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The DJI O4 Lite objectives the micro FPV drone marketplace, 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. Whilst 04 Lite doesn’t fit the cinematic symbol high quality of the O4 Professional that pros desire, its efficiency is similar to the DJI Neo, making it an interesting selection for light-weight setups. Whilst the O4 Lite’s efficiency is spectacular for its measurement, it’s now not with out compromises. Right here’s a deep dive into what makes the O4 Lite shine, its shortcomings, and who it’s easiest fitted to.
DJI formally calls this the “DJI O4 Air Unit,” however I consider they will have to have named it the “DJI O4 Lite” to steer clear of confusion with the O4 Professional. For simplicity, I’ll confer with it because the O4 Lite all through this assessment. In the event you’re within the O4 Professional, take a look at my assessment 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 enormously reduces measurement and weight in comparison to the O4 Professional. Weighing just below 10 grams, it’s ideally suited for micro drones that in the past couldn’t take care of better, bulkier air gadgets. Supporting as much as 4K recording at 60fps, the O4 Lite is a innovative choice for reaching high-definition pictures in smaller builds.
After I first noticed the O4 Lite, I used to be surprised—it’s uncharacteristically minimalist for one thing that comes from DJI. The unit is largely a naked PCB, with not one of the polished casing we normally go along with DJI merchandise. This stripped-down means looks like an instantaneous reaction to the calls for of hardcore FPV fans, who prioritize each and every gram stored of their drone builds.
Upon disassembling the O4 Professional and evaluating the PCB to the O4 Lite, I discovered that the 2 forums percentage nearly the similar format, with just a few part variations. As an example, the O4 Lite integrates the USB-C port immediately into the board, and the O4 Lite includes a better reminiscence chip than the Professional. In some way, the O4 Lite is mainly a stripped down, bare model of the O4 Professional.
In contrast to the twin antenna setup at the O4 Professional, the O4 Lite makes use of a unmarried dipole antenna attached by way of a UFL connector.
The O4 Lite digital camera contains a couple of equipment: a friction-mounted lens protector and a digital camera duvet with M2 holes at the facets. Whilst the holes aren’t threaded, self-tapping screws are supplied.
That mentioned, the loss of coverage and the compact design of the board carry considerations about sturdiness, in particular for the ones regularly crash. Handiest time will inform how properly it holds up.
Measurement and Weight
Listed here are the size 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 every aspect
- Digicam Cable Period: 50mm
- Antenna Twine Period: 50mm
- FC Cable Period: 50mm
- Weight: 8.5g (9.3g with digital camera adapter)—similar to the Walksnail Mini 1S Lite Package!
Symbol High quality
When evaluating pictures between the DJI Neo and the O4 Lite, the similarities are hanging. This aligns with rumors that the O4 Lite makes use of the similar digital camera because the Neo. On the other hand, the O4 Lite has the benefit of recording in 4K 60fps, whilst the Neo is restricted to 4K 30fps. Past this distinction, the cameras are necessarily equivalent.
The O4 Lite delivers superb symbol high quality for standard FPV use, providing just right element and respectable dynamic vary. That mentioned, its smaller 1/2-inch sensor doesn’t carry out as properly in low-light stipulations and lacks the nuanced colours and shadow element of the O4 Professional. In comparison to the O4 Professional, even the O3 Air Unit, the Lite falls brief in symbol high quality and box of view, in particular for cinematic functions.
Having flown the O4 Professional first, I discovered the Lite much less spectacular by means of comparability. Even though it helps 4K 60fps recording and 1080p are living video feed, its readability, dynamic vary, and low-light efficiency don’t seem to be on the similar degree because the Professional. That mentioned, it nonetheless some distance surpasses analog machine, even every other virtual FPV setups of identical weight. Taking into account how light-weight it’s, the O4 Lite stays an outstanding feat of FPV generation.
The box of view (FOV) is relatively slender at 117°. Whether or not it’s too slender, it’s right down to particular person. Some folks would possibly to find it slender, however for me it’s flyable. Whilst it sounds relatively a small FOV on paper, it’s now not as drastic in actual existence when in comparison to the 170-degree Walksnail Mini 1S digital camera, in all probability DJI has a special manner of measuring FOV. Whilst the O4 Lite lacks the “Ultrawide” FOV atmosphere discovered within the O3 and O4 Professional, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, as I hardly use the Ultrawide mode, generally I simplest use Extensive. Any other I spotted is the O4 Lite digital camera has a lot much less fisheye impact compact to different FPV cameras, which could be an advantage for some individuals who dislike distorted extensive perspective FPV photographs.
Onboard Recording
The O4 Lite has 24GB of onboard reminiscence, making an allowance for round half-hour of 4K recording. You’ll prolong this with decrease resolutions, akin to 45 mins at 1080p 100fps. Movies are downloadable by way of the USB-C port, however the loss 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 to 130Mbps at the O4 Professional). Right here’s the checklist of to be had resolutions:
- 4K: 60fps, 50fps, 30fps
- 1080p: 120fps, 100fps, 60fps, 50fps, 30fps
All resolutions may also be recorded in both 16:9 or 4:3 facet ratios.
