HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: one-minute review

With all the recent hype surrounding the launch of the DJI Neo, we can't forget that it was the HoverAir X1 that originally delivered highly effective and, indeed, exciting selfie drone functionality to the mainstream. Building on the success of the HoverAir X1, ZeroZero Robotics has created two new models aimed at more demanding users, with upgraded cameras, improved performance and some interesting new accessories.

The HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX are more advanced models that will sit alongside the original HoverAir X1. So, this puts more advanced selfie drones at a total of four to choose from. I've flown and reviewed both the DJI Neo and the HoverAir X1, and although both are fantastic drones, for me it's the HoverAir drones that excel in this niche yet growing corner of the drone market.

With camera drones and FPV drones dominating, the success of selfie drones is a welcome surprise, and they offer something different. The HoverAir X1 PRO is aimed at snow sports and cycling, while the higher-end HoverAir X1 PROMAX is aimed at professional content creation. However, both perform equally well in those scenarios, so cost and camera requirements will be the deciding factor for many people.

Without going into too much detail, and focusing on the profound similarities between the HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX, both drones offer a variety of intelligent flight modes with drone-only activation, and manual flight control with the smartphone app and a separately available controller.

So, what are the key differences between the two models? We'll go into more detail later, but the PRO can capture 4K video up to 60fps with FHD available up to 120fps, while the PROMAX can capture 8K video up to 30fps with 4K and FHD available up to 120fps alongside 4K 10-bit HLG up to 60fps. Both capture photos in JPEG format.

HoverAir X1 Pro: specs

HoverAir X1 Pro: release date and price

• Released September 26 2024
• Several kit options are available
• More expensive than the DJI Neo

The HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX were first available via Indiegogo after a successful crowdfunding campaign, and are now available on the HoverAir website with a shipping date of November 2, with multiple kit options and accessories available. The Standard kit, which includes the drone, one battery, a USB-C cable and a soft storage bag costs $499 / £459 for the PRO while the PROMAX costs $699 / £639. Pricing for Australia is in USD.

The Combo kit includes all of the above plus a second battery, charging hub, 65W power adaptor and a combo case. The PRO version costs $679 / £629 while the PROMAX version costs $879 / £799. This does make the two drones quite expensive for the two main kits that are available, and will likely mean they face fierce competition from the less expensive DJI Neo.

There are also several accessories available, so here's a breakdown of the prices for some of the options available. The PowerCase is $169 / £155, the Beacon and Joystick bundle is $228 / £208, the Multi-function Carry Bag is $79 / £69, the HandleBar Mount is $20, and the ND Filter set is $69 / £65. Buying a Combo kit and several accessories takes the cost of a HoverAir X1 Pro or PROMAX kit into the same price bracket as the DJI Air 3, so this is something to consider.

• Price score: 4/5

HoverAir X1 Pro: design and handling

• Compact folding design
• Enclosed propellers
• Excellent manual flight control via the app

Both the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX feature an identical lightweight folding design that makes them a similar height and width, but slightly shorter than a VHS cassette when folded. At just 6.75oz / 191.5g and 6.79oz / 192.5g respectively, you'll barely even realise you're carrying them, and both will easily fit inside a jacket pocket.

The overall design is minimalistic, with just a single button surrounded by a directional selector button with a small OLED screen above. This is all you need to initiate flight with just the drone, although to adjust settings and intelligent flight mode parameters you will need to connect the drone to the smartphone app.

The propellers are fully enclosed in a tough plastic frame that keeps the propellers, people and objects safe. Plus, they can withstand bumps and crashesm – and, yes, this was put to the test when I turned quickly on a skateboard ramp and knocked the drone out of the air onto concrete.

The PRO and PROMAX are great at following subjects, but erratic movements where direction is changed in a split second can be problematic, because the drones can't respond quickly enough. Most of the time in these situations, the drones simply lose the subject.

The 1920mAh batteries are advertised to provide up to 16 minutes of flight time, and I was achieving flight times close to this in autumn temperatures, so this appears to be reliable.

Of course, this is nowhere near as long as a traditional camera drone, but the PRO and PROMAX are more suited to short bursts of flight, whether using the intelligent flight modes or manual control. Thermal batteries are available separately for use in cold climates with temperatures as low as -4F / -20C.

To prepare the drones for flight, you simply fold the propeller guards out from beneath the airframe and you're ready to go once they're switched on and the desired mode is selected. This can be with just the drone, using the Hover X1 app or using a physical controller that's available separately and we'll cover that in the next section. Once you've finished flying, simply switch off and fold the drone and the gimbal tilts down to protect the lens.

Going back to the Hover X1 app, the manual flight interface has been drastically improved and now works in horizontal mode with left and right virtual controls, overlaid on the large camera view, which allows you to enjoy the same level of control as a physical controller.

Admittedly, it's not as good as a physical controller, but I was able to achieve complex maneuvers using both controls at the same time while also incorporating gimbal movement.

This may not sound overly impressive, but for app-based drone control I was hugely impressed and this is the best application of virtual controls that I've ever used. I can confidently say that even if you were to not buy the physical controller, you can still enjoy camera drone-style manual flight, albeit at a shorter distance, with just the Hover X1 app.

