DJI Avata 360 Falls Short Against Avata 2 in Recent FPV Flight Comparison

DJI Avata 360 vs. Avata 2: A Comparative Flight Test

YouTuber Jeven Dovey conducted a side-by-side flight test of the DJI Avata 360 and DJI Avata 2, revealing that the newer model does not perform as well as its predecessor in first-person view (FPV) flying. The test involved flying both drones on the same paths while maintaining consistent color profiles and exposure settings to evaluate their flight handling and image quality.

Flight Performance and Handling

Dovey, an adventure filmmaker based in Los Angeles, utilized the motion controller and FPV goggles to fly both drones along identical trails. Initially, he tested the drones with different color profiles but later standardized the settings to ensure a fair comparison.

Obstacle Avoidance Issues

The Avata 360 features an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system that combines LiDAR and infrared sensors. However, Dovey reported that this system caused the drone to stutter or stop unexpectedly when approaching obstacles, even when they were not directly in its path. This resulted in footage with noticeable speed fluctuations, which could be partially corrected with stabilization but not entirely eliminated.

After disabling the obstacle avoidance feature, Dovey experienced improved responsiveness but encountered a crash into a tree. He noted that the Avata 360 felt less responsive overall compared to the Avata 2, describing its controls as sluggish with a delay in response to inputs.

Responsiveness of the Avata 2

Upon switching to the Avata 2, Dovey immediately noticed a significant difference in handling. He described the Avata 2 as feeling more confident and responsive, allowing for smoother maneuvers such as dives and altitude changes. The weight difference between the two drones—455 grams for the Avata 360 compared to 377 grams for the Avata 2—contributed to this disparity in handling.

Camera Quality Assessment

Both drones were tested at 4K/60fps using D-Log M settings with matched white balance and auto exposure. The Avata 360 employs a 1/1.1-inch sensor in single lens mode, while the Avata 2 features a 1/1.3-inch sensor with a 155-degree field of view. Dovey refrained from declaring a definitive winner in image quality, noting that both drones performed well under similar lighting conditions.

Battery Life Comparison

While both drones are rated for 23 minutes of flight time, Dovey found that the Avata 360’s battery drained more quickly during aggressive FPV flying, averaging around 15 minutes per charge. In contrast, the Avata 2 lasted closer to 20 minutes under similar conditions. This discrepancy raised concerns about the Avata 360’s efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Unique Features of the Avata 360

Despite the challenges faced during the FPV test, Dovey acknowledged that the Avata 360’s 360-degree mode is a significant advantage. This feature allows both sensors to capture 8K spherical images for post-production reframing, distinguishing it from other DJI models. The Avata 360 also supports automated subject tracking, which the Avata 2 lacks.

Conclusion

Dovey’s findings align with feedback from other testers regarding the Avata 360’s performance. The obstacle avoidance issues and overall handling suggest that the Avata 360 may be better suited for 360-degree content creation rather than pure FPV flying. For those prioritizing FPV capabilities, the Avata 2 appears to be the more effective choice. DJI may address some of the performance concerns through firmware updates, but inherent differences in weight and responsiveness are likely to remain.

All reporting and editorial perspectives are by Haye Kesteloo.