DJI AVATA vs DJI FPV. Which should you buy?

and Is the DJI AVATA really an upgrade over the DJI FPV drone?

This was the question I had whilst pondering over whether or not to click the buy button on the new AVATA package with its almost $2000 price tag in my shopping cart back when it was announced in August.

Since then, I’ve owned the two and used them extensively for a diverse array of projects. Hopefully my insights will help you.

Going back to the original question though of which drone you should buy, like most purchasing decisions, it depends on what is most important to you. If image quality is the most important thing, then the AVATA wins, if it’s battery life? then it’s the FPV. If you’re after high wind performance, once again, the DJI FPV takes the win.

So as you can see, it’s not really a question of which is better than the other, more like what are your specific needs?

A bit about my background

Now I am no hard-core FPV pilot, but I have been flying drones for 10 years and have owned the DJI, FPV, and have been flying in manually since its release.

Obvious differences

These drones really fit into two different categories. The Cinewhoop form factor, and more of a freestyle form giving them to quite different looks.

The most obvious difference is the size, and the fact the AVATA has prop guards. This gives it the ability to be flown through tight spaces and closer to objects without fear of breaking something, injuring someone or damaging the drone. This has plus sides, and also negatives.

Which is FPV drone best for my needs?

For me personally as a filmmaker my projects, vary quite a bit, from filming action sports in extreme high winds over the ocean, to

to travel and tourism content that often involves filming interiors and exteriors of resorts. For me, it turns out that neither of these FPV drones are perfect for the context in which I need them which is a bit frustrating because I honestly only wanted to travel with one drone. However, combined they cover most of my needs.

The DJI FPV handles high winds like a champion, enabling me to get insane shots of kite surfers flying through the air and the AVATA gives me the ability to fly indoors and around people and objects, giving me a unique perspective and shots that were previously unattainable thanks to a small form factor and prop guards.

What I like most about the AVATA

My favourite thing about the DJI AVATA is its form factor. I love how much more compact it is and how much smaller the batteries are, the fact that the props are always attached and protected means that I can throw it into a backpack without concern, or fear of forgetting the propellers, which I’ve done many times with the FPV.

Another plus for me personally as someone who is continually trying to get better at manual, flying, is the peace of mind the AVATA gives with its honestly incredible, build quality and strength. I’ve crashed this thing so many times even onto concrete from 20 feet in the air and it still works fine.

Finally, the image quality. The AVATA has had quite a significant upgrade in image quality with the addition of higher bit rate video, a bigger sensor, D log, more video formats, included Gyro data and inbuilt Rocksteady stabilization. For me as a professional this just means more options for a better quality end product.

What I like most about the DJI FPV.

For me, the DJI FPV has been my work horse. I have always been able to rely on it when I’ve needed it the most even in the most extreme, harsh conditions. It flies well and has plenty of power to get me out of tricky situations such as when I am flying in 40 miles an hour winds and need to manoeuvre out of the way of obstacles. The batteries charge quickly enabling a fast turnaround on long shoots which can be crucial when filming an event.