DJI Launches Avata 360 Drone Globally
DJI officially launched the Avata 360 on March 26, 2026. This drone is notable for being the company’s first model to integrate a native 360° camera system with full first-person view (FPV) flight capabilities. The drone is currently available for sale in China and is on pre-sale in various other regions. However, U.S. buyers will have to wait until March 30 for pre-orders to open through third-party retailers, as it is not available on DJI’s official U.S. website.
Camera Features and Capabilities
The Avata 360 is equipped with a dual-camera system featuring two 1-inch equivalent sensors, each with 2.4 μm pixels. This setup allows for the capture of full spherical 8K/60fps HDR video and 120-megapixel still images. Pilots can reframe their shots in post-production using the DJI Fly and DJI Studio apps, enabling a single flight to yield multiple finished shots.
- Camera Modes:
- Full 360° mode for immersive video.
- Single Lens mode for standard forward-facing 4K/60fps FPV configuration.
Additionally, the drone features various post-production tools, including Spotlight Free for subject tracking, ActiveTrack 360° for automatic tracking mode selection, and Virtual Gimbal for infinite rotation and tilt. The internal storage capacity is 42GB, sufficient for approximately 30 minutes of 8K 360° footage.
Transmission and Range
The Avata 360 utilizes DJI’s O4+ video transmission system, which offers 1080p/60fps live feeds with a range of up to 20 kilometers. This advanced transmission technology is designed to maintain signal stability, particularly in urban environments where interference may occur.
Compatible controllers for the Avata 360 include the RC 2, RC-N2, and RC-N3 for standard flight, as well as the DJI RC Motion 3 and DJI Goggles N3 for an immersive FPV experience.
Design Improvements and Usability
A significant enhancement in the Avata 360 is the replaceable front lens element, addressing a common issue with 360 drones where lenses can become scratched or damaged. This feature allows pilots to replace the lens themselves rather than sending the drone for repairs. The drone also includes a mechanical design that rotates the gimbal upon power-down to protect the lower lens during landing.
Flight time is rated at 23 minutes, although this may vary based on camera modes and accessories used. The drone features omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which operates effectively even in low-light conditions, and integrated propeller guards for safer flight in tight spaces.
Regulatory Considerations for U.S. Buyers
The Avata 360 received FCC equipment authorization on November 19, 2025, allowing it to be legally imported and sold in the U.S. However, due to regulatory restrictions, DJI cannot sell the drone through its official U.S. website. American consumers will need to purchase it through third-party retailers, with pre-orders expected to start on March 30.
Weighing approximately 400 grams, the Avata 360 exceeds the 250g registration threshold, meaning U.S. pilots must register the drone and comply with Remote ID regulations.
Conclusion
The launch of the Avata 360 marks a significant development in DJI’s product lineup, particularly in the 360° drone category. With its advanced camera capabilities, improved usability features, and robust transmission technology, the Avata 360 is positioned to compete effectively in the market. As the drone becomes available to U.S. consumers, it will be interesting to see how it performs in real-world applications and how it compares to existing competitors.