Leading drone manufacturer DJI ventured into the FPV (first-person view) world in March, 2021, with the original FPV drone followed by this year’s Avata. Now, it’s offering FPV fliers a chance to incorporate some of its technology onto a variety of third-party rigs with the introduction of the O3 Air Unit.
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Measuring 21.2×20×19.5 mm, the O3 Air Unit’s camera is the same one used in the DJI Avata. The module boasts a 48MP Type 1/1.7 (7.6×5.7mm) sensor with a fixed F2.8 aperture and a super-wide 155º FOV. Up to 4K/60p video can be captured and D-Cinelike color mode is available to give users more flexibility when post-processing their videos.
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The transmission system measures 32.5 × 30.5 × 14.5mm (1.3 x 1.3 x .5″) and weighs 36g (1.3oz). It’s built on DJI’s O3+ system and uses omnidirectional antennas built into the air unit to deliver 1080/100p H.265 video transmission at a bitrate up to 50Mbps. Video transmission covers an area up to 10km (6.21 miles) at a latency as low as 30 milliseconds. DJI says that in the event of encountering a crowded signal environment, the O3 will detect the strongest signal, while using its anti-interference technologies, to ensure the pilot stays connected.
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| DJI’s Goggles 2, introduced with the Avata, are compatible with the O3 Air Unit. |
The O3 Air Unit is compatible with the DJI FPV Goggles V2, introduced with the original DJI FPV drone, and the Goggles 2 which debuted with the Avata. The latter features a touchscreen, replaceable foam padding that reduces light leakage, and built-in diopters that are adjustable from +2.0 to -8.0. DJI’s FPV Remote Controller 2, which allows users to fly in Manual (M) mode, is compatible as well.
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| DJI’s FPV Remote Controller 2 is compatible with the O3 Air Unit. |
The O3 Air Unit is customizable. Canvas mode allows for pilots to customize their on-screen display (OSD) so they can view the information that suits them.
Other additional features include:
- RockSteady EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) technology for smoother footage.
- Light weight and compact.
- 2.7K/120p slow motion video.
- Transmission fluency via flagship algorithm that enhances live footage smoothness and minimal latency.
- Card Reader mode via USB connection for quick file reading.
- 20GB of built-in storage in the transmission module.
The DJI O3 Air Unit is available today through DJI’s site, along with most authorized FPV retailers, for $229 and includes the Camera Module, Transmission Module, Antenna, and 3-in-1 cable. DJI Goggles 2 is also available for $649 and includes the goggles, battery, eyeglass frames, screen protector, headband, power cable, dual-band antenna, and OTG cable. DJI did not provide a link to their Remote Controller 2 as it seems to be back-ordered with many retailers.
An installation guide was also created for smoother set up. Happy flying (and, likely, soldering).
