DJI Avata First Flight Review: Not what I expected

When DJI first released the Avata I decided not to buy it based on my experience with the DJI FPV drone. Then I met up with Billy Kyle who let me fly his for a while and wow was I wrong about his drone from DJI...
The DJI Avata cinewhoop drone is completely different from the DJI FPV drone. Not only does it fly way better but the camera is vastly improved over the old version. The new Goggles 2 are fantastic and give the flight experience that FPV really brings people into and with the safety features of this FPV drone you can learn to fly FPV with much greater ease than starting out building your own.
Check it out here: geni.us/eAkzBsB
Billy Kyle’s channel: / billykyle
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Learn how to use and fly your drone to create professional results by taking my course here: www.solocreatoracademy.com/store
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Jake Sloan
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[@FlytPath]

Day and night difference from the first FPV. Great first impression and spot on from my experience.

[@JakeSloan]

Agreed!!! And thanks Aldryn!

[@FlytPath]

@@JakeSloan but can we trust you Jake because you’re a KZbinr. We got blasted from our first impressions so surely your first impressions can’t be real too. 😂 it really is amazing

[@JakeSloan]

rofl exactly! I guess I waited long enough to not be called a DJI shill as well this time, but I suppose those comments could still be coming...

[@brianharrisonlightscape360]

Big fan of both of your channels. Fair and unbiased. You both walk the walk and always entertaining. Thanks!

[@107drones]

Welcome to the "Avata Fan Club" Jake! It's a great little drone for what it's designed for. BTW: Nice flying. 🤘

[@JakeSloan]

Agreed and thanks!!

[@michaelpoczynek]

Always the BEST drone advice! Thanks, Jake & Billy. Cheers! 😀

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@cjctucson7683]

Very brave of you to make your first outing with it out over water. Good Job!

[@JakeSloan]

hahahaha right??? I was thinking that after the fact

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Awesome first impressions, Jake. It's such a fun flyer!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks and yeah I agree!!

[@808-Stat3]

Great Video. I always love your content. Thanks Jake.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@OTOWNGOLF]

Thanks for this review. I ordered mine about 6 days ago and was a little worried about my choice, you just confirmed that it will be AWESOME! Thank you so much! 🙏

[@JakeSloan]

Nice!

[@FlyZoneFpv]

Great first flight Jake. Glad you met with Billy

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!!

[@allanw.gackstetter7969]

Great review as always!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!!

[@Andrewkc1969]

Nice review. I liked the realism of your review, so to speak. You didn’t spend all your time going over specs, just the experience. Thanks!

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@IdahoMthman]

awesome that you had a good trip

[@JakeSloan]

It was a blast. A lot of work! But also sone good times

[@MrEddieNunez]

So awesome that you got a chance to link up with Billy and fly the Avata! Great first impressions.

[@JakeSloan]

It was cool to meet him and hang out for a sec!

[@YellowRoseDrones]

@@JakeSloan Aren't you glad Billy retrieved his drone when he lost it out in Red Rock Canyon? 😎

[@JakeSloan]

so glad!! lol

[@BuddBieber]

Spending my money again!!! Great review and well appreciated!!! 👍👍👍 Thank you!

[@JakeSloan]

ROFL only if you really want it but yeah I enjoyed it quite a bit

[@billykyle]

Awwww yeah. Great video! I NEED that mic, sounds so good!

[@JakeSloan]

yes you do! it's so good and so easy to use. it was great hanging out with you for a bit and thanks again for letting me almost crash your drone a few times again!

[@CaminoAir]

Great to see you link up with another top drone reviewer in Billy Kyle (after Jeven Dovey). Always enjoy getting to see you test equipment and give us your impressions and analysis.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks so much!

[@beedroneinsta]

Great video Jake.. well done to billy for meeting up with you. Nice video . Hopefully we will see more videos from the avata on your channel. That drone billy has is like a cat with nine lives. Well done to you all

[@JakeSloan]

as soon as I get mine in there will be more videos for sure!

