The DJI O4 Lite targets the micro FPV drone market, weighing beneath 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 desire, its efficiency is similar to the DJI Neo, making it an interesting selection for light-weight setups. Whereas the O4 Lite’s efficiency is spectacular for its measurement, 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 greatest 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 confer with it because the O4 Lite all through this evaluation. For those who’re within the O4 Professional, take a look at my evaluation 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 measurement and weight in comparison with the O4 Professional. Weighing just below 10 grams, it’s preferrred for micro drones that beforehand couldn’t deal with bigger, bulkier air models. Supporting as much as 4K recording at 60fps, the O4 Lite is a revolutionary possibility 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 looks like a direct response to the calls for of hardcore FPV fanatics, 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 virtually the identical format, with just a few part variations. For instance, the O4 Lite integrates the USB-C port instantly into the board, and the O4 Lite incorporates a bigger reminiscence chip than the Professional. In a means, the O4 Lite is mainly a stripped down, bare model of the O4 Professional.
Not like the twin antenna setup on the O4 Professional, the O4 Lite makes use of a single dipole antenna related 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 perimeters. Whereas the holes aren’t threaded, self-tapping screws are supplied.
That mentioned, the dearth of safety and the compact design of the board increase issues about sturdiness, notably for these typically crash. Solely time will inform how effectively it holds up.
Dimension and Weight
Listed below are the scale of the O4 Lite:
- Air Unit Dimensions: 30.5mm x 30.5mm x 5mm (WxLxH)
- Mounting: M2, 25.5mm x 25.5mm
- Digicam Dimensions: 10.5mm x 16.5mm x 11.5mm (WxHxD)
- Digicam Adapter: 14mm width, 20mm peak, with two M2 screw holes (16mm spacing) on all sides
- Digicam Cable Size: 50mm
- Antenna Wire Size: 50mm
- FC Cable Size: 50mm
- Weight: 8.5g (9.3g with digital camera adapter)—similar to the Walksnail Mini 1S Lite Equipment!
Picture High quality
When evaluating footage between the DJI Neo and the O4 Lite, the similarities are putting. This aligns with rumors that the O4 Lite makes use of the identical digital camera because the Neo. Nevertheless, the O4 Lite has the benefit of recording in 4K 60fps, whereas the Neo is restricted to 4K 30fps. Past this distinction, the cameras are primarily equivalent.
The O4 Lite delivers glorious picture high quality for typical FPV use, providing good element and respectable dynamic vary. That mentioned, its smaller 1/2-inch sensor doesn’t carry out as effectively in low-light circumstances 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 quick in picture high quality and discipline of view, notably 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 stay video feed, its readability, dynamic vary, and low-light efficiency are usually not on the similar degree because the Professional. That mentioned, 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 expertise.
And don’t be deceived by the advertized 117° discipline 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 unique means 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 Huge. One other I observed is the O4 Lite digital camera has a lot much less fisheye impact compact to different FPV cameras, which is perhaps a bonus for some individuals who dislike distorted large angle FPV pictures.
Onboard Recording
The O4 Lite has 24GB of onboard reminiscence, permitting for round half-hour of 4K recording. You’ll be able to 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 perhaps 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 accessible resolutions:
- 4K: 60fps, 50fps, 30fps
- 1080p: 120fps, 100fps, 60fps, 50fps, 30fps
All resolutions will be recorded in both 16:9 or 4:3 facet ratios.
Notably, the O4 Lite lacks 2.7K decision, in addition to 24fps and 25fps modes, which is perhaps disappointing for cinematographers. Nevertheless, for the reason that Lite just isn’t primarily designed for cinematic use, this isn’t a significant downside for the supposed customers.
Additionally notice that the O4 Lite doesn’t assist DLog M or 10-bit shade, limiting its enchantment for many who intend to paint grade their footage.
Video Stabilization
You’ll be able to stabilize O4 Lite footage utilizing both RockSteady or Gyroflow. Nevertheless, 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 notably delicate to vibrations, doubtless as a consequence of its ultralight design. Vibrations can simply trigger jello in footage and make stabilization tougher. 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 affords 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 mentioned, the O4 Lite nonetheless performs admirably by way of vary when in comparison with different FPV techniques in its weight class. It’s well-suited for its supposed objective of micro-drone flying.
Latency
Based mostly 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 increased 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 appropriate with most micro drone frames. In lots of instances, the O4 Lite will be instantly mounted on high of the flight controller, as most FCs additionally characteristic the identical mounting customary. Nevertheless, the O4 Air Unit solely affords 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 could be a welcome addition sooner or later.
