DJI Avata 2 Review

The DJI Avata 2 is an extremely capable FPV drone that allows experienced users to engage in smooth, immersive first-person perspective flight using the DJI Goggles 3 as well as easily perform a variety of aerial flips and rolls with its Easy ACRO mode.

Image Quality

The DJI Avata 2 utilizes its 1/1.3" camera sensor to capture super-wide 4k video with a 155-degree wide field of view. You have the option to record 4k video in up to 100 frames per second and even up to 120 frames per second if you opt to shoot in a lower 2.7k resolution. Although the majority of Avata 2 pilots will primarily use it for video, the camera also allows users to capture 12 MP still images.

Using only a single-axis camera gimbal on its vertical axis, the DJI Avata 2 does not feature the same stabilization capability as many others in our testing lineup. Three-axis camera gimbals offer superior stabilization. That said, the Avata 2's first-person view flight capability uniquely enables it to capture video that no other drone in our testing lineup is capable of. Three-axis stabilized drone cameras offer steady but limited video capture. The Avata 2 is unbound in flight, allowing you to capture video from essentially any angle you can fathom and at much higher intensity and speed.

Flight Performance

The DJI Avata 2 delivers top-tier flight performance that advanced pilots will love, and beginners can grow into. When first starting up, the Avata 2 defaults to normal flight mode, which keeps the drone stable and hovering without any input from the pilot. The included DJI RC Motion 3 controller functions much like the flight stick of a traditional airplane and is surprisingly intuitive for new users to learn on quickly. The Avata 2 is also compatible with the DJI FPV RC 3 for advanced users who prefer a traditional controller that performs best in the Avata 2's manual mode.

The flight performance demonstrated by the DJI Avata 2 in our testing was exceptionally responsive and stable. We were impressed with its ability to fly with composure in windy conditions, although most flips and spins available in Easy ACRO mode are disabled in windy conditions for safety. With a quick double-tap of the lock button on the Motion Controller 3, the Avata 2 lifts off a few feet from the ground and hovers in place. The lock button is quite convenient in normal and sport mode, as it allows you to pause in flight and hover until you click it again to continue your flight. Landing can be a bit tricky while wearing the goggles, but you can tap them twice on the right side to toggle between your flight live view and “Real View,” which utilizes binocular cameras to show you your surroundings without having to remove the goggles.

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Portability

The DJI Avata 2 itself has a somewhat small form factor, measuring just under 10 inches diagonally; however, it requires several peripherals to fly, which makes it quite cumbersome to travel with and set up before each flight. You'll need the drone itself, a controller (we tested with the included DJI RC Motion 3 Controller), the included DJI Goggles 3, a device capable of running the DJI Fly App, and a USB-C cable long enough to connect that device to the goggles while you're wearing them. Annoyingly, Avata does not include a USB-C cable long enough to connect the goggles to a phone in your pocket, which is needed to run the app. As far as setup and portability go, the Avata 2 is a chore to set up compared to all other drones in our test group.

Most of the drones in our test group do not include carrying cases, and neither does the DJI Avata 2. It is arguably the one that needs a case the most in order to safely and conveniently transport all of the necessary gear. It comes with a camera gimbal cover, a small piece of plastic that snaps into place when not in use to protect it, but we'd suggest investing in a solid tech bag to transport the whole package. Despite the hassle of packing up the drone, controller, headset, and necessary USB-C cable, the Avata 2 and its unique flight perspective and capabilities are worth it. Be sure not to forget the USB-C cable, as it will prevent you from being able to take off.

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Usability

The DJI Fly App is a necessary part of using the DJI Avata 2. Although you don't use the app to display the live view of the drone camera like most other DJI drones, it is still necessary for FAA compliance with remote ID and firmware updates. Due to global security concerns, the DJI Fly app is not available in the Google Play Store and must be downloaded directly from the DJI website for Android users. At the time of testing, we were able to find the DJI Fly app in the Apple App Store. Once you have installed the DJI Fly App on your device, simply connect the device to the goggles headset using a USB-C cable. The rest of the controls are then configured on the headset display.

When flying drones, it's important to choose a suitable takeoff location, as that is the spot where your drone will return if it loses connection for any reason. The Avata 2 has a return-to-home feature, but it is not very accurate; it landed over three feet away from our landing pad in testing. We loved piloting the Avata 2 with the included flight stick-style controller and found it quite intuitive and user-friendly. We got the hang of it after just a few minutes of flight. Although the Avata 2 doesn't feature active tracking or other smart capture shots, with a bit of practice, its superior flight capabilities enable you to track someone or something more effectively than any algorithm can.

Should You Buy the DJI Avata 2?

While the Avata 2 is an awesomely capable and interesting drone, it's not for everyone. Beginners may find the many peripherals and controls of the Avata 2 to be too complex for a first experience with drones. If you're after the flight performance and capabilities exclusive to the Avata 2, be sure to do your homework and learn the controls and ease into the more aggressive flight modes. The DJI App interface within the headset does a good job of explaining the different settings and controls, but things happen very quickly when in flight, so it might be worth spending some time in a virtual simulator before your first real flight. The Avata 2 is one of the easiest and most accessible FPV drones available to consumers, but those just looking to get up in the air or perhaps buying their first drone may want to opt for a simpler, more beginner-friendly model.

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