Just two months ago DJI released its next generation FPV drone – the DJI Avata 2. If you have been amazed by the stunning videos on YouTube, you are probably wondering: is the DJI Avata 2 better than DJI Mini 4 Pro? Should you buy the Avata 2 instead of the Mini 4 Pro as your first camera drone? If you already have the Mini 4 Pro, should you exchange it for the Avata 2?
I have been flying the Avata 2 since April and the Mini 4 Pro since its release last year (and all DJI drones back since 2015) and will let you know, which is the right one for you.
Your time is valuable, so let´s start with my suggestions and down below I will let you know all reasons for my recommendations.
If you are an absolute drone beginner and/or want fully stabilized cinematic looking videos, go for the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Are you already a good drone pilot? Do you want to learn flying fast, agile and want to create stunning FPV shots, while fully experiencing first person view? If the answer is Yes, the Avata 2 is the right drone for you.
Camera Performance: Avata 2 vs. Mini 4 Pro:
When it comes to camera quality, both the DJI Avata 2 and Mini 4 Pro pack impressive specs. Each drone boasts a 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor, ensuring excellent performance even in low light. Just as a reminder: an iPhone 15 (not Pro) has even a smaller sensor size (1/1.56”).
However, there are significant differences:
Image resolution: here is where you have significant more resolution in favour for the Mini 4 Pro – 48MP vs. 12MP on the Avata 2. A higher image resolution means you will be able to capture more details. If you intend to produce high quality pictures for print, you will be happy about the 48MP. It will also benefit you, if you do some post processing allowing you to crop without losing quality.
On the other side, the 12MP of the Avata 2 means the pixels (of the same sensor) are bigger in size. Therefore it should perform a bit better in low light with less noise. If you are worried about the 12MP – don´t! If we take as an example again the iPhone: the iPhone 14(not pro) has a main camera with 12MP (and smaller sensor) and it still is able to capture great photos.
In terms of video both drones can shoot in 4K with 100 fps. The Mini 4 Pro has much more options in terms of the frames per second: it can shoot in 24/25/30/48/50/60/100, while on Avata 2 “only” 30/50/60/100 is available.
Note: The 4K1/100 fps option was just added to the Avata 2 two weeks ago with the latest firmware update.
Practically it means that if you need the footage for cinematic videos or broadcasting, the Mini 4 Pro offers you these settings. This does not mean your Avata 2 footage is useless for cinematic videos – absolutely not. Still in post processing, you can convert back to 24fps if needed.
As we just mentioned post processing – if you are taking pictures, note the Avata 2 cannot shoot in RAW format, only JPG. The Mini 4 Pro can do both JPG and RAW.
The lens of both cameras are also different: The Mini 4 Pro has focal length of 24mm, the Avata 2 of 12mm. This means the wide angle is different – Avata 2 ultra wide, while Mini 4 Pro is considered wide. And for flying FPV it makes a lot of sense – you want to have an ultra wide view of the world where you fly fast and agile.
Last but not least the camera on the Mini 4 Pro can rotate to vertical mode, which if you are a content creator producing content for vlogs, TikTok, shorts etc. might be super cool.
Video stabilisation:
If you are still not sure, which camera is better for you, now is the point, where the difference gets big.
The Mini 4 Pro has a 3-axis stabilization (tilt, roll, pan), while the Avata 2 has a 1-axis stabilization (tilt).
Why this matters? Anytime you fly sideways or there is some side-wind, the gimbal on the Mini 4 Pro will act on the roll-axis and stabilize the horizon. On Avata 2 the missing roll stabilization will result in the video not being stable on the horizon. Yes, there is this software feature by DJI called “Horizon Steady” which is an electronic image stabilization, not a mechanical one. Therefore if you are looking for a super smooth cinematic video creation, you might already know the Mini 4 Pro will be the better option.
What if you are just a normal person with no big interest in cinematic video creation. You just want to have great video footage and pictures, but still don´t know which of the two drones is the right for you. Stay with me to find out the other major differences which are relevant to choose the best drone for you.
Flight Time: How Long Can You Fly?
The maximum flight time mostly depends on two main factors: weight and battery energy. The battery of the Mini 4 Pro is considerably smaller than the Avata 2: ~ 18.9Wh vs. 31.7Wh. However, the Avata 2 has a max. flight time of 23 min, while the Mini 4 Pro (with standard battery) can stay in the air for 34 min. The reason is the total weight of the drone – the Mini 4 Pro is less than 249g, while the Avata 2 is at 377g. Don´t worry much about this – you might think the 23min of the Avata 2 are not enough, but I can tell you: self-made FPV drones are way less than that (typically around 5-10min). You would be perfectly happy with the flight time of it.
Regulations and Speed: Know Before You Fly
The Avata 2 is a FPV drone, which is designed to be fast and agile. In Sport Mode both drones can go as fast as 16m/s (or about 57km/h). This is by no means slow and untrained pilots should try this at large open areas. You don´t have a lot of time to react at this speed. The crazy things is, that for experienced FPV pilots, you can switch the Avata 2 to Manual Mode and enjoy flying by 97km/h (68km/h in EU due to EASA Open Category regulations)!
And as we speak about regulations, there are two major differences for people living in the European Union: the Mini 4 Pro is generally a C0 class drone, while the Avata 2 is a C1 class drone.
What is the difference and how this affect you?