• Design score: 5/5

HoverAir X1 Pro: features and performance

• Fast follow flight speeds
• Intelligent flight modes
• Palm take off

The main flight aspect of the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX is the intelligent flight modes that use advanced AI algorithms to both track the subject and keep them in the centre of the frame. Just like the original HoverAir X1, the PRO and PROMAX perform superbly when tracking or flying around both static and moving subjects. One feature that makes flying and landing simple is palm take-off and landing, although you can land the drones like a camera drone when using the physical controller.

Both drones can achieve a follow flight speed of up to an impressive 26mph, with bursts up to 37mph. During testing, while cycling, both had no problems keeping up, but what was interesting and to a degree frustrating was the seemingly slow horizontal flight when flying manually. This was even after increasing the speed rates for the drones within Joystick settings in the Hover X1 app where 22.3mph should be possible.

The PRO and PROMAX have wind resistance Level 5, which equates to 24mph and is high when you consider the size and weight of the drone. It wasn't tested in winds of this level, but in gusts approaching 20mph, the two drones showed no signs of struggling and video remained smooth. Both can also fly over water, snow, cliffs and at night when OmniTerrain is active.

The PRO and PROMAX, unlike the HoverAir X1, feature active collision detection with the PRO having active rear-side collision detection thanks to a proximity sensor, while the PROMAX offers this alongside vision-based rear-side collision detection using a vision sensor for more effective collision avoidance. Both systems work well when using the intelligent flight modes, but collision avoidance on the whole isn’t as effective as a 360-degree system.

The intelligent flight modes include Hover, Zoom Out, Follow, Orbit, Bird's Eye, Dolly Track and Side Track. All of these work as you'd expect, with Follow, Dolly Track and Side Track being the most fun.

Tracking performance is also excellent and the drones were able to navigate complex environments with ease. There's also Return to Home functionality that's particularly useful when flying the drone manually, but you do have to keep an eye on the video feed for potential obstacles.

Another difference between the two drones is the amount of onboard storage they offer, with the PRO having 32GB and the PROMAX packing in 64GB. This makes sense since the PROMAX is capable of capturing 8K video which has high storage demands. Both can also take microSD cards up to a 1GB capacity.

One aspect of the PRO and PROMAX that hugely improves useability and extends performance is the optional accessories. Whether or not you'll need these will come down to you, but they are all cleverly designed and transform the PRO and PROMAX into more of a drone system than simple selfie drones.

The Beacon is a small unit with a screen that improves subject tracking and can even be used to control the drones manually, although this is fiddly. The Beacon does improve tracking and provides the ability to change intelligent flight modes alongside displaying the camera view where you can capture video and shoot photos.

This does undoubtedly provide reliable tracking as tested when cycling using the HandleBar Mount, but the tracking the drones are capable of without the Beacon is so effective that it's not possible to say how much better the Beacon is. The Beacon screen with video record and photo buttons alongside the Live View is still useful and using the Beacon does instil confidence.

The Beacon is best paired with the Joysticks that can be used to create a one-handed motion controller, used together with the Beacon screen providing the camera view, or all of the above with your smartphone acting as the screen. The Joysticks attach to the end of the Beacon with grips that fold down to provide an impressive controller option.

Using the Beacon alone or as part of a controller option extends the range of the drone from up to 1640ft / 500m with the app to 3280ft / 1km with the Beacon. For the former, I'm not sure how reliable this is because when flying at 80m directly overhead I lost the video feed in the Hover X1 app, although I did maintain control of the drone.

Beacon-based control works well, although using early firmware has thrown up some connectivity issues when using a phone attached to the controller; these were being ironed out with updates during the testing period. There's also a Magnetic Clip for the Beacon to attach it to clothing, a Magnetic Adaptor Mount and a Handlebar Mount which make attaching the Beacon to yourself or your bike incredibly simple.

One accessory that's incredibly innovative and, indeed, useful, is the PowerCase for X1 PRO and PROMAX. This is a hard case where you attach an adaptor to the PRO or PROMAX and the case provides around 2.5 battery charges. There's a window that allows you to see the current charge level on the drone's OLED screen, and a strap can be attached for easy carrying. This case allows you to take out just the drone and a single battery, with plenty of charge for a day out.

Other accessories include a set of four ND filters for controlling shutter speed when capturing video. These are comprised of ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters in a small hard case. There's also a Multi-functional Carry Bag, which is a great way to carry the drones around and the bag can also be attached to the crossbar of bikes by unzipping the centre of the bag and using the enclosed Velcro straps.

• Features & performance score: 5/5

HoverAir X1 Pro: image and video quality

• PROMAX offers the best image quality
• Video is great with both drones
• Photo quality is good but not great

Being a selfie drone with intelligent tracking capabilities, both the PRO and PROMAX produce better quality video than photos, with the PROMAX being the superior of the two. It's also the camera department where these two near-identical drones differ with the PRO sporting a 1/2in CMOS sensor with an equivalent focal length of 17mm. The PROMAX features a 1/1.3in CMOS sensor and 7-layer lens, alongside up to 14 stops of dynamic range and an equivalent focal length of 16mm.

