After flying the DJI Avata 2 for over six months, I’ve gathered some insights on the way it compares to conventional 5-inch FPV drones. Whereas the Avata 2 is a superb drone in lots of respects, it’s not with out its trade-offs. On this purchaser’s information, we’ll evaluate the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones by way of flight efficiency, functions, and limitations. It will provide help to make an knowledgeable determination based mostly in your wants and flying type.
within the Avata 2? Take a look at my full overview right here: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
The place to Purchase?
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Discover ways to construct your individual 5inch FPV drone on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Chasing Quick-Transferring Objects
In contrast to conventional digicam drones just like the DJI Mavic or Mini, the Avata 2 supplies dynamic, responsive, and fascinating flight experiences—good for cinematic pictures or informal flying. You possibly can fly it like a freestyle drone, nevertheless it’s significantly slower in comparison with {custom} constructed 5inch FPV drones.
In case your purpose is to chase fast-moving objects like automobiles, a 5-inch FPV drone is certainly the higher alternative. These drones can simply attain speeds over 150km/h (~100mph), and a few fashions even exceed 200 km/h (~130mph). The DJI Avata 2, then again, tops out round 100km/h (~60mph) in calm circumstances.
Whereas the Avata 2 has built-in prop guards for security, they create further air resistance, lowering the drone’s agility and making it much less best for freestyle flying. In case your focus is on cinematic pictures and cruising, the Avata 2 is a stable alternative, however for high-speed motion, the 5-inch FPV drone wins arms down.
Diving Mountains and Buildings
For excessive dives off tall mountains or buildings, the Avata 2 faces some limitations. It has a 500-meter restrict, which causes the drone to refuse to fly any larger when you attain that peak cap. Moreover, the prop guards don’t enable for easy dives, resulting in potential wobbles or shakes throughout free falls. 5-inch drones, with out prop guards, excel at dives and supply a smoother free-fall expertise. And you’ll fly as far and as excessive as your battery and radio/video hyperlinks enable.
Flying within the Wind
On the subject of flying in windy circumstances, 5-inch FPV drones are the clear winners. These drones are heavier and extra highly effective, permitting them to deal with stronger winds. In distinction, the Avata 2 struggles in winds exceeding 30km/h (20MPH), usually displaying “Excessive wind velocity” warnings, and the drone is much less steady on this situation and can drift.
Lengthy-Vary Flying
Each the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones can obtain spectacular vary, however the Avata 2 may be very succesful at this out of the field. You don’t have to tinker with the setup, or add further tools, it simply works. For 5-inch FPV drones, attaining long-range flight requires deciding on the fitting propellers, utilizing a big Li-ion battery, and optimizing antenna—duties that demand extra expertise and data. For a simple long-range setup, the Avata 2 is the better choice.
Ease of Use and Comfort
As somebody who travels regularly, I prioritize comfort and portability.
The DJI Avata 2 may be very moveable, mild weight and hassle-free. I really like how all of the gear suits in the identical small storage bag. It’s a ready-to-fly answer that doesn’t require any meeting or tuning. Proper out of the field, the Avata 2 gives 15-20 minutes of flight time and greater than 5 km of vary.
Against this, with my 5-inch FPV drones, I’ve to convey an enormous backpack with a lot of completely different tools. Additionally they provide a lot shorter flight time, usually round 5-6 minutes (although you may prolong this with a bigger battery), they usually require extra follow to grasp because of their uncooked energy. There’s additionally the added complexity of constructing, tuning, and sustaining the drone.
The DJI Avata 2 helps a number of flight modes—Regular, Sport, and Guide (Acro). For learners, Regular and Sport modes provide altitude maintain, sensible touchdown, and return-to-home options, vastly lowering the probability of crashes. This makes studying FPV flying considerably extra accessible.
Artistic Photographs
My favourite characteristic of the Avata 2 is its adjustable one-axis digicam gimbal. Conventional FPV drones usually have fastened digicam angles, limiting artistic flexibility. With Avata 2, you may dynamically change digicam angles mid-flight, enabling revolutionary pictures like flying backwards whereas adjusting the digicam angle, offering unparalleled cinematic prospects.
