Evaluate: DJI O4 Air Unit Professional – What You Have to Know Earlier than Shopping for

The DJI O4 Air Unit Professional is without doubt one of the most enjoyable FPV product releases of 2025. This digital camera and video transmitter combo is able to transmitting and recording HD video that rivals high-end motion cameras. By eliminating the necessity for a separate motion digital camera, the O4 Air Unit Professional reduces weight, lowers price, and simplifies your FPV drone setup. Right here’s an in-depth have a look at what units the O4 Professional aside, the place it might enhance, and the way it stacks up in opposition to the DJI O3.

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Prepared to put in and arrange the DJI O4 Air Unit Professional in your FPV drone? Try my full setup information right here: [xxx guide coming soon… stay tuned].

Two Variations

DJI launched the O4 Air Unit in two variations, every catering to completely different FPV drone wants:

1. DJI O4 Air Unit (aka O4 Lite): Compact and budget-friendly, weighing beneath 10 grams.
2. DJI O4 Air Unit Professional (aka O4 Professional): A high-end choice filled with superior options.

This overview focuses on the O4 Professional. For particulars on the O4 Lite, try my devoted overview: [xxx will be published on a later date].

The place to Purchase

You should buy the DJI O4 Air Unit Professional from the next retailers:

Design, Dimension, and Weight

The O4 Air Unit Professional introduces a number of design enhancements over the O3, together with the brand new heatsink fins to reinforce cooling efficiency.

They’ve returned to the twin antenna design – each antennas are LHCP (left hand circularly polarized).

The O4’s digital camera is considerably bigger than the O3’s, permitting for a bigger picture sensor.

Regardless of being barely bigger in general dimensions than the O3 (32.6 x 30.7 x 14.1mm vs. O4 Professional’s 33.4 x 33.1 x 13.1mm), the O4 Professional is notably lighter—about 7 grams lower than the O3.

Right here’s the size of the O4 Air Unit Professional:

• Air Unit Dimensions: 33.4 x 33.1 x 13.1 mm
• Digital camera Dimensions: 25 x 23 x 20 mm
• Antenna Size: 50mm wire + 54mm (3.5mm OD plastic tube)
• Digital camera Wire Size: 130 mm
• Flight Controller Cable: 100 mm
• Weight: 32.5g

O4 vs. O3: Key Variations

Is the O4 higher than the O3? Completely. The O4 outshines the O3 in almost each side.

Right here’s a fast comparability of the important thing options:

Picture High quality

The DJI O4 Professional’s digital camera receives a big improve over DJI O3, now that includes a bigger 1/1.3-inch sensor that enhances low-light efficiency and general picture high quality.

[xxx place holder for side-by-side comparison to the O3]

One of many standout enhancements is the O4 Professional’s dynamic vary and shadow element. It captures much more info in darker areas, making it superior to the O3, Walksnail Moonlight, and even my GoPro Hero 11 in each daylight and low-light eventualities. The bigger sensor allows the O4 Professional to assemble extra gentle, leading to improved readability and a broader vary of brightness ranges, particularly in difficult lighting circumstances.

For FPV pilots, the stay feed you see within the goggles is spectacular. The O4 Professional streams 1080p video at 60Mbps to the DJI Goggles N3 and Goggles 3 (and 1080p at 50Mbps to Goggles 2 and Integra). This matches the DJI Avata 2 when it comes to efficiency.

Onboard Recording

Right here’s a pattern footage of the Avata 2 which makes use of the identical digital camera:

The O4 Air Unit Professional helps 4K recording at as much as 120fps and affords D-Log M, excellent for shade grading in publish enhancing. D-Log M leads to a flat, neutral-looking video feed, however DJI affords an in-goggle mode that enhances shade and distinction of the stay view for pilots with out affecting the recorded footage. Very good.

With a recording bitrate of 130Mbps, barely decrease than the O3’s 150Mbps, the distinction is negligible for many customers, as platforms like YouTube compress movies anyway to a lot decrease bitrate.

The O4 Professional contains 4GB of onboard reminiscence, a lot lower than the O3’s 20GB. Nonetheless, this generally is a lifesaver while you neglect your SD playing cards, guaranteeing you gained’t go house empty handed. For expanded storage, the unit helps microSD playing cards as much as 512GB.

Vary and Penetration

In FCC mode, the DJI O4 Air Unit Professional’s output energy can attain as much as 1200mW on the 5.8GHz band, whereas in CE mode, the utmost is just 25mW. Nonetheless, DJI has launched the power to make use of the 5.2GHz band at as much as 100mW for CE customers, however this solely works in Auto mode. In the event you manually choose 100mW in guide mode, the facility will nonetheless default to 25mW on 5.8GHz.

