DJI has launched the Avata 360, its first consumer panoramic drone, to directly challenge Insta360’s Antigravity A1. Leveraging its Avata FPV platform and Osmo 360 camera tech, DJI’s offering counters Insta360’s first-mover advantage with superior safety features, dual shooting modes (8K 360 and 4K single-camera), and a conventional controller option. The result is a more polished, versatile machine, though US availability remains uncertain.

Design-wise, the Avata 360 is notably heavier at 455 grams, necessitating permits in most regions compared to the A1’s sub-250-gram weight. Its enclosed propellers and comprehensive obstacle sensing—including lidar and omni sensors—make it distinctly safer for indoor or crowd-adjacent flying. DJI bundles a landing mat to protect the upward-pointing lens, a thoughtful touch for this form factor.

Video is a trade-off. While 8K 360 capture enables immense post-production flexibility, final flat resolution drops to 4K or less, with visible stitching seams. Low-light performance suffers from electronic stabilization, and single-camera mode produces tilted footage without gimbal roll correction. Daylight quality matches the Osmo 360, but it can’t match DJI’s dedicated photography drones for sheer sharpness.

Starting at €459 (approximately $530), the Avata 360 undercuts the A1 on price. It’s a niche product built for vloggers and FPV pilots who prioritize shooting flexibility and safety over maximum resolution. For those seeking pristine image quality, DJI’s Mini or Air series remain the better choices.