DJI FPV Drone

DJI’s FPV Drone Combines First-Person View With High-Speed Performance

DJI has released a new consumer drone called the FPV that it says combines first-person view with high-speed performance that is typically only found in racing drones. The drone, which can be controlled by an optional single-handed motion controller for using only hand movements, is aimed at content creators.

“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 honour that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,” says 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, 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. This allows pilots to capture ultra-smooth and stable 4K video at 60 fps with the assistance of RockSteady electronic image stabilization.

With three distinct flight modes designed for all skill levels, pilots can work their way up to more complex operation. The 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 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.

DJI FPV Drone

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. During Normal (N) mode, 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. 

In Manual (M) mode, designed for more experienced users, you can take full control over the drone, with all sensors and hovering features disabled; while Sport (S) mode is a new hybrid blend of M and N mode, offering 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, including a dedicated Emergency Brake and Hover feature 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. 

DJI FPV Drone

DJI FPV uses the latest in HD transmission technology so pilots can see a crystal-clear, long-range, low-latency feed from the DJI FPV aircraft while wearing the DJI FPV Goggles V2. Racing motors offer high-speed action during flights. The new motors offer a max speed of 140 kph (87 mph) and a max acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in just two seconds. O3 transmission is the next step in FPV transmission technology. It offers a 10km transmission range, auto-switching dual-frequencies, a high bitrate of 50 Mpbs, and anti-interference methods to ensure a reliable feed.

Pilots can choose from several different viewing options, including Standard low-latency HD mode (see in 1,440 x 810p in either 60 fps with a wider 142° Field of View (FOV), or 50 fps with 150° FOV with latency is as low as ≤ 40 ms); Smooth mode (activate high frame rates for a more cinematic look to signal latency is decreased to ≤ 28 ms, resolution is 1,440 × 810p 120 fps with a 142° FOV or 100 fps at 150° FOV); and Audience mode (share the pilot’s perspective and connect up to eight additional goggle sets to the pilot’s view so even onlookers can experience the flight.)

In addition to flying, the DJI FPV can also capture dynamic via the integrated 4K/60fps 120 Mbps camera is on a single-axis gimbal, providing stability during intricate maneuvers while rotating vertically for unique angles. RockSteady stabilization technology smooths shaky footage and eliminates the rolling shutter effect when filming fast-moving scenes. Advanced distortion correction software can remove the warped and unappealing fisheye look common in FPV footage. Pilots can record footage in 4x Slow Motion in 1,080p and 120 fps. Footage can now be stored in H.265 or H.264 which uses less space on the memory card but preserves fine details during compression. 

The drone uses the latest version of the DJI Fly app, which now includes detailed tutorials on how to operate DJI FPV. The newly developed DJI Virtual Flight App is a free simulator app that familiarizes new pilots with drone flying movements. The simulator allows pilots to fly the DJI FPV drone in various settings using the dedicated controller.

DJI Care Refresh is now available for DJI FPV. For an additional charge, the DJI Care Refresh one-year plan offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. The two-year plan provides three replacement units in two years and extends the original warranty period by one more year. Receive your replacement even sooner with DJI Care Refresh Express. DJI Care Refresh also includes exclusive VIP after-sales support and free two-way shipping. DJI Flyaway Coverage is not available for this product.

The DJI FPV is available in a Combo package that includes the FPV drone, remote controller, FPV Goggles V2, all required cables and one battery for US$1,299. The DJI FPV Fly More Kit includes two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries and the dedicated charging hub for US$299 more. Grab the optional Motion Controller for US$199.