A drone that films everything, from bottom to top, without the pilot having to choose the shot while flying. This is the promise of the DJI Avata 360, the new quadcopter from the Chinese giant that takes 360 degree filming to an unprecedented level: 8K video at 60fps, dual optics with 1/1.1 inch sensors, and the freedom to decide what to show only after landing, during the assembly phase. But it’s not for everyone.
DJI Avata 360 decisively strengthens the 360-degree video production market also for amateur users looking for more exciting flight experiences and more impactful visual content. It is a powerful, versatile device, rather easy to fly, but it is not a product for everyone. In some way it is also DJI’s response to the launch last November of the Antigravity A1, both of which allow spherical shooting and have several points in common but are clearly two distinct products.
Compact but not light
The DJI Avata 360 looks like a larger version of the DJI Neo 2, with one essential difference: the front camera has two lenses instead of one. The body is sturdy, with the classic cinewhoop design of the Avata line – i.e propellers protected by special rings integrated into the frame – which make the drone safer to use indoors or near people, unlike the A1 with its exposed propellers.
The official weight is 455 gramsa non-negligible fact on the regulatory front, as we will see. The dimensions are 246 × 199 × 55.5 mm: they confirm that this is not a minimalist quadcopter, but one designed to be serious. It is interesting to underline a non-trivial construction detail: the camera rotates 90 degrees at the time of takeoff.
On the ground, one of the targets faces forward; once at altitude, the block tilts 90 degrees and the two lenses point one upwards and one downwards, thus covering the entire sphere. Unlike solutions with landing legs, this mechanism protects the optics during takeoffs and landings. The lenses are also user replaceable without sending the drone for assistance.
Shooting in 8K at 60 fps
The heart of the DJI Avata 360 is its imaging system: two 1/1.1 inch CMOS sensors and 64 megapixels each, capable of shooting videos 8K/60fps and take 360-degree photos from 120 megapixels. The 2.4 μm pixels guarantee high performance even in low light conditions, and support for D-Log M color profile in 10-bit opens professional color correction scenarios.
One of the most interesting features, which underlines the versatility of this drone, is the Single Lens mode: By rotating the optical block forward, the drone behaves like a classic FPV, shooting in 4K at 60fps without any spherical projection. One device, two completely different workflows.
The transmission system O4+ offers a live feed in 1080p/60fps with a range of up to 20km in ideal conditions (10 km in the CE area), while the declared autonomy is about 22 minutes per battery, with real use in dynamic flight falling around 15 minutes. The internal memory is 42GB usable, flanked by a microSD slot.
Maximum freedom of piloting
One of the most interesting aspects of the Avata 360 is its versatility in controls. You can fly with the controller RC Motion 3 combined with DJI Goggles N3 in FPV mode, or with the remote control RC 2 equipped with an integrated touchscreen (exactly like a traditional drone) still obtaining 360 degree footage without wearing glasses. Old RC-N2 and RC-N3 radio controls are also compatible. First-person flight (FPV) requires a little more experience, especially for newbies.
Of note: full manual acro mode is not supported. In FPV, only Normal and Sport modes are available, not pure aerobatic flying. Those looking for the full freedom of manual flight will have to look elsewhere.
The active safety system includes a valid and complete system omnidirectional sensors for obstacle detection (also works at night), a sensor Front LiDAR and lower infrared sensors. Among the tracking functions stand out Spotlight Freewhich allows you to select a subject and concentrate on piloting while the drone automatically keeps it in frame, and ActiveTrack 360°to chase moving subjects such as cyclists or vehicles.
Pay attention to regulatory constraints
The DJI Avata 360 weighs 455 grams: exceeds the threshold of 250 gramswhich means that in Europe and Italy, flying with this drone is not free. You must have the A1/A3 license (or higher) issued by ENAC, of one insurance policy Compulsory RC for drones, and the aircraft must be registered on the D-Flight portal. For those flying in FPV mode with visors, the presence of a helmet is also mandatory observer on the ground throughout the flight session.
However, it must be said that the drone carries the classification C1 which allows its use in broader operational categories than unmarked drones: it is possible to fly in residential, commercial and recreational areas, and in proximity to uninvolved people, while avoiding gatherings. Flying this drone legally is absolutely possible, but it requires preparation, training and responsibility.
Prices and availability
The drone alone (without controller) is priced at approx 459 eurosperfect for those who already own a compatible DJI controller. With the DJI RC 2 the price rises to approx 719 euroswhile the bundles Fly More Combo with RC 2 and with the N3 Goggles and the Motion Controller 3, it costs 939 euros. Both bundles include three batteries, a multi-charger (with 100W and 65W fast-charging support), spare propellers, a foldable takeoff mat, and a shoulder bag.