The operation of the cameras and settings is identical for each drone, but the PRO is capable of capturing video in 4K at up to 60fps and 1080p at up to 120fps for slow motion capture. The PROMAX expands greatly on this with 8K up to 30fps, 4K at up to 120FPS for slow motion capture, 4K 10-bit HLG up to 60fps and 1080p up to 120fps. Image quality from both is great overall, although the PROMAX does excel here with improved image quality for both photos and videos.

File sizes for 8K videos are huge, and the need for most people to export at this resolution is limited. But with the PROMAX you can capture at 8K and export at 4K to produce sharp results with a future-proofed original resolution. But only if you have the storage available to keep such large video files. There are also 2.7K and 1080p vertical video options with both drones at frame rates up to 60fps.

Photo quality is good, but you can only capture stills in JPEG format and JPEG processing is visible at all ISO levels. Plus, naturally, color rendition is reduced as the ISO setting is increased so higher ISO photos do appear less saturated than those taken at lower settings. With the PROMAX being aimed more at content creation, the ability to capture photos in DNG format would make sense but is unfortunately unavailable.

The PRO captures photos at 4000x3000px with the ability to use a 2X zoom that produces photos at this resolution with little loss in image quality. The PROMAX can capture in this mode with the zoom feature available, or at a higher 8000x6000px resolution. The larger sensor of the PROMAX undoubtedly produces better image quality, but the PRO remains impressive overall.

• Image and video quality score: 4/5

X1 Pro Max Beacon tracking video

X1 Pro Intelligent flight modes video

X1 PRO App and controller video

HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: testing scorecard

Should I buy the HoverAir X1 PRO or the PROMAX?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: also consider

How I tested the HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX

• All features and functions tested
• All accessories tested
• Flown in challenging conditions

The HoverAir X1 Pro and PROMAX were tested primarily for their subject tracking capabilities using slower and faster-moving activities to test this. Each flight mode was used alongside manual flight with the Hover X1 app and the Joysticks attached to the Beacon for a camera drone-like experience.

All video and photo modes were tested in a range of lighting conditions extending from bright sunlight to overcast to low light at dusk to push ISO settings. All accessories were also tested to see how much and how well they enhanced the overall useability of the PRO and PROMAX.

Having previously reviewed the HoverAir X1 and the DJI Neo, I was aware of what to expect with drones of this type. But with enhanced features including faster flight speeds, it was possible to push these drones harder to fully experience their capabilities.

First reviewed October 2024

DJI Avata 2: two minute review

FPV (first person view) drone flight has taken the world by storm. Something that started more than 15 years ago as very much an underground hobby requiring ingenious and determined pilots to source parts, and build and repair their own drones, has now well and truly established itself as a mainstream pursuit that’s available to more people than ever before – and that’s thanks in no small part to market leader DJI.

What DJI offers is a straight-out-of-the-box solution for those who want to fly drones using immersive FPV goggles (and therefore see what the drone ‘sees’) without the difficulty and steep learning curve of flying traditional self-built FPV drones. 

Once you buy the Avata 2 you can then decide how easy or difficult you would like it to be. At the novice end of the scale, you can fly easily and stress-free in Normal mode, using the intuitive DJI Motion Controller 3 and all the built-in assistance DJI provides including automatic takeoff, obstacle avoidance sensors, and automatic return to home. This means anyone, regardless of prior experience, can enjoy the thrill of immersive flight while capturing photos or video – although really, FPV is more about the flight experience and videography.

If you feel more confident you can switch to Sport mode, which allows for more speed and control. Finally, you can opt to disable all flight-assistance features, and fly in full manual using the DJI Remote Controller 3 – but beware, this is not for the faint-hearted and, and unless you put in sufficient practice hours first in a simulator you’re without doubt going to crash and damage your new Avata 2, which is not built to withstand multiple heavy collisions.

DJI Avata 2: Release date and price

• Available from April 11 2024
• DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo start at $999 / £879 / AU$1,499
• DJI FPV Controller 3 sold separately at $199 / £139

The DJI Avata 2 is DJI’s third FPV-focused drone. It was announced on April 11 2024, with immediate availability from the DJI website. It’s the successor to the Avata, which was released back in August 2022, and the DJI FPV launched in March 2021. It’s available as the Fly More Combo with one battery for $999 / £879 / $1,499, or with three batteries for $1,199 / £1,049 / AU$1,839. The Fly More Combo includes the drone, the new DJI Goggles 3, and the new DJI Motion Controller 3, with everything fitting neatly into the well designed included black bag. 

If you prefer to fly using a gaming-stye controller, the DJI Remote Controller 3 is available for $199 / £139 / AU$229. It appears to be the same design as the DJI Remote Controller 2, except that the previously foldable antenna is now encased within the controller. 

The DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo is reasonably priced considering what’s included in the package – notably the Goggles 3, which, paired with the O4 camera and transmission, result in excellent image quality with a far better dynamic range than the Avata, the DJI FPV, or the O3 Air Unit that’s commonly used on self-built quadcopters. Shadows contain more detail, and are better balanced with the highlights. Fly More combos come with one or three additional batteries, a carry bag, a charging hub and other useful accessories, and offer value if you see yourself requiring extra batteries anyway.

