The DJI O4 Lite targets the micro FPV drone market, weighing underneath 10 grams and that includes a single-board design, it’s a game-changer for micro drone builds like cinewhoops, toothpicks, and even tiny whoops. Whereas 04 Lite doesn’t match the cinematic picture high quality of the O4 Professional that professionals favor, its efficiency is akin to the DJI Neo, making it an interesting selection for light-weight setups. Whereas the O4 Lite’s efficiency is spectacular for its dimension, it’s not with out compromises. Right here’s a deep dive into what makes the O4 Lite shine, its shortcomings, and who it’s finest fitted to.
DJI formally calls this the “DJI O4 Air Unit,” however I imagine they need to have named it the “DJI O4 Lite” to keep away from confusion with the O4 Professional. For simplicity, I’ll check with it because the O4 Lite all through this overview. In case you’re within the O4 Professional, take a look at my overview right here: https://oscarliang.com/dji-o4-air-unit-pro/
The place to Purchase
Get the DJI O4 Air Unit Lite from:
Compact Design
The O4 Lite is a single-board video transmitter that drastically reduces dimension and weight in comparison with the O4 Professional. Weighing just below 10 grams, it’s perfect for micro drones that beforehand couldn’t deal with bigger, bulkier air items. Supporting as much as 4K recording at 60fps, the O4 Lite is a revolutionary choice for reaching high-definition footage in smaller builds.
Once I first noticed the O4 Lite, I used to be shocked—it’s uncharacteristically minimalist for one thing that comes from DJI. The unit is actually a naked PCB, with not one of the polished casing we often affiliate with DJI merchandise. This stripped-down method seems like a direct response to the calls for of hardcore FPV fans, who prioritize each gram saved of their drone builds.
Upon disassembling the O4 Professional and evaluating the PCB to the O4 Lite, I discovered that the 2 boards share nearly the identical format, with just a few part variations. For instance, the O4 Lite integrates the USB-C port immediately into the board, and the O4 Lite includes a bigger reminiscence chip than the Professional. In a method, the O4 Lite is principally a stripped down, bare model of the O4 Professional.
In contrast to the twin antenna setup on the O4 Professional, the O4 Lite makes use of a single dipole antenna linked by way of a UFL connector.
The O4 Lite digital camera features a few equipment: a friction-mounted lens protector and a digital camera cowl with M2 holes on the edges. Whereas the holes aren’t threaded, self-tapping screws are supplied.
That stated, the dearth of safety and the compact design of the board increase considerations about sturdiness, significantly for these typically crash. Solely time will inform how nicely it holds up.
Measurement and Weight
Listed below are the size of the O4 Lite:
- Air Unit Dimensions: 30.5mm x 30.5mm x 5mm (WxLxH)
- Mounting: M2, 25.5mm x 25.5mm
- Digital camera Dimensions: 10.5mm x 16.5mm x 11.5mm (WxHxD)
- Digital camera Adapter: 14mm width, 20mm top, with two M2 screw holes (16mm spacing) on either side
- Digital camera Cable Size: 50mm
- Antenna Wire Size: 50mm
- FC Cable Size: 50mm
- Weight: 8.5g (9.3g with digital camera adapter)—akin to the Walksnail Mini 1S Lite Equipment!
Picture High quality
When evaluating footage between the DJI Neo and the O4 Lite, the similarities are hanging. This aligns with rumors that the O4 Lite makes use of the identical digital camera because the Neo. Nonetheless, the O4 Lite has the benefit of recording in 4K 60fps, whereas the Neo is proscribed to 4K 30fps. Past this distinction, the cameras are primarily an identical.
The O4 Lite delivers wonderful picture high quality for typical FPV use, providing good element and first rate dynamic vary. That stated, its smaller 1/2-inch sensor doesn’t carry out as nicely in low-light situations and lacks the nuanced colours and shadow element of the O4 Professional. In comparison with the O4 Professional, even the O3 Air Unit, the Lite falls brief in picture high quality and area of view, significantly for cinematic functions.
Having flown the O4 Professional first, I discovered the Lite much less spectacular by comparability. Though it helps 4K 60fps recording and 1080p reside video feed, its readability, dynamic vary, and low-light efficiency are usually not on the similar degree because the Professional. That stated, it nonetheless far surpasses analog system, even another digital FPV setups of comparable weight. Contemplating how light-weight it’s, the O4 Lite stays a powerful feat of FPV know-how.
