The past six months of leaks have finally come into focus. What many believed to be early images of the DJI Avata 3 now appear to have been showing something else entirely. The drone community has learned that the aircraft seen in those leaks is the same product now being referred to as the DJI Avata 360. The final naming is still unconfirmed, which explains the parallel rumours and conflicting reports. What is clear is that DJI has been developing one of its most ambitious FPV products yet, merging FPV agility with full 360 degree recording.
Combined with news that the drone has just cleared FCC testing, this upcoming release is shaping up to be one of the most significant FPV launches since DJI first entered the category. With regulatory pressure building in the United States, DJI is clearly moving fast to get this drone out the door. Here is everything we know so far about the next generation of DJI’s FPV platform.
Image via DroneXL
The biggest headline is the dual lens camera system. DJI is reportedly bringing true 360 degree 8K spherical recording to an FPV drone. The early leaked images showed a tall dual camera module that many assumed was simply a larger sensor upgrade for the Avata line. Now we know it is a full 360 capture system that can physically rotate into a forward-facing FPV orientation with a button press.
This design allows pilots to switch between immersive FPV and full spherical video on the fly. The drone behaves like a cinewhoop when flying forward in FPV mode, but all footage can still be reframed in post in any direction when recording in 360 mode. Creators will be able to dive, drift, and powerloop like any other FPV quad, then rotate the camera after the fact to follow the action, reveal the pilot, or produce VR-ready content.
Image via DroneXL
This design allows pilots to switch between immersive FPV and full spherical video on the fly. The drone behaves like a cinewhoop when flying forward in FPV mode, but all footage can still be reframed in post in any direction when recording in 360 mode. Creators will be able to dive, drift, and powerloop like any other FPV quad, then rotate the camera after the fact to follow the action, reveal the pilot, or produce VR-ready content.
Early reports indicate dual 1/1.1-inch sensors for 8K 360 capture at 50fps, along with 4K 120fps performance in forward FPV mode. This puts the camera performance somewhere between the DJI Osmo 360 and a high end action camera. If accurate, the Avata 3 or Avata 360 will be the most capable imaging system ever put on a DJI FPV-style drone.
Image via DroneXL
Several leaked images show a much more advanced sensor layout. The aircraft appears to include visual sensors, LiDAR units, and side-facing sensors. This combination strongly suggests near omnidirectional obstacle sensing. While some sources say that rear sensors may be limited or absent, the overall package is still far more advanced than the Avata 2.
More obstacle sensing gives the drone improved tracking capabilities. Rumours indicate DJI is preparing subject tracking for cyclists, vehicles, and sports, taking advantage of the 360 image field. The result would be the first FPV drone that can safely follow subjects while still capturing an entire spherical view of the environment.
More obstacle sensing gives the drone improved tracking capabilities. Rumours indicate DJI is preparing subject tracking for cyclists, vehicles, and sports, taking advantage of the 360 image field. The result would be the first FPV drone that can safely follow subjects while still capturing an entire spherical view of the environment.
Multiple leaks show DJI Goggles N3, the DJI RC2 controller, and the DJI Motion 3 controller being used with the drone. This suggests the next generation Avata will rely on Ocusync 4.0. Some insiders believe a minor transmission update, sometimes referred to as O4 Plus, could appear with a new set of goggles. However, nothing concrete has surfaced yet. Either way, pilots should expect low latency video, long range, and the same smooth FPV experience found on DJI’s latest consumer drones.
The leaked beta tester images and renders show a frame that is similar in profile to the Avata 2 but with several major redesigns. These include a much larger front camera housing, a relocated rear battery that opens space for the new camera module, and the removal of the orange bumper rings seen on the Avata 2. The propellers appear to be a new four blade design intended to improve thrust and stability.
Rumours place flight times around 23 to 25 minutes. The battery listed in FCC documents is roughly 38.67 Wh, which is higher capacity than the Avata 2 and still small enough to keep the drone agile. Early reports also suggest top speeds higher than the Avata 2, likely helped by the four blade propeller setup.
Camera rumours for the Avata 3 name variant have floated the possibility of a 1-inch CMOS sensor if DJI decides to release a non-360 version. However, all current evidence indicates that the leaked images from the past six months belong to the 360 version. The possibility remains that two configurations exist internally, but nothing in the FCC filing confirms this.
Image via thenewcamera.com
Rumours place flight times around 23 to 25 minutes. The battery listed in FCC documents is roughly 38.67 Wh, which is higher capacity than the Avata 2 and still small enough to keep the drone agile. Early reports also suggest top speeds higher than the Avata 2, likely helped by the four blade propeller setup.
Camera rumours for the Avata 3 name variant have floated the possibility of a 1-inch CMOS sensor if DJI decides to release a non-360 version. However, all current evidence indicates that the leaked images from the past six months belong to the 360 version. The possibility remains that two configurations exist internally, but nothing in the FCC filing confirms this.
The drone is expected to launch with a drone only price around $1,200 dollars or euros. Fly More bundles could push the total into the $1,500 dollar range depending on goggles and battery options. The FCC approval strongly indicates that DJI intends to release the drone before the end of the year, likely aiming to get ahead of any new US import or sales restrictions. Competitors have already reacted. The Antigravity A1 from Insta360’s partner brand is reportedly being rushed to market as DJI’s 360 FPV platform nears release.
Whether DJI names it Avata 3, Avata 360, or something completely different, the leaks all point to one product. It merges FPV flight, 360 degree capture, improved safety, and next generation transmission into a single drone. If the rumours hold true, this could be the most versatile FPV camera drone DJI has ever built. More leaks are expected soon, but this is the clearest picture yet of DJI’s next big release for now.
Image via @saracool_drone on Twitter
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