In a nutshell, the major difference is that for the Mini 4 Pro you don´t need any exams and certificates, just a simple online registration with your Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). For the Avata 2, as it is a C1 class drone, you must to obtain the EU A1/A3 certificate. As an example, in Germany you can do the online learning and online exam directly on the website of the CAA. As of June 2024, it cost 25 EUR. In both cases you need to have a drone insurance as well.
There is one other difference on the Avata 2 as a C1 drone: you are not technically limited to fly to 120m above your take off point. This is relevant in mountain area, where you still keep the regulatory maximum altitude above ground level (AGL), but want to follow the steep terrain for example.
Note: Flying in the Open Category in EU is always limited to 120m AGL.
Safety Features
DJI is known for its safety features and great safety record over the last decade. Both drones are easy to fly and if you keep in mind and follow the regulations, as a beginner you would be perfect. There are however, still some features which might support you in the beginning and are worth mentioning.
The Mini 4 Pro has an omnidirectional vision system, supplemented with a 3D infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft.
What does it mean: it can sense obstacles Forward, Backward, Left, Right, Upward and Downward. Perfect to support beginners.
The Avata 2 is designed for more experienced drone pilots, who want to fly in high speed. It only has a vision sensor on the back and a downward sensor.
On the other side, the Avata 2 is standard equipped with a propeller guard, which is especially helpful for FPV. So even though the Avata 2 does not have so many obstacle sensing sensor, it has some basic protection.
Goggles vs. RC 2 Controller Display
One of the major differences between the Mini 4 Pro and the Avata 2 is the way you control it and where do you see the live video from the drone – in the Goggles or on the Screen of your remote controller. The Avata 2 is compatible only with the Goggles 3, RC Motion Controller 3 and the FPV Remote Controller 3.
Note: a recent firmware update allow the Avata 2 to be connected to the Google 2, Motion Controller 2 and FPV Remote Controller 2.
The Mini 4 Pro on the other side can be operated with both a standard Remote Controller (with or without Display) and the Goggles 3 & Motion Controller 3. Therefore with the Mini 4 Pro you can have almost that immersive FPV experience as with the Avata 2. The Goggles can even help you with better and clear view of whatever you are filming, especially in sunny days.
You will not be able to fly the Mini 4 Pro in Manual Mode like a real FPV drone and make flips and rolls. That kind of a speed and acrobatic FPV flying will be for those, who choose to go with the Avata 2.
Worth mentioning: whenever you fly with the Goggles (Avata 2 or Mini 4 Pro), you will need to have a spotter with you to be legally complaint with EU regulations. Flying with the Goggles is not considered VLOS (visual line of sight) operation. Some of you might say, but there are two visual camera on the Goggles 3, which allow me to see my surroundings.
Yes, this is great safety feature introduced by DJI. However, legally it is still not VLOS operation. According to the Article 2 (7) of EU 2019/947, VLOS is “operation in which, the remote pilot is able to maintain continuous unaided visual contact with the unmanned aircraft”. So keep it in mind when flying.
Flight Modes
If you are looking for cool easy to do videos, like a Dronie, the Mini 4 Pro is the right one. It offers DJI´s QuickShots and MasterShots, which will help you create stunning videos without much editing. These flight modes are not available on the Avata 2 at all. If you want to do rolls, flips and fly super fast in Sport Mode, then the Avata 2 will be the better choice.
Travel and Portability
The good part is that both drones and the batteries are under 100Wh, so you can take any of the two with you on an airplane. The Mini 4 Pro (Fly More Combo) is at least half the size of the Avata 2 Fly More Combo.
It is however clear, as you have additional Goggles to take with you. Personally, I rarely need more than 2 batteries for the Mini 4. Therefore it is a bit hard to say, if the 130 EUR more for that extra battery, Two-Way Charging Hub and bag in the Fly More Combo are justified. If you ask me about the Avata 2 Fly More Combo with 3 batteries: yes, sure go for the extra batteries and more flight time.
Additionally both drones can be turned on and ready to fly in relatively same time – about 30-40 seconds (without GPS connection). Depending on your location, you will need to wait few more seconds to have stable GPS connection.
Pricing: Getting the Best Value
The Mini 4 Pro starts at 799 EUR for the version with RC-N2 controller (without Display). The price goes to 999 EUR if you go for the version with remote controller with Display and 1129 EUR for the Fly More Combo.
The Avata 2 Fly More Combo (1 battery) starts at 999 EUR and 1199 (3 batteries) so pretty similar price range. If you are already flying FPV and have your own Goggles 2 / Goggles Integra and FPV Remote Controller 2, you can just buy the Avata 2 drone for 489 EUR (with battery).
Conclusion
The choice between the DJI Avata 2 and the Mini 4 Pro depends on your flying experience and creative needs. The Mini 4 Pro, with its superior image resolution, versatile video settings, and robust stabilization, is perfect for beginners and those looking to create cinematic content. On the other hand, the Avata 2 offers an amazing FPV experience, making it ideal for seasoned pilots eager for fast, agile flights and stunning FPV footage.
If money is not a problem for you and you enjoy flying FPV as well as creating good cinematic videos, having both packages would bring you the best experience. You will be able to switch between and use Mini 4 Pro with the Goggles and Motion Controller as well as enjoy acrobatic flying with the Avata 2.
Follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my blog for more drone insights and tips!.
They are two completely different drones and probably have different use cases.
At the end – Yes. And still in many cases you can fly the Avata 2 and have great cinematic footage as well.