Review: DJI Avata versus Avata 2 First Person View Drones

How powerful are first-person-view (FPV) drones today? What’s the difference between the Avata 1 and Avata 2, how well do they perform and what are their video capabilities? Pro FPV pilot and BBC Contributor Sam Butcher, with MPB’s Amy Moore, put the DJI Avata 1 and Avata 2 to the test at Brighton Karting racetrack. Can these FPV drones keep up with 270cc go-karts? Let’s examine their cornering, speed, autofocus and general performance.

Specs

While the Avata 1 and Avata 2 share many specifications, DJI made some improvements to the Avata 2.

How do the Avata 1 and 2 compare in a real-world test? 

DJI Avata 1

The original DJI Avata was introduced in 2022. It’s DJI’s second attempt at FPV drones, after the DJI FPV. But, as covered in our DJI FPV versus Avata 1 review, it’s the DJI Avata 1 that really took off. The Avata 1 is small, has built-in propellor guards and can shoot stabilised 4K footage.

Pros 

• More affordable than the Avata 2

• More combo options

Cons 

• Can sometimes tip over on tight corners

• Smaller sensor 

• Shorter flight time 

Handling

When the Avata 1 goes up at an angle, it has a reputation for tipping over. If you can anticipate the turn, you can prevent the drone from tipping over. Luckily, it’s quite a rugged drone. This issue, however, doesn’t seem to affect the DJI Avata 2.

The track presented a few challenges. There were a few tight hairpin turns, and a tunnel to chase the go-karts underneath. As long as you don't do any high-G manoeuvres—as seen above—you can fly around the Avata 1’s difficulties. Overall, the DJI Avata 1 performed better than expected.

Video

Following a 2022 firmware update, the DJI Avata now offers 10-bit video—like the Avata 2. The difference between 8-bit and 10-bit footage means more colour detail and smoother gradients. 

Both the Avata 1 and Avata 2 can shoot 3:2 (3840×2880) 4K footage at 60fps, although the Avata 2 offers an increased framerate of 100fps at standard 16:9 4K (3840x2160). The Avata 1 lacks high dynamic range (HDR) and has a slightly smaller sensor than the Avata 2. 

Overall, the video from the Avata 1 is very good. If you’re on a limited budget and happy with 2.5x (rather than 4x) slow-mo and slightly reduced image quality, the Avata 1 still offers that all-important 4K. 

Stabilisation

Video stabilisation is unchanged between the Avata 1 and 2. While neither model has a three-axis gimbal to provide physical stabilisation of the lens, both drones offer RockSteady and HorizonSteady technology. 

The Avata 1 and 2 record the drone’s gyroscopic data to your video files, making it far easier to stabilise your footage in post-production. However, this process typically leads to reduced resolution. So, if you need super-smooth footage at maximum resolution, look at non-FPV drones with a three-axis gimbal.

DJI Avata 2

The DJI Avata 2, released in 2024, has significant upgrades—including flight time and performance, intelligent flight modes, safety features and video capture. This drone is much smoother than the Avata 1. The Avata 2 is much easier to fly, ironing out most of the problems from the Avata 1.

Pros 

• Larger sensor

• Higher framerate (100fps at 4K) for super slow-motion footage

• Longer flight time 

• More stable

• Useful Easy ACRO & Return to Home features

Cons 

• More expensive than the Avata 1

• Fewer combo options available at launch

Controllers

The Avata 2 has a small motion-style controller—the DJI RC Motion 3—which is fine if you're starting. You can just let go of the throttle, and the drone comes to a complete halt, which might be helpful. 

But when you have to track moving objects at speed, flying close, you need the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3. The larger controller gives you much more dexterity and finesse with the controls.

You can fly in closer and ultimately have more control of the drone while it's in the air. When flying an FPV, you’re sometimes asked to do loops and rolls. Those are much easier using a joypad controller. Otherwise, using the Avata 2, you can use the Easy ACRO feature.

Easy ACRO

With the Avata 2, DJI introduced Easy ACRO—at the flick of a switch, you can do a pre-programmed loop or roll. It’s really easy to complete impressive acrobatic manoeuvres with the DJI Avata 2.

Video

The Avata 2 has a bigger sensor, slightly increasing your image quality. The drone can capture 4K in high dynamic range (HDR). The framerate has increased, up to 100fps in 16:9 4K, which is great for super-slow-motion footage. The Avata 2’s D-Log M profile retains more data than the Avata 1’s D-Cinelike, offering slightly better colour grading options in post-production. 

DJI Avata 1 versus Avata 2: Which Is Right for You?

The right Avata model will depend on your creative requirements and your budget. The more expensive Avata 2 is smaller and lighter than the Avata 1, helping to deliver five extra minutes of flight time. Internal media storage has doubled, there’s an increase in ascent speed (in sport mode) and the maximum transmission is three kilometres greater, too. DJI also added two useful features—Easy ACRO and automatic Return to Home—to the Avata 2, and you can also capture slower-motion 4K footage at 100fps. All these features are nice to have, but not essential.

FAQs

If you're looking for more info and advice about the DJI Avata 1 and 2, you've landed in the right place.

Which DJI Avata 1 combo should I choose?

Each Avata 1 combo typically includes Avata 1 drone, battery charging hub, gimbal protector, battery, propellors and cables. 

The basic option, the Avata 1 Fly Smart Combo, also has the Motion Controller and the older DJI FPV Goggles V2. If you’re looking for a budget option, choose the Fly Smart combo.

The Avata 1 Explorer combo offers an upgraded controller—the DJI RC Motion 2—and the ‘lite’-spec goggles, the DJI Goggles Integra. The Explorer combo is for you if you’re looking for more control. 

For the best Avata 1 accessories, the Avata 1 Pro View combo includes the DJI RC Motion 2 controller and the DJI Goggles 2. Want the top-spec Avata 1 combo? Go for the Pro-View. 

Which DJI Avata 2 combo should I choose? 

At launch, the DJI Avata 2 is available as the Avata 2 Fly More combo. In addition to the DJI Avata 2 drone, the combo typically comes with the usual accessories and up to three batteries. The Avata 2 Fly More combo has an upgraded DJI RC Motion 3 controller and the DJI Goggles 3. 

Is it worth upgrading to the Avata 2 if I already own the Avata 1?

It depends. If you need longer flights, the Easy ACRO and Return to Home features or 4x slow-motion footage at 4k, consider upgrading to the Avata 2. If you primarily use your Avata 1 for 25fps or 50fps video at 4K, the Avata 2’s features might not be worth the upgrade. 

Which FPV drone is best for beginners?

Depending on where you’re based, the DJI FPV, DJI Avata 1 and DJI Avata 2 drones will likely be over the weight limit for unlicensed drone pilots. You might want to start with a standard, more lightweight drone first. 

Can I use FPV drones, like the Avata 1 and Avata 2, for photography or stills?

The Avata 1 and 2 can hover and capture stills at 4K resolution, but FPV drones aren’t usually the preferred option for stills. Better drone options are available for drone photography.

Please note: When flying FPV or standard drones, please check your local drone safety regulations first and keep yourself and everyone around you safe. If in doubt, don't fly. 

Looking for more drone content?

Check out our DJI Mavic 2 Pro review, our interview with drone photographer Hugo Healy, and more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.