The principle 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 present 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 situation, however for now, you might have to 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 under 3.5V and even 3.7V at increased energy ranges. Since most 1S drones land at voltages as little as 3.3V (or decrease), the O4 Lite isn’t preferrred for direct energy from 1S battery. To mitigate this situation, a step-up 5V or 9V BEC is really useful. Whereas this answer works, it provides weight and complexity, which isn’t preferrred 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 might be added quickly.
Digicam 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 keeping with DJI, the Goggles 3 permit the bottom theoretical latency, adopted by the Goggles N3. The Goggles 2 and Integra have barely increased latency. However we’re speaking a few distinction round 10ms to 15ms, which is so small it could be laborious 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 concept, the broader bandwidth can enhance vary and picture high quality. Nevertheless, after I was testing by flying in an open discipline inside a few miles, the distinction distinction was negligible.
For those who already personal G2 or Integra goggles, there’s no pressing have to improve to the G3 for my part, they nonetheless work effectively with the O4 Lite. However for brand spanking new consumers, the G3 are actually a more sensible choice with regards to future-proofing, particularly contemplating DJI’s monitor report with regards to backward compatibility. The G2 and Integra won’t assist the subsequent technology hyperlink, the O5, whereas the G3 are more likely to be appropriate.
How It Compares to the Walksnail Mini 1S
It’s solely truthful to check it to one thing of comparable measurement and functionality.
In the case of consumer expertise, the O4 Lite has a big benefit because of its USB-C port, which makes it a lot extra handy for firmware updates and photographs downloads. With any Walksnail VTX, you’d have to make use of a particular cable which is cumbersome.
However with regards to set up, whereas the VTX measurement, mounting, and digital camera cable size of the O4 Lite are just like the Walksnail 1S, the O4 Lite is more difficult to put in as a consequence of its uncommon digital camera mounting sample. Most present frames don’t assist this design but, which may complicate builds. Producers are anticipated to meet up with appropriate 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 Change Motion Digicam?
Changing a GoPro? Most likely not. However the O4 Lite is a good various 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 affords a extra seamless answer, integrating high-quality recording instantly into the VTX and decreasing total drone weight.
Overheating Concern
The DJI O4 Lite is extra susceptible to overheating in comparison with the Professional model, primarily as a result of lack of a heatsink. It feels hotter to the contact even at decrease energy ranges, changing into uncomfortably sizzling after simply 20–30 seconds of being powered on. This makes it vital to take off as quickly as doable after plugging within the battery.
Just like earlier fashions, when the air unit overheats, it shuts down to stop harm. Airflow throughout flight is often enough to maintain temperatures beneath management, guaranteeing 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 affords exceptional efficiency for its compact measurement, it comes with notable compromises:
- Diminished Vary and Penetration: The only antenna and decrease output energy means it’ll ship far much less vary than the O4 Professional beneath preferrred circumstances.
- Overheating Dangers: Requires satisfactory airflow, particularly in hotter environments.
- Discipline of View: Slim FOV and extreme cropping in stabilization restrict its suitability for cinematic work.
- No D-Log M Help: Lacks the flat shade profile favored for post-production modifying.
- Onboard Storage Solely: Restricted to 30 to 45 minutes recording, with no possibility for SD card growth.
- Restricted 1S Compatibility: The video feed turns into unstable under 3.7V, requiring a 5V BEC to be used with 1S builds.
Specs
- Enter Voltage: 3.7-13.2 V (2S to 3S)
- FPV Reside 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
- Digicam:
- Picture Sensor: 1/2-inch CMOS Sensor
- FOV: 117.6°
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Digicam FOV Mode: Normal, Huge
- 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 Dimension: 30×30×6 mm (L×W×H)
- Digicam 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 worth, and strong efficiency make it a compelling selection for informal FPV pilots who prioritize light-weight builds.
Get the DJI O4 Air Unit Lite from:
Nevertheless, professionals or pilots who want distinctive picture high quality, longer vary, or superior options like flat shade mode may desire the O4 Professional and even the O3 Air Unit.
I believe Walksnail is perhaps in hassle. A good portion of its prospects selected the Walksnail system as a result of it affords VTX/digital camera possibility for micro drones, whereas DJI’s Air Items have been beforehand too giant and heavy. Nevertheless, with the discharge of DJI’s compact O4 Air Unit, which boasts spectacular video high quality and sign efficiency, some Walksnail customers may think about switching. Let’s hope Walksnail releases one thing cool quickly earlier than it’s too late.
For many who worth compactness over perfection, the O4 Lite affords an thrilling approach to push the bounds of micro FPV drones. Whereas not good, its capabilities at this measurement are nothing wanting revolutionary.