[@beedroneinsta]

@@JakeSloan looking forward to it Jake… might see another ice cave video 👍. If your stuck I’ll send you out mine.. still flying simulator 😭😭

[@jimsdroneing]

great first impressions Jake just recieved mine but am using with v2 goggles maybe later iff g2 is sold separately may get nice flight cant wait see urs flyin in alaska😀

[@JakeSloan]

Nice!!!

[@51Drones]

Great video Jake!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Russ!!!

[@badtuna73]

Love it! Just ordered one.

[@JakeSloan]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@sergiondeeforever]

Great video Jake

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you

[@MattysRCWorld]

I'm telling you what, I wanna be just like Jake Sloan when I'm all growed up! You fly that avata like a champ haha! Good stuff buddy! See ya on the next one!

[@JakeSloan]

LOL thanks man!

[@iSpike]

I am still rocking my Mavic Pro V1 Ferrari Edition drone. I'd love to own and experienc this FPV drone... (one day). Great video & flight Jake, thanks for sharing.

[@JakeSloan]

thank you Spike!

[@RylandRussell]

“It’s not as loud as I thought it would be” - proceeds to immediately obliterate my ear drums. 😂

[@JakeSloan]

Hahahahaha well that’s why I put the disclaimer about in comparison to my other cinewhoop drones 😂😂

[@BlairAir]

Lol ouch! 🙉

[@SouthBayFamily]

Great video

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@jimanderson4865]

Good video Jake......Don't melt out there in the sun snowman.

[@JakeSloan]

Lol thanks

[@cyborwhat]

It sure seems like DJI got it right with this one. Nearly every review that I have seen so far seems to be pretty good. And hearing it from Billy, Ken and yourself certainly puts the icing on the cake. I thought for sure Ken was going to Bash it in his review as he has done with many quads in the past but to my surprise he really seemed to like it. And if he’s not picking it apart it must be good.

[@JakeSloan]

Agreed I think they did!

[@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

Wow Billy and Jake together 😎

[@JakeSloan]

It was so cool to meet up!

[@johnpftd]

Yours and Billy’s opinion way a lot with me. I think the Avata will be my next drone.

[@JakeSloan]

It’s definitely a great drone if you want to cruise around!

[@KenHeron]

DJI can apparently learn how to polish a POS. Great little whoop!

[@JakeSloan]

They definitely learned a few things from the first one!

[@joshuadramis6559]

I had my first flight with the avata yesterday. I have the pro view combo too. So much fun flying it. I just wish I had 4 batteries like I do with my FPV. FPV flies fast and crazy, still like that for that purpose

[@JakeSloan]

Agreed!!

[@glyn829]

I like it 👍 wouldn't mind add that to my mavic air 2 🙂

[@JakeSloan]

for a different kind of drone shot or just for fun this definitely is a good option. I'll be adding one to my kit

[@BlairAir]

Looks like a blast to fly... AND might just be the ideal way to make the transition from camera drones. In fact, I think that's largely its raison d'etre.

[@JakeSloan]

yeah I think this is a much better option to transition than the FPV drone was

[@lcprod]

I love this drone

[@JakeSloan]

me too!

[@tempaux]

Great stuff Jake, ive been loving ripping the Avata up here in Alaska. Top notch video as always! Do you think youll pick one up??

[@JakeSloan]

Yeah I think I will as soon as I can find one in stock while I’m traveling

[@tempaux]

@@JakeSloan Great to hear! Can't wait to see a glacier helicopter trip with it!

[@michaelyip5632]

awesome👍

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Lordvader330]

So cool

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks

[@BrantAerials]

Now you've got me thinking! 🤔

[@JakeSloan]

Sorry 😂

[@04m6gto]

Pennsville, New Jersey. Whachu doin' 'round these parts? Love your videos!

