We consider the DJI Air 2 one of the very best consumer drones on the market, so we’re particularly excited about the release of the new DJI Air 3. This new model offers a cadre of useful updates, from extended battery life to quieter flights. Here’s a look at DJI’s new flying machine.

DJI Air 3 drone at a glance

• Two camera array includes a wide-angle and a telephoto lens
• Each camera offers a 1.13-inch CMOS sensor
• Up to 48 minutes of flight on a charge
• 48-megapixel photos and 4K/60P footage with both cameras
• Object avoidance in every direction
• $1,099 for the drone and controller
• Weighs 1.59 pounds

What’s new in the DJI Air 3 drone? Let’s start with the cameras

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This $1,099 drone offers a very similar form factor to other DJI folding drones in recent years. The camera represents one of the biggest differentiators when it comes to setting the Air 3 apart from its siblings. The Air 3 offers a pair of imaging devices, including its standard wide-angle camera as well as a 70mm (equivalent) telephoto camera to provide a very different look to your photos and footage. The wide-angle camera offers a maximum aperture of f/1.7, while the telephoto camera opens to f/2.8. That wide-angle camera offers more than a full-stop advantage over the model found on the Air 2S.

Both cameras in the Air 3 come toting 1.13-inch sensors. That’s a small-but-noticeable uptick from the one-inch sensor found in the Air 2S. The Air 3 can also capture 48-megapixel still images while the Air 2S capped out at 20 MP. Instead of the 5.3K maximum video resolution offered by the Air 2S, the Air 3 promises 4K footage at up to 100 fps with no crop.

The Mavic 3 Pro offers a more advanced triple-camera design with a 4/3 Hasselblad main camera, but that craft also costs just less than double what you’ll pay for the Air 3.

DJI Air 3 design

All of these folding DJI drones should look very familiar by now. DJI has been using this basic setup since the Mavic line first debuted. That’s not a knock against the product. The folding design works very well and doesn’t need a lot o fussing. DJI claims the Air 3 can detect obstacles in all directions, which means you can fly it in more complicated settings, like through trees or even larger indoor spaces, if you’re qualified to do so.

The upgraded battery can now provide up to 46 minutes of flight time on a single charge. Of course, that number will vary wildly depending on your flying style and the environmental conditions. But that flight time number continues to grow with new models, and we’re always glad to see that. Still, we almost always recommend getting the Fly More bundle if you buy a new DJI drone because it offers a discount on extra batteries (which you’ll need) and the upgraded controller (which you may want).

Who should buy the new DJI Air 3 drone?

This remains a sweet spot in the DJI lineup. It’s more advanced than the Mini Pro and the older Air 2S, but it’s still roughly half the price of the flagship Mavic 3 Pro. The second camera is a very welcomed addition, but it’s only going to come in handy if you have plans to use it. For many beginners, one main camera is enough, but this is a nice option for someone who is more advanced (or hopes to get there soon).

The drone itself costs $1,099, but there are several Fly More options available for purchase right now. The $1,349 bundle includes a pair of extra batteries, the advanced battery charging hub, a shoulder bag for carrying everything, and more. Move up to the $1,549 version, and you get those same accessories, except you’ll also get the DJI RC 2, which integrates a 5.5-inch HD screen directly into the device.

We’re looking forward to flying DJI’s new drone as soon as review units become available.

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If you’ve been itching for a new drone, the DJI Air 2S, which DJI released in 2021, is still one of our favorite drones. And right now, you can save 20 percent on this popular and highly capable drone for Amazon Prime Day when you opt for the Fly More Combo. This is one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on this drone ever, so if you’ve been considering picking up a new aerial machine, now would be a great time to do so.

DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo $1,039.00 (was $1,299.00)

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The Air 2S is one of the best drones for most people, especially those who are dedicated to improving their aerial photography. It features a one-inch sensor and is capable of 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video. It’s stable and easy to fly and comes with a handful of intelligent flight modes to make things easier as you learn your way around the drone. If you are just getting started, the Fly More Combo is a fantastic combo even when full price. It comes with an ND filter set, spare controller control sticks, a gimbal protector, a shoulder bag, extra propellers, and extra batteries.

