Experience and Goggles
In terms of immersive viewing, Dovey favored the Antigravity A1’s Vision Goggles, which feature dual 1-inch Micro-OLED displays and an external battery for a lighter headset. The larger screen provides a more immersive experience compared to DJI’s offering. Additionally, the A1’s Grip Controller includes a rotation dial for adjusting the view without needing to reposition the drone, which Dovey found more intuitive for 360-degree flying.
Camera Specifications
The Avata 360 boasts 8K/60fps recording with 10-bit D-Log M color from dual 1/1.1-inch sensors, providing significant flexibility for color grading in post-production. In contrast, the A1 is limited to 8K/30fps in 8-bit without a flat color profile, meaning captured colors closely match the final output. While both drones produced comparable images in standard color mode, the Avata 360 is better suited for professional workflows requiring precise color matching.
Editing Software Comparison
In terms of editing capabilities, the A1’s software offers advantages. Antigravity Studio allows users to work on individual clips directly, preserving keyframe data as metadata. This feature enables creators to revisit and edit footage months later without losing their adjustments. In contrast, DJI Studio requires a timeline-based workflow, which can be less efficient for selecting clips from previous flights.
Conclusion
Dovey’s analysis presents a nuanced view of the competition between the Avata 360 and the A1. While DJI leads in price, transmission quality, controller options, and color grading flexibility, Antigravity excels in weight, flight time, goggle quality, and editing workflow. The comparison highlights the distinct origins of each company, with DJI approaching 360 capture from a drone perspective and Antigravity from a 360 camera background.
Despite the anticipated sales advantage for the Avata 360, the A1 has successfully established itself as a viable option in the consumer drone market, garnering positive recommendations from creators based on its performance.