[@JakeSloan]

LOL I had some work in the area

[@kp7j4x]

You found my secret drone flying spot! Luckily there wasn’t a Presidential NOTAM!

[@JakeSloan]

Hahahaha right?

[@SeanOzz]

i like the swipe thing. not sure why people have complained personally. i want to find a way to lock the goggle lenses into place after adjusting. they are always moved by the time I get to location. might be missing that feature if it is there.

[@JakeSloan]

There is a way you have to screw down the adjustment knobs. Look up max’s tech on KZbin. He shows you how

[@alaskavfxfilmer]

Whew, that low water flying gave me the willies, awesome video though.

[@JakeSloan]

Lol thanks

[@JasonLorette]

Looks like a blast, oof that price tag though. I need a new computer first…then mayyybe. 🤣📸

[@JakeSloan]

Yeah definitely prioritize that first lol. This is more of a for fun kinda thing!

[@mikehrenak1390]

Looks like fun air2 s army out

[@JakeSloan]

Cheers Mike!

[@johntaylor9124]

Very nice, appreciate your review. Have not tried FPV yet. Are the goggles eye glasses compatible?

[@JakeSloan]

For eye glass wearers I wouod recommend the goggles V2 (larger) not the goggles 2 (what’s in this video).

[@johntaylor9124]

@@JakeSloan thank you for taking the time, I appreciate this.

[@j.k.7376]

Hi, John. I have not flown this myself, but I just saw another reviewer (who wears glasses) telling us that the diopter adjustments on these goggles will probably be enough for a large portion of glass-wearers. I.e. you might be able to skip the glasses altogether. Something to look into. ☝️🙂

[@johntaylor9124]

@@j.k.7376 thank you, I will!

[@danieIlondon]

Great video 🥰 did you enjoy the drone?

[@JakeSloan]

I did

[@PhillipChangMD]

Can the Avata do tricks like flipping. I asked you the same about the FPV. Watched many of your videos. I already own the Mavic Air 2s. Want to be able to do cliff surfing. Great channel. Thanks

[@JakeSloan]

it can somewhat but isnt really meant for it

[@rossmandrone]

Just got mine today, uploading my reaction vid shortly

[@JakeSloan]

nice!

[@NasrAhmadTv]

,, good cam

[@JakeSloan]

Yep

[@ricardoasmachado]

Nice video. How high can the Avata fly? Does it depends on the fly mode or the controller/motion controller? Thanks.

[@JakeSloan]

It can fly upto 1600ft but you need to follow the laws where you are. In the USA it’s 400ft above sea level

[@kansaitraveler]

It’s a shame that you can’t buy the Avata with the controller 2.

[@JakeSloan]

I agree!!!

[@SamWithAHamSandwich]

what controller is being used? On DJI website has a pilot style remote for Avata but I prefer the one in this video

[@JakeSloan]

This is the DJI FPV v2 remote unfortunately it's currently out of stock but I would highly recommend it over the hand controller

[@BlueDroneBlues]

I am finally starting to learn FPV with the DJI simulator. After failed attempts with my pc, lack of current update, iMac no update or even able to connect with different cables & iPad which it works so, so but goggles display freezes up pretty easy. The only option that is working and working pretty well is my iPhone 13 Pro Max using the new Goggles 2 and Controller 2. Can anyone offer me some help finding the proper update on my PC or especially on how to get the iMac to even see the friggin Controller 2 so I can use this Flight Sim I paid $50 bucks for that I cannot even use. Thanks guys so much! PS: I am absolutely loving this Avata! I haven't tried manual mode yet, I want to get some more time on the flight simulator before I go taking my Avata and crashing into stuff. Thank you guys for the video and boy do you get some of the most amazing locations!

[@JakeSloan]

glad to hear you are loving the drone!

