By: Jon Swindall
The Evolution of Flight
FPV videography has come a long way. Back in the day (like a couple of years ago), you dealt with signal dropouts, grainy feeds, and that gut-churning delay when the screen lagged behind reality or worse went total black.
Those challenges shaped how we flew and filmed—often forcing us to compromise.
Now, with DJI’s O4 Air Unit Series, it feels like a new chapter. We haven’t had the chance to try these units ourselves yet, but on paper, they’re brimming with potential to change how we think about FPV filming and image quality.
What’s on the Table (or in flight)
The O4 Series introduces two versions: the O4 Air Unit Pro and the standard O4 Air Unit. Each one is geared toward different creative needs, but they both share the promise of bringing high-quality imaging and reliable transmission into one compact system.
The O4 Air Unit Pro: Big Ambitions in a Small Package
The specs here read like a drone filmmaker’s wish list:
- 1/1.3″ CMOS Sensor: This larger sensor isn’t just about resolution—it’s about capturing light and detail in challenging conditions. Imagine the possibilities during twilight or golden hour when every moment is fleeting.
- 155° Field of View: Ultra-wide shots that pull the viewer into the scene, all while maintaining sharpness edge to edge. Perfect for those sweeping landscapes or dramatic establishing shots. Feel the speed!
- 4K/120fps Recording: The ability to slow down fast action without losing smoothness is a big deal. Think about what you could do with a mountain bike trail or a kite surfer’s leap. Car commercials- with slow motion mud flying here we come!
The O4 Air Unit: Small and Agile
The standard unit is built for tight spaces and smaller drones, but it still packs plenty of punch. It will really help with those “oner” drone flights through different spaces.
- Compact Design: At 8.2 grams, this is one of the most lightweight setups you’ll find, making it ideal for those micro drones squeezing and shooting those small gaps.
- 4K/60fps Recording: While it doesn’t match the Pro’s frame rate, it’s still impressive for a unit this small—and more than enough for most creative projects.
Got Goggles?
The DJI O4 Air Unit Series is compatible with several DJI FPV goggles, including DJI Goggles 2, DJI Goggles Integra, DJI Goggles 3, and DJI Goggles N3. Thank you DJI for the compatibility!
What Caught Our Attention
The real promise of the O4 Series lies in its transmission system. If DJI delivers on the claimed ultra-low latency and long-range reliability, this could genuinely change the way we approach FPV filmmaking:
- 15ms Latency: Being able to see and react in real-time isn’t just about control—it’s about confidence. You can take risks knowing your feed will keep up.
- 15km/9.32 miles Range: That is so far! For outdoor shoots, penetrating forrest or buildings and expansive landscapes, having a reliable signal is a huge leap forward.
Please follow all drone laws and fly safely!
What It Could Mean for Videographers
It’s hard not to get excited about the creative doors this technology could open:
- Action Sports: The high frame rates and smooth feeds would let you track and capture even the fastest subjects, whether it’s a snowboarder on a slope or race cars rounding a turn
- Landscapes: The wide field of view combined with improved low-light performance means sunrise and sunset scenes might finally get justice with the colors and mood you see in person. The cliff flying is going to be beautiful with this.
- Professional Work: With the specs to support 4K production and a reliable feed, these units could easily slot into commercial projects like real estate tours, event coverage, or marketing campaigns. Prepare to see more “one take wonders” with drones flying through stadiums, restaurants, and real estate properties.
Where We’re At
Without hands-on experience, it’s impossible to say just how well the O4 Series performs in the field. But on paper, it’s a system that seems to understand what creators need. It’s not just about better specs—it’s about addressing the frustrations and limitations that have long held FPV filmmakers back.
If DJI gets it right, these units could become essential tools for videographers looking to push (and fly) their creativity further.
Your Take
Have you had a chance to try the O4 Air Unit Series? Or are you still weighing whether it’s worth the upgrade? We’d love to hear what you think—your first impressions, your favorite features, or even the quirks you’ve noticed.
Drop us a line at teamlula@luminous-landscape.com, and let’s talk FPV!
Specifications at a Glance
O4 Air Unit Pro
- Sensor: 1/1.3″ CMOS
- Aperture: f/2.0
- Field of View: 155°
- Recording: Up to 4K/120fps
- Latency: As low as 15ms
- Range: Up to 15km
- Weight: 32g
O4 Air Unit
- Sensor: 1/2″ CMOS
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Field of View: 117.6°
- Recording: Up to 4K/60fps
- Latency: As low as 20ms
- Range: Up to 10km
- Weight: 8.2g
Elevate Your Vision
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