DJI FPV Combo review

The DJI FPV a stunning device that has been introduced at the right moment; just as we’re thinking of having a social activity again. It’s not for everyone as it’s not designed with videography and photography as its top agenda, but for those who’ve always been tempted to dip their feet into the realm of FPV and have the funds (and an access point to the space) this is a great and visually enjoyable 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 industry – producing numerous of the most popular drones (opens in a new tab) for all types of pilot. However, there’s a niche that DJI hasn’t really explored – flying with First Person View (FPV) goggles (a similar to Virtual Reality) – which they’ve not been at ease with. When DJI came out with its Phantom line, they appeared to bring the ease of use of phone apps to the drone market, and creating an arc between traditional drone pilots who are more attracted to acrobatics and racing.

The other end of the spectrum were more than content with their DIY skills and loved swapping frames, motors propellers and other components frequently. They also realized that analog video had the most low-latency and crackle-free shareable videos could be easily made with the help of a GoPro.

DJI was not completely sceptical however, in 2017 it released fantastic Goggles that were based on their Ocusync software that produced images that resembled IMAX and, given the speed associated with Mavic, the Mavic it was used with, the latency didn’t pose an issue.

In 2019, DJI created the HD FPV Camera and goggles combo for those in the self-build racing community who may have been snide about DJI’s automated flight capabilities but could appreciate the benefits in a much more refined FPV video footage on the drones they constructed by themselves.

In reality the racing community was able to separate into those who chose to stick with the well-known manufacturers of FPV goggles such as FatSharks, (which, coincidentally they already had) or those who were able to pay for to purchase the DJI FPV system. It came with a brand new controller, camera/recorder and remote control for the drone, and goggles, it was understandable. Not all FPV racers have unlimited funds.

What exactly does an DJI FPV system appear like?

One thing that is obvious from the very beginning is that DJI remain at the top part in the FPV market. The same headsets and cameras to their high-end low-latency model are complemented by a brand new controller (and an additional motion control). The new drone is advertised as the DJI FPV Combo that includes the headset, standard controller and drone for a price of $1199 (US$2,099 / PS1249).

The drone is definitely it’s an FPV drone. It has the rigid propellers with tri-blade blades that extend in a direction that will take the brunt of head-on collisions, as well as a solid frame with bright LEDs that are cool and multi-colored.

An examination closer shows a few differences from the conventional self-built device. There is 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 at 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.

This is the DJI FPV’s insectoid style is next to an ordinary FPV quadcopter. They share lots in common even although swapping components at will is only feasible with either of them.

The majority of the DIY quad designs are intended for racing or Acro (acrobatics) and flying styles that eat batteries fast, hence the standard option of velcro straps as well as an easy but reliable plug, which is soldered onto the board. It is the DJI FPV quad 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 is no foot on back leg). Yet, DJI have stuck with an old-fashioned plug that is more durable than other flying cameras, yet it is difficult to forget to plug it in simultaneously as the battery.

The inside is different, too.

It’s evident from the front seeing something completely different. the DJI FPV is a very noisy fan because the process of recording all of the high-res video (and keeping out all collisions) requires a lot of processing. That’s the biggest difference. by default, the DJI FPV comes with all the same sensors that you’d find to a fly-by-night drone that is turned on, including the GPS system, its altitude and and so on. So, when you turn it on and release the controller the drone will hover.

It might not sound real enough for serious FPV enthusiasts however, hover, return-to-home as well as the rest of the options are able to be disabled. There’s a mode toggle using the letters ‘N’ (Normal) as well as S (Fast however, nevertheless self-levelling) 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) are available to create an active flying style.

The only issue concerns that the Gimbal, which ensures that the camera is smooth (and is able to tilt to any position with an on-board wheel) could mean that the drone is less durable as other customized setups, and the thought of repairing one of these is certainly more difficult than repairing one part or the other on the self-build. With this in mind I left the collision sensors in place and attempted to dive at the ground, skimming across it in the fastest speed N mode and S mode allowed and (though it was close) it didn’t fall over. It was quite impressive.

Flying high using DJI FPV

The DJI FPV Comobo comes with several accessories, particularly if you incorporate the optional Motion Controller. On the left side, 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 take a route that’s similar to DIY-built drones to feel familiar, without sharing any of the components. The package (with the DJI Goggles as well as drone and the remote) you will also find batteries and chargers to power the drone (a staggering 6S 22V 2500mAh) as well as goggles (2S 9V, 1800AH). The remote comes with its own built-in. The charger is able to handle just the 6S batteries 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 connects to the goggles by using the USB-C connector that is at the end however, there is it is a different socket that connects to the goggles itself. The cable is included, however it’s a messy approach. There was nothing on the head-strap that could be used to store the battery, and although I am able to understand that the weight should be kept out of the goggles, hanging the cable in my trouser pocket felt to be a little strange.