More DJI Prime Day deals

• DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo $299.00 (was $399.00)
• DJI Action 2 Power Combo $235.00 (was $299.00)
• DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) $609.00 (was $699.00)
• DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer $149.00 (was $159.00)
• DJI Osmo Mobile SE Intelligent Gimbal $99.00 (was $109.00)

Even more Prime Day deals to shop

• CleverMade storage
• GoPro cameras
• Sony cameras and lenses
• Samyang and Rokinon lenses
• Kodak and HP portable printers
• PNY memory cards
• Arzopa portable monitors
• Polaroid cameras and printers
• FLIR thermal cameras
• Nixplay digital picture frames
• Loupedeck editing consoles

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If you’re in the market for a drone, Amazon currently has two of DJI’s most popular offerings on sale for $100 (or more) off of their regular prices. The weather is nice right now, and it’s a great time to get one of these little crafts into the sky to make some aerial photography or video footage. Or just use it to wear out your dog.

DJI Air 2S $849 (was $999)

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This relatively tiny folding drone sports a pretty impressive camera with a large 1-inch sensor to maximize photo and video quality. The camera sits on DJI’s excellent gimbal, which allows for smooth footage and sharp images, even when the drone is on the move. It can capture 5.4K video or more traditional 4K at up to 60 fps.

The drone has obstacle sensing tech that monitors every direction around the craft, so it’s a solid option for someone learning how to fly. It can automatically avoid crashes, which can be costly. Once you’re done flying, it folds up to about the size of a water bottle and weighs just 1.3 pounds, so it’s very easy to bring along as part of a larger camera kit. This is an excellent option for people just getting serious or even high-end pros looking for a secondary craft to keep in the bag.

If you want the Fly More combo, which comes with extra batteries and props, as well as some other goodies, that’s on sale for $1,109 (down from $1,299)

DJI FPV Combo $899 (was $999)

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If you want a true first-person view experience, this drone comes with an advanced headset and controller that give you precise control and a cockpit-level view of what the drone itself sees. This kind of drone is excellent for pulling high-speed maneuvers or precise camera movements that offer a truly cinematic look. The FPV setup takes some getting used to, but you’ll save $100 with this deal, so you’ll have some extra cash left over for replacement propellers in case it takes some time to navigate the learning curve.

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When it comes to consumer-grade drones, it doesn’t get much better than DJI’s Mavic line. Now, the company has upped the camera ante on its flagship Mavic offering with the triple-cam Mavic 3 Pro. It offers many of the same flight features as its other Mavic pals, but its triple camera array adds another level of flexibility when it comes to aerial content creation. Here’s what you need to know about the new DJI Mavic Pro 3 drone (currently up for pre-order).

DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone at a glance

• Three total cameras, each with different focal lengths
• Main camera: Hasselblad 4/3 20MP camera with a 24mm equivalent lens
• Medium tele camera: 70mm equivalent 48MP camera with an f/2.8 aperture
• Telephoto camera: 166mm equivalent 12MP camera with an F/3.4 aperture
• Up to 43 minutes of flight time
• Apple ProRes support in each camera (in Cine version)
• Video transmission up to 15 km
• 5.1K video up to 50 fps or 4K video up to 120 fps
• Upgraded Pro Cine model offers 1TB of built-in storage
• Object avoidance in every direction
• Price: $2,199

DJI’s new flagship Mavic

As the $2,199 price suggests, this represents the high-end of DJI’s consumer offerings. It relied on a very familiar folding form factor you’ll recognize from the standard Mavic 3, but the more advanced camera adds roughly two ounces of weight to the Mavic 3 Pro. The Pro 3 also promises three fewer minutes of flight time per charge than the standard Mavic 3 due to the extra weight. If you’re buying a drone at this level, however, you’re almost certainly going to want to buy extra batteries and bring them with you anyway.

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Three cameras on a drone?

The big differentiator for the Mavic 3 Pro comes in the form of its camera array. It has a trio of imaging devices, all with their own unique specs and use cases.