DJI Avata 2: Design and controller

• Complete redesign of the Avata with extended wheelbase and lower center of gravity
• DJI Motion Controller 3 included and DJI Remote Controller 3 sold separately
• Weighs 1.06oz / 30g less than the previous Avata

The DJI Avata 2 is a complete redesign from its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase, dimensions of 7.26 x 8.35 x 2.52 inches / 184.5 x 212 x 64mm, and a flatter frame for improved aerodynamics. DJI claims the Avata 2 offers better durability and power that its predecessor, while weighing 1.06oz / 30g less. Without a battery it’s surprisingly lightweight, and how well it can withstand repeated crashes remains to be seen, although such mishaps can be largely avoided by opting for to use the built-in obstacle detection and avoidance. It’s perhaps worth saying that this was never designed as a freestyle FPV drone – it remains a cinewhoop with ducts.

In the UK the Avata 2 can be flown by the operator using HD goggles as long as they have a spotter with them who can keep visual line of sight of the drone at all times. Our article about where and how you can fly FPV drones explains more, or you can refer to the CAA website for more information on UK drone laws, the FAA website in the US and the CASA website in Australia.

The Avata 2 is powered by a 2150mAh battery that allows for up to 26 minutes of flight when slowly cruising on a windless day; should you fly manual and perform loops and rolls on a more windy day, your flight time will be reduced considerably, although endurance is still good. This is particularly useful for those using this drone commercially, as it allows them to concentrate on the task at hand without having to constantly worry about battery exhaustion and fear of missing that key moment.

Two controllers are available: the new DJI Motion Controller 3 is included with the Fly More Combo, while if you prefer a gaming-style controller the DJI Remote Controller 3 is available separately.

The DJI Motion Controller 3 is an intuitive way to control your drone, and allows users with no experience to immediately fly in a reasonably precise and controlled way. For more experienced pilots, though, this can feel like a less attractive option than a gaming-style controller, which offers full control in manual mode to let you execute aerobatics. Which you choose will depend on your level of skill and experience, and how adventurous you feel, as well as the applications you plan to use your FPV drone for. For example the DJI Motion Controller 3 could prove very useful for flying in confined environments, such as for indoors real-estate tours.

DJI has added ‘Easy Acro’ to this controller, a simple solution for anyone who’s less comfortable with aerobatics that enables them to perform flips and rolls at the push of a button. It’s a feature that should particularly appeal to novice pilots.

Unfortunately, the design will frustrate left-handed users – it’s built for right-handed users, and it’s impossible for a left-handed person to press the record buttons while flying.

The DJI Remote Controller 3 replaces its predecessor, but unfortunately its ergonomics are not the best for anyone flying in manual mode – if you’re a pilot who ‘pinches’ the gimbals on the remote to control your drone, the handling is quite awkward and distracts you from the task of flying. 

DJI Avata 2: Features and flight

• Downward and backward visual positioning
• Lighter and less noisy than the previous Avata
• O4 ultra-low latency video transmission system

Like its predecessor, DJI Avata 2 brings FPV flight to the masses, allowing everyone to enjoy this normally very challenging and technical hobby. You can now start flying straight out of the box after a quick setup process, and be immersed in your flight thanks to DJI Goggles 3.

So what else makes this new iteration worth buying? 

First of all, the full redesign compared to the first Avata means this drone is quieter – while not quiet, it will still attract a lot less attention than the ‘screaming’ Avata did. It also features a longer wheelbase (frame size) and a more aerodynamic / flatter design, which results in better flight performance.

One of the main reasons to buy the Avata 2 over its predecessor is the huge jump in video quality. Until now, whether you flew the Avata or the DJI FPV, the video lacked dynamic range, with very dark shadow areas lacking detail. The O4 ultra-low latency video transmission system proves to be a huge leap not only for the footage captured, but for the footage displayed in the new DJI Goggles 3. It’s very crisp, and not only does it look good, it helps greatly when it comes to avoiding hard-to-spot obstacles such as thin branches and power cables.

The DJI Avata 2 features three flight modes which can be selected through the DJI Motion Controller 3 or the DJI Remote Controller 3:  Normal, Sport, and fully Manual (which is only available when using the DJI Remote Controller 3).

Normal mode selected on the DJI Motion Controller 3 offers the most safety, and most relaxed flying experience. You can fly with extreme precision, and even reverse, which is not common in the FPV world. It’s perfect for beginners – in fact, someone who’s never flown a drone before should be able to start flying in this mode immediately with minimal help. This is the mode you’ll likely want to use for flying indoors or in very tight spaces. 

Sport mode is for those who want to feel more of the thrill of FPV flight, with higher ascent, descent and forward speeds, and no obstacle avoidance.

Then there’s full manual mode, which is only available with the DJI Remote Controller 3 (sold separately), and is only intended for trained FPV pilots, as it removes all flight assistance and stabilization. You’re fully in control, and are free to fly, dive and perform aerobatics like a bird. If you’re not flown in this way before you’ll need to spend some time using an FPV flight simulator, otherwise you will most certainly crash at the first attempt.

