- DJI Avata 360 is DJI’s first 360-degree FPV drone with dual 1-inch sensors capturing 8K/60fps video and 120MP stills.
- Swivelling gimbal enables both immersive 360 capture and traditional single-lens FPV mode at 4K/60fps.
- Priced from £409 / €459 (around $540), significantly undercutting the Insta360 Antigravity A1.
- Ships globally in April 2026 – but no official US release through DJI due to regulatory restrictions.
DJI has officially unveiled the Avata 360, its first drone combining 360-degree capture with FPV-style flight. The launch arrives amid an intensifying rivalry with Insta360 – DJI filed a patent lawsuit against the company just days before this announcement.
The Avata 360 directly competes with the Insta360 Antigravity A1, which launched in December 2025 as the first 360-capable consumer drone. DJI’s entry brings stronger video specs, more control options, and user-replaceable components at a notably lower price.
Dual 1-Inch Sensors and 8K Video
At the heart of the Avata 360 are two Type 1 (1-inch equivalent) sensors, each with 2.4-micron pixels. Together they capture:
- 8K/60fps HDR video in full 360-degree mode
- 120-megapixel stills for high-resolution spherical photos
- 4K/60fps in single-lens FPV mode (16:9 or 4:3 crops)
The camera system sits on a swivelling gimbal – a key differentiator from the Antigravity A1’s fixed dual-camera setup. This allows the Avata 360 to switch between immersive 360 capture and a traditional forward-facing FPV configuration, effectively giving pilots two drones in one.
In single-lens mode, the wide-angle footage crops to standard aspect ratios, eliminating the fish-eye distortion typical of 360 cameras. Early impressions suggest this doesn’t feel like a compromised experience compared to dedicated FPV drones.
FPV Controls and Ecosystem Integration
The Avata 360 supports DJI’s full controller ecosystem:
- RC 2, RC-N2, RC-N3 – traditional dual-stick controllers
- RC Motion 3 – one-handed motion controller for immersive flying
- DJI Goggles 3 / Goggles N3 – live 1080p/60fps 360-degree FPV feed
- DJI Fly app – smartphone control with Wi-Fi 6 file transfers at up to 100MB/s
Beginners can use the goggle/motion controller combo for intuitive point-and-fly control, while experienced pilots can grab twin sticks for full manual flight in single-lens mode. This flexibility addresses a gap in Insta360’s offering – the Antigravity A1 still lacks the promised twin-stick controller support.
Flight Performance
Key flight specifications include:
- Flight time: Up to 23 minutes
- Max range: 20 km (12 miles) with O4+ transmission
- Top speed: 18 m/s (40 mph) in sport mode
- Weight: 455g (above the 250g threshold for most regulations)
- Storage: 42GB internal + microSD expansion
The larger size accommodates built-in propeller guards for crash protection – a practical advantage over foldable designs. Obstacle avoidance uses forward-facing LiDAR and downward infrared sensors.
User-Replaceable Lenses
DJI is offering a replaceable lens kit (approximately £25 / €25 / $30) that lets pilots swap damaged outer lens elements in under five minutes using basic included tools. This significantly improves repairability compared to most consumer drones where lens damage typically requires factory service.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI Avata 360 is already available in China and now open for preorder in other regions, with shipping expected in April 2026.
European pricing:
- Drone only: £409 / €459 (approximately $540)
- Motion Fly More Combo (with Goggles N3, RC Motion 3, extra batteries): £829 / €939 (approximately $1,100)
This pricing undercuts the Insta360 Antigravity A1, which starts at $1,599 for its cheapest bundle with goggles and controller. Even DJI’s comparable Motion Fly More Combo comes in significantly cheaper.
Important: DJI has no plans for an official US launch through its website. While the Avata 360 received FCC clearance in December – making it legal to fly in the US – American buyers will need to source it through importers. This follows the pattern of recent DJI releases like the Neo 2, and the Avata 360 may be the last DJI drone to receive FCC clearance given ongoing regulatory restrictions.
How It Compares to Antigravity A1
The Avata 360 holds several advantages over its Insta360 rival:
- Better video: 8K/60fps vs A1’s 8K/30fps (or 5.2K for 60fps)
- Dual functionality: Both 360 and traditional FPV modes
- More range: 20 km vs 10 km max transmission
- Faster: 40 mph vs 35 mph top speed
- Repairable: User-replaceable lenses
- Cheaper: Significantly lower entry and bundle prices
The Antigravity A1 does offer advantages in portability (foldable, 250g class), a more polished app experience, and a reportedly more comfortable headset. But for pilots prioritizing specs and flexibility, DJI’s offering appears to deliver more value – at least outside the US market.
The Avata 360 isn’t the only DJI product making waves this spring — the DJI Pocket 4 has been leaked with full specs and an April 20 launch date, suggesting DJI has a packed product calendar for Q2 2026.
My Take: DJI’s 360 Strategy Is Bigger Than One Drone
The Avata 360 isn’t just a product launch – it’s a strategic move in DJI’s escalating battle with Insta360. By filing a patent lawsuit against Insta360 just days before announcing a direct competitor to the Antigravity A1, DJI is simultaneously attacking on legal and commercial fronts.
From a photographer’s perspective, the swivelling gimbal is the standout innovation. The Antigravity A1’s fixed dual-camera design means you’re always in 360 mode, cropping in post. The Avata 360 lets you physically switch between 360 capture and a dedicated forward-facing FPV mode. This matters because 360 footage requires more processing, more storage, and more editing time. Being able to shoot traditional video when you don’t need the full sphere is a genuine workflow advantage.
The US availability situation is the biggest caveat. DJI drones are in regulatory limbo in the United States, and while the Avata 360 has FCC clearance, the lack of official US distribution means warranty service, accessories, and replacement parts will be harder to source. For US-based creators looking at DJI options, the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is currently $500 off at $1,099 and ships normally in the US.
At the European pricing of approximately $540 for the drone only, the value proposition is strong – assuming you’re outside the US. The Antigravity A1’s $1,599 bundle price makes the DJI offering look like a bargain, even accounting for the separate controller and goggle purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the DJI Avata 360 in the United States?
Not through DJI’s official US website. However, the Avata 360 received FCC certification before the December 23 deadline, making it legal to fly in the US. American buyers can source it through importers and international DJI stores. The drone itself is fully functional in the US – only official distribution is affected.
Do I need goggles to fly the DJI Avata 360?
No. While the goggles provide the full FPV experience (including a live 360-degree video feed), you can also fly the Avata 360 using just a controller (RC 2, RC-N2, or RC-N3) with the DJI Fly app on your smartphone. This makes the entry price much lower for pilots who don’t need the immersive FPV experience.
Is the Avata 360 good for photography or just video?
Both. The dual 1-inch sensors capture 120-megapixel spherical stills, which can be reframed in post to any perspective. For photographers who want aerial panoramas or unique perspectives for real estate, architecture, or landscape work, the 360 capture system is genuinely useful beyond video.
How does the DJI Avata 360 compare to the original DJI Avata 2?
The Avata 360 is a different product category. The Avata 2 is a traditional single-camera FPV drone focused on cinematic video. The Avata 360 adds 360-degree capture with dual sensors while retaining the ability to shoot in traditional FPV mode. Think of it as the Avata 2’s more versatile sibling rather than a direct replacement.
Sources used for this article:
Featured image: Photo by Jopeel Quimpo on Unsplash.
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