DJI launches drone with first-person-view and joystick control

GaryPageau ,

DJI launched a new type of drone, the DJI FPV, which combines the first-person view of racing drones, the cinematic camera sweep of traditional drones, the safety and transmission technology of DJI’s consumer drones, and an optional single-handed motion controller that allows pilots to control the drone with just hand movements.

“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 honor that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,” said 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.”

DJI FPV

The DJI FPV system includes the drone, goggles, a dedicated remote controller, and a new motion controller option steering the drone based on hand movements. The FPV system lets pilots see from the drone’s perspective in low-latency high definition due to O3, the third iteration of DJI’s proprietary OcuSync technology. DJI FPV is available today in several options. The standard DJI FPV Combo includes the FPV drone, remote controller 2, FPV Goggles V2, all required cables, and one battery for the retail price of $1,299. The DJI FPV Fly More Kit is also available, which includes two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries and the dedicated charging hub for the retail price of $299. The optional Motion Controller is sold separately for $199.

Three skill levels

The company says DJI FPV is the first “integrated FPV drone” allowing pilots from beginners to professionals to choose from multiple flight modes to match their skill level:

  • Normal (N) Mode: During N mode operation, 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.
  • Manual (M) Mode: M mode is designed for more experienced users offering full manual controls. While in M mode, all sensors and hovering features are disabled.
  • Sport (S) Mode: A new hybrid blend of M and N mode, S mode offers 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.

Safety features

A dedicated emergency brake and hover feature is available 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 feature bringing 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.

Pilots can see a low-latency feed from the DJI FPV aircraft while wearing the DJI FPV Goggles V2. The new motors bring a heart-racing experience to the system with a max speed of 140 kph (87 mph) and a max acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in just two seconds. Pilots can choose from several different viewing options, including:

  • High-Quality mode: See the world in 1440x810p in either 60 fps with a wider 142° Field of View (FOV), or 50 fps with 150° FOV. In this mode, latency is as low as ≤ 40 ms.
  • Low-Latency mode: In this mode, pilots activate high frame rates for a more cinematic look to signal latency is decreased to ≤ 28 ms. Resolution is 1440×810p 120 fps with a 142° FOV or 100 fps at 150° FOV.
  • Audience mode: Share the pilot’s perspective in audience mode, which connects up to eight additional goggle sets to the pilot’s view so even onlookers can experience the flight.

Camera features

Not only does DJI FPV has an integrated 4K/60fps 120 Mbps camera on a single-axis gimbal, providing stability during intricate maneuvers while rotating vertically for unique angles. Additionally, 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 fish-eye look common in FPV footage. Pilots can record footage in 4x Slow Motion in 1080p 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.

In other DJI news, the company expanded its DJI Care offering. Customers can now add Flyaway Coverage to the service plan to ensure the best flying experience. Pilots who purchase the DJI Mini 2 or Mavic Air 2 can add this to their plan along with enhanced customer service to support it. DJI Care Flyaway coverage takes effect when Care Refresh is purchased and customers sync their account and remote controller to the latest version of the DJI Fly App. In the rare case of a flyaway, customers can file a Flyaway report, pay any corresponding fees and receive a replacement product quickly. Existing customers who purchased DJI Care Refresh can add this service by binding their DJI account with the remote controller. The new service offers a 1-year plan that covers 1 flyaway, a 2-year plan that covers up to 2 flyaways and DJI Care Refresh+ which covers 1 fly away or 1 accidental damage incident. For full pricing and details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh