DJI officially unveils its cinematic FPV drone

Like leaks suggested, DJI launches a cinematic first-person drone that works with sound FPV goggles. The FPV comes with the latest version of glasses and there is an optional one-hand motion controller. The company calls it a hybrid drone that mixes elements of cinematic FPV devices and racing drones, but it leans more towards the first category.

The company hopes to make first-person drone flight more accessible by bringing its functionality to a cinewhoop style drone. The DJI Virtual Flight app should help beginners practice before starting to fly. There are also tutorials to help you get set up.

The FPV has several skill-based flight modes. Normal mode allows the FPV to operate in the same way as other DJI drones. It uses GPS and visual positioning systems to help it hover in place, and it has obstacle detection sensors up front. These will automatically slow down the FPV when approaching an object.

Skilled drone pilots can take off the training wheels and completely disable hover functions and sensors in manual mode. Meanwhile, Sport mode sits in between, offering more freedom of movement than normal mode, and more safety features than manual mode. Flight assist features include emergency brake and hover button, come home feature, and take off and landing aid.

The maximum speed is not quite as expected. The FPV peaks at 140 km / h (87 mph), rather than the 150 km / h (93 mph) which suggested leaks. This means that it is significantly slower than many competitive FPV drones, which can fly at speeds over 120 mph. Still, FPV acceleration is solid. It can go from 0 to 100 km / h (0 to 62 mph) in two seconds, says DJI. You’ll get up to 20 minutes of flight time on a single battery charge.

The FPV has a built-in camera which, according to DJI, can shoot stable 4K video at 60 fps. He uses GoPro RockSteady stabilization system and has a 150 degree field of view. There is also a slow motion option, 120 fps with 1080p resolution. The camera can store images using H.265 or H.264 to occupy less space on the memory card.

As for the glasses, DJI promises a stable, low-latency signal connection that works over a long range to view real-time footage – the drone has a range of 10 kilometers. The company claims that the FPV transmits video at a rate of 50 Mbps and that there are several viewing options for the glasses. Standard low latency mode (approx.40ms) allows you to view live images of 120 fps at 810p resolution with 142 degree field of view or 50 fps with 150 degree field of view.

Fluid mode supports higher frame rates but increases latency. There is also an audience mode, which allows you to connect up to eight other sets of glasses to allow a group of people to share the pilot’s view.

The standard pack of an FPV drone, controllers, FPV v2 goggles, cables and a battery costs $ 1299 / € 1349. A Fly More kit, which includes two more batteries and a dedicated charging hub, will set you back $ 299 / € 278. As for the motion controller, it’s all yours for $ 199 / € 149. The drone is available for purchase now.