The primary camera is a relatively familiar Hasselblad device with a Four Thirds sensor and a 24mm equivalent field of view. In addition to the main camera, the Pro 3 also offers two imaging devices with longer lenses. The medium telephoto camera offers a 48-megapixel resolution with a 70mm equivalent lens. It has a relatively fast f/2.8 aperture and a 1/1.3-inch sensor. The longest telephoto lens more than doubles the equivalent focal length to roughly 166mm. That extra length comes at a cost, however, because it offers a smaller 1/2-inch sensor and an f/3.4 aperture.

The cameras offer a variety of digital and optical zoom functions, depending on which one you select. But that flexibility opens the door to truly cinematic effects like dolly zooming, where the subject stays relatively static, but the background appears to close in or fall away depending on how you perform the maneuver.

Video specs

While we’re excited about the prospect of the high-quality 20-megapixel stills coming out of the main camera, the video capture features are the big draw here. All three cameras can shoot in Apple’s ProRes format. The main camera can shoot in 5.1K at up to 50 fps or 4K at up to 120 fps. It also now shoots in 10-bit D-Log M color mode to provide a very versatile and easily color-graded file that excels in tricky situations.

Even the other cameras with longer lenses can still pump out 4K footage at up to 60 fps, so you can get smooth, buttery footage no matter which imaging device you select.

Flight features

Beyond the imaging specs, the drone itself offers just about everything the already excellent Mavic 3 does. The Mavic 3 Pro gets 43 minutes of flight time on a single battery and employs an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system that’s very handy for operators at every level. That comes heavily into play when you’re using one of the many automated flight modes that guide the drone along predetermined paths without the pilot having to perform the precision maneuvers.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro price & release date

The base model DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes in a package with the radio controller for a total cost of $2,199, but unless you’re planning to buy all of your accessories separately, that’s probably not the version you’ll want to purchase. The $2,999 Fly More Combo adds a pair of extra batteries, a battery charging hub, a set of neutral density filters (pretty essential for cameras with fixed apertures), a carrying case, and more.

For $3,889, you’ll get the Fly More Combo, but step up to the DJI RC Pro controller, which offers a more advanced screen and more precise controls. Finally, $4,799 steps all the way up to the Cine version of the Mavic 3 Pro, which includes a built-in 1TB SSD for storage and Apple’s Pro Res support.

We have had the new Mavic Pro 3 for a few days now, and we’ll have a full review in the coming weeks.

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DJI is known for pushing boundaries on its drones, and that continues to be the case with its latest release. The new Inspire 3 is the company’s only cinema-grade drone, putting it at the top of DJI’s lineup. It’s packed full of advanced features such as 8K video, FPV camera, nine visual sensors, and high-precision positioning technology. It can simulate the movements of a crane, cable cam, or dolly, while still offering epic aerial footage. For cinematographers who need the absolute best in drone footage, the Inspire 3 promises to be quite an excellent solution.

What is the DJI Inspire 3?

To be clear, this drone is not for the average consumer like the Mavic 3. It is a drone designed for top-level movie and television productions. As a result, it demands a price to match. At $16,499, it costs more than many used cars. In fact, it’s $6,500 more than the 2000 Mazda Miata we recently bought. But for high-end productions and cinematographers who need exceptional aerial shots, the Inspire 3 has a lot to offer.

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DJI Inspire 3 camera

DJI’s drones typically feature impressive cameras, and that is certainly true in the Inspire 3. It is built around a full-frame Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, which DJI says is the lightest version of that camera ever. It also gets DJI’s CineCore 3.0, which is the company’s latest image processing system. As a result, the camera is capable of up to 8K 25fps CinemaDNG video and 8K 75fps Apple ProRes RAW video. And the S&Q mode offers internal recording of up to full-frame 4K/120fps ProRes RAW video without cropping.

The X9-8K Air camera also supports dual native ISO. DJI explains that “at full-frame 30fps and below, it offers EI 800/4000, supporting the 24fps commonly seen in film productions and the 25fps used in commercial and television productions.” If shooting at above 30fps, EI 320/1600 is available. In all, the X9-8K Air will cover 14 stops of dynamic range, making it easier to capture complicated, high-contrast lighting situations and opening up possibilities in post.

