What is the DJI Digital FPV System?
DJI, civilian drones and aerial imaging technology giant has just launched the DJI Digital First Person Viewing (FPV) Transmission System – an advanced digital ecosystem which includes FPV goggles, an FPV Air Unit Transmission Module, an FPV remote controller and an FPV camera. Together, the system offers smooth, clear HD video, ultra-low end-to-end latency and long-range transmission with strong anti-interference technology packaged into a simplified setup. This breakthrough transmission technology is the next evolutionary step forward in drone racing technology and opens a world of creative possibilities for pilots.
The DJI FPV air unit is mounted on the drone and is able to simultaneously receive input from the DJI FPC Remote Controller and provide low latency, HD video feed back to the DJI FPV Goggles. It has a slot for micro SD card insertion. The DJI FPV air unit is directly connected to the DJI FPV camera.
The digital FPV transmission system’s low latency HD video transmission signal means a crystal clear display, minimal lag, anti-inference reliability and range of up to 2.5 miles. With a low end-to-end latency of 28 milliseconds and 720p footage at 120fps its specs could rival or even surpass an analog system perhaps in a few aspects. The FPV system can record on both the FPV camera attached to the drone as well as to the FPV goggles using a micro SD card. Racers can capture video content on the FPV camera in 1080p at 60 fps or 720p at 120 fps, while the FPV goggles can record 720p at 60 fps, which can be instantly played back for quick review providing an optimal flight experience.
The responsive and customizable FPV remote controller uses a 4-in-1 closed loop software allowing users to adjust parameters for the other three components remotely. Users can change settings on the controller and it will automatically sync the entire system, helping reduce operational error.
Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe said, “As drone racing grows in popularity, FPV racers are looking for the next technology to keep up with their demands. The new DJI FPV System is designed using our vast experience creating aerial and ground transmission systems and offers technology truly unique to the market. As the only digital video transmission solution on the market that performs at the same level as analog, even surpassing it in some aspects, we hope to set a new standard for digital FPV.”
Higher-definition footage and faster frame rates would allow drone racing pilots and viewers to better make out competitors passing in front of (or being chased by) the live feed coming off a drone. During a short demo that DJI offered the press on Tuesday drone enthusiasts said they were able to make out the details of nearby trees as well as another nearby drone when using the new FPV goggles in “audience mode” (with a more capable pilot at the sticks). The live footage was crisp and clear with no stutters or loss of signal reported, though the drone never flew more than a few hundred feet away.
The DJI Digital FPV System was specifically designed for hobbyist and professional drone pilots.
The DJI FPV Camera provides three camera modes, racing, standard and LED mode, to allow users to maneuver around obstacles in various scenarios.
- Racing mode- ideal for most racing situations and delivers images at a higher saturation rate to distinguish brightly-colored objects such as course obstacles.
- Standard mode- most apt for capturing content by reducing color loss and preserving original details.
- LED mode- enables racers to operate their units easily in low light settings by increasing the color saturation and reducing image noise to help pilots efficiently keep track of their unit’s location.
In the event of a crash, the on-goggle recording allows for quick playback that can help a pilot determine where their drone went down and ensure they walk away with some footage in the event of a loss of the microSD card on the drone.
Main features:
- End-to-end latency of 28 milliseconds
- Capture video at 720p at 120fps or 1080p at 60fps
- Record video to camera module and goggles
- “Focus Mode” narrows down the signal bitrate to the center of the frame
- Transmission up to 2.5 miles
- Eight 5.8GHz frequency channels
- Each operator has an exclusive channel
- Three camera modes: racing, standard and LED mode
- 150 degree ultra-wide-angle lens
The company will sell two different versions of the kit starting today. The $819 “FPV Experience” combo doesn’t include a controller, but it comes with the goggles and two air units and cameras. DJI will sell a $929 “Fly More” version that includes a Phantom-style controller with new internals built to handle the low-latency transmission, the goggles, and just one air unit and camera. Both kits include all the “necessary wires and antennas.”
The DJI FPV System is available now in two bundle options. The $819 FPV Experience Combo includes the FPV Goggles, two FPV cameras and Air Units along with all the necessary wires and antennas. The FPV Fly More Combo for $929 adds the controller, but has only one camera and Air Unit.