[@crackhead2able]

The best way to learn FPV is to fly high in the air away from trees and Buildings. You’ll get comfortable in no time sometimes you’ll fail when flying manual so just switch the toggle back to normal if your in danger. You’ll save yourself. Plus this drone can take hits and falls.

[@AmeanAbdelfattah]

Question: When you wear the headset, if you look around by simply moving your head, does the camera on the drone pan around in sync?

[@JakeSloan]

you can, the goggles and drone are capable of head tracking

[@joshuadramis6559]

How easy is it to switch the remote controller 2 between the avata and the FPV and also using the motion controller?

[@JakeSloan]

Fairly easy. It’s a matter of updating the remote firmware and linking it with the new set of goggles that came with the avata

[@briansoley1720]

As long as people get rid of that aweful motion controller as soon as they can then use the proper sticks remote it's an awesome little drone

[@JakeSloan]

Agreed

[@marcosuozzi]

What about motion sickness with the goggles? 😬 With the PS VR I always feel very bad 😔☹️

[@JakeSloan]

I fly with goggles quite a bit so I am pretty used to it but ti does take some getting used to

[@popitastic]

That 'big boat' is a ship Jake 😂

[@JakeSloan]

Rofl ok ok you got me there

[@stevengeorges9046]

You talk about Acro and Avata Manual mode like they are two different things. What is the difference between the two?

[@JakeSloan]

They are different. Manual mode is where the drone will not hover or fly without you constantly making control changes to keep it in the air. Acro is where you are flying loops, rolls etc.

[@michaelprofitbanks3658]

hey, when I fly mine I Don't get any audio sound durning playback....is it the SD card ?>

[@JakeSloan]

all the audio you hear in this video was recorded with my sony and its mic

[@butchhunter1499]

Greetings from Germany by ButchHunter

[@JakeSloan]

cheers and thanks!

[@SandaKrumina-wd6md]

Is it best for a beginner? Or better need to take Dji mini 2 ?

[@JakeSloan]

it depends on what you want to do, if you want to fly like you see in this video then the avata for sure, if you want to take photos and videos with a drone then look at the mini 2

[@viewsthatfade]

I love the DJI FPV its just more fragile than the Avata. I could have told you that you would defiantly want to get one and I don't even have it. You want something smaller to be able to get into tighter spaces with a good camera. I already bought another remote controller 2 because the Avata doesn't come with one which is strange. That motion controller wouldn't be a go to in my opinion.

[@JakeSloan]

agreed!!

[@audiogek]

I was sooo hoping you'd post in 60fps. So why didn't you? Because the first clip said 4k60... Nothing personal, I just have an exponentially growing dislike towards 24/30fps. I understand the use for low framerate but this does not show what the camera is capable of, and every time a new cam is released I have a really hard time finding 60fps videos of it. I'm not interested in buying the Avata so I only watched one other review of it. So why am I here writing this long comment you ask. Well, you have a really high production quality and are very likable so I thought "this is the one I need to watch" Going to finish the video now😄

[@JakeSloan]

thank you and thanks for the feedback

[@justinharrison5517]

What kind of controller did you use to fly it?

[@JakeSloan]

This is the DJI FPV controller

[@OvertheTopShot]

Wait till you crash it, it tries to save itself and sends itself into a roof. lol

[@JakeSloan]

Lol that sounds like fun 😂

[@kevinwells4986]

Still trying to get ready... or do something. I'm really enthused because all 3 of you guys are three of you guys are 'together'.

[@JakeSloan]

lol Thanks

[@BTown1979]

Does this drone come with a control box and not a stick?

[@JakeSloan]

It comes with the motion controller but I would recommend getting the standard FPV remote

[@Bayou_Russ]

How’s the googles with glasses?

[@JakeSloan]

These ones aren’t great. I’d look at the googles v2 instead

[@bjriag]

Nurk came out saying the DJI will make them backwards compatible

[@JakeSloan]

I saw that!! I hope it happens soon

[@42ecyor]

how far can u fly from you and what happens if you go out of that distance?