The camera on the Inspire 3 utilizes DJI’s DL mount. As a result, it’s compatible with an 18mm f/2.8 lens as well as a “new telephoto lens specially made for 8K aerial cinematography.” Full-frame 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses are also compatible. And the camera gets the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) for accurate, authentic colors. These colors will match ground-based devices from DJI, such as the Ronin 4D, to streamline editing workflows. Finally, it comes with the DJI PROSSD 1TB, which offers up to 1100 MB/s of write speed and 900 MB/s of read speed and can connect directly to a computer using a USB-C cable.

Inspire 3 drone details

On top of the impressive camera specs, the drone itself is extremely advanced. DJI says that it is completely redesigned from the Inspire 2. The Inspire 3 features nine visual sensors. That means it can detect obstacles in all directions. And obstacle detection is now customizable. Horizontal, upward, and downward obstacle sensing can operate independently of each other. You can also manually set obstacle alert ranges. And even when obstacle avoidance is turned off, you can view the distance from an obstacle in real time and receive an audio alert when the obstacle is within a predetermined range.

The Inspire 3 integrates RTK positioning technology, which is used in architectural and surveying industries and offers centimeter-level accuracy. This makes for more stable flight but also allows for more precise route planning.

Location information is powered by the integrated 3 GNSS System (GPS + Galileo + BeiDou) system and built-in dual-layered ceramic RTK antennas. There’s no need to mount anything else in order to get precise positioning. And they also provide the drone with internal orientation, so there’s no need to perform a compass calibration in most situations.

Inspire 3 flight modes

The new location feature enables the Waypoint Pro function, which allows for highly customizable flight-route and shot planning. There are two options associated with Waypoint Pro: Repeatable Routes and 3D Dolly. The repeatable Routes feature allows for the creation of precisely repeatable flights, maintaining parameters such as altitude, speed, gimbal angle, and camera settings. This opens up lots of possibilities, including the option of creating long-duration timelapses to show transitions from season to season, for example.

The 3D Dolly feature can simulate a crane, cable cam, or dolly. It allows drone pilots to create an aerial motion path where they can then move the drone back and forward along the path. The pilot retains full gimbal control and can adjust speed on that path as well. The 3D Dolly feature makes the drone significantly more versatile in the types of shots it can get.

The Spotlight Pro feature relies on machine-learning algorithms to provide single-object recognition and tracking. That means the pilot can focus on flying while the camera gimbal automatically stays on the subject, opening up much more complex shots.

Upgraded transmission

DJI also improved transmission in the new O3 Pro Transmission. It enables a range of 9.3 miles with one controller or 7.5 miles in dual-controller mode. The live feed offers quality up to 1080p 60fps with an ultra-low latency of 90 ms. Or, if you reduce the transmission range to three miles, you can get a 4K 30fps live feed, which is a first.

Drone design

The Inspire 3 is relatively lightweight and portable. It weighs 8.8 pounds and features a transformable frame. All sensors, cameras, and storage card slots are seamlessly integrated into the body for a more streamlined look. The new design supports Tilt Boost, which allows for an obstruction-free 80-degree upward angle view when the landing gear is lowered.

The drone also features new hot-swappable TB51 intelligent dual batteries. These provide a flight time of up to 28 minutes. And the Inspire 3 can fly at speeds up to 58 miles per hour.

Inspire 3 pricing & availability

The new DJI Inspire 3 will start shipping at the end of June but is available for pre-order now for $16,499. The combo includes the DJI Inspire 3 Aircraft, Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, RC Plus remote controller, 6x TB51 Intelligent Battery, Charging Hub, PROSSD 1TB, Trolley Case, 3x Foldable Quick-Release Propellers (Pair), Lens Carrying Box, RC Plus Strap, and more. There will be no shortage of accessories available for purchase as well, including the new DJI DL 18 mm F2.8 ASPH Lens for $1,299.

