Industry News: DJI Announces First Person View FPV Drone

fpv drone

A one of of its kind piece of gear if I am not wrong. DJI launched the First Person View FPV drone.

At a glance:

  • Fly in First-Person at up to 87 mph
  • FPV Goggles V2 Included
  • Record 4K Video at 60 fps
  • 150° Super-Wide FOV
  • RockSteady EIS for Smooth Footage
  • Up to 6.2-Mile Range with OcuSync 3.0
  • Front & down Obstacle Sensing
  • Emergency Brake & Hover
  • 3 x Flying Modes (N/S/M Mode)
  • Color-Customizable Exterior Lighting

Order are open starting $1,299: B&H Photo | Adorama

DJI press release:

DJI Reinvents The Drone Flying Experience With The DJI FPV

Breakthrough Drone Technology Offers Immersive, Cinematic Flight Experience And Intuitive New Single-Handed Motion Controller

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launched an entirely new type of drone with an intuitive, immersive flight experience never available until now. DJI FPV combines the first-person view and high-speed performance of racing drones, the cinematic camera sweep of traditional drones, the safety and transmission technology of DJI’s leading consumer drones, and an optional innovative single-handed motion controller that allows pilots to control the drone with just hand movements. DJI FPV creates a new drone category, and opens up new worlds of possibilities for content creators and drone fans from beginners to experts alike.

“DJI has been redefining what drones can do since our company began in 2006, and as we celebrate our 15-year anniversary this year, we honor that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. “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.”

The DJI FPV ecosystem includes the drone, goggles, a dedicated remote controller, and a new intuitive motion controller option that steers the drone based on the movement of your hand. The drone features high-performance motors for incredible speeds, an intuitive user interface and the latest safety features for greater control. The new FPV system lets pilots see from the drone’s perspective in low-latency high definition thanks to O3, the third iteration of DJI’s proprietary OcuSync technology. Its unmatched reliability and transmission range help pilots capture ultra-smooth and stable 4K video at 60 fps with the assistance of RockSteady electronic image stabilization.

Amateur and professional pilots alike can explore the skies with confidence with the assistance of three distinct flight modes designed for all skill levels and to get pilots accustomed to the system. DJI FPV’s advanced safety features include a new Emergency Brake and Hover feature to help make flying safer and less intimidating for new users, as well as DJI’s suite of industry-leading safety solutions, including GPS-based geofencing to advise pilots of airspace restrictions and potential hazards, and an ADS-B receiver system to warn pilots when other manned aircraft are nearby. In many jurisdictions, drone pilots flying with FPV goggles must be accompanied by a visual observer to watch for airspace hazards. Always fly safely and responsibly, and be sure to understand and follow the legal requirements for flight.

A Flight Experience For Every Skill Level

DJI FPV is the first integrated FPV drone that allows pilots from beginners to professionals to choose from multiple flight modes to match their skill level:

  • Normal (N) Mode: During N mode operation, DJI FPV operates similar to other DJI drones, hovering in place with the use of GPS and/or visual positioning systems (VPS) on the bottom of the drone. The most approachable flight mode, N mode allows for obstacle detection sensors on the front to be activated to warn when obstacles are near and slow down. Pilots are tasked with maneuvering the drone away from any detected obstacles.
  • Manual (M) Mode: Take full control over the drone with M mode which is designed for more experienced users. While in M mode, all sensors and hovering features are disabled.
  • Sport (S) Mode: A new hybrid blend of M and N mode, S mode offers some of the dynamic movement capabilities that come with M mode along with some of the key safety features of N mode. S mode is the middle step between the three modes and developed to give pilots more room to explore their skills as they get accustomed to FPV flight.

While in the air, pilots can also use a suite of safety features that make flying not only a memorable experience, but a safe one as well. A dedicated Emergency Brake and Hover feature is available in all flying modes to make the drone stop and hover in place at any time during flight. Obstacle detection sensors can be activated while operating in N mode, which will alert pilots of any detected obstacles and automatically slow down the aircraft. Visual Positioning Sensors (VPS), along with an auxiliary light on the bottom of the aircraft are also available to assist in smooth takeoffs and landings. Failsafe Return to Home is another important feature that will bring the drone back to its home point automatically with a press of a button or in the event that transmission signal is lost. The ADS-B receiver system 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.

fpv drone
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Industry News: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Announced (48MP, 4K@60, 34 minutes battery)

dji Mavic Air 2

DJI announced the Mavic Air 2 drone.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the Mavic Air 2 will be initially available for purchase in China immediately while other regions will begin taking preorders today with an expected ship time of mid-May. Mavic Air 2 will be available in two purchasing options: a standard package which includes Mavic Air 2, one battery, remote controller and all the required wires and cables for $799 USD, and the Fly More option which includes all items from the standard version as well as a shoulder bag, ND filters, charging hub, and 3 batteries for $988 USD.

