Analog Vs DJI Digital HD

So you may have seen that we offer 2 styles of video transmission tech; the traditional analog video transmission style and the new DJI Digital HD system.  But what are the differences in cost, performance and usability you may be asking.

The DJI Digital HD transmission system will provide an incredibly strong video link that will give the user close to 720p resolution in real time back to the DJI Goggles.  This is a huge leap in image quality from the old school analog systems, which were much more subject to interference.   The way that the video signal will degrade will be different as well, as either system will loose its signal strength there will be a loss in transmission packets back to the user's goggles.  The DJI system will stutter a frame or reduce image quality on the sides of your screen to keep the video signal usable, while analog will have horizontal static lines that will obstruct the picture in the goggles.  Both can be recovered from and flown through, but the DJI will be easier to do so with. 

That is not to say that analog video does not have it's place.  Drone racers love the analog tech for its size and simplicity, but even for long range flights the analog will be more than suitable for a great experience.  The analog system will also be capable of a higher peak output power than the DJI Air Unit will be able to in stock form.  The variety of drones capable with an analog setup will be an attractive feature as well, as everything from Micro Drones to long range Macro drones will work with analog just fine.

Cost is always a factor as well.  The DJI Digital video system will have fpv cameras and video transmitters sold as a single unit.  There are two to choose from at the moment, the DJI Air Unit at $179 or the Caddx Vista which will be $149.  The Vista will be smaller but still have the same output as the DJI Air Unit, however it will not integrate the control link feature that the full sized Air Unit does. This is of course more than an analog setup, with cameras starting at $36 and video transmitters being similarly priced as well, making a total analog package cost about half what a DJI transmission package will.  

So which is right for you?  If you preferred freestyle , cinematic , or long range cruising, I would recommend the DJI system for sure.  For racing, and keeping costs manageable, the analog system may be right for you.  Both have their merits and drawbacks, but either way they will be able to provide a great flying experience!