DJI claims the Max Transmission Vary with goggles 3 and N3 is 15km (FCC) or 8km (CE). Nonetheless, I believe it’s going to exceed that. DJI’s FPV techniques are recognized to have a tough vary restrict, which is said to software program constraints moderately than {hardware}. The precise exhausting restrict for the DJI 04 Air Unit is at present unknown. For reference, the DJI Avata (V1) utilizing the O3 system is marketed at max 10km vary, however has a real-world exhausting vary cap of 23km. Additional testing is required to substantiate this.

With Goggles 3, now you can choose a 60MHz bandwidth (60Mbps bitrate), whereas Goggles 2 is proscribed to 40MHz (50Mbps bitrate). Wider bandwidth typically affords higher vary, penetration, and picture high quality when flying alone. Nonetheless, in my testing, the efficiency distinction between 40MHz and 60MHz is there, however not like night time and day. In the event you’re flying with others, a wider bandwidth may cause extra interference. To attenuate this, think about using a decrease bandwidth or, higher but, Race Mode.

Energy Degree Choices

The O4 Air Unit permits guide energy changes, not like the O3, which routinely manages energy ranges. The facility degree choices are: Auto, 25mW, 50mW, 100mW, 200mW, 400mW, 700mW, and 1200mW.

• FCC Mode: Extra channels can be found, and as much as 1200mW output energy.
• CE Mode: Restricted to 25mW on the 5.8GHz band. Nonetheless, in Auto mode, it may swap to the 5.2GHz band and use 100mW.

FCC Unlock

You’ll be able to unlock FCC mode on the O4 Air Unit utilizing the identical ham file hack because the O3. This unlock supplies extra channels and full energy ranges, supplied you’re flying in a rustic the place FCC operation is authorized.

I’ll present step-by-step directions for enabling this characteristic in my upcoming setup information. Keep tuned! [xxx link to tutorial]

Racing Mode

The brand new Racing Mode guarantees to scale back latency to as little as 15ms on the O4 Professional and 20ms on the O4 Lite when used with Goggles 3 (G3) and N3. This could possibly be a game-changer for FPV racers, or these after the bottom doable latency. Further benefits embody the usage of commonplace Race Band channels and cleaner transmission, making it excellent for flying in teams with decreased interference.

Be aware that Racing Mode is just accessible with Goggles 3 and N3 and is not supported on Goggles 2 or Integra.

[xxx place folder for image quality comparison]

Latency

The marketed lowest latency for the O4 Professional is as follows:

From my expertise, the latency is similar to, if not higher than, the O3 system and is completely flyable for freestyle. Be aware that these latency figures apply to Racing Mode; in Regular Mode, latency is predicted to be larger.

Whereas altering decision has no obvious impact on latency, body charge does. 100fps supplies the bottom latency, however it is just accessible in 1080p. The rating of body charges by latency is:

• 100fps (lowest latency, 1080p solely)
• 50fps (second lowest latency, accessible in any respect resolutions)
• 60fps and 120fps
• 30fps (highest latency)

For N3 goggles, the best body charge is 50fps. Whilst you can choose 100fps, the N3 show solely helps as much as 60Hz, that means the body charge shall be halved (to 50fps) within the goggles, leading to barely larger latency in comparison with 60fps.

Mounting in FPV Drone Body

On the VTX facet, the DJI O4 Air Unit is basically much like the O3, so most frames designed for the O3 must also work with the O4. The O4 affords extra mounting flexibility with 20x20mm mounting on one facet and 25.5×25.5mm mounting on each side. That is an improve over the O3, which solely supported 25.5×25.5mm. The O4 additionally makes use of all M2 screw holes as a substitute of the smaller M1.6, making it extra sturdy and user-friendly.

The actual problem lies in becoming the digital camera within the body. The O4 digital camera is considerably bigger than the O3 digital camera, though each have a 20mm width. The O4’s elevated size and “distinctive” screw gap spacing imply that the majority frames designed for the O3 gained’t accommodate the O4 digital camera. For some frames, custom-designed 3D-printed mounts could also be required, however in case you’re buying a brand new body for the O4, ensure that it’s appropriate to keep away from surprises.

The O4 digital camera options two M2 screw holes with a 16mm spacing between them, an odd mounting sample that’s unlikely to work with present frames.

Professional Tip: When mounting the O4 Professional, use spacers beneath the Air Unit to make sure the USB-C port is accessible, because it sits proper on the sting and could possibly be blocked with out correct spacing.

Pinout and Connection

The pinout and wiring for the O4 Air Unit are an identical to the O3 (VCC, GND, RX, TX, GND, SBUS), and the enter energy necessities stay the identical. In the event you’re upgrading from the O3, you’ll be able to unplug the O3 and plug within the O4 instantly with out modifying your flight controller wiring.

