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 dimension, 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 consult with it because the O4 Lite all through this evaluation. If you happen to’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 dimension and weight in comparison with the O4 Professional. Weighing just below 10 grams, it’s ultimate 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.
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 basically 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 lovers, 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 structure, with only some part variations. For instance, the O4 Lite integrates the USB-C port immediately into the board, and the O4 Lite includes a bigger reminiscence chip than the Professional. In a method, the O4 Lite is principally a stripped down, bare model of the O4 Professional.
In contrast to 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 edges. Whereas the holes aren’t threaded, self-tapping screws are offered.
That stated, the dearth of safety and the compact design of the board increase issues about sturdiness, notably 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
- 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 either side
- 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 Package!
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. Nonetheless, the O4 Lite has the benefit of recording in 4K 60fps, whereas the Neo is proscribed to 4K 30fps. Past this distinction, the cameras are basically an identical.
The O4 Lite delivers glorious picture high quality for typical FPV use, providing good element and respectable dynamic vary. That stated, its smaller 1/2-inch sensor doesn’t carry out as nicely 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 reside video feed, its readability, dynamic vary, and low-light efficiency are usually not 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° 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 distinct method of measuring FOV, nevertheless it’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 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 likely to be a bonus for some individuals who dislike distorted vast angle FPV pictures.
Onboard Recording
The O4 Lite has 24GB of onboard reminiscence, permitting for round half-hour of 4K recording. You may prolong this with decrease resolutions, equivalent 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 likely to 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 might 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 is likely to be disappointing for cinematographers. Nonetheless, because the Lite just isn’t primarily designed for cinematic use, this isn’t a serious downside for the meant customers.
Additionally be aware that the O4 Lite doesn’t help DLog M or 10-bit colour, limiting its attraction for individuals who intend to paint grade their footage.
Video Stabilization
You may stabilize O4 Lite footage utilizing both RockSteady or Gyroflow. Nonetheless, 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, possible resulting from its ultralight design. Vibrations can simply trigger jello in footage and make stabilization tougher. 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 provides 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 techniques in its weight class. It’s well-suited for its meant function of micro-drone flying.
Latency
Primarily based 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 might be immediately mounted on prime of the flight controller, as most FCs additionally characteristic the identical mounting normal. Nonetheless, the O4 Air Unit solely provides 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 offered cable may not be lengthy sufficient to accommodate this configuration. Longer digital camera cables can be a welcome addition sooner or later.
The primary 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 wished to have a constant mounting sample between the O4 Professional and O4 Lite, however the result’s that the majority current 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 possible that future frames will handle this concern, however for now, you might have to 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 beneath 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 ultimate for direct energy from 1S battery. To mitigate this concern, a step-up 5V or 9V BEC is really helpful. Whereas this answer works, it provides weight and complexity, which isn’t ultimate 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 knowledge on exact energy consumption can 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 response to DJI, the Goggles 3 enable 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 might be onerous 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 principle, the broader bandwidth can enhance vary and picture high quality. Nonetheless, once I was testing by flying in an open discipline inside a few miles, the distinction distinction was negligible.
If you happen to already personal G2 or Integra goggles, there’s no pressing have to improve to the G3 for my part, they nonetheless work nicely with the O4 Lite. However for brand new patrons, the G3 are actually a more sensible choice relating to future-proofing, particularly contemplating DJI’s monitor document relating to backward compatibility. The G2 and Integra may not help the following technology hyperlink, the O5, whereas the G3 are prone to be appropriate.
How It Compares to the Walksnail Mini 1S
It’s solely truthful to match it to one thing of comparable dimension and functionality.
On the subject of person expertise, the O4 Lite has a major 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 relating to set up, whereas the VTX dimension, 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 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 Substitute 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 value 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, equivalent to analog and HDZero, these small motion cameras would possibly nonetheless make sense. However for DJI pilots, the O4 Lite provides a extra seamless answer, integrating high-quality recording immediately into the VTX and decreasing total drone weight.
Overheating Concern
The DJI O4 Lite is extra vulnerable 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, turning into uncomfortably scorching after simply 20–30 seconds of being powered on. This makes it necessary to take off as quickly as attainable after plugging within the battery.
Much like earlier fashions, when the air unit overheats, it shuts down to forestall injury. Airflow throughout flight is normally ample 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 provides exceptional efficiency for its compact dimension, 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 ultimate circumstances.
- Overheating Dangers: Requires enough airflow, particularly in hotter environments.
- Subject of View: Slim FOV and extreme cropping in stabilization restrict its suitability for cinematic work.
- No D-Log M Help: Lacks the flat colour profile favored for post-production enhancing.
- 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 beneath 3.7V, requiring a 5V BEC to be used with 1S builds.
Specs
- Enter Voltage: 3.7-13.2 V (2S to 3S)
- FPV Stay 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: Commonplace, 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
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 strong efficiency make it a compelling selection for informal FPV pilots who prioritize light-weight builds.
Get the DJI O4 Air Unit Lite from:
Nonetheless, professionals or pilots who want distinctive picture high quality, longer vary, or superior options like flat colour mode would possibly desire the O4 Professional and even the O3 Air Unit.
I believe Walksnail is likely to be in hassle. A good portion of its clients selected the Walksnail system as a result of it provides VTX/digital camera possibility for micro drones, whereas DJI’s Air Items had been beforehand too massive and heavy. Nonetheless, with the discharge of DJI’s compact O4 Air Unit, which boasts spectacular video high quality and sign efficiency, some Walksnail customers would possibly contemplate 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 provides an thrilling solution to push the boundaries of micro FPV drones. Whereas not good, its capabilities at this dimension are nothing in need of revolutionary.
