DJI in 2024: the drone-maker’s highs and lows, plus what to anticipate in 2025
It’s been a busy yr for DJI. Not content material with being the drone model to beat, it landed 4 new shopper flying machines available on the market in 2024. DJI additionally gave us its newest motion digital camera, two wi-fi microphones for creators and a number of equipment. We even acquired an sudden e-bike collaboration.
That’s a severely various set of merchandise to launch in a single yr. Usually talking, DJI didn’t compromise on high quality both: the Osmo Motion 5 Professional is likely one of the finest motion cameras you should buy, whereas the DJI Mini 4 Professional takes the highest spot in our checklist of the very best drones, adopted intently by the Air 3S and Avata 2. We awarded the DJI Mic 2 5 stars in our assessment, too.
It’s uncommon to see such high quality and selection from a producer over a 12-month interval, with no main misses to talk of. That’s one of many principal causes we named DJI as Digital camera Model of the 12 months in our Selection Awards 2024, whilst clouds type in 2025 forward of a possible DJI drone ban within the US.
Need a run-down of these wins? On this annual assessment, we’ve rounded up every thing DJI acquired proper in 2024 – and regarded forward to what it’s acquired in retailer for 2025.
DJI drones in 2024
DJI Avata 2: FPV made higher
The Avata 2 landed in 2024 as a successor to the unique Avata, immediately changing into our favourite FPV drone. It impressed us throughout testing with each its versatility and accessibility: able to fly proper out of the field, options akin to automated takeoff and impediment avoidance sensors imply that just about anybody can expertise the fun of first-person flight.
Seasoned pilots can exploit the Avata 2’s full efficiency by selecting to disable some or all of those options, though we did observe in our four-star assessment that dealing with could possibly be awkward in guide mode. Nonetheless, due to its spectacular picture high quality and an immersive consumer expertise, we price the Avata as successful.
DJI Mini 4 Professional: Our new favourite folding drone
Not simply our favourite DJI drone, the DJI Mini 4 Professional is our choose of the very best drones total. In truth, we even named it Finest Drone in our Selection Awards 2024. An evolution of the Mini 3 Professional, we price it as the very best sub-250g mannequin ever made. Its specs inform a part of the story, with 4K video at as much as 100fps and assist for DJI’s D-Log M coloration profile.
However the actual enhancements may be discovered within the top-tier security options, the type of that are normally reserved for premium fashions. That features omni-directional impediment avoidance and an prolonged transmission vary of as much as 20km, all in a featherweight bundle which is simple to fly.
But it is probably not prime canine for lengthy, with new DJI Mini 5 and Flip fashions rumored for 2025.
DJI Air 3S: A best choice for fans
We already rated the DJI Air 3 as a compelling selection for fanatic flyers. The Air 3S landed as an improve in 2024, albeit not one which modified an excessive amount of. In our assessment, we recommended its very good battery life and easy flight controls, in addition to the all-round efficiency of its multi-camera setup.
Enhancements included a bigger sensor on the wide-angle digital camera, which yielded higher high quality in low lighting, plus front-facing LiDAR sensors for higher impediment avoidance after darkish. In the event you already personal the DJI Air 3, it’s not essentially the most thrilling new drone of the yr. However in order for you a succesful mid-range mannequin, it’s the place we’d look first.
DJI Mini 4K: inexpensive 4K flying
An improve to the Mini 2 SE, we predict the DJI Mini 4K is now the very best entry-level drone for inexperienced persons. It boosts video high quality to 4K and unlocks 2x digital zoom, whereas conserving every thing else the identical. Meaning you’re nonetheless getting a 3-axis gimbal, strong wind resistance and flight instances of as much as 31 minutes – plus loads of user-friendly flight modes through the DJI Fly app.
It’s additionally DJI’s most cost-effective Mini-series drone, which suggests it’s incredible worth for learners who’re simply getting off the bottom. You don’t get luxuries akin to object avoidance sensors or the most recent topic monitoring. However for many individuals, the Mini 4K shall be extra thrilling than DJI’s flagship drones, merely due to how accessible it’s: simply $299 / £269 for the bottom equipment.
DJI Neo: FPV for inexperienced persons
A miniature FPV drone with enclosed propellers, the DJI Neo is greater than only a shrunken-down Avata 2. Light-weight and tiny, it landed on the scales in 2024 at simply 135g – but it additionally comes outfitted with autonomous flight modes and AI topic monitoring. We discovered it extremely simple to function in our checks, making it a best choice for first-time FPV flyers.
Extra skilled pilots received’t be impressed by its single-axis gimbal stabilization or restricted flight speeds, however we nonetheless suppose the Neo is an thrilling idea. Priced at simply $199 / £169 / AU$299 for the bottom equipment, it’s DJI’s most cost-effective 4K drone. With the choice of controller-free flight through the app, it makes the enjoyable of FPV rather more accessible.
DJI motion cameras in 2024
DJI Osmo Motion 5 Professional: a successful sequel
DJI’s Osmo Motion collection has firmly established itself as a giant rival to GoPro’s Hero line of motion cameras. That reached a climax in 2024 with the arrival of the DJI Osmo Motion 5 Professional, which beat each the GoPro Hero 13 Black and Insta 360 X4 to say the title of Finest Motion Digital camera in our Selection Awards.
The explanations for which are a number of: bettering on the Osmo Motion 4 in nearly each method, it boasts a pair OLED shows, class-leading battery life and a 20m waterproof score with no case. Peak video decision of 4K is overwhelmed by the highest GoPro, however robust dynamic vary and a helpful SuperNight mode make it a succesful all-rounder.
Consider slick compatibility with the DJI Mic 2 (see beneath) for high quality audio and we predict the Osmo Motion 5 Professional is definitely considered one of DJI’s largest wins of the yr.
DJI microphones in 2024
DJI Mic 2: improved vocal recording
Relating to creating high quality content material, audio issues simply as a lot as video. The DJI Mic was already considered one of our prime picks for capturing dependable sound on the go. Its second-gen successor arrived early this yr and introduced important upgrades. These included 32-bit float audio which lets you get well vocals at just about any quantity, in addition to AI-powered clever noise discount.
Purchased as a equipment together with two transmitters and one receiver, the DJI Mic 2 is yours for $349 / £309. Shipped in a charging case, it’s all mechanically paired – considered one of many ways in which the Mic 2 makes it simple for anybody to file higher audio. Along with its pro-level options, that’s why we named it the Finest Digital camera Accent of 2024.
DJI Mic Mini: higher cell audio
Half the dimensions of the Mic 2, the Mic Mini joined DJI’s accent line-up late in 2024. A smaller, easier and extra inexpensive resolution for recording high quality audio wherever you’re capturing, the Mic Mini is pitched at content material creators who primarily shoot with a smartphone. Whereas the Mic 2 may provide extra for professionals, the Mic Mini can’t be overwhelmed for total worth and ease of use.
Tiny at 10g apiece, the two-mic system attaches by clip or magnet, and pairs seamlessly along with your cell through Bluetooth. A rival to the Rode Wi-fi Micro, it’s made extra versatile by the choice to make use of it with a digital camera due to the three.5mm jack.
Our assessment discovered audio high quality to be incredible, even in noisy environments. Priced at an affordable $169 / £145 / AU$245 for the whole equipment, we predict that the Mic Mini shall be a giant vendor for DJI.
DJI equipment in 2024
DJI Goggles 3 and N3: eyes on the prize
DJI gave us two new FPV headsets in 2024. The Goggles 3, launched with the Avata 2, are outfitted with twin 1080p Micro-OLED shows and assist for next-gen O4 video transmission. In our checks, that translated into “unparalleled picture high quality” and “essentially the most immersive FPV expertise accessible”. We additionally discovered the goggles comfortably mild, compact and ergonomic.
Extra lately, we acquired the Goggles N3 – DJI’s most cost-effective ever FPV goggles. Lower than half the worth of the DJI Goggles 3, they’re designed to pair with the DJI Neo to make an inexpensive FPV bundle for novices. You should buy them standalone for $229 / £229 / AU$359, or bundled in with the DJI Neo Movement Fly Extra Combo for $449 / £449 / AU$839.
You get an LCD show inside as a substitute of Micro-OLED screens, however regardless of the diminished worth, the Goggles N3 nonetheless assist O4 video transmission. That makes them a really compelling addition to the line-up. We’d argue that their affordability makes them an excellent greater hit for DJI than the full-fat Goggles 3.
DJI controllers: refined flying
With the discharge of the Avata 2 got here new methods to regulate DJI’s flying machines. The RC Movement 3 offers you upgraded one-handed joystick management once you’ve acquired goggles on. Examined with the Avata 2, we discovered it an intuitive method to pilot the FPV drone. We reckon it’s higher for novices than DJI’s gaming-style controllers, which give extra skilled customers granular guide management.
Talking of gaming controllers, DJI additionally launched the DJI FPV Distant Controller 3 this yr. Nearly an identical to the Distant Controller 2, it options built-in antennae and is optimized for the low-latency O4 video transmission system utilized by the Avata 2. In our assessment, we really discovered that its ergonomics aren’t the very best for flying in guide mode.
Then we acquired the RC-N3, launched with the DJI Neo and designed for use along with your smartphone mounted to the highest. None of those are groundbreaking releases from DJI, however all three signify the producer’s continued dedication to refining the methods by which followers can fly its drones.
DJI energy stations: preferrred for hardcore drone customers
Not content material with the classes it already has coated, DJI forayed into new territory in 2024 with the launch of its energy stations. The Energy 500 (512Wh capability) and Energy 1000 (1,024Wh capability) are designed to recharge DJI drones once you’re out within the area away from a mains electrical energy provide. We will see each models being in style with anybody who shoots for prolonged intervals.