And don’t be deceived by the advertized 117° area of view (FOV). Whereas it sounds slender on paper, it’s not as drastic because it sounds when in comparison with the 170-degree Walksnail Mini 1S digital camera, maybe DJI has a special method of measuring FOV, but it surely’s nonetheless completely flyable. Whereas the O4 Lite lacks the “Ultrawide” FOV setting discovered within the O3 and O4 Professional, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, as I not often use the Ultrawide mode, usually I solely use Vast. One other I seen is the O4 Lite digital camera has a lot much less fisheye impact compact to different FPV cameras, which is likely to be a bonus for some individuals who dislike distorted extensive angle FPV pictures.
Onboard Recording
The O4 Lite has 24GB of onboard reminiscence, permitting for round half-hour of 4K recording. You possibly can lengthen this with decrease resolutions, akin to 45 minutes at 1080p 100fps. Movies are downloadable by way of the USB-C port, however the lack of an SD card slot is likely to be a limitation for some customers.
The O4 Lite helps a most bitrate of 100Mbps for 4K 60fps recording (in comparison with 130Mbps on the O4 Professional). Right here’s the listing of obtainable resolutions:
- 4K: 60fps, 50fps, 30fps
- 1080p: 120fps, 100fps, 60fps, 50fps, 30fps
All resolutions might be recorded in both 16:9 or 4:3 side ratios.
Notably, the O4 Lite lacks 2.7K decision, in addition to 24fps and 25fps modes, which is likely to be disappointing for cinematographers. Nonetheless, for the reason that Lite shouldn’t be primarily designed for cinematic use, this isn’t a significant downside for the meant customers.
Additionally notice that the O4 Lite doesn’t assist DLog M or 10-bit coloration, limiting its enchantment for many who intend to paint grade their footage.
Video Stabilization
You possibly can stabilize O4 Lite footage utilizing both RockSteady or Gyroflow. Nonetheless, its narrower FOV turns into a limitation for video stabilization, because the ensuing crop makes the footage seem overly zoomed in.
The Lite digital camera additionally appears significantly delicate to vibrations, doubtless because of its ultralight design. Vibrations can simply trigger jello in footage and make stabilization more difficult. This isn’t a problem for informal flying, however reaching high-quality stabilized footage would require cautious tuning and vibration minimization in your drone setup.
Vary
The DJI O4 Lite prioritizes compactness over vary and penetration. With a most output energy of 700mW—restricted by the dearth of a heatsink—and a single dipole antenna, the O4 Lite provides lower than half the vary and penetration of the O4 Professional. This isn’t a dealbreaker for micro FPV drone pilots, as light-weight setups sometimes prioritize weight, they usually typically fly in shut proximity anyway.
That stated, the O4 Lite nonetheless performs admirably when it comes to vary when in comparison with different FPV techniques in its weight class. It’s well-suited for its meant objective of micro-drone flying.
Latency
Primarily based on DJI’s specs, the theoretical minimal latency for the O4 Lite varies relying on the goggles used:
| Goggles | Latency |
|---|---|
| Goggles 3 | 20 ms (Race Mode) |
| Goggles N3 | 24 ms (Race Mode) |
| Goggles 2/Integra | 35 ms (Regular Mode) |
Whereas the latency is barely greater than the O4 Professional, it stays completely acceptable for freestyle flying.
Mounting and Connection
The O4 Air Unit Lite options an M2 25.5×25.5mm mounting sample, making it suitable with most micro drone frames. In lots of instances, the O4 Lite might be immediately mounted on prime of the flight controller, as most FCs additionally function the identical mounting commonplace. Nonetheless, the O4 Air Unit solely provides connector for FC connection, in contrast to the Professional, which incorporates each a connector and solder pads for direct soldering. This limits flexibility for customized builds.
For 3″, 3.5″ frames or bigger frames, which can have a devoted area for the VTX within the rear, the supplied cable won’t be lengthy sufficient to accommodate this configuration. Longer digital camera cables can be a welcome addition sooner or later.
The primary problem associated to mounting is the digital camera – it has 16mm spacing between the 2 M2 mounting holes on its sides—an unconventional design that isn’t supported by most present frames. Maybe DJI needed to have a constant mounting sample between the O4 Professional and O4 Lite, however the result’s that almost all current frames are incompatible with this new mounting sample.
Whereas 3D-printed mounts may work as a short lived repair on some frames, producers might want to replace their designs to accommodate the O4 Air Unit. It’s doubtless that future frames will handle this challenge, however for now, chances are you’ll must depend on DIY modifications.
Powering the O4 Lite
Whereas the O4 Lite technically claims to assist 1S, points come up because the video feed turns into unstable when the voltage drops beneath 3.5V and even 3.7V at greater energy ranges. Since most 1S drones land at voltages as little as 3.3V (or decrease), the O4 Lite isn’t perfect for direct energy from 1S battery. To mitigate this challenge, a step-up 5V or 9V BEC is really useful. Whereas this resolution works, it provides weight and complexity, which isn’t perfect for 1S builds the place each gram issues.
Producers like BetaFPV are addressing this with devoted 1S AIO flight controllers that includes highly effective onboard 5V BECs designed particularly for the DJI O4 Lite. Whereas this method simplifies the setup, the 10g weight of the O4 Lite remains to be a problem for many 1S builds, making 2S and 3S setups the candy spot for this air unit.
Energy Consumption
Additional knowledge on exact energy consumption will probably be added quickly.
Digital camera Compatibility
The cameras for the O4 Professional, O4 Lite, and O3 are usually not interchangeable. Whereas the O4 Professional and O4 Lite use the identical MIPI connector, their cameras don’t work when swapped. The coaxial cables of the O4 and O3 are merely incompatible.
Variations with Goggles 2 and Goggles 3
In line with DJI, the Goggles 3 enable the bottom theoretical latency, adopted by the Goggles N3. The Goggles 2 and Integra have barely greater latency. However we’re speaking a couple of distinction round 10ms to 15ms, which is so small it will be arduous to note for almost all of the customers.
One other distinction lies in bandwidth: the G3 and N3 assist a wider 60MHz bandwidth, whereas the G2 and Integra are restricted to 50MHz. In principle, the broader bandwidth can enhance vary and picture high quality. Nonetheless, after I was testing by flying in an open area inside a few miles, the distinction distinction was negligible.
In case you already personal G2 or Integra goggles, there’s no pressing must improve to the G3 in my view, they nonetheless work nicely with the O4 Lite. However for brand spanking new patrons, the G3 are actually a more sensible choice on the subject of future-proofing, particularly contemplating DJI’s observe file on the subject of backward compatibility. The G2 and Integra won’t assist the following technology hyperlink, the O5, whereas the G3 are more likely to be suitable.
How It Compares to the Walksnail Mini 1S
It’s solely truthful to check it to one thing of comparable dimension and functionality.
In relation to person expertise, the O4 Lite has a big benefit due to its USB-C port, which makes it a lot extra handy for firmware updates and pictures downloads. With any Walksnail VTX, you’d have to make use of a particular cable which is cumbersome.
However on the subject of set up, whereas the VTX dimension, mounting, and digital camera cable size of the O4 Lite are just like the Walksnail 1S, the O4 Lite is tougher to put in because of its uncommon digital camera mounting sample. Most present frames don’t assist this design but, which might complicate builds. Producers are anticipated to meet up with suitable frames quickly.
I’ll add side-by-side footage evaluating the O4 Lite and Walksnail 1S cameras right here quickly.
[place holder for comparison footage xxx ]
Can the O4 Lite Exchange Motion Digital camera?
Changing a GoPro? In all probability not. However the O4 Lite is a good different to smaller motion cameras just like the RunCam Thumb 2 and Hawkeye Thumb 4K. These cameras price almost as a lot because the O4 Lite and weigh much more. For pilots who’re nonetheless flying FPV techniques with low picture high quality, akin to analog and HDZero, these small motion cameras may nonetheless make sense. However for DJI pilots, the O4 Lite provides a extra seamless resolution, integrating high-quality recording immediately into the VTX and decreasing general drone weight.
Overheating Concern
The DJI O4 Lite is extra susceptible to overheating in comparison with the Professional model, primarily because of the lack of a heatsink. It feels hotter to the contact even at decrease energy ranges, turning into uncomfortably sizzling after simply 20–30 seconds of being powered on. This makes it vital to take off as quickly as attainable after plugging within the battery.
Much like earlier fashions, when the air unit overheats, it shuts down to forestall injury. Airflow throughout flight is often ample to maintain temperatures underneath management, making certain dependable operation. Whereas I didn’t particularly take a look at whether or not transmission energy considerably impacts warmth ranges, that is value contemplating for pilots in hotter climates.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Whereas the O4 Lite provides exceptional efficiency for its compact dimension, it comes with notable compromises:
- Diminished Vary and Penetration: The one antenna and decrease output energy means it should ship far much less vary than the O4 Professional underneath perfect situations.
- Overheating Dangers: Requires enough airflow, particularly in hotter environments.
- Subject of View: Slender FOV and extreme cropping in stabilization restrict its suitability for cinematic work.
- No D-Log M Help: Lacks the flat coloration profile favored for post-production modifying.
- Onboard Storage Solely: Restricted to 30 to 45 minutes recording, with no choice for SD card growth.
- Restricted 1S Compatibility: The video feed turns into unstable beneath 3.7V, requiring a 5V BEC to be used with 1S builds.
Specs
- Enter Voltage: 3.7-13.2 V (2S to 3S)
- FPV Stay Feed:
- 1080p 30/50/60/100fps
- 60Mbps on Goggles 3 and N3, 50Mbps on Goggles 2 and Integra
- Lowest Latency:
- DJI Goggles 3 (Racing Mode): 20ms
- DJI Goggles N3 (Racing Mode): 24ms
- DJI Goggles 2 / Goggles Integra: 35ms
- Onboard Recording: 4K 30FPS
- Storage: Constructed-in 23GB Reminiscence (No SD Card Slot)
- OSD Help: Betaflight & iNav
- Digital camera:
- Picture Sensor: 1/2-inch CMOS Sensor
- FOV: 117.6°
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Digital camera FOV Mode: Normal, Vast
- Video Decision:
- 4K (4:3): 3840×2880@30/50/60fps
- 4K (16:9): 3840×2160@30/50/60fps
- 1080p (4:3): 1440×1080@30/50/60/100/120fps
- 1080p (16:9): 1920×1080@30/50/60/100/120fps
- Constructed-in Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0
- Max RF Output:
- Working Frequency:
- 5.170-5.250 GHz
- 5.725-5.850 GHz
- Mounting Choices: 20×20mm
- Dimensions:
- Air Unit Measurement: 30×30×6 mm (L×W×H)
- Digital camera Module: 13.44×12.36×16.50 mm (L×W×H)
- Coaxial Cable: 50 mm
- 3-in-1 Cable: 50 mm
- Antenna: 80 mm
- Weight:
- Air Unit (exc. digital camera module): 5.1g
- Air Unit (inc. digital camera module and lens mount): 9.2g
- Antenna: 0.75g
Last Ideas: Ought to You Purchase It?
The DJI O4 Air Unit Lite is a groundbreaking addition to the DJI FPV ecosystem, making high-definition video transmission accessible for micro drones. Its compact design, aggressive value, and sturdy efficiency make it a compelling selection for informal FPV pilots who prioritize light-weight builds.
Get the DJI O4 Air Unit Lite from:
Nonetheless, professionals or pilots who want distinctive picture high quality, longer vary, or superior options like flat coloration mode may favor the O4 Professional and even the O3 Air Unit.
I feel Walksnail is likely to be in hassle. A good portion of its prospects selected the Walksnail system as a result of it provides VTX/digital camera choice for micro drones, whereas DJI’s Air Models had been beforehand too massive and heavy. Nonetheless, with the discharge of DJI’s compact O4 Air Unit, which boasts spectacular video high quality and sign efficiency, some Walksnail customers may contemplate switching. Let’s hope Walksnail releases one thing cool quickly earlier than it’s too late.
For individuals who worth compactness over perfection, the O4 Lite provides an thrilling solution to push the bounds of micro FPV drones. Whereas not good, its capabilities at this dimension are nothing wanting revolutionary.