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Drone maker DJI is pushing heavily in the first-person view (FPV)  flight world, as is evident with its most recent announcement. The company has released new FPV goggles—the DJI Goggles Integra—as well as a new FPV controller, the RC Motion 2. DJI designed both peripherals for the smaller of its two FPV drones, the DJI Avata. The goggles will also work with the O3 Air Unit and Digital FPV.

The Avata is already a very beginner-friendly drone. It’s absolutely tiny and, as a result, is more maneuverable than the larger DJP FPV. The new goggles and flight controller aim to improve the flying experience even more thanks to better ergonomic designs, specifically an integrated battery in the Goggles Integra to do away with annoying cables.

DJI Goggles Integra details

The most significant design change of the DJI Goggles Integra is the built-in battery. The battery is now part of the headband itself, meaning there is no cable connecting the headset to a battery. That should make for a much better experience. Despite the addition of the battery, DJI promises that the Goggles Integra are “light, balanced, and incredibly comfortable.” They weigh 14.5 ounces, which is slightly heavier than the Goggles 2 Headset, but those don’t have a built-in battery. 

The Goggles Integra offer up to two hours of operating time, so you’ll have plenty of time in the air. There are two 1080p Micro-OLED displays with a brightness of 700 nits and a 100 Hz refresh rate. And they are TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certified, meaning they will result in less eye strain during long flights. DJI utilized its O3+ video transmission with 30 ms latency and SyncSmooth to keep the video and Integra displays in sync, resulting in smooth playback to reduce eye strain and motion sickness. 

The Integra features built-in GPS, so you can fly without connecting a smartphone. But, if you do connect your phone, you can share what you are seeing with others by connecting to the DJI Fly app. They also provide 6.2 miles of range.

Perhaps the main downside of the Goggles Integra is that the smaller design doesn’t work with glasses. To solve this, DJI includes 11 pairs of lens inserts that range from -8.0 D to  +2.0 D, taking the place of your glasses. You can also adjust the IPD (Interpupillary Distance) between 56 and 72mm. 

Goggles Integra pricing & availability

The DJI Goggles Integra are available for purchase today for $499.00. The new headset is also available as part of the DJI Avata Drone Explorer Combo, which includes the DJI Avata drone, Goggles Integra, RC Motion 2, and all the other accessories you need to get in the air and stay there longer for $1,278.00.

RC Motion 2 details

Along with the Goggles Integra, DJI has introduced an update on its original RC Motion controller. The RC Motion 2 uses the same motion-sensing technology as the first RC Motion, meaning you can control the Avata drone with slight movements of your wrist. What has changed is an updated accelerator with a reverse function. It now supports vertical, backward, and sideways flight. That should make it easier to change direction and land the drone.  

The RC Motion 2 also features an improved joystick. It protrudes from the remote slightly, stead of the flush design on the original model. The new design offers better tactile control and more traditional operation. On the side of the RC Motion 2 is an Fn dial for changing camera settings. You can adjust ISO, shutter speed, and other parameters all on the controller itself. 

RC Motion 2 pricing & availability

The new RC Motion 2 is available for purchase now for $239.00. Like the Goggles Integra, the controller is also included in the DJI Avata Drone Explorer Combo. You’ll also get the RC Motion 2 as part of the DJI Avata Drone Pro-View Combo, which includes the DJI Goggles 2, among other accessories, for $1,428.00.

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Drone maker DJI has announced the new O3 Air Unit for drones. It allows you to modify your existing drone for first-person view (FPV) flight, providing a more immersive drone flying experience. The module includes a camera with a 1/1.7-inch sensor and DJI’s impressive long-range transmission system, so you’ll not only get the epic FPV experience, but you’ll also be able to get high-quality images and videos of your flights.

DJI O3 Air camera

The camera is built around a 1/1.7-inch sensor with an ultra-wide 155° field of view. It’s capable of 4K/60fps video or 2.7K/120fps for dramatic slow-motion footage. The RockSteady support allows for smooth footage, even while you cruise around. And you can shoot video in D-Cinelike color mode for more flexibility when color grading and editing.