Moreover, the O4 contains solder pads for direct soldering, a welcome enchancment for {custom} builds that provides flexibility for non-standard setups.

Digital camera Compatibility

The cameras within the O4 Professional, O4 Lite, and O3 usually are not interchangeable. The coaxial cables for the O4 and O3 cameras usually are not appropriate. Whereas the O4 Professional and O4 Lite use the identical MIPI connector, connecting the O4 Lite digital camera to the O4 Professional Air Unit (or vice versa) doesn’t work.

Goggles Compatibility

The O4 Professional and O4 Lite Air Items are appropriate with the DJI Goggles 3, Goggles N3, Goggles 2, and Goggles Integra. Nonetheless, there are key variations in performance throughout the goggles:

• Goggles 3 and N3: Assist all of the options of the O4 Air Items, though the N3’s show is proscribed to 60Hz.
• Goggles 2 and Integra: Restricted to a most bitrate of 50Mbps and don’t assist Race Mode.

Regardless of the O4 transmitting solely 50Mbps to the Goggles 2, it performs admirably, providing picture high quality and vary similar to the Goggles 3 with 60Mbps transmission. This makes the Goggles 2 a extra versatile alternative, as they’re appropriate with the DJI O3 in addition to older techniques just like the Vista and FPV Air Unit.

Distant Compatibility

The O4 Professional has a built-in radio management hyperlink, permitting it for use with DJI’s remotes with out requiring a third-party radio receiver. The appropriate remotes are:

• RC2: Works with Goggles 2 and Integra solely.
• RC3: Works with Goggles 3 and N3 solely.

Whereas DJI’s remotes are handy, I personally suggest radios from manufacturers like Radiomaster or Jumper, paired with ExpressLRS. These supply superior management precision, higher ergonomics, superior options and efficiency.

Heating Efficiency

To date, I haven’t encountered any overheating points with the O4 Professional, doubtless due to the chilly winter temperatures the place I stay (5–10°C). The improved heatsink design ought to present enough thermal efficiency in hotter climates, however additional testing in sizzling climate shall be wanted to substantiate this.

Specs

Right here’s the total specs of the DJI O4 Air Unit Professional:

• FPV Stay Feed:
  • 1080p 30/48/50/60/100fps
  • 60Mbps on Goggles 3 and N3, 50Mbps on Goggles 2 and Integra
• Lowest Latency:
  • DJI Goggles 3 in Racing Mode: 15ms
  • DJI Goggles N3 in Racing Mode: 19ms
  • DJI Goggles 2 or Goggles Integra: 30ms
• Onboard Recording: As much as 4K 60FPS at 130Mbps, helps D-Log M
• Storage: Constructed-in 4GB + MicroSD Card Slot (as much as 512 GB)
• OSD Assist: Betaflight & iNav
• Antenna: Twin Antenna
• Constructed-in Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0
• Digital camera:
  • Picture Sensor: 1/1.3″ CMOS
  • FOV: 155°
  • Aperture: f/2.8
  • Digital camera FOV Mode: Commonplace, Extensive, Extremely Extensive
• Video Decision:
  • 4K (4:3): 3840 x 2880@30/48/50/60fps
  • 4K (16:9): 3840 x 2160@30/48/50/60/100/120fps
  • 2.7K (4:3): 2888 x 2016@30/48/50/60fps
  • 2.7K (16:9): 2688 x 1512@30/48/50/60/100/120fps
  • 1080P (4:3): 1440 x 1080@30/48/50/60/100/120fps
  • 1080P (16:9): 1920 x 1080@30/48/50/60/100/120fps
• Working Frequency:
  • 5.170-5.250 GHz
  • 5.725-5.850 GHz
• Most RF Output:
• Enter Voltage: 7.4-26.4 V
• Mounting Choices: 20×20mm and 25.5×25.5mm
• Dimensions:
  • Transmission Module: 33.5 × 33.5 × 13 mm (L × W × H)
  • Digital camera Module: 25.55 × 20 × 23.30 mm (L × W × H)
  • Coaxial Cable: 140 mm
  • 3-in-1 Cable: 100 mm
  • Antenna: 110 mm
• Weight:
  • Air Unit (exc. digital camera module): 15.6g
  • Air Unit (inc. digital camera module): 32.0g
  • Antenna: 2.1g every

Energy Consumption

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Can it Exchange GoPro?

For informal FPV pilots, the DJI O4 Professional can completely change a GoPro. The hole in picture high quality between the O4 Professional and high-end motion cameras has narrowed considerably, and the load financial savings are an enormous bonus. Nonetheless, for skilled work, there are nonetheless benefits to utilizing a separate motion digital camera.

