Accepting that not every aerial filmmaker is going to embrace its ecosystem of drones, DJI has announced the O3 Air Unit.
A camera and sensor package that will turn any drone into a DJI aerial filming platform capable of transmitting high-resolution video at over six miles.
While DJI has created its own line of FPV or “cinewhoop” drones, such as the DJI Avata, there are many filmmakers out there who have custom-built their own UAVs for that purpose.
Image Credit – DJI Global
GoPro saw this trend last year when it released the Hero 10 Black Bones action camera, and now DJI is following suit with the O3 Air Unit.
A modular three-piece design, the O3AU has a smart brain module that houses a 48-megapixel 1/1.7 camera sensor that can capture 4K/60fps video with D-Cine photo color at a maximum bitrate of 50 Mbps.
The other option is 2.7K video at 120 frames per second for some high-resolution, slow-motion video for an extra bit of cinematic flair.
Image Credit – DJI Global
The brain connects to a separate camera lens module that is similar in design to the 12.7mm equivalent camera lens on the Avata, and sports an aperture of F2.8 and a super-wide 155-degree field of view.
This also means that the DJI Avata ND Filter Set will be compatible with the lens.
Image Credit – DJI Global
The brain also supports Open IMU data for post-editing and image stabilization and contains up to 20GB of built-in storage. It is lightweight and compact, enabling it to be integrated into just about any custom-built FPV design.
DJI has also created an easy-to-follow installation guide online for reference on how to install and connect the O3 Air Unit to your custom-built drone design.
Once installed, the O3 Air Unit is capable of securely transmitting a 1080p full HD video signal with a latency of just 30 microseconds, to a distance of up to 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
It’s important to remember, however, that while the O3AU has a phenomenal range, FAA regulations require a drone to be kept within line of sight at all times, making this spec impressive, but rather dubious.
However, it also means that the O3 Air Unit is compatible with the DJI Goggles 2, which DJI is now offering as a stand-alone product. Google 2 supports the O3+ transmission protocol for low latency and offers micro-OLED screens for the best possible image and less eye fatigue.
Image Credit – DJI Global
The DJI O3 Air Unit is available beginning today for a retail price of $229 and includes the Camera Module, Transmission Module, Antenna, and 3-in-1 cable.
The DJI Goggles 2 are also available for $649 and includes the Goggles 2, battery, eyeglass frames, screen protector, headband, power cable, dual-band antenna, and OTG cable for data transfer.
Further details on new features, accessories, and capabilities, can be found on DJI’s O3 Air Unit website.
[source: DJI Global]
Order Links:
- DJI O3 Air Unit (B&H)
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