FPV pilots in the community are buzzing with excitement over DJI’s new O4 Air Unit series. Truth be told, I’m more an analog fan than a digital fan — but with cutting-edge transmission technology, low latency, and high-resolution video recording, the O4 Air Unit and O4 Air Unit Pro might change that. What’s really caught my eye is the race mode on the pro version, and I just so happen to have the Goggles 3 from my Avata 2 fly more bundle.
But what makes this truly special, and how do they compare to previous air units like the DJI O3, DJI Air Unit, and Caddx Vista? Let’s break it down.
Key Features of the DJI O4 Air Unit Series
DJI O4 Air Unit (Standard / Lite Version)
- Camera Sensor: 1/2-inch CMOS
- Video Resolution: Up to 4K at 60fps
- Field of View (FOV): 117.6° wide-angle
- Video Transmission: 1080p at 100fps
- Latency: As low as 20ms
- Maximum Range: Up to 10 km
- Built-in Storage: 23 GB (no microSD support)
- Weight: 8.2 grams
- Mounting: 25.5 × 25.5 mm
DJI O4 Air Unit Pro
- Camera Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS
- Video Resolution: Up to 4K at 120fps
- FOV: 155° ultra-wide
- D-Log M: 10-bit color for flexible color grading
- Latency: As low as 15ms
- Maximum Range: Up to 15 km
- Built-in Storage: 4 GB + microSD expansion
- Weight: 32 grams
What’s New with the O4 Air Unit Series?
- Racing Mode: A game-changer for FPV racing enthusiasts, the O4 Air Unit Pro introduces a dedicated Racing Mode with ultra-low latency (15ms) and cleaner transmission on race band channels.
- Enhanced Transmission: With DJI’s O4 transmission tech, pilots get high-definition video (1080p at 100fps) and extended range, even in high-interference environments.
- Superior Color Profiles: The inclusion of D-Log M (10-bit) on the O4 Air Unit Pro enables cinematic-quality footage for content creators.
- Increased Compatibility: Works seamlessly with DJI Goggles 3 and Goggles N3, providing full support for Race Mode and Betaflight OSD settings.
Comparison with Previous DJI Air Units
| Feature | DJI O4 Air Unit Pro | DJI O3 Air Unit | Original DJI Air Unit | Caddx Vista |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.7-inch CMOS | 1/3.2-inch CMOS | 1/3.2-inch CMOS |
| Video Resolution | 4K at 120fps | 4K at 60fps | 1080p at 60fps | Relies on goggles (720p) |
| Latency (min) | 15ms | 30ms | 21ms | 21ms |
| Range (max) | 15 km | 10 km | 4 km | 4 km |
| Onboard Storage | 4 GB + microSD support | 20 GB built-in | microSD slot | No onboard storage |
| Weight | 32g | 36.4g | 45.8g | 29g |
| Racing Mode | Yes | No | No | No |
What Stands Out
- The O4 Air Unit Pro offers unmatched video quality with 4K at 120fps and D-Log M, making it ideal for cinematographers.
- Its 15km range and low latency give FPV racers a huge competitive edge compared to older models – you have more flexibility with power outputs while using racing mode.
Who Should Choose the O4 Air Unit Series?
O4 Air Unit (Lite Version)
- Best for: Pilots using small, lightweight FPV drones
- Why choose it: Compact and lightweight design with excellent transmission quality for freestyle or casual flying.
O4 Air Unit Pro
- Best for: Professional FPV racers, freestyle pilots, and content creators
- Why choose it: Superior video recording options, long-range transmission, and ultra-low latency ideal for high-performance scenarios.
Compatibility and Setup Tips
The O4 Air Units are compatible with the following DJI goggles models:
- DJI Goggles 3 (recommended for the best performance in Race Mode)
- DJI Goggles N3
- DJI Goggles 2
- DJI Goggles Integra
Setup Tips:
- Ensure the firmware for the goggles and air unit is up to date.
- Configure Betaflight OSD settings for optimal flight data display.
- For Racing Mode, manually set the video transmission channel to avoid interference.
Practical Use Cases for FPV Pilots
- Freestyle Flying: Capture cinematic and high-definition footage of breathtaking landscapes.
- FPV Racing: Achieve faster response times and cleaner video transmission, crucial for high-speed maneuvers.
- Cinematic FPV: Create immersive, action-packed sequences with D-Log M footage ready for professional color grading.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
If you’re a casual FPV pilot using the Caddx Vista or the original DJI Air Unit, upgrading to the O4 series will deliver a noticeable improvement in video clarity, latency, and range. For those already using the O3 Air Unit, the decision depends on whether you need Racing Mode and enhanced video recording (4K at 120fps). The only way to know is to try a friend’s or pick up a set for yourself.
8. Pricing and Availability
- DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite): Approx. $109
- DJI O4 Air Unit Pro: Approx. $229
Check for availability on DJI’s official site or authorized FPV retailers.
Conclusion
The DJI O4 Air Unit series represents a significant leap forward in FPV technology, offering improved video quality, longer range, and reduced latency. Whether you’re a racer or a filmmaker, the O4 Air Units cater to all aspects of FPV flying. Ready to elevate your drone experience? The O4 Air Unit might just be your perfect upgrade.