Just like the O3, altering video settings on the O4 impacts what you see within the goggles, together with publicity, body charge, and shade, which may influence your flying expertise. DJI has not too long ago added a mode to the goggles to enhance the look of the video feed when utilizing D-Log M, which is a welcome addition. Additionally, it’s value noting that 10-bit shade continues to be not accessible on the O4.

Bare Model Risk

Taking the O4 Professional aside is surprisingly easy—simply take away 4 M2 screws.

This straightforward development makes it possible to decase the O4 Professional and switch it right into a “bare” model to avoid wasting weight, much like the bare O3. Whereas it’s going to doubtless overheat sooner with out the casing appearing as a heatsink, correct airflow would possibly mitigate this concern. We’ll want to attend for somebody to design 3D-printed or CNC spacers to make this mod occur.

Downsides

Regardless of its spectacular options, the O4 Professional has a number of drawbacks:

1. No audio: Neither the stay feed nor the recordings embody audio.
2. Restricted excessive body charge choices: 100fps in 4:3 mode is just accessible in 1080p. That is disappointing in comparison with the O3, which supported 2.7K at 4:3. Pilots preferring flying in 4:3 mode are compelled to file in 1080p, which appears like a step again.
3. Onboard storage: The O4 Professional contains solely 4GB of onboard storage, considerably lower than the 23GB accessible on the O4 Lite. Whereas it’s a pleasant backup, it might have been higher to match the Lite’s storage capability.

These shortcomings will not be dealbreakers for many pilots, however they’re value contemplating when deciding whether or not to put money into the O4 Professional.

Ought to You Select the Lite or Professional?

The DJI O4 Lite is small, light-weight, and helps decrease voltages, making it extra appropriate for smaller FPV drones like 3-inch or smaller quads. Nonetheless, in case your main aim is to seize the highest high quality footage on a small cinewhoop, the O4 Professional is the higher alternative. The extra weight is effectively value it for the improved options and picture high quality.

The O4 Lite has barely larger latency than the Professional, each in Regular mode and even in Race Mode (15ms vs. 20ms). The O4 Professional additionally boasts a wider discipline of view, making it higher fitted to picture stabilization, and contains an SD card slot for storage growth. It additionally helps extra decision choices. If dimension and weight aren’t constraints, the Professional is the clear winner.

Then again, if weight saving is your precedence, the Lite is a compelling choice attributable to its compact design and shockingly gentle weight.

Ought to You Select the Avata 2 or an FPV Drone with O4?

For superior pilots, the O4 Air Unit Professional is the superior alternative. It affords unmatched flexibility, permitting you to put in it in any FPV drone you need. With no velocity or top limits, it’s extremely customizable, repairable, and extra highly effective than the Avata 2.

Nonetheless, the Avata 2 is way extra beginner-friendly. It has a a lot decrease studying curve—there’s no want for constructing or soldering. Merely take it out of the field, and also you’re able to fly.

I’ve beforehand in contrast the Avata 2 to a custom-built 5-inch FPV drone, and many of the factors stay related: https://oscarliang.com/avata-2-vs-5inch-fpv-drone/.

ND Filter

To attain cinematic footage, ND filter is a should. Learn to use ND filter on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/nd-filter-fpv/

Present Avata 2 ND filters will match the DJI O4 Professional digital camera. The official ND filters from DJI is likely to be of nice high quality, however they’re fairly costly. These filters can pop off and get misplaced throughout collisions, so choosing extra reasonably priced ND filters is likely to be a superb choice for these on a finances.

Get it right here:

SD Card Suggestions

SD playing cards usually are not included, so listed below are my suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/sd-cards-fpv/#GoPro-DJI-and-Different-HD-Cameras-4K-Movies. When capturing cinematic footage in dangerous places, I at all times deliver a number of SD playing cards with me and swap them out after each flight. This minimizes the chance of shedding all my footage if the drone is misplaced.

Last Ideas

The DJI O4 Air Unit Professional units a brand new commonplace for FPV techniques, combining distinctive picture high quality, versatility, and efficiency. Its bigger sensor, improved dynamic vary, and onboard 4K recording make it a compelling choice for each informal pilots and professionals. Whereas it has some limitations, such because the difficult digital camera mounting, the O4 Professional is a stable improve from its predecessor, the O3. Whether or not you’re a freestyle fanatic, a racer, or a cinewhoop builder, the O4 Professional affords options and efficiency that justify its value. For pilots seeking to push their FPV setups to the subsequent degree, the O4 Professional is a wonderful alternative.

You should buy the DJI O4 Air Unit Professional from the next retailers:

Edit Historical past

• Nov 2024 – Leaked information printed.
• Jan 2025 – Up to date with official specs and information