DJI’s FPV an amazing device that appears to have been released at the right moment; just as we’re thinking of engaging in something more social. It’s certainly not for everyone, as it’s not designed with videography and photography as its top agenda, however, for those who’ve always been tempted to dip their feet into the realm of FPV and have the funds (and accessibility to physical spaces) it’s a fun and visually satisfying option to dip more than just a few inches into the world of FPV.
This DJI FPV Combo redefines DJI’s rules for involvement in the drone industry. For the uninitiated, DJI seems to rule the drone market – creating some of the top drones (opens in a new tab) suitable for any type of pilot. But there’s one area of interest that DJI hasn’t really explored – flying with First Person View (FPV) goggles (a similar to Virtual Reality) – which they’ve not been comfortable with. When DJI was introduced, with their Phantom line, they appeared to bring the ease of use of phone apps to the drone market, and thus creating the line between traditional drone pilots focused on acrobatics or racing.
The other end of the spectrum were more than content with DIY and enjoyed swapping frames, motors propellers and other components frequently. They also realized that analog video had the lowest latency and was crackle-free. shareable videos could be easily recorded using the help of a GoPro.
DJI was not entirely sceptical however, in 2017 it made fantastic Goggles that were based on their Ocusync software that produced images that resembled IMAX and, with the speed associated with Mavic, the Mavic it was used with, the latency didn’t pose an issue.
In the year 2019 DJI released the HD FPV cameras and Goggles set for self-builders who may have shrugged off DJI’s automated flight capabilities but could appreciate the benefits in much higher quality FPV video footage on the drones they constructed by themselves.
In reality the racing community was able to split into groups of those who wore the well-known brand of FPV goggles, such as FatSharks, (which, coincidentally they already owned) as well as those that could pay for an expensive DJI FPV system. It came with a brand new controller, camera/recorder, the drone, and goggles, it was understandable. Not all FPV racers are able to afford unlimited budgets.
What exactly does the DJI FPV system appear like?
One thing that is evident from the beginning is that DJI stick to the upper part of FPV market. The same headsets and cameras to their earlier high-end, low-latency system are now joined with a new controller (and an additional motion control). The new drone is advertised as the DJI FPV Combo and includes both the headset, the standard controller and drone for a price of $1199 or PS1249/AU$2,099.
The drone certainly looks like it’s an FPV drone. It has the rigid propellers with tri-blade blades that extend to a sufficient distance forward that they’ll absorb the weight of head-on collisions, as well as a solid frame with cool LED lights that come in a variety of colors.
An examination closer will reveal a difference from the standard self-built device. It has several collision sensors (two facing forward, two facing downwards and two infra-red altitude sensors). Alongside the camera’s main lens (which records at 4K/60fps, or 1080p/120fps) and mounted on a motorized gimbal that is recessed It is clear that the designers intended to create the illusion of an insectoid.
It’s the DJI FPV’s insectoid style is next to an ordinary FPV quadcopter. They have lots in common even however, swapping parts in a moment is only feasible with either of them.
The majority of the DIY quad designs are intended for racing or Acro (acrobatics) or types of flight that consume batteries quickly , which is why the usual solution is velcro straps, and a straightforward but sturdy plug that is soldered to the board. It is the DJI FPV Quad has put the battery at the center of the fuselage. It is being inserted from behind, meaning it functions as a sort or back foot (there there aren’t any feet in the rear legs). Yet, DJI have stuck with an old-fashioned plug that is more durable than used on many flying cameras, but it’s difficult to forget to plug it in simultaneously as the battery.
The inside is different, too.
It’s obvious from the front seeing something completely different. the DJI FPV is quite noisy fan because the process of recording the entire high-res video (and making sure that collisions aren’t happening) requires a lot of processing. That’s the biggest difference. by default, the DJI FPV comes with all the sensors you’d expect to find when you have a flight camera drone – the GPS system, its altitude and and so on. So, when you power it up and take the controller off the drone will hover.
This might not sound authentic enough for committed FPV enthusiasts However, the hover, return-to-home as well as the rest of the options can be turned off. There’s a mode switch using the letters ‘N’ (Normal) as well as S (Fast however, nonetheless self-leveling) as well as M (Custom) and, after you’ve activated M in the menu , you can then select you’ll have all the choices (rates) can be used to create an vigorous flying style.
The main concern concerns that the Gimbal that keeps the camera in a smooth state (and can be adjusted to any angle you want with an on-board wheel) could mean that the drone is less resistant to impact than other setups that are custom-built, and the thought of fixing one of these is certainly more difficult than repairing one part or another in the self-build. In this regard I left the collision sensors in place and tried diving into the ground, skimming across it at the speed that N and S mode allowed and (though it was close) it did not crash. It was quite impressive.
Flying high using DJI FPV
The DJI FPV Comobo comes with several accessories, especially if incorporate the optional Motion Controller. The top left corner is where you will observe the battery that is for the goggles, which is connected as it is used.
If you’re just beginning to explore this world of FPV, DJI seem to adopt a method that is comparable to DIY-built drones to feel familiar, with no shared components. In the package (with DJI goggles drone and the remote) you will also find batteries and chargers that power your drone (a staggering 6S 22V 2500mAh) as well as goggles (2S 9V, 1800AH). The remote also has its own built-in. The charger can only handle 1 6S at a single time and there is no queueing however, there are two USB-A ports which connect with the charging ports of USB-C that charge the goggle battery and controller. The charger should not be used for charging.
The battery of the goggles is connected to the goggles by using the USB-C connector that is at the end and it is a different socket that connects to the goggles itself. The cable is included, however it’s a messy approach. There was no place in the head-strap where I could tuck the battery in, and though I can understand the need to keep the weight out of the goggles, hanging the cable in my trouser pocket felt somewhat strange.
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- January 18, 2025 3:45 pm