Efficiency is dependent upon the drone you’re refueling, however DJI has given some tough numbers: a Mavic 3 Sequence drone will take 32 minutes to go from 10 p.c to 95 p.c. In addition to getting you again within the air once more, the ability provides also can increase different equipment, together with smartphones and laptops.
Extra lately, DJI launched a strong add-on: the Energy Enlargement Battery 2000 stacks on prime of the Energy 1000 and connects through cable to provide a further 2,048Wh of capability. What’s extra, you’ll be able to chain as much as 5 of those for a most capability of 11,264Wh, making it a critical resolution for heavy-duty shoots within the wild.
DJI Avinox: driving into new territory
Speaking of recent classes, DJI made a shocking leap into e-bike know-how in 2024. Taking every thing it is aware of about battery and motor tech from its drones and gimbals, DJI has channelled its experience into the Avinox Drive System.
Debuting on the Amflow PL, an electrical mountain bike, the system may be accessed through a 2-inch OLED touchscreen on the body. You may also hook as much as the Avinox app to allow anti-theft mode, in addition to change settings akin to energy and torque. DJI’s Good Help Algorithm may also mechanically alter how a lot help you get based mostly on driving resistance.
The event is an thrilling one for a number of causes. It means that DJI tech might quickly be present in a few of the finest e-bikes, particularly because the Amflow model is a startup “incubated by DJI”. It additionally signifies that the producer has each intention of continuous to discover new industries and purposes for its present know-how.
What to anticipate from DJI in 2025?
Even with the specter of a US ban looming, DJI doesn’t appear to have any intention of slowing down as we head into 2025. In truth, in response to rumors it seems to be hitting the accelerator pedal as a substitute, maybe pre-empting a brand new Congress invoice that might ban each DJI and Autel Robotics from promoting new drones within the US.
We don’t have an official roadmap detailing precisely what the producer has in retailer, however a lot of leaks and rumors have given us a superb indication of what new merchandise we are able to anticipate subsequent yr.
DJI drones in 2025: aerial upgrades?
DJI Flip
Current leaks counsel that DJI is engaged on a tiny, foldable drone. A dependable supply has revealed a video illustrating how the Flip might down right into a pocketable dimension. The suggestion is that it’ll have O4 video transmissions, propeller guards just like the DJI Neo and probably Lidar collision avoidance.
It’s not clear the place precisely it will sit between the DJI Neo and the DJI Mini 4 Professional, except DJI pitches it as an ultra-affordable, beginner-friendly mannequin just like the DJI Spark. Some commentators posit the Flip as a religious successor to the Mini 3. Time will inform.
DJI Mavic 4 Professional
Leaked FCC filings within the US additionally counsel that DJI is gearing as much as exchange the triple-camera Mavic 3 Professional with the Mavic 4 Professional in 2025. We haven’t seen a lot in the way in which of concrete specs, though there’s a suggestion that it’ll function a bigger battery unit, which might come hand-in-hand with a brand new design.
Imagery which seems to indicate a check unit of the Mavic 4 Professional hints at a redesigned digital camera array, though that doesn’t give us a lot to go on. We additionally don’t know when DJI may be planning to formally announce the brand new mannequin. But when the rumors are true, it’s definitely clear that 2025 shall be one other massive yr for DJI.
DJI motion cameras in 2025: doing a 360?
DJI Osmo 360
Though its fame is firmly established within the motion digital camera enviornment, there’s one class by which DJI has but to tread: 360-degree cameras. That might change in 2025.
The DJI Osmo 360 has been touted by some as DJI’s effort at taking up the very best 360 cameras, together with the Insta360 X4. FCC filings definitely level in that route. That’s a crowded market to enter and it’s not but clear what DJI could be bringing to the desk.
However given how impressed we have been by the Osmo Motion 5 Professional, plus the truth that GoPro has delayed the launch of its subsequent 360 digital camera, the Max 2, a 360-degree digital camera from DJI might nicely be the one to beat.
DJI handhelds in 2025: getting steadier nonetheless?
DJI RC Observe
Initially anticipated to launch with the DJI Air 3S, the RC Observe controller is rumored to be an adjunct designed particularly to work with the follow-me mode on DJI drones. Smaller than customary controllers, leaked pictures counsel the pared-back beacon will function fundamental controls and serve primarily as a method for drones just like the Air 3S to trace you extra precisely.
It’s not the primary time that we’ve seen this type of distant – the Skydio Beacon did one thing related – however it’s a new avenue for DJI, and one that will provide solo pilots and videographers extra flexibility.
DJI Osmo Cell 7
One other FCC submitting factors in direction of a brand new model of DJI’s handheld smartphone gimbal on the close to horizon. We extremely rated the present Osmo Cell 6 in our assessment, with its capability to assist content material creators seize steady handheld footage utilizing the very best digital camera telephones.
We don’t know a lot about what contemporary options to anticipate, and we’d hazard a guess that the Osmo Cell 7 shall be a refinement relatively than a serious revamp of what’s gone earlier than. It appears possible that DJI will embody assist for Apple DockKit, which lets you use gimbals with the inventory iOS digital camera app.