For stills, you’ll be able to get hefty 48-megapixel images. The wide f/2.8 aperture pulls in ample light, even in relatively dim conditions. The camera is compatible with the DJI Avata ND filters for better exposure control. And the camera provides 20GB of built-in storage.

DJI O3 Air transmission system

In terms of transmission abilities, the O3 Air comes equipped with DJI’s impressive O3+ system. It provides a 1080p/100fps live feed from up to six miles away thanks to the 2T2R omnidirectional antennas. That allows for H.265 video transmission at a max bitrate of 50 Mbps to DJI Goggles (not included). And it has a latency as low as 30 ms.

The system can also detect a crowded signal environment and choose the best frequency when needed. It also utilizes anti-interference technologies to maintain a stable connection to the pilot. The unit is compatible with DJI Goggles 2, DJI FPV Goggles V2, and the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2.

It’s a compact and lightweight unit, weighing just 1.3 ounces. Installation is simple, and DJI provides lots of troubleshooting support on its website.

Pricing & availability

The DJI O3 Air Unit is available now for $229. It includes the Camera Module, Transmission Module, antenna, and 3-in-1 cable.

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DJI’s newest drone, the Mavic 3 Classic, aims to address one of the biggest complaints about the Mavic 3: the price. Yes, the Mavic 3 offers excellent quality and safety features, but at a hefty price tag of $2,049. The Mavic 3 Classic provides most of the same features as the Mavic 3, including a 4/3 CMOS camera, 46 minutes of flight time, and DJI’s 03+ transmission system. But, it drops the telephoto lens and comes at a (somewhat) more reasonable price of $1,469 for the drone only.

Camera specs of the Mavic 3 Classic

Like the Mavic 3, the Classic version provides a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera. DJI paired the camera with the same 24mm lens, which features an adjustable aperture of f/2.8 to f/11. It will provide 12.8 stops of native dynamic range, which is especially useful for capturing a wider range of lighting conditions. 

The photo and video specs are also carried over from the Mavic 3. For still photos, the camera can produce 20MP 12-bit RAW files (DNG), which should provide lots of leeway for editing. For video, it is able to capture 5.1K/50 fps, 4K/60 fps, and 1080p/60fps using H.264 and H.265 encoders. Or, for slow-motion footage, it’s capable of 4K/120fps and 1080p/200fps. And thanks to the inclusion of the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution, colors should be accurate and attractive on photos and videos right out of the camera.

Tracking & camera features

The Mavic 3 featured a wide array of intelligent subject tracking features, and luckily those remain intact in the Classic. That’s in large part due to the ActiveTrack 5.0 system, which can detect subjects, lock them in the frame, and then move the drone and camera to create professional-looking content. 

In the latest DJI drone, you’ll get access to MasterShots to make getting photos and videos even easier. It also has the classic QuickShots found across all DJI drones, along with timelapse, hyperlapse, and panorama shooting styles.

The one new feature available is Cruise Control. This mode allows pilots to set a constant flight speed so they can focus on photos and videos. It also helps minimize camera shake from potentially jittery manual speed control.

Mavic 3 Classic safety features

As we’ve come to expect from DJI’s higher-end drones, the new drone is packed with safety features. These not only make flying safer but also easier for those new to drones or who just want to focus on photo and video.

For starters, the drone has eight visual sensors to detect obstacles in every direction. The sensors feed information to DJI’s “Advanced Pilot Assistance System 5.0” (APAS), which can avoid obstacles and independently plan routes around them. For example, the Return To Home system can scan the area from up to 200 meters away, plan its route to the launch point, and fly back there if necessary.

For those who fly in areas with heavy air traffic, the AirSense ADS-B receiver is extremely useful. If planes and helicopters transmitting ADS-B signals are in the area, you’ll be able to pick them up before you can even hear or see them. And DJI’s GEO 2.0 geofencing system provides information about airpsace restrictions and flight hazards, so you can stay safe, keep out of the way of planes, and follow relevant rules in your area.