The video in this article was filmed in full manual mode, in a single flight without cuts, so that you can get an idea of the Avata 2’s potential when unleashed. Acceleration, deceleration, flying high but also at very low level, flying through tight gaps, performing loops and flips… you can do it all. This is not a freestyle drone, but it’s fun to see how far it can be pushed.

What I’ve learned from flying FPV drones is that it’s about compromises, and establishing what you want from a drone, and choosing the one that’s right for you. It’s similar to choosing a car in some respects – one person might prefer a model that’s safe, solid and dependable, while another may feel the need for speed. 

The first DJI FPV was released in 2021, and it was the drone that got me into FPV flight. I’m thankful that DJI introduced it, giving total newbies the opportunity to try FPV and see if it was for them. However, after learning to fly in full manual I quickly decided that I needed a more robust carbon fiber frame and ‘traditional’ DIY FPV, because I like to perform some level of freestyle aerobatics which inevitably lead to crashes – and some very hard crashes. I must have crashed 200 times in the past year with minimal damage to my quadcopter, and I also think such drones fly better.

Having been flying self-built quadcopters, I have to say that I don’t have as much fun when returning to FPV DJI products – they don’t fly as well, and they won’t survive multiple crashes. In fact, when I flew the Avata 2 in full manual mode it felt like I was constantly fighting the drone – it was not tuned as well as I’d like, and compared to my daily carbon fiber FPV quadcopter I found the flight more stressful.

But as I’ve said, FPV is all about compromises. Does my FPV quadcopter have GPS? No it doesn’t. Does it have obstacle avoidance? No it doesn’t. Does it offer generous flight time? Nope. Does it return to home at the press of a button? It doesn’t.

The FPV world is diverse, and this allows people of all aspirations and skill levels to find what’s right for them. I’m constantly tinkering and repairing, soldering components onto my FPV quadcopter; it can be a real headache, but it’s also part of the fun. However, that’s not something everyone wants or has time to do, and that’s the problem DJI solves.

So while the Avata 2 may not be for the most advanced FPV pilots, it’s fabulous for those who want the safety of the GPS and return-to-home functions, object avoidance sensors, and the safety of the ‘panic button’ which immediately slows the drone to a hover if things get too hairy or overwhelming. It has long flight times, allowing you to explore more and immerse yourself deeper, thanks also to the stunning O4 video transmission paired with the Goggles 3.

Did I also mention that it’s cheap? The price is incredible considering that you get everything you need to fly, and the drone, goggles, and remote are the latest technological advances in the drone world.

DJI Avata 2: Image and video quality

• O4 Video transmission system with improved dynamic range
• 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
• Up to 4K 60fps video

I tested the video quality, and I can say that it’s as good as it gets, and the best you can currently get within the FPV world without having to rely on GoPros or external cameras. 

Unfortunately I wasn’t provided a set of ND filters for my review testing, so keep that in mind when viewing my footage, as ND filters are key to obtaining smooth footage with the right amount of motion blur, especially on bright sunny days. I still think the quality of footage is fantastic, though, especially the dynamic range and the balance between dark shadow areas and brightly lit skies.

The ability for the camera to be tilted during flight is another advantage of choosing DJI’s drones for FPV flight. The Avata 2 can be tilted from -95 to 90 degrees, allowing the user to look up or down, and anywhere in between.

The Avata 2’s 1/1.3-inch image sensor offers 12MP of effective pixels at a fixed aperture of f/2.8, and with a field of view of up to 155 degrees it supports standard, wide-angle and super-wide-angle modes. While you can take perfectly good photos with the Avata 2, it remains a drone focused on video, and those who only intend to shoot photos may want to consider one of DJI’s camera drones instead.

The DJI Avata 2 shoots up to 4K at 60fps, all the way down to 1080p at 120fps, at up to 130Mbps. You can shoot footage in standard mode if you want to use it immediately, or D-Log M if you want to capture more detail and have the ability to color-grade your footage in editing software for more control over the final look of your footage.

DJI Avata 2 Video sample

The Goggles 3 provided in the Fly More Kit are mostly excellent – they fit very well, with minimal light leaks, and they’re comfortable, light and compact. Equipped with dual 1080p Micro-OLED displays boasting a refresh rate of up to 100Hz and certified for low blue light by TÜV Rheinland, they offer vivid colors and detail.

Yet I feel DJI has missed a trick here. It has incorporated two tiny lenses at the front of the goggles, enabling users to switch from what the drone camera sees to what those two lenses see in front of you with a simple double tap, without the need to remove the goggles. I doubt this would legally remove the need for a spotter as you still can't both fly your Avata 2 and look at your drone from afar as a spotter would. Unfortunately the angle of view is not the same as human vision, and it makes it awkward to do anything without removing the goggles anyway.

DJI has incorporated a new forehead support linked to the goggles via a small hinge. Initially I thought: “This is genius, I can now flip the goggles up using the hinge without the need to remove the goggles altogether”. Sadly, though, this hinge only allows for small fit adjustments, and not a full lift of the Goggles, which would have been such a useful feature.

