DJI unveils compact Avata drone with built-in prop guards & Goggles 2

On Thursday, DJI announced its latest drone, the DJI Avata, which includes integrated prop guards and obstacle avoidance for indoor or outdoor flights.

The new DJI Avata is an ultra-compact done that is easy to carry around and maneuver in all situations. It sports an 18 minute flight time and communicates over DJI's O3+ transmission system.

Just because the drone is small, doesn't mean that DJI has skimped out on the recording capabilities. It uses a 1/1/7-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.8 aperture and a 155 degree field of view.

That camera allows for the capture of 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, 2.7K video at 100 frames per second, or 1080p at 100 frames per second. The camera is stabilized with RockSteady and HorizonSteady stabilization.

DJI Avata, DJI Goggles 2, and the controller

You can fly the drone with the DJI basic controller or using the DJI Motion Controller. For a more immersive experience, you can strap on the new DJI Goggles 2.

There are downward vision sensors and time of flight (ToF) infrared sensors to aid in obstacle avoidance. Those integrated prop guards allows the Avata to handle small collisions while several replacement parts — including the prop guard, props, body cage, and more — are available to keep your drone flying.

DJI Goggles 2

The updated DJI Goggles 2 help you feel like you're right in the drone with FPV control. They're light, comfortable and portable.

They use dual Micro-OLED displays with adjustable diopters. Video is streamed over O3+ at full 1080p/100fps for ultra high resolution and low latency.

The new DJI Goggles 2

Overall DJI says the new Goggles 2 are smaller and lighter while also being more comfortable. The screens are also more clear helps improve the in-flight experience.

Available now

More information about the DJI Avata on DJI's website. Multiple bundles are available with different configurations of controllers and your choice of the DJI Goggles 2 or DJI FPV Goggles V2.

The drone alone will run you $629. The Pro View combo which includes the motion controller and DJI Goggles 2 will cost you $1,388, while the Fly Smart combo with the DJI FPV Goggles V2 and motion controller will set you back $1,168.