[@JakeSloan]

Quite a ways. Much farther than would be legal

[@42ecyor]

@Jake Sloan that's amazing. I think in the near future I'm going to look at getting one. I have never owned a real drone like a pro styled long range kind

[@carternibbz5365]

Hey just want to ask does dji put ads on your video?

[@JakeSloan]

Not from what I’ve seen. There are lots of crappy drone companies that do but I don’t have control over that

[@carternibbz5365]

@@JakeSloan ok is just thag my dji videos I upload they got ads on them but I haven’t reached the views and subs so I was just confused to how I’m getting ads on them

[@JakeSloan]

KZbin will still place ads on videos if they decide to

[@styles35010]

I just sold my original Mavic Pro. It served it's purpose but I wanted something with a better camera. When I thought I was going to buy the Mini 3 pro, this came out and has me questioning my decision. I know this would be a drone that is more fun to fly but concerning the camera, is it good enough of an upgrade for still photos over the original mavic pro?

[@JakeSloan]

This is not a photo camera drone. You definitely want the mini 3 pro over this if you plan to take photos at all. This drone will not take photos.

[@LarsEchterhoff]

It does take photos but more as a gimmick than something you use as a flying photo camera. The mini 3 pro and the Avata are like day and night. (Within the consumer drones they sell.) The mini 3 pro takes aerial photos and videos with ease while the Avata is more off a video action cam that asks you every time you take it out for a narrower hole to rush through or close pass random stuff in its way. Something you would never dare to do with a mini 3 pro. Since you'll do it probably just once. Crusin, video and photo is mini 3 pro. Action, fun and video is Avata. Oh and some the Avata shines as a cinewhoop as sone as you got slow, since it is quite hard to steer a conventional whoop steady at a slow pace. Anyways.

[@styles35010]

@@LarsEchterhoff Thanks a bunch for the explanation! I saw where it took photos but all of the reviews were showing the video action portion. I guess that's why I wasn't seeing a lot of photography talked about on this drone. I guess I need to decide which is more important... first FPV or continue toward a camera drone.

[@j.k.7376]

Hi, Cory. 🙂 The DJI Avata only shoots 12 MPix JPG, while e.g. the Mini 3 Pro shoots 48 MPix RAW stills. As an overall, you'll always get more out of dedicated camera drones, whereas the FPV drones' specialty is just that - FPV flying and FPV video. ☝️🙂

[@LaClippersFan310]

What's advertised range? And battery life?

[@JakeSloan]

range is massive in the US (miles) not sure about the EU though. battery life is a good 7-12min depending on how you fly

[@j.k.7376]

This from the DJI website: Max Video Transmission Range 10 km (FCC), 2 km (CE), 6 km (SRRC) Guess that means 10 km (US) and 2 km (EU)? 🤔

[@mckrackin5324]

I'm curious. Can FPV drones fly without water or a beach nearby? There doesn't seem to be any evidence of that on KZbin ;)

[@JakeSloan]

hahahahaha yes they can

[@peacefulrider1748]

wow great. if you time welcome NEPAL for more traveling video.

[@JakeSloan]

cheers

[@byronrobinson8633]

What are times on the battery in manual mode?

[@JakeSloan]

depends a lot on how hard you are pushing it but for me with the flying you saw here about 7-8 minutes easily possibly 10 if not pushing the speed as much

[@byronrobinson8633]

@@JakeSloan so basically around the same time as the DJI fpv. Because in sport mode I can get 10 to 11 minutes not pushing it but in manual mode I get 4 to 6 minutes. So I would guess around 4 to 6 if on manual mode on avata. I was hoping for a little better battery time on avata being lighter.

[@JakeSloan]

very similar in times

[@entropies1]

Take it to Denali and make some videos.