Should I buy the DJI Avata 2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the DJI Avata 2

I tested the DJI Avata 2 over the course of a couple of weeks, starting by flying in Normal mode with the DJI Motion Controller 3, then moving onto the Sport mode, and finally – and my personal preference – flying in fully manual mode using the DJI Remote Controller 3. While this is not a freestyle drone, it is considered a cinewhoop, and I wanted to test its ability to perform light freestyle maneuvers, from very low to the ground to high up, and from flying fast to slowing right down, and testing the ability to fly through various gaps, all in an environment I’m familiar with and in which I’ve flown many other FPV drones.

Testing was done on private property with multiple spotters, away from people and buildings, and in compliance with local aviation laws and restrictions to ensure that all flights were safe and legal.

I’ve been flying camera drones since 2014, and since 2022 I’ve been flying FPV quadcopters, which has been incredibly fun and very challenging. I fly a multitude of different drones, from sub-100g tinywhoops to carbon fiber freestyle drones, but also camera drones for the variety of creative opportunities they offer. I fly four leading brands of drones, and have no affiliation to any of them, so I’m able to produce impartial reviews to help others make informed buying decisions.

First reviewed April 2024

One-minute review

The arrival of the DJI Mini 3 Pro in May 2022 was a game-changer in the drone world, bringing more professional-friendly features to a sub-250g model that made it the best drone in its class by far. When I reviewed the DJI Mini 3 Pro, I was so impressed with its image quality, small size, light weight and features that I bought one myself. The DJI Mini 4 Pro builds on those qualities to become the new benchmark for what sub-250g drones can deliver.

One aspect of the Mini 4 Pro that can’t be ignored, though, is that despite being the closest Mini-series drone to the DJI Mavic 3 models and the DJI Air 3 in terms of flight and safety features, and some camera functionality, it’s more of an incremental update over the Mini 3 Pro than a radical upgrade; it looks remarkably similar, performs pretty much identically in flight, and even uses the same impressive 1/1.3-inch sensor. And for current Mini 3 Pro owners there could be a sense of frustration, as many of the camera upgrades could likely have been delivered via firmware updates.

This begs the question: if you’re a Mini 3 Pro owner, should you upgrade? And the simple if unhelpful answer is that only you can decide. The Mini 3 Pro remains a fantastic drone, despite not being quite as robustly featured as the Mini 4 Pro. But if you’re upgrading from an older model, or coming to the Mini series for the first time, the Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a professional drone pilot using the Mini 4 Pro as a second drone who can benefit from the D-Log M video color consistency with your Mavic 3, or an enthusiast looking for something small and lightweight, the Mini 4 Pro is undoubtedly the best sub-250 g drone available.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: Release date and price

• Available now, priced from $759 / £689 / AU$1,119
• Two kits to choose from
• Fly More Bundle offers value for money

The DJI Mini 4 Pro was announced on 25 September 2023, and is available to buy from the DJI Store and authorized retailers. It's available in two kit options, with the smart controller option also offered in a Fly More Bundle. And despite the impressive features on offer that set this new model apart from its predecessor, pricing is almost identical to the Mini 3 Pro at launch.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2) kit costs $759 / £689 / AU$1,119, while the DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) kit costs $959 / £869 / AU$1,419. These kits include the drone, the relevant controller, one Intelligent Flight Battery, a pair of propellers, a Screwdriver, a DJI Mini 4 Pro Gimbal Protector, a DJI Mini 4 Pro Propeller Holder, and a Type-C to Type-C PD Cable. 

If you’d prefer better value and a host of useful accessories, a Fly More Bundle is available for the Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2). Although the obvious caveat here is that you have to opt for the more expensive controller. This kit option costs $1,099 / £1,149 / AU$1,699. In addition to the above, you also get two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, two additional sets of propellers, a DJI Mini Shoulder Bag and the DJI Mini 4 Pro/Mini 3 Series Two-Way Charging Hub.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: Design and controller

• Small and lightweight folding design
• Looks extremely similar to the Mini 3 Pro
• Two controller options

DJI Mini-series drones need little introduction in terms of design these days. Alongside its highly portable and regulator-friendly diminutive size and weight, and folding design, the Mini 4 Pro looks very similar to the Mini 3 Pro, the main visual difference being the additional Omnidirectional Collision Avoidance sensors on the top of the airframe and an Auxiliary Light on the bottom.

Most of the upgrades are under the hood, so to speak, in the form of software and feature enhancements. Even the 12/48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor is the same as the Mini 3 Pro's, albeit with image processing upgrades, but that’s no bad thing, because it’s a fantastic sensor that's capable of producing excellent image quality despite its small size when compared to the sensors in flagship Mavic 3 prosumer models.

The new features on offer, which we’ll go into much more detail about later, make the Mini 4 Pro much closer to Mavic 3 models in terms of flight and video features. This is fantastic news for professional drone pilots looking for greater consistency in their workflow, while enthusiasts can simply enjoy an improved Mini Pro model.