Particularly, the O4 Lite lacks 2.7K solution, in addition to 24fps and 25fps modes, which could be disappointing for cinematographers. On the other hand, because the Lite isn’t basically designed for cinematic use, this isn’t a significant downside for the meant customers.
Additionally notice that the O4 Lite does now not enhance DLog M or 10-bit colour, restricting its enchantment for many who intend to paint grade their pictures.
Video Stabilization
You’ll stabilize O4 Lite pictures the usage of both RockSteady or Gyroflow. On the other hand, its narrower FOV turns into a limitation for video stabilization, because the ensuing crop makes the pictures seem overly zoomed in.
The Lite digital camera additionally turns out in particular delicate to vibrations, most probably because of its ultralight design. Vibrations can simply reason jello in pictures and make stabilization tougher. This isn’t a topic for informal flying, however reaching top quality stabilized pictures would require cautious tuning and vibration minimization on your drone setup.
Vary
The DJI O4 Lite prioritizes compactness over vary and penetration. With a most output energy of 700mW—restricted by means of the loss of a heatsink—and a unmarried dipole antenna, the O4 Lite provides not up to part the variability and penetration of the O4 Professional. This isn’t a dealbreaker for micro FPV drone pilots, as light-weight setups normally prioritize weight, and so they regularly fly in shut proximity anyway.
That mentioned, the O4 Lite nonetheless plays admirably on the subject of vary when in comparison to different FPV techniques in its weight magnificence. It’s well-suited for its meant function of micro-drone flying.
Latency
According to DJI’s specifications, the theoretical minimal latency for the O4 Lite varies relying at the goggles used:
| Goggles | Latency |
|---|---|
| Goggles 3 | 20 ms (Race Mode) |
| Goggles N3 | 24 ms (Race Mode) |
| Goggles 2/Integra | 35 ms (Commonplace Mode) |
Whilst the latency is quite upper than the O4 Professional, it stays completely appropriate for freestyle flying.
Mounting and Connection
The O4 Air Unit Lite options an M2 25.5×25.5mm mounting trend, making it appropriate with maximum micro drone frames. In lots of circumstances, the O4 Lite may also be immediately fixed on most sensible of the flight controller, as maximum FCs additionally characteristic the similar mounting usual. On the other hand, the O4 Air Unit simplest provides connector for FC connection, in contrast to the Professional, which incorporates each a connector and solder pads for direct soldering. This boundaries flexibility for customized builds.
For three″, 3.5″ frames or better frames, which will have a devoted house for the VTX within the rear, the supplied cable may not be lengthy sufficient to house this configuration. Longer digital camera cables could be a welcome boost sooner or later.
The principle problem associated with mounting is the digital camera – it has 16mm spacing between the 2 M2 mounting holes on its facets—an unconventional design that isn’t supported by means of most present frames. Most likely DJI sought after to have a constant mounting trend between the O4 Professional and O4 Lite, however the result’s that almost all present frames are incompatible with this new mounting trend.
Whilst 3-D-printed mounts would possibly paintings as a brief repair on some frames, producers will want to replace their designs to house the O4 Air Unit. It’s most probably that destiny frames will deal with this factor, however for now, you could want to depend on DIY changes.
Powering the O4 Lite
Whilst the O4 Lite technically claims to enhance 1S, problems stand up because the video feed turns into risky when the voltage drops under 3.5V and even 3.7V at upper energy ranges. Since maximum 1S drones land at voltages as little as 3.3V (or decrease), the O4 Lite isn’t ideally suited for direct energy from 1S battery. To mitigate this factor, a step-up 5V or 9V BEC is beneficial. Whilst this resolution works, it provides weight and complexity, which isn’t ideally suited for 1S builds the place each and every gram issues.
Producers like BetaFPV are addressing this with devoted 1S AIO flight controllers that includes robust onboard 5V BECs designed particularly for the DJI O4 Lite. Whilst this means 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 Intake
Additional information on actual energy intake might be added quickly.
Digicam Compatibility
The cameras for the O4 Professional, O4 Lite, and O3 don’t seem to be interchangeable. Whilst the O4 Professional and O4 Lite use the similar MIPI connector, their cameras don’t paintings when swapped. The coaxial cables of the O4 and O3 are merely incompatible.
Variations with Goggles 2 and Goggles 3
In line with DJI, the Goggles 3 permit the bottom theoretical latency, adopted by means of the Goggles N3. The Goggles 2 and Integra have quite upper latency. However we’re speaking a couple of distinction round 10ms to 15ms, which is so small it could be onerous to note for almost all of the customers.
Any other distinction lies in bandwidth: the G3 and N3 enhance a much broader 60MHz bandwidth, whilst the G2 and Integra are restricted to 50MHz. In principle, the broader bandwidth can fortify vary and symbol high quality. On the other hand, when I used to be checking out by means of flying in an open box inside of a few miles, the adaptation distinction was once negligible.