Reliability
It could be shocking for some, however I truly really feel extra assured flying long-range or over water with the Avata 2 because of its dependable GPS system and Return to House (RTH) characteristic. Whilst you can add GPS to a {custom} constructed 5-inch FPV drone and setup comparable “return to house” characteristic in Betaflight, DJI’s autonomous flight expertise is extra dependable, mature and user-friendly. The Avata 2’s superior options give it a security edge over custom-built drones with none tinkering.
The Avata 2 additionally has emergency braking, by urgent the brake button, the drone simply stops and hover on the similar spot and wait on your command, which is basically helpful in difficult setting, espeically for learners. Customized constructed drones don’t have this characteristic, you may put it in self-stabilized mode resembling Angle mode, however it should drift round and you continue to have to manage its altitude manually which isn’t very newbie pleasant.
Flexibility
5-inch FPV drones provide unmatched flexibility and customization, whereas Avata 2 suffers from its closed DJI ecosystem.
In contrast to custom-built drones the place particular person parts may be changed or upgraded based mostly in your flying type. Whether or not you wish to deal with freestyle, racing, or long-range flights, you may customise the drone to fit your wants.
With the Avata 2, you’re locked into DJI’s equipment, batteries, goggles, and controllers. Repairing or customizing the drone your self voids the guarantee. It’s a incredible out-of-the-box drone however lacks the flexibility that comes with a {custom} 5-inch setup.
Sturdiness
The Avata 2 will not be made for crashes and the plastic body may be simply broken. Then again, {custom} constructed FPV drones often use sturdy carbon fibre frames and may take some beating.
Price
The preliminary price for each drones is definitely fairly comparable, particularly in case you’re utilizing DJI parts (resembling DJI Goggles and the O4 Professional air unit) in your 5-inch FPV drone construct. Nonetheless, in relation to repairs, 5-inch drones are cheaper and simpler to repair. You possibly can exchange particular person components, like motors or frames, your self. The Avata 2, then again, is sort of unimaginable to restore at house because of its subtle design. You possibly can change propellers, that’s about it.
Whereas DJI gives DJI Care, which reduces restore and substitute prices, you’re restricted within the variety of claims, and replacements can take weeks. DJI Care Refresh insurance coverage prices round $59/12 months, with a $50 substitute payment for the primary crash and $200 for subsequent replacements. This may be costly if crashes are frequent.
And in case you plan to fly rather a lot, buying additional batteries are expensive, roughly $100 every, in comparison with $20-$40 for typical FPV drone batteries.
Digicam Body Charge Restrictions
The Avata 2 digicam lacks the favored cinematic body fee of 24fps. Though it helps 4K 60fps, filmmakers preferring conventional movie aesthetics would possibly miss having 24fps or 48fps choices. With a {custom} constructed FPV drones, you may simply put a GoPro on it and use 24fps. You might also put a GoPro on the Avata 2, nevertheless it’s going to fly so badly as a result of lack of energy.
Ultimate Verdict: Which Drone Is Proper for You?
After a 12 months of use, I firmly consider the DJI Avata 2 stays a incredible drone, particularly for content material creators prioritizing comfort, portability, and reliability. Its proprietary nature and price could deter freestyle pilots preferring customization, however for skilled filmmakers or hobbyists who need highly effective artistic flexibility with out complexity, the Avata 2 stays a compelling alternative—even as we speak.
Select the DJI Avata 2 if:
- You need an all-in-one, ready-to-fly answer that avoids the complexity of {custom} builds.
- You prioritize easy, high-quality footage for cinematography.
- Security and GPS return-to-home options are essential to you.
- You favor an easier setup with minimal tuning and upkeep.
Get the DJI Avata 2 right here:
Select a 5-Inch FPV Drone if:
- You’re searching for high-performance freestyle flying or racing.
- You take pleasure in constructing, repairing, and customizing your drone for various flying types.
- You need to have the ability to fly in windy environments or deal with difficult, fast-paced flights.
- You’re interested by pushing the bounds of what an FPV drone can do by way of agility and pace.
- You anticipate to crash rather a lot and will likely be repairing the drone by your self.
Discover ways to construct your individual 5inch FPV drone on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Each the DJI Avata 2 and 5-inch FPV drones excel in numerous areas. The Avata 2 is ideal for cinematic FPV pictures and other people in search of easy FPV options, whereas 5-inch FPV drones are the go-to for seasoned pilots who don’t thoughts tinkering and like excessive efficiency. Your alternative in the end comes right down to your flying type, expertise degree, and what you wish to obtain together with your drone.