Depending on your budget and needs, the Mini 4 Pro is available with two controller options: the DJI RC-N2, which features a telescopic phone holder and no screen, so you have to use a smartphone with it, and the DJI RC 2 smart controller. The DJI RC 2 features a 5.5-inch screen with 700-nit brightness, and provides a much more convenient flight experience with faster set-up times.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: Features and flight

• Omnidirectional Collision Avoidance
• ActiveTrack 360°
• Advanced Return to Home

The Mini 4 Pro's flight times are almost identical to its predecessor's, with the same flight time that’s advertised at up to 34 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery; flight times typically come in at around 20-25 minutes until Return to Home is initiated at 20% battery, depending on how vigorously the drone is flown and environmental factors such as wind and temperature. There's also an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, available separately, that increases flight times to an advertised duration of 46 minutes, but this takes the weight of the drone above 250g and isn’t available in Europe.

The most significant feature to arrive with the Mini 4 Pro is Omnidirectional Vision Sensing, which is Omnidirectional collision avoidance to you and me. This uses four fisheye vision sensors, downward binocular vision sensors, and a 3D ToF sensor that aid flight safety in complex environments. 

This system works well, and together with the Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS), it certainly provides confidence; the Bypass/Nifty mode allows you to fly through trees and even indoors, but you still have to take great care, and the DJI Fly app does warn of the risk. More confident and experienced pilots may find that flight is ultimately smoother with collision avoidance switched off, but this comes at the expense of a much greater risk of collision.

Omnidirectional Vision Sensing also delivers a series of additional advanced features including ActiveTrack 360,° which is more reliable from a safety point of view and more effective than ActiveTrack on the Mini 3 Pro. Another feature is Advanced Return to Home, which incorporates Obstacle Avoidance into plotting the most efficient route back to the take-off point. So, from a safety and autonomous flight point of view, the Mini 4 Pro beats the Mini 3 Pro hands down.

Other features include Hyperlapse, MasterShots, Quickshots, Digital Zoom and QuickTransfer (of files to a phone without having to switch on the controller). Then there’s the LightCut app, which can be used to create AI-edited videos at the touch of a button. This is perfect for quick and easy video creation, although it's certainly not a professional tool. There’s also a Cruise Control feature, as on higher-end DJI drones, which can lock the drone in flight so that you don’t have to continue pushing the control sticks when performing a long maneuver.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: Image quality

• Same sensor as the Mini 3 Pro
• D-Log M color profile
• New image processing technologies

The image quality produced by the Mini 4 Pro is impressive overall, and extremely similar – practically identical in most shooting modes – to the Mini 3 Pro. Both drones use the same 12/48MP 1/1.3-inch quad bayer sensor with large 2.4μm pixels that produces excellent 12MP results in low light, and up to 48MP high-resolution photos when the light is good – a similar approach to the iPhone 15. 

The camera itself can still be rotated 90 degrees for vertical shooting, and the gimbal can be tilted between -90 degrees and 60 degrees. There’s also a DJI ND filter pack for controlling shutter speed and a wide-angle lens attachment available to extend the field of view of the 24mm equivalent f/1.7 lens from 82.1 degrees to 100 degrees. There is some barrel distortion with this lens when shooting close-up, which naturally reduces with more distant subjects and scenes.

This all sounds extremely familiar; so what sets the Mini 4 Pro apart from its predecessor? Well, alongside the features we’ve already discussed, the camera upgrades appear to be software rather than hardware-based. While some do enhance and improve image quality in some modes, others focus purely on functionality, which has been extended. One such feature is the Night Mode, which optimizes noise handling when shooting video in low light.

Video capture has been improved in several areas, with the introduction of 4K shooting up to 100fps for slow motion, while 1080p can be captured at up to 200fps. Video can be captured in Normal, HLG (HDR) and the flat D-Log M profile rather than D-Cinelike. D-Log M is available on Mavic 3 drones, and its inclusion in the Mini 4 Pro will undoubtedly provide greater consistency in professional workflows when a sub-250g drone is required. You can also now control the sharpness and noise reduction in video, which is a handy feature for more advanced users aiming for more cinematic-looking footage.

But even if you’re an enthusiast, having all of this functionality at your fingertips is fantastic, because it means you can grow into the drone rather than growing out of it when features are more limited. Photo functionality remains much the same as the Mini 3 Pro, but that’s no bad thing because it can’t be faulted. SmartPhoto is claimed to greatly improve on previous-generation HDR capture, although for advanced users, shooting in Raw and using Auto Exposure Bracketing is the best route to take in high dynamic range situations.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Video in 4K at 30 fps

Should I buy the DJI Mini 4 Pro?

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How I tested the DJI Mini 4 Pro

I tested the Mini 4 Pro over a week of flying in a range of locations, environments and weather conditions (excluding rain) to test flight performance, flight features, overall handling and image quality for both photo and video capture. All testing was conducted in a way that meets local aviation laws and restrictions to ensure that all flights were safe and legal.

Drones are always tested using manual flight patterns for video that are typical of professional aerial video capture to shoot visually interesting footage. This also provides the opportunity to test aspects such as the connection between the drone and controller, latency between the two, and the accuracy of the controls and flight in general. Automated flight features are also tested to assess their accuracy and overall performance.