Battery life

Despite the lower price, DJI kept the impressive 46-minute battery life of the Mavic 3 in the Classic version. If that’s not enough, the Mavic 3 Fly More Kit is compatible with the Mavic 3 Classic, which provides additional batteries, chargers, and more. The Mavic 3 Classic also utilizes the same O3+ transmission system, which provides a range of a whopping 9.3 miles. 

Pricing & availability

The DJI Mavic 3 classic is available for purchase now in a variety of configurations. DJI sees the Mavic 3 Classic as an upgrade for existing DJI users (who have a DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, or DJI RC Pro controller), and as such, it is available as a drone-only purchase for $1,469. 

If you also need a controller, the Mavic 3 Classic with DJI RC-N1 remote controller (includes a charger) for $1,599. You can also purchase the Mavic 3 Classic with the DJI RC remote controller for $1,749.

Lastly, if you want extra batteries, chargers, and a carrying case, you can purchase the Mavic 3 Classic Fly More Kit. Not that this is not the Fly More Combo, and it does not include a drone. It includes two Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Battery Charging Hub (100W), 65W Car Charger, three pairs of Low-Noise Propellers, and a DJI Convertible Carrying Bag for $649.

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DJI’s latest drone is here and it looks like a lot of fun. The palm-sized DJI Avata is a first-person view (FPV) “cinewhoop” style drone geared toward a range of enthusiast flyers. It’s capable of stabilized 4K video at up to 60 fps, along with 48-megapixel still photos, all while being able to cruise at speeds of up to 60 mph—don’t worry, it also goes slower—for flights as long as 18 minutes.

(Cinewhoop, by the way, refers to a new generation of quadcopters that combine the small size, speed, and maneuverability of a racing drone with the stability and video quality of a cinema drone.)

Additionally, DJI unveiled a fresh set of accessories to accompany the Avata, including the new DJI Googles 2, and the new DJI Motion Controller. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

Who is the DJI Avata for? Who are its competitors?

Related: DJI’s new FPV drone allows operators to capture footage from a first-person view

The new DJI Avata is geared toward first-time FPV flyers, as well as FPV drone enthusiasts seeking a compact, capable, and easy-to-fly all-in-one solution. For the newbies, the Avata comes jam-packed with safety features to help build your confidence as you build your flight skills. Crucially, a set of propeller guards surrounds each of the four props sets, protecting the drone (and surroundings) from serious damage in the event of an impact.

DJI Avata Key specs

• 1/1.7-inch, 48-megapixel sensor
• 4K/60p video & 270K/120p slow-motion video
• Fixed 155-degree (12.6mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens
• 18-minute maximum flight time
• 60 MPH top speed
• Beginner-friendly safety features
• 14.5 ounces, palm-sized design

The drone’s compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for flying through small spaces, including indoors. And its high-quality video capture makes it a seriously powerful moviemaking tool. Compared to DJI’s other FPV drone, the DJI FPV, the Avata has some serious advantages, including a signficantly smaller footprint, a larger, higher-resolution sensor, and more advanced safety features.

Photo & video features

The heart and soul of the Avata is a 1/1.7-inch, 48-megapixel, image-stabilized CMOS sensor. In addition to 4K/60p video, the onboard camera is also capable of 2.7K/120p capture, for a slow motion cinema effect. Paired with the sensor is a super-wide-angle 12.6mm f/2.8 lens, which provides a 155-degree field of view.

On the image stabilization side, the Avata features both DJI’s RockSteady and HorizonSteady IS. The former cuts overall shake, while the latter keeps the horizon in check.

For maximum post-production flexibility, the Avata can shoot in DJI’s D-Cinelike color mode. Additionally, the drone sports a Micro-SD slot, along with 22 gigabytes of onboard storage.

DJI Avata safety features

Related: Best DJI drones in 2022

Crashing is no doubt a serious concern for first-time drone pilots, and flying an FPV drone, in particular, comes with a steep learning curve. Fortunately, the Avata has no shortage of safety features to calm nerves. The comically-named “Turtle mode,” for instance, does exactly what it sounds like: keeps the drone off its back and upright during flights, unprompted, even if you crash/bump something.