There are also difference between models sold in the US and outside the US, as this BBC News article explains. The Mavic Air 2 has a feature to warn of nearby planes and helicopters via its controller. However, supply chain problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic mean DJI is only equipping the Mavic Air 2 for the US market with this at this point. Customers in Europe and other regions will be offered a version without the feature.

You can preorder the DJI Mavic Air 2 for $799 at B&H Photo | Adorama

Key features:

  • 8K Hyperlapse Time-Lapse Video
  • Up to 4K60p Video & 48MP Images
  • Up to 34 Minutes of Flight Time
  • Remote Controller Included

DJI press release:

Get Ready To Up Your Creative Game With The New DJI Mavic Air 2

Reimagining The Experience Of Aerial Creativity, Mavic Air 2 Is The Smartest, Safest And Easiest-To-Fly Consumer Drone to Date

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today ushers in a new era of aerial creativity with the Mavic Air 2 drone, combining high-grade imaging, intuitive yet advanced flight performance and revolutionary smart and safe technology in the best all-around drone we’ve ever made.

Created to make capturing unique, high-quality content from the air simple, fun, and safe, Mavic Air 2 offers flagship capabilities in a compact and easy to use folding drone that features 8K functionality. A larger 1/2” camera sensor offers high-resolution photos and videos to make content stand out, while advanced programmed flight modes, intelligent features and imaging technology make capturing professional-looking content effortless. Pilots can now stay in the sky longer with an enhanced maximum flight time, capture vivid imagery with completely revamped autonomous capabilities, and wholly transform their content with in-app editing features.

“Mavic Air 2 is another milestone for DJI, demonstrating that our smartest consumer drone does not have to be the largest,” said DJI President Roger Luo. “While the Mavic Air 2 bears all the hallmarks of the Mavic drone family, we had to completely rethink its design and development process. Our goal was to create a drone that offered the best overall experience possible to even the most novice pilot. We hope our drones can help boost creativity and become a fun yet educational experience that can be enjoyed, even at this unprecedented moment in history.”

Robust Imaging Capabilities for Every Type of Creator

The new Mavic Air 2 reimagines how quality content can be captured in a portable, folding drone. No matter the skill level of the pilot, Mavic Air 2’s features and technology are sure to appeal to every creative visionary. Mavic Air 2 is the first drone in the Mavic series to offer 4K video at 60 fps and 120 Mbps. Additionally, users can record unique content using HDR video[1], 4X Slow Motion in 1080p at 120 fps or 8X Slow Motion in 1080p at 240 fps. Pilots can record 12-megapixel[2] images or choose a new high-resolution 48-megapixel feature that photographs in stunning detail, while a mechanical 3-axis gimbal helps compensate for camera shake to create smooth and stable footage, even in unpredictable scenarios. Taking full advantage of the large Quad Bayer 1/2″ sensor, the Mavic Air 2 is the perfect tool to take creativity to the next level with a suite of image capture modes. The newly added SmartPhoto records 12-megapixel photos using advanced scene analysis and deep learning to automatically choose one of three image capture options.  

  • HDR photos: Mavic Air 2 automatically captures seven varying exposures of the same photograph, merging them together to bring out a highly dynamic image.
  • Hyperlight: Hyperlight is designed for low-light scenarios, taking multiple photographs and merging them to bring out a clear image with less of the noise which usually occurs in low-light scenes.
  • Scene Recognition: Mavic Air 2 can recognize five categories of scenes including sunsets, blue skies, grass, snow, and trees, then optimize settings to make the photograph pop by bringing out the highest degree of color, detail, and tones.

Unparalleled Flight Performance

Mavic Air 2 completely rebuilt the basics of drone flight to open up the skies for more exploration for everyone who is passionate about drone technology. Despite only weighing as much as a small water bottle at 570 grams, the Mavic Air 2 features new motors, new electronic speed controllers (ESCs), enhanced battery technology and an aerodynamic design to provide a maximum flight time of up to 34 minutes. DJI’s proprietary OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology has been upgraded to deliver an extremely reliable and stable HD video feed from the drone at a maximum distance of 10km[3]. OcuSync 2.0 supports both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands and uses an auto-switching feature to move between the two based on signal strength, while anti-interference technology blocks unwanted signals to keep the video feed clear.