With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 15 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve been covering drones in terms of shooting and editing techniques, alongside writing drone reviews, for a number of years. As well as flying most consumer and prosumer models, I’ve previously held a PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operations) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK, and now fly under an A2 CofC (A2 Certificate of Competency).

First reviewed September 2023

Editor's Note

• Original review date: September 2020
• Officially out of stock but available online
• Launch price: $99 / £99 / AU$169
• Official price now: $99 / £105 / AU$169

Update: March 2024. When it landed in 2018, the Ryze Tello was a tempting proposition: a bargain drone designed with the help of DJI that’s easy to pilot using your smartphone. While it’s certainly not perfect – especially not in windy conditions – the Tello remains our favourite budget beginner drone today. Thanks to its tiny design and simple interface, it’s still a great choice for pilots who are learning the ropes of drone flight. It doesn’t win any prizes for video quality and is easily blown off course, but it’s hard to critique too much at this price point. Officially out of stock in many regions, you can still pick up the Tello from a number of online retailers. One option is to purchase the drone alone, but we’d suggest looking out for the Boost Combo. In our experience, this is more likely to be discounted in seasonal sales. It also goes some way to addressing the Tello’s short flight time, bundling in three batteries and a charging hub.

The Ryze Tello is the result of a collaboration between leading consumer drone maker DJI and fellow Chinese start-up Ryze. A simple, lightweight and affordable quadcopter, it's clearly pitched at newcomers to the hobby.

Despite its budget-friendly price, it comes with an onboard nose-mounted camera that's capable of capturing 5MP photos and streaming 720p HD video. You also get a reasonable-sounding 13 minutes of flight time per fully charged battery and stability sensors to (theoretically, at least) keep it from drifting off into walls, shrubberies and neighbours’ gardens. 

In other words, it hasn’t been stripped right back to the bone to keep costs low. Even the plastic body, while we wouldn’t call it premium by any means, feels tough enough to survive a bit of rough and tumble.

• These are the best drones you can buy right now

Flyable via a Wi-Fi-equipped smartphone running the Tello app, the drone has a theoretical control range of 100m, maximum altitude of 30m and maximum speed of 8m/s. The app comes with automatic take-off and landing controls, plus an on-screen twin-stick setup that feels rewardingly responsive. 

The Ryze Tello is a fun drone to fly, particularly if you’re outside with room to spare. It zips along at an enjoyably rapid chop and responds nimbly to the on-screen controls, twisting and turning in the air with surprising grace. 

We should add that all of the above only applies when the weather is playing nice. On a breezy day the 80g drone gets swept away by the slightest gust, and it struggles to move against the wind too, so we wouldn’t recommend flying it in anything but dead calm. 

If you do decide to take it out in blustery conditions, make sure you give yourself plenty of space – otherwise you risk it crashing unceremoniously into a tree or being carried off and lost entirely.

Ryze cites the Wi-Fi range as “up to 100m”, but in practice you’ll likely never see it approach that. The maximum range we could control the drone at was closer to 30-40m, and there are limits on its altitude too: Ryze suggests it can reach heights of 30m, but it seemed more like 10m to us. 

While this range might sound a little restrictive, we think it’s acceptable for a basic budget drone with a simple, forward-facing camera – you’re not going to be using the Tello to capture sweeping aerial landscape photos, but close-range selfies and group shots.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mavic Mini review

When flying on a calm day or indoors (some prop guards are included for the latter; you may as well keep them attached for outdoor flights too), a pair of downward-facing sensors keep the Tello nice and steady. Take your hands off the controls and it will hover in place rather than drift around. This system is light-based, so only works in bright conditions.

The sensors power one of the Tello’s flight tricks: the ability to hold out your hand and have the drone land on your outstretched palm (do watch your fingers until the props power down, though). You can also use “Throw & Go” to launch the drone: turn the power on, then toss it upwards and away from you in the air, whereupon it’ll engage its rotors and hover in place.

In addition to manual flight controls, a handful of automated modes can be used to perform tricks and capture interesting videos: 360-degree rotations, 'Up & Away' (which flies – yes – up and away from you while facing you) and more. The most interesting is the 8D flips, which makes the drone perform precise flip-over tricks that mirror how you swipe your finger across the screen.

The Tello app is refreshingly simple, with clearly labelled controls and a limited (but not restrictive) set of options. There’s an on-screen battery indicator while flying, plus a built-in warning system that kicks in when power is low, to help ensure you don’t lose the Tello due to it abruptly running out of juice.

Battery life is decent, however: you can get as much as 13 minutes of flight time out of one charge. This does make buying multiple batteries necessary if you’re planning on long sessions, but given the toy-like nature of the Tello we think 13 minutes is perfectly acceptable. One option would be to buy the “Boost Combo” package, which includes three batteries and an external charger able to accommodate all of them at once.

Finally, we should mention the image quality of the built-in camera. It’s not wonderful, in all honestly, lacking dynamic range and, in the case of videos, often subject to extremely noticeable compression artifacts. The method of storage doesn’t help: because videos aren’t stored locally on the drone but beamed directly to your phone, anytime the Wi-Fi connection drops in quality you’ll run into frame rate issues: fly the drone away from you and at some point the video will start stuttering.

Should I buy the Ryze Tello?

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