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 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 suited 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 overview. Should 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 measurement and weight in comparison with the O4 Professional. Weighing slightly below 10 grams, it’s splendid 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 attaining high-definition footage in smaller builds.
After 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 normally affiliate with DJI merchandise. This stripped-down strategy appears 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 instantly into the board, and the O4 Lite incorporates a bigger reminiscence chip than the Professional. In a method, the O4 Lite is principally 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 linked through 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 stated, the dearth of safety and the compact design of the board elevate issues about sturdiness, significantly for these usually crash. Solely time will inform how nicely 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
- Digital camera Dimensions: 10.5mm x 16.5mm x 11.5mm (WxHxD)
- Digital camera Adapter: 14mm width, 20mm peak, with two M2 screw holes (16mm spacing) on both sides
- Digital camera 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 basically 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 quick 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 aren’t 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 formidable feat of FPV know-how.
And don’t be deceived by the advertized 117° area of view (FOV). Whereas it sounds slim 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 distinct 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 hardly ever 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 could be 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 possibly can prolong this with decrease resolutions, akin to 45 minutes at 1080p 100fps. Movies are downloadable through the USB-C port, however the lack of an SD card slot could 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 checklist 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 side ratios.
Notably, the O4 Lite lacks 2.7K decision, in addition to 24fps and 25fps modes, which could be disappointing for cinematographers. Nevertheless, because the Lite shouldn’t be primarily designed for cinematic use, this isn’t a significant downside for the supposed customers.
Additionally word that the O4 Lite doesn’t help DLog M or 10-bit shade, limiting its attraction for many who intend to paint grade their footage.
Video Stabilization
You possibly can 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 significantly delicate to vibrations, doubtless resulting from its ultralight design. Vibrations can simply trigger jello in footage and make stabilization more difficult. This isn’t a difficulty for informal flying, however attaining 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 gives 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 usually prioritize weight, they usually usually fly in shut proximity anyway.
That stated, the O4 Lite nonetheless performs admirably by way of vary when in comparison with different FPV methods 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 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 will be instantly mounted on prime of the flight controller, as most FCs additionally function the identical mounting customary. Nevertheless, the O4 Air Unit solely gives connector for FC connection, not like 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 may not 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 would possibly 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 tackle this difficulty, however for now, chances are you’ll must depend on DIY modifications.
Powering the O4 Lite
Whereas the O4 Lite technically claims to help 1S, points come up because the video feed turns into unstable when the voltage drops under 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 splendid for direct energy from 1S battery. To mitigate this difficulty, a step-up 5V or 9V BEC is beneficial. Whereas this answer works, it provides weight and complexity, which isn’t splendid 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 strategy simplifies the setup, the 10g weight of the O4 Lite continues to be a problem for many 1S builds, making 2S and 3S setups the candy spot for this air unit.
Energy Consumption
Additional information on exact energy consumption will likely be added quickly.
Digital camera Compatibility
The cameras for the O4 Professional, O4 Lite, and O3 aren’t 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 response to 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 few 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 help a wider 60MHz bandwidth, whereas the G2 and Integra are restricted to 50MHz. In idea, the broader bandwidth can enhance vary and picture high quality. Nevertheless, after I was testing by flying in an open area inside a few miles, the distinction distinction was negligible.
Should 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 consumers, the G3 are definitely a better option in the case of future-proofing, particularly contemplating DJI’s monitor file in the case of backward compatibility. The G2 and Integra may not help the following era 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 measurement and functionality.
In terms of consumer 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 in the case of 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 tougher to put in resulting from its uncommon digital camera mounting sample. Most present frames don’t help 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 Change Motion Digital camera?
Changing a GoPro? In all probability not. However the O4 Lite is a superb various to smaller motion cameras just like the RunCam Thumb 2 and Hawkeye Thumb 4K. These cameras value almost as a lot because the O4 Lite and weigh much more. For pilots who’re nonetheless flying FPV methods with low picture high quality, akin to analog and HDZero, these small motion cameras would possibly nonetheless make sense. However for DJI pilots, the O4 Lite gives a extra seamless answer, integrating high-quality recording instantly into the VTX and lowering general drone weight.
Overheating Concern
The DJI O4 Lite is extra vulnerable 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, changing into uncomfortably scorching after simply 20–30 seconds of being powered on. This makes it essential 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 injury. Airflow throughout flight is normally enough 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 price contemplating for pilots in hotter climates.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Whereas the O4 Lite gives exceptional efficiency for its compact measurement, it comes with notable compromises:
- Decreased Vary and Penetration: The only antenna and decrease output energy means it would ship far much less vary than the O4 Professional underneath splendid situations.
- Overheating Dangers: Requires satisfactory 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 shade profile favored for post-production modifying.
- Onboard Storage Solely: Restricted to 30 to 45 minutes recording, with no possibility for SD card enlargement.
- 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
- 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 Dimension: 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
Closing 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 sturdy 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 would possibly favor the O4 Professional and even the O3 Air Unit.
I believe Walksnail could be in hassle. A good portion of its clients selected the Walksnail system as a result of it gives VTX/digital camera possibility for micro drones, whereas DJI’s Air Items have been beforehand too massive 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 would possibly take into account 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 gives an thrilling solution to push the boundaries of micro FPV drones. Whereas not excellent, its capabilities at this measurement are nothing wanting revolutionary.