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Drone Deal: DJI Mavic Pro (Special Combo, Alpine White) – $779 (reg. $899, today only)

DJI Mavic Pro

DJI Mavic Pro at a glance:

  • Gimbal-Stabilized 12MP / 4K Camera
  • OcuSync Transmission Technology
  • Up to 4.3 Mile Control Range
  • Up to 27 Minutes Flight Time
  • GPS- & Vision Position-Based Navigation
  • FlightAutonomy with Obstacle Detection
  • DJI GO App-Based Control and Monitoring
  • Top Speed of 40 mph in Sport Mode
  • ActiveTrack Subject Tracking Modes
  • Tap- and Gesture-Based Commands

Only for today (4/4/19) B&H Photo has the DJI Mavic Pro (Special Combo, Alpine White) drone on sale at $779. Compare at $899. Free shipping.

More selected deals:

More hand-picked deals are listed here.

Authorised Canon retailer B&H Photo has discounted EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS 6D Mark II bundles on offer for the holidays.

We offer 10% discount to subscriptions to Pixpa all-in-one platform for photographers.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBayAdorama.

Canon Europe stores have a cash back promotions going on:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

Deal: DJI Mavic Pro (Standard Bundle) – $649 (reg. $999, today only)

DJI Mavic Pro

DJI Mavic Pro (Standard Bundle) at a glance:

  • Gimbal-Stabilized 12MP / 4K Camera
  • OcuSync Transmission Technology
  • Up to 4.3 Mile Control Range
  • Up to 27 Minutes Flight Time
  • GPS- & Vision Position-Based Navigation
  • FlightAutonomy with Obstacle Detection
  • DJI GO App-Based Control and Monitoring
  • Top Speed of 40 mph in Sport Mode
  • ActiveTrack Subject Tracking Modes
  • Tap- and Gesture-Based Commands

Only for today (1/9/19) B&H Photo has the DJI Mavic Pro (Standard Bundle) drone on sale at $649. Compare at $999. Free shipping.

More selected and exclusive deals:

Deal: DJI Mavic Pro (Fly More Combo) – $869 (reg. $1299, today only)

DJI Mavic Pro

DJI Mavic Pro (Fly More Combo) at a glance:

  • Gimbal-Stabilized 12MP / 4K Camera
  • OcuSync Transmission Technology
  • Up to 4.3 Mile Control Range
  • Up to 27 Minutes Flight Time
  • GPS- & Vision Position-Based Navigation
  • FlightAutonomy with Obstacle Detection
  • DJI GO App-Based Control and Monitoring
  • Top Speed of 40 mph in Sport Mode
  • ActiveTrack Subject Tracking Modes
  • Tap- and Gesture-Based Commands

Only for today (12/12/18) B&H Photo has the DJI Mavic Pro (Fly More Combo) on sale at $869. Compare at $1,299. Free shipping.


More selected and exclusive deals…

Off Brand: Picture of upcoming DJI Mavic II drone leaks

DJI Mavic II

DroneDJ leaked the first picture of the highly anticipated DJI Mavic II drone (above).

They write:

Improved form factor – The new DJI Mavic 2 drone is sleeker and more aerodynamic than its predecessor, something we expected all along. At the same time, it is very much recognizable as a DJI Mavic Pro. Same color, same shape and the same folding mechanism it seems. Battery mounted on top and towards the back. Similar to original Mavic and not like the Mavic Air.

What’s in a name – The drone is labeled Mavic 2, which may mean that there still will be a Mavic Pro 2. The bands on the legs of the original Mavic Pro are gold colored. The one shown in the photo is silver, which may mean the advanced (or basic) model if you go by previous DJI drones (Phantom).

Two different sensor sizes – The photo seems to show two different sensor sizes. The one mounted on the drone in grey could be a 1-inch sensor, and the one in black on the table perhaps a 1/1.7 sensor? A big sensor will surely help you to “See the Bigger Picture”.

Gimbal – The photo also seems to show a removable gimbal, a la the GoPro Karma. If you look at the picture closely, it seems that the gimbal might just slide into the drone and thus can be used separately as well. To the left, on the table, you can see the second gimbal with what appears to be a significantly smaller camera/sensor size and a small screen. There is also a lighting connection presumably for charging. The gimbal mounting system seems to be a lot more sturdy and durable than what we currently have in the Mavic Pro.

Motors – The motors seem to be of a larger size than the original Mavic Pro

Propellers – Are not the ‘quiet’ ones we have seen on the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum and Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. Maybe DJI will reserve that option for later in the product lifecycle of the Mavic 2?

360-degree obstacle avoidance – The new Mavic 2 seems to have at least front and side obstacle avoidance cameras/sensors. Very likely it will feature the same at the bottom and at the back of the drone. Not at the top, however.

Foldable legs – We can’t see the rear legs of the drone but the front legs seem to fold sideways like they do on the original Mavic Pro.

Amazon sells DJI drones.

[via DroneDJ]