If I need to stop suddenly, I can touch the brake button and the drone will hover safely again. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to crash, and I managed to shoot down the drone once by directing it directly into the aforementioned fence post. She fell about 8 feet onto the stones of a beach, but was able to fly again, without leaving a visible mark. This thing is impeccably built, and while I don’t doubt that repeated high-speed crashes will eventually damage it, it’s clearly designed to take some punishment.
But what about those amazing aerial stunts on YouTube? Unfortunately, you can’t achieve these with the motion controller. The downside to its simplicity and ease of use is that it doesn’t work the same way as a dual-stick controller. Think of it as a controller with training wheels. If you stop flying (to dive, for example), it will eventually stop moving and float in place. Smart, but limiting.
For those who want to upgrade to more complicated manual flying, DJI sells the console-style model for $199. Remote control 3, which allows you to fly the drone in manual mode. Here, the training wheels are off and the slightest mistake can result in an embarrassing and potentially costly accident. You can also perform amazing tricks, if you know how.
For me, who is interested in returning the Avata 2 sample to DJI in one piece, the RC Motion 3 seems sufficient for now. It allowed me to capture wonderful images using the Avata 2’s electronically stabilized camera, which records video at 4K/60 fps or 2.7K/120 fps. There is also the option to use a 10-bit D Log M color profile for greater color grading in post-production. The drone comes with 46GB of built-in storage for 12MP videos and photos, plus a microSD slot for those requiring more space.
My first FPV
Ultimately, the Avata 2 is the latest in a long line of DJI drones that make it easy for hobbyists to achieve great results. In this case, it makes FPV flying incredibly simple and intuitive, and its camera allows you to create exciting, fluid cinematic sequences with very little effort.
There are also very few comparable products on the market, and most FPV drones are kits built by enthusiasts, rather than consumer-friendly designs. As a result, the main alternative to Avata 2 is the original. dji avatar. And for those who own the first-generation model, I’d say that aside from the Goggles 3 not being backwards compatible, the improvements here don’t really justify an upgrade.
Photography: DJI
But if you are new to FPV game, I highly recommend you to choose the latest version. It costs just $179 more, but there are improvements across the board, with improved flight performance, longer flight time, intelligent flight modes, and advanced safety features. If you’re looking for a gateway to FPV fun, it doesn’t get much more affordable than the Avata 2.