Other safety features include an emergency air brake, DJI’s emergency Return to Home function, geofencing, and downward-facing navigational-assist cameras, including one IR-sensing and one traditional camera. But even with all those features, it’s the good old fashion foam props guards that will likely be a beginner’s best friend.

New controller & goggles

DJI also unveiled a fresh set of goggles and a cool new controller to go along with Avata drone. Before jumping into those, it’s worth noting that the new drone is backward compatible with the brand’s previous FPV goggles and remote. So if you have those, hang on to them.

The new DJI Googles 2 are smaller and lighter than their predecessor and feature OLED screens capable of receiving a full-HD live feed at up to 100 fps, with a minuscule, 30-millisecond delay, and a range of 6.2 miles.

The DJI motion controller is a single-handed, motion-sensitive device—or “wireless joystick”—used for precision flying (kind of like a fancy Nintendo Wii controller). For added functionality, it’s covered in tactile buttons, switches, and triggers, many of which, are no doubt customizable.

Price & availability

The new DJI Avata is available right now for $629 for the drone only, or for $1388 for the drone kitted with the new headset and controller. A variety of other combos and accessories for the Avata are also available from DJI directly.

The post This is what a beginner-friendly FPV drone should look like appeared first on Popular Photography.

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This week, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled to uphold the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft or drone Remote ID rule. 

This is the rule that requires all drones heavier than 250g (0.55 lbs) or those flown for non-recreational purposes to broadcast a publicly viewable “digital license plate” that includes identifying information about the drone and its location. Unless this ruling is overturned on appeal, drone pilots in the US will be required to comply starting September 16, 2023.

While the ruling impacts a wide range of models, lightweight drones, including the DJI Mini SE and Mini 3 Pro, are exempt.

The original complaint

Related: DJI Mini 3 Pro review – our new favorite travel drone

Tyler Brennan, the owner of drone retailer RaceDayQuads, took the case against the FAA last year arguing that the Remote ID rule violated the United States Constitution’s Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable search and seizures. Brennan argued that requiring drones to broadcast their identifying information and location allowed for “constant, warrantless governmental surveillance.”

Brennan also claimed that the FAA had made procedural mistakes and had failed to adequately respond to the more than 53,000 public comments it received in response to the rule. 

Drone Rmote ID upheld

Judge Cornelia Pillard rejected Brennan’s claims in general, declaring that while drones are “fun and useful,” they can also “pry, spy, crash, and drop things, [which] poses real risks. Free-for-all drone use threatens air traffic, people and things on the ground, and even national security.”

Judge Pillard specifically rejected Brennan’s fourth amendment claim, stating that “it is hard to see what could be private about flying a drone in the open air,” and that “activities that require privacy are not typically conducted aloft.” As such, requiring a drone to broadcast “its location and that of its operator while the drone is aloft in the open air violates no reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Similarly, Judge Pillard said that the FAA had adequately responded to the public comments. 

If you’re a drone pilot, the full ruling is worth reading as it lays out the risks of free-for-all drone use, at least as a branch of the US government sees it.

What happens now?

Related: Fly through Tesla’s new factory with this epic FPV drone video

While Brennan can appeal Judge Pillard’s ruling, two drone law experts interviewed by DPReview—Kenji Sughara, the head of the Drone Service Provider’s Alliance, and Ryan LaTourette, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Great Lakes Drone Company—both agreed that an appeal is unlikely to succeed. Sughara even stated that many in the drone industry felt even the initial lawsuit was “grasping at straws.”

With the legal precedent now set, it seems likely that Remote ID requirements will come into effect as planned on September 16, 2023. The FAA has a web page dedicated to explaining which drone pilots must comply and how they can do it, but it basically amounts to most serious recreational drone users and all professional drone users. 

To comply, drone pilots will either need to fly drones that are capable of broadcasting drone Remote ID information—which is likely to be many popular models, including those from DJI—or purchase an add-on module that adds the necessary capabilities. 

The post Your drone may soon need a ‘digital license plate’ to legally fly appeared first on Popular Photography.

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