[@JakeSloan]

I wish. Denali is off limits for drones

[@macbook802]

Crashes into the ground, "that was close". No close would be not hitting the ground

[@JakeSloan]

Rofl

[@chrisprelot7835]

I like the drone BUT I hate those new Goggle 2...flawed design! bad optics I'm going to keep the v2 instead and sold the new one

[@JakeSloan]

wow I mean the v2 are great but I really enjoyed this new version. I do understand it might not be the best for everyone

[@captainthruster9484]

You need to add in my opinion to your opinions. I haven't flown the Avata. How something flies is completely subjective so one does not fly better than the other. Guess what? The DJI fpv drone flies better at 70 miles an hour the Avata. One is made for speed and power and one is made for video.

[@JakeSloan]

Wow really?? This whole channel is my opinions…

[@michaelwinkler7841]

the only issue i have with it, is that the footage doesn't look like 4k

[@JakeSloan]

Don’t forget you are watching it on KZbin after it’s been compressed pretty hard. Also double check your device/streaming settings

[@michaelwinkler7841]

@@JakeSloan was thinking the same, but the footage of him talking into the camera is crystal clear 4k

[@JakeSloan]

But that’s recorded on a 5,000.00 pro camera. So yeah there is going to be a difference.

[@pdtech4524]

I've heard of the Avata BUT who's Billy Kyle? 🤔 😳⚠️

[@JakeSloan]

Another cool KZbinr

[@pdtech4524]

@@JakeSloan Ah ok, I thought he was a talk show host or an unknown country and western musician?

[@FlatEarthPhotography]

not having a remote, OK bad move, but having it out of stock! extreme fail :D

[@JakeSloan]

it's extremely difficult to keep anything in stock these days

[@AllenRReid]

Was their first FPV drone considered a dud? You never hear anything about it.

[@JakeSloan]

it wasn't a dud (I still have mine and use it every now and then) but it just wasn't a good as this.

[@tokke4]

That does not fix those dark shadows… Same as action2 and even 3.

[@JakeSloan]

You can fix that by exposing manually but I do think GoPro is still winning the best image quality

[@pacospete4299]

Waiting on DJI to announce compatibility ............................................................?!?!?

[@JakeSloan]

Yeah me too!

[@jakesouthard9175]

First flight, just sending it out over some water 😂 you’ve got cohones

[@JakeSloan]

lol

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

DID SOMEONE SAY ALASKA

[@JakeSloan]

Someone did lol

[@robsilv148]

Just can’t fly it in the neighborhood sounds like 10000 bees attacking

[@JakeSloan]

Well to be fair about every drone like this sounds just like this

[@graphguy]

Please that thing screams, freaking loud as hell.

[@JakeSloan]

Just like every other cinewhoop…

[@graphguy]

@@JakeSloan not an excuse

[@JakeSloan]

Then you design something that works better and good luck.

[@cisnerosmike]

Looks under power... I might get one for the tool box.

[@JakeSloan]

it's not underpowered for a cinewhoop but definitely a nice addition to the kit

[@danieIlondon]

OLED is pronounced OH-LED 😂

[@JakeSloan]

rofl

[@MrJames6891]

Flys better? The fpv is twice as fast...

[@JakeSloan]

It dies fly better. I didn’t say it flew faster…

[@MrJames6891]

@@JakeSloan got it, its just vague saying "It flys better" when the fpv flies great in each mode. Youd think a 600$ drone itself could be more diverse, including speed

[@jasonbagley1747]

BUYER BEWARE!!!! The Avata is trash. It wouldn’t stay connected. The video feed and motion controller lagged. Overall, a horrible experience. This guy is a liar. The video is fake. Don’t waste your money

[@JakeSloan]

sorry you had a bad experience.

[@the-dronepilot]

Great review about FPV ! Maybe I will never buy an fpv drone, becouse I can destroy an DJI Air so easy, and Air is maybe slower and more easy to fly! 😄

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks