DJI has launched the FPV, a hybrid drone that is made specifically for the first-person-view, high-speed flight experience found in racing with pointed adjustments to make the experience a step up from the conventional options. Also offers GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, the ability to hover in place, brake in an emergency, and return home.

“DJI FPV lets you see the world in a new way using the absolute latest in HD transmission technology,” DJI writes. “Pilots can see a crystal-clear, long-range, low-latency feed from the DJI FPV aircraft while wearing the DJI FPV Goggles V2. State-of-the-art racing motors offer high-speed action during flights.”

“DJI has been redefining what drones can do since our company began in 2006, and as we celebrate our 15-year anniversary this year, we honor that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. “Right out of the box, DJI FPV combines the best available technology for a hybrid drone like no other. It can fly like a racer, hover like a traditional drone, accelerate like a homebuilt project and stop faster than any of them. DJI FPV lets the world experience the absolute thrill of immersive drone flight without being intimidated by the technology or spending hours building a system from scratch. We can’t wait for the world to try it.”

A camera with a 1/2.3″ 12MP sensor with a 150º Field of View (FOV) is mounted on a 1-axis gimbal. It is capable of capturing up to 4K/60p or 1080p/120p, for 4X slow motion, footage at 120 Mbps. Both still and video clips can be captured in the same flight. DJI uses RockSteady electronic image stabilization to prevent a shutter rolling effect when the drone flies at high speeds.

DJI says its wireless communication system allows “unmatched” reliability, freeing pilots to take advantage of the FPV’s incredible max speed of 140 kph (87 mph) and max acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in just two seconds.

“O3 transmission is the next step in FPV transmission technology,” DJI continues. “It offers a 10-kilometer transmission range, auto-switching dual-frequencies, a high bitrate of 50 Mpbs, and state-of-the-art anti-interference methods to ensure a reliable feed.”

Pilots can choose from several different viewing options, including:

Standard low-latency HD mode: Transmits footage in 1440x810p in either 60 fps with a wider 142-degree field of view (FOV), or 50 fps with 150-degree FOV. In this mode, latency is as low as 40 milliseconds.

Smooth mode: This mode unlocks higher framerates for a more “cinematic” look and latency is decreased to less than or equal to 28 milliseconds. Resolution is 1440×810 at 120 fps with a 142-degree FOV or 100 fps at 150-degree FOV.

Audience mode: The pilot can share their perspective in this mode which can connect to up to eight additional goggle sets.

DJI’s FPV drone was built with both seasoned and beginner pilots in mind. There are three different flight modes, depending on skill level.

Normal (N) Mode: N mode allows for pilots to operate will all obstacle detection sensors activated. It will automatically slow or halt the drone before it can collide with an object. In this mode, the maximum speed is 50 km/h (31 mph).

Sport (S) Mode: Between N and M mode, S mode offers some of the dynamic movement capabilities that come with M mode along with some of the key safety features of N mode. It will still hover in place but obstacle avoidance sensors won’t activate. The drone can travel up to 97km/h (60 mph). The drone can accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in two seconds.

Manual (M) Mode: This is the most advanced mode and only recommended once you’ve gotten comfortable with FPV flight. Hovering and obstacle avoidance sensors are disabled though the Emergency Brake feature will still work. DJI has created a Virtual Flight app to help pilots prepare to fly this mode, which allows you to flip and roll the drone. The maximum specs is 140km/h (87 mph).

The company has added a dedicated Emergency Brake and Hover feature which are available in all flying modes to make the drone stop and hover in place at any time during a flight.

The DJI FPV is available today in a few different configurations. The standard DJI FPV Combo includes the FPV drone, remote controller, FPV Goggles V2, all required cables, and one battery for $1,299. The DJI FPV Fly More Kit is also available, which includes two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries and the dedicated charging hub for $299. The optional Motion Controller is sold separately and can be purchased for $199.

More info on DJI’s website.