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DJI today introduced the DJI FPV, a new hybrid drone that claims to “redefine flying” by offering users first-person perspective, giving them the sensation of flight (on steroids, might we add) through low-latency HD goggles and combining the mobility and speed of racing drones with the ease-of-use of consumer models.

Better yet, you can already buy the DJI FPV starter bundle — which includes the DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI FPV Remote Controller 2, and one battery pack — in the Philippines for P65,990 (around $1,358 converted). In the United States, it’s priced at $1,299 (P62,963). The Fly More kit — which gives you two extra batteries, a charging hub, plus the new pilot stick-style DJI Motion Controller — is not listed at the DJI brand store on Lazada Philippines at present.

DJI FPV official introduction video

It’s a steep price, for sure. Then again, there is no other consumer-grade product on the market that promises to deliver a surreal first-person flight experience on an impressively agile and fast drone that can launch from zero to 100kph in just two seconds when operating under M or manual mode, thanks to its racing motors. It is capable of a maximum flying speed of 140kph.

The FPV looks different from aircrafts in the Mavic series. It’s rounder and more unevenly shaped; the arms can’t be folded away, so you won’t be able to walk around with the drone in your pocket; and the 4K 60fps camera is placed in the front of the nose.

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There are obstacle-avoidance sensors onboard in the front and at the base, though the forward-sensing sensors are only active in N (read: normal) mode. You also get a ToF sensor, as well as an auxiliary bottom light.

As for flight range, DJI says the FPV can fly up to 16.8km. However, take note that the video-transmission range between the aircraft and goggles maxes out at 10km. The DJI FPV supports auto-switching between 2.4 and 5.8GHz frequencies and a video-transmission bitrate of up to 50Mbps for a clear and stable video feed.

The quoted battery life out of the 2,000mAh battery pack sounds reasonable at around 20 minutes when flying at 40kph in windless conditions.

DJI FPV specs

• 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
• 150-degree field of view, f/2.8 fixed-focus lens
• ISO 100-2800
• 3,840 x 2,160 max image size (JPEG)
• 4K at 50/60fps video; FHD at 50/60/100/120fps (MP4 or MOV)
• 120Mbps max video bitrate
• RockSteady EIS
• 140kph max speed
• 16.8km max flight range
• 10km max video-transmission range
• 800g
• 2,000mAh battery with 20 mins. max flight time

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