The DJI Mini 3 Pro has just landed, but rumors are growing that the Drone King is preparing to release a camera for indoor flight. Well, now it looks more likely, thanks to the first leaked images of an unusual drone.
The DJI Avata is expected to be called, most likely, a so-called “cinewhoop” drone with 3-inch propellers, according to images posted on Twitter by conventional DJI sources. @OsitaLV and @DealsDrone.
Cinewhoop unmanned aerial vehicles are usually small models with built-in safety propellers that are designed for flights in tight enclosed spaces, allowing you to create floating shots in the style of steadicam. And the leaked images show that it seems to be a DJI drone that matches these accounts.
But so far leaked images are similar to some images we saw earlier this week, they are also showcasing a design that will be markedly different from the current DJI range. DJI drones usually have a gray color scheme, while the photos show a drone with a black plastic body and a design typical of modern cinewhoop drones.
However, the front camera module has some DJI insignia, and the logos at the top and bottom look authentic. It is possible that these photos show an early prototype rather than a finished product, but there is growing evidence that DJI is indeed preparing to move into one of the few spaces for drones that it has not yet conquered.
The two key things that DJI can bring to Cinewhoop drones – automated flight modes and a high-quality camera – aren’t actually shown in these leaks. The footage shows a drone with a large battery and a small tilt camera, but it is unclear whether the latter is intended for shooting video or sending the tape to some accompanying FPV goggles.
However, it definitely looks like an interesting all-in-one concept for those who want to shoot dynamic indoor videos at events – and if this follows the trend of the latest DJI releases, we can expect to see a lot more leaks – up to its launch, rumored to be between July and August.
Analysis: DJI sees a niche but exciting new airspace
The cinewhoop-style DJI drone has been rumored for years, and the usual DJI commentator @OsitaLV sketched the aforementioned concept back in 2020. But these new leaked photos suggest the small indoor drone is now next on the launch list after a recent arrival on DJI Mini 3 Pro.
The 3-inch Cinewhoop class drones have become the most popular because they are small enough and safe to fly indoors, but also powerful enough to have a decent camera. So while this type of drone would be a relatively niche launch for DJI, it could also find a decent audience – especially if it’s relatively accessible, as evidenced by leaked photos.
Now the cheapest DJI drone is DJI Mini SE, but the DJI Avata seems to be a cross between a DJI FPV and a cheaper drone such as the Ryze Tello (which is based on DJI flight technology). This means that it could be an attempt to bring to the masses FPV drones in the style of cinewhoop – or floating “steadicam” for YouTube users who want to create dynamic cut scenes.
It would also help give it a different appeal compared to the new one GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones a camera that was highly designed for DIY masters who are currently major buyers of FPV drones (First Person View).
https://www.techradar.com/news/leaked-dji-avata-photos-suggest-indoor-drone-is-preparing-for-lift-off/
