FPV and 360° flights for $999: Retailer goes early with new DJI Avata 360 drone release

The drone market rarely sees surprises like this. DJI has not officially announced the Avata 360, nor has it posted any teasers for a successor to the popular Avata 2 (currently $789 on Amazon). Yet, US Drone Supply has quietly opened pre-orders for the unannounced model in the United States, revealing what appears to be DJI's next move in the first-person view (FPV) drone segment.

This early listing comes at a complex time for drone imports. New foreign-made drones face sales bans in the US, but models already certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) remain legal to sell and fly. The Avata 360 appears to fall into this category, though US Drone Supply's wording suggests these units were originally intended for other markets. This could mean DJI may not honor warranties typically associated with its consumer drones sold in the US.

Pricing and Configuration Breakdown

According to the retailer, DJI plans to offer the Avata 360 in four distinct configurations:

• Base Bundle: Drone + 1 battery for $999
• Fly More Bundle (1 Battery): Drone + 1 battery for $1,299.99
• Fly More Bundle (3 Batteries): Drone + 3 batteries for $1,799.99
• Motion Fly More Bundle: Drone + Goggles N3 (replacing the standard RC 2 controller) for an unspecified price

These prices represent a significant premium over the current Avata 2, which starts at $789. The base Avata 360 would cost $210 more than its predecessor's current price, suggesting DJI is positioning this as a more advanced, feature-rich model.

What the "360" Name Suggests

While DJI hasn't confirmed specifications, the "360" naming convention strongly hints at the drone's primary innovation: 360-degree video capture capability. This would represent a major evolution for the Avata line, which has traditionally focused on high-speed FPV flying with a forward-facing camera.

A 360-degree camera would allow pilots to capture immersive spherical video, enabling post-production reframing and creating more flexible content. This technology typically requires either a specialized camera array or a single sensor capable of capturing a full spherical field of view. For FPV applications, this could mean pilots could fly more aggressively without worrying about camera orientation, as the footage could be reoriented in editing.

Market Timing and Availability

US Drone Supply indicates pre-orders should begin shipping in late February 2026. This timeline suggests DJI's official announcement is imminent—likely within the next few weeks. Based on DJI's typical release patterns, China would be the first market to receive the Avata 360, with global rollout following.

The Regulatory Landscape

The US Drone Supply listing highlights a growing tension in the drone market. While the Avata 360 appears FCC-certified, the retailer explicitly notes that DJI may not honor warranties for units sold through this channel. This creates a risk for early adopters: they might pay premium prices for a product that lacks official support in their region.

For consumers, this means weighing the benefits of early access against potential warranty and service limitations. Professional users who rely on DJI Care Refresh or local service centers might prefer waiting for an official US release.

Competitive Context

The Avata 360 enters a competitive FPV drone market. Competitors like the BetaFPV Cetus X and iFlight Nazgul offer capable FPV experiences at lower price points, though they lack DJI's integrated ecosystem of cameras, goggles, and software. The Avata line has carved a niche by offering a more accessible FPV experience compared to traditional custom-built FPV drones, which require significant technical knowledge to assemble and tune.

What to Expect from Official Specs

Based on the Avata 2's specifications and industry trends, we can anticipate several improvements:

• Camera: Likely a 1/1.3-inch or larger sensor, capable of 4K/60fps or higher with 360-degree capture
• Flight Time: Possibly 10-12 minutes with the standard battery (up from Avata 2's 11 minutes)
• Transmission: O4 transmission system with improved range and reliability
• Obstacle Sensing: Enhanced downward and forward sensors for safer indoor and outdoor flying
• Weight: Likely under 250g to avoid FAA registration requirements in the US

Buyer Guidance

For potential buyers, the early pre-order presents a dilemma. If you're an early adopter willing to accept potential warranty limitations, the $999 base price might be attractive. However, most consumers would be better served waiting for DJI's official announcement and subsequent US market availability.

Professional FPV pilots and content creators who need the latest features immediately might consider the pre-order, but should budget for potential service complications. Casual users should wait for official details and reviews to ensure the 360-degree capability justifies the premium over the Avata 2.

The Bigger Picture

This early listing reveals DJI's continued innovation in the FPV space. By potentially adding 360-degree capture, DJI is addressing a key limitation of traditional FPV drones—the fixed camera perspective. This could make the Avata 360 appealing not just to FPV enthusiasts, but also to real estate videographers, action sports filmmakers, and content creators who want immersive footage without the complexity of traditional FPV systems.

The $999 starting price positions the Avata 360 as a premium product, but one that could democratize 360-degree FPV flying. If DJI delivers on the promise of easy-to-use 360-degree capture in a durable FPV package, it could significantly expand the market for immersive drone footage.

As with all unannounced products, specifications and pricing could change before official release. US Drone Supply's listing provides a compelling glimpse into DJI's roadmap, but we'll need to wait for DJI's official announcement to confirm these details and understand the full capabilities of the Avata 360.