The DJI O3 Air Unit is a Compact, Lightweight Camera for FPV Drones
DJI has announced the O3 Air Unit: a small, lightweight, $229 FPV camera and transmission module system for high-performance FPV drones.
While DJI has two of its own pre-built first-person view (FPV) drones — both the aptly named FPV and the newer and more affordable Avata — the O3 Air Unit is designed to support any other custom FPV drone, similar to GoPro’s approach to the space with its Hero10 Black Bones. It features a Type 1/1.7 sensor that can shoot at up to 4K at 60 frames per second through its super-wide 155-degree field of view.
The concept behind the O3 Air Unit is the ability to bring the same camera and flight experience pilots have with DJI’s first-party drones to any FPV drone, including the extremely reliable connection and the ability to use DJI goggles. The O3 Air Unit uses DJI’s O3+ system that can transmit a 1080p video live feed at 100 frames per second to a pilot from up to 10 kilometers away (about 6.2 miles) with latency as low as 30 milliseconds.
When the O3+ system senses a crowded signal environment, the O3 Air Unit automatically selects the best signal frequency and uses what DJI calls “anti-interference technologies” to keep a strong connection to its pilot.
DJI positions the camera as designed for FPV enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their drones for their unique preferences and say that the O3 Air Unit was developed accordingly. Canvas mode allows for customization of the on-screen display, which DJI says ensures pilots see the OSD display that’s right for them. For more options in viewing and control, the Air Unit is compatible with DJI Goggles 2, DJI FPV Goggles V2, and DJI FPV Remote Controller 2.
Speaking of goggles, the DJI Goggles 2 which were previously debuted as part of a combo package with the Avata are now available standalone and are compatible with the O3 Air Unit. While PetaPixel’s Chris Lambeth was satisfied with the entry-level drone in his review of the Avata earlier this year, a standout were the Goggles 2, which he classified as his favorite set of goggles he had ever used:
With the size being more in line with traditional analog FPV goggles, they felt right at home. One of the significant changes is the diopter options: the ability to adjust both eye distances and focus on each eye independently creates one of the most strain-free viewing experiences I’ve ever had with FPV goggles. That, along with the new micro-OLED displays, creates what I can only describe as superb.
The DJI O3 Air Unit is available today for $229 and includes the Camera Module, Transmission Module, Antenna, and 3-in-1 cable.
Image credits: DJI