In the event you already personal G2 or Integra goggles, there’s no pressing want to improve to the G3 individually, they nonetheless paintings properly with the O4 Lite. However for brand spanking new patrons, the G3 are indisputably a better option relating to future-proofing, particularly taking into account DJI’s monitor report relating to backward compatibility. The G2 and Integra would possibly now not enhance the following era hyperlink, the O5, whilst the G3 usually are appropriate.
How It Compares to the Walksnail Mini 1S
It’s simplest honest to check it to one thing of identical measurement and capacity.
In terms of person revel in, the O4 Lite has a vital benefit due to its USB-C port, which makes it so a lot more handy for firmware updates and pictures downloads. With any Walksnail VTX, you’d have to make use of a unique cable which is bulky.
However relating to set up, whilst the VTX measurement, mounting, and digital camera cable duration of the O4 Lite are very similar to the Walksnail 1S, the O4 Lite is more difficult to put in because of its peculiar digital camera mounting trend. Most present frames don’t enhance this design but, which will complicate builds. Producers are anticipated to meet up with appropriate frames quickly.
I’ll upload side-by-side pictures evaluating the O4 Lite and Walksnail 1S cameras right here quickly.
[place holder for comparison footage xxx ]
Can the O4 Lite Exchange Motion Digicam?
Changing a GoPro? Most probably now not. However the O4 Lite is a smart choice to smaller motion cameras just like the RunCam Thumb 2 and Hawkeye Thumb 4K. Those cameras price just about up to the O4 Lite and weigh much more. For pilots who’re nonetheless flying FPV techniques with low symbol high quality, akin to analog and HDZero, those small motion cameras would possibly nonetheless make sense. However for DJI pilots, the O4 Lite provides a extra seamless resolution, integrating top quality recording immediately into the VTX and lowering total drone weight.
Overheating Worry
The DJI O4 Lite is extra vulnerable to overheating in comparison to the Professional model, basically because of the loss of a heatsink. It feels warmer to touch even at decrease energy ranges, turning into uncomfortably scorching after simply 20–30 seconds of being powered on. This makes it essential to take off once imaginable after plugging within the battery.
Very similar to earlier fashions, when the air unit overheats, it shuts down to stop injury. Airflow all through flight is normally enough to stay temperatures underneath keep an eye on, making sure dependable operation. Whilst I didn’t particularly check whether or not transmission energy considerably impacts warmth ranges, that is price taking into account for pilots in warmer climates.
Obstacles and Drawbacks
Whilst the O4 Lite provides exceptional efficiency for its compact measurement, it comes with notable compromises:
- Lowered Vary and Penetration: The one antenna and decrease output energy method it is going to ship some distance much less vary than the O4 Professional underneath ideally suited stipulations.
- Overheating Dangers: Calls for ok airflow, particularly in hotter environments.
- Box of View: Slender FOV and over the top cropping in stabilization prohibit its suitability for cinematic paintings.
- No D-Log M Toughen: Lacks the flat colour profile liked for post-production modifying.
- Onboard Garage Handiest: Restricted to 30 to 45 mins recording, without a choice for SD card enlargement.
- Restricted 1S Compatibility: The video feed turns into risky 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
- Garage: Integrated 23GB Reminiscence (No SD Card Slot)
- OSD Toughen: Betaflight & iNav
- Digicam:
- Symbol Sensor: 1/2-inch CMOS Sensor
- FOV: 117.6°
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Digicam FOV Mode: Same old, Extensive
- Video Solution:
- 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
- Integrated Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0
- Max RF Output:
- Running Frequency:
- 5.170-5.250 GHz
- 5.725-5.850 GHz
- Mounting Choices: 20×20mm
- Dimensions:
- Air Unit Measurement: 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
Ultimate Ideas: Will have to You Purchase It?
The DJI O4 Air Unit Lite is a groundbreaking addition to the DJI FPV ecosystem, making high-definition video transmission available for micro drones. Its compact design, aggressive worth, and powerful efficiency make it a compelling selection for informal FPV pilots who prioritize light-weight builds.
Get the DJI O4 Air Unit Lite from:
On the other hand, pros or pilots who want outstanding symbol high quality, longer vary, or complicated options like flat colour mode would possibly desire the O4 Professional and even the O3 Air Unit.
I believe Walksnail could be in bother. Certainly one of their primary benefits over DJI was once versatility—particularly, providing a small 1S VTX that DJI lacked. On the other hand, now that DJI has offered a compact Air Unit, that benefit is long past. A just right selection of Walksnail customers would possibly imagine switching, because the person revel in and function of the DJI machine are merely awesome. Let’s hope Walksnail releases one thing thrilling quickly prior to it’s too past due.
For individuals who worth compactness over perfection, the O4 Lite provides a thrilling technique to push the bounds of micro FPV drones. Whilst now not best, its functions at this measurement are not anything wanting innovative.
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