DJI has released a new FPV drone that combines the high-speed performance of racing drones with the safety features and cinematic image quality we've grown to know from the company.
The DJI FPV setup includes the drone, goggles, a remote controller, and an optional motion controller that operates the drone based on the movement of your hand. It's a similar idea to Force mode in RavenEye with the RS 2 and RSC 2 gimbals. With Force mode, whatever direction you move your smartphone, the gimbal follows. With the new motion controller, when you move your hand, so does the drone.
The cool thing about the DJI FPV is that pilots get to operate from the drone's perspective when using the goggles. DJI has included OcuSync 3.0, which improves the latency of the drone, allowing you to react faster than before. For further safety, DJI has added obstacle detection sensors on the front which warn pilots of an object and slows down the aircraft. The drone doesn't avoid the obstacle itself like with the Mavic 2, but it does reduce speed, allowing you to steer the drone around the object yourself.
For takeoffs and landings, DJI has included Visual Positioning Sensors (VPS), along with an auxiliary light. Like the Mavic series, there is a Failsafe Return to Home feature that brings the drone back to the home point automatically if the transmission signal is lost. There's also an alert system to let you know when planes or helicopters equipped with ADS-B transmitters are nearby.
New to DJI is the Emergency Brake and Hover feature that will allow new users to fly with confidence. DJI has also included GPS-based geofencing to advise pilots of airspace restrictions or hazards as well as preventing the drone from flying into locations like airports.
Credit: DJI
The new motors offer speeds up to 87 mph (140 kph) and a maximum acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in just two seconds. DJI has included three different flying modes for different skill levels:
- Normal (N) Mode: Operates similar to DJI drones, hovering in place with the use of GPS and/or visual positioning systems (VPS) on the bottom of the drone. Obstacle detection sensors on the front are 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: 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 key safety features of N mode.
Credit: DJI
- Standard low-latency HD mode: Resolution is 1440x810p in either 60fps with a 142° Field of View (FOV), or 50 fps with 150° FOV. In this mode, latency is as low as ≤ 40 ms.
- Smooth mode: Resolution is 1440×810p 120fps with a 142° FOV or 100 fps at 150° FOV. Latency is decreased to ≤ 28 ms.
- Audience mode: Share the pilot’s perspective in audience mode, which connects up to eight additional goggle sets to the pilot’s view so even onlookers can experience the flight.
The DJI FPV uses the DJI Fly app, which now includes tutorials on how to operate the drone. New is the DJI Virtual Flight app, a free Simulator app that allows you to familiarize yourself with the drone movements using the dedicated controller. It's worth pointing out, Simulator is currently only available on iOS. Support for Android devices will be made available later this year.
Credit: DJI
DJI Care Refresh is also available with the DJI FPV. For a charge, it comes with a one-year plan of coverage and up to two replacement units within one year. A two-year plan provides three replacement units over two years.
