The time has come! DJI has once again launched a new FPV video transmitter for our beloved hobby. In two versions! A small and light version and one that is the successor to the O3. This means that we can finally use the DJI system perfectly for use on whoops and with the Pro version we have even more power for larger copters.
And that's not the only great thing. Both Air Units are backwards compatible with the DJI Goggles 2 and the DJI FPV Remote Controller 2.
DJI is truly setting new standards in the digital FPV game. With outstanding performance features such as high resolution, extremely low latency and an impressive range, the Air Units offer an innovative solution for a wide range of applications. The Air Unit Pro stands out with a 1/1.3-inch image sensor that can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, while the standard version with a 1/2-inch sensor delivers 4K/60fps video.
The integrated H.265 video transmission ensures an impressive live view quality of up to 1080p at 100 frames per second. Thanks to the new race mode, latency is reduced to 15 milliseconds, enabling responsive controls even in FPV races. With ranges of up to 15 kilometers and an innovative dual-antenna design for the Pro version, the series represents a new dimension of freedom and precision in FPV flying.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro also impresses with an ultra-wide 155° field of view and supports the 10-bit D-Log-M color mode, which enables unparalleled detail and flexibility in post-processing. RockSteady and Gyroflow stabilization functions ensure stable shots even in demanding flight conditions. In addition, the compatible ND filter set allows flexible control of exposure and motion blur, even under difficult lighting conditions.
We explain what else there is to discover in this blog post.
Note: The DJI O4 Air Unit, i.e. the non-pro version, is often referred to as the DJI O4 Air Unit Lite. So there is the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro and the DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite).
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro and the DJI Air Unit (Lite) differ in several important ways. With a total weight of approx. 36.2 grams, the Pro version is heavier than the Lite version with a total weight of approx. 9.95 grams. The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro weighs approx. 15.6 grams without camera and approx. 32 grams with camera, while the Lite version weighs only approx. 5.1 grams without camera and approx. 8.2 grams with camera. The range of the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro is 15 km in FCC mode and 8 km in CE mode. The Lite version covers slightly less with 10 km in FCC mode and 6 km in CE mode. The Pro version is also superior in terms of latency: With a response time of just 15 ms, it is faster than the Lite version, which requires 20 ms. Both systems transmit videos in 1080p Full HD at 100 fps, but the Pro version is clearly ahead when it comes to video recording. It supports 4K recordings at up to 120 fps, while the Lite version achieves a maximum of 4K at 60 fps. Overall, the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro offers more performance and functions, while the Lite version scores points with its lower weight and reduced specifications for minimalist applications.
Here is a table showing the differences:
| DJI O4 Air Unit Pro | DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) | |
| Weight |
Without camera: Approx. 15.6 g Total: Approx. 36.2 g |
Without camera: Approx. 5.1 g Total: Approx. 9.95 g |
| Operating range | 15 km (FCC), 8 km (CE) | 10 km (FCC), 6 km (CE) |
| Latency | 15 ms | 20 ms |
| Resolution and frame rate (video transmission) | 1080p Full HD, 100fps | 1080p Full HD, 100fps |
| Resolution and frame rate (video recording) | 4K, 120fps | 4K, 60fps |
| Bit rate (video recording) | 130 MBit/s | 100 MBit/s |
| Color mode |
Normal |
Normal |
| Sensor | 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor | 1/2″ CMOS sensor |
| Input voltage | 7.4 - 26.4 Volt | 3.7 - 13.2 volts |
| Compatible products |
DJI Goggles 3, DJI Goggles N3 and DJI FPV Remote Control 3 |
DJI Goggles 3, DJI Goggles N3 and DJI FPV Remote Control 3 |
| Supported Betaflight version |
4.3.0 and higher |
4.3.0 and higher |
| Size (L × W × H) |
Air Unit: 33.5 × 33.5 × 13 mm |
Air unit: 30 × 30 × 6 mm |
The DJI O4 Air Unit series consists of two versions, both equipped with the advanced DJI O4 video transmission system. Compared to the previous generation, they offer an improved experience with lower latency, longer range and additional features.
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) is compact and lightweight, with a hole spacing of 30 x 30 mm, a height of only 6 mm and a weight of 8.2 grams. It fits perfectly on frames with a maximum size of 2 inches. This means that it can finally also be used on whoops, as the Air Unit can also be powered by a 1S LiPo. With a 1/2-inch image sensor, it can record videos in 4K at 60 fps, offers a minimum latency of 20 ms and achieves a maximum transmission distance of 6 km in the CE area. Thanks to the integrated memory of 23 GB, it is particularly practical for beginners and impresses with its excellent price-performance ratio.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro, on the other hand, is aimed at experienced FPV pilots and is more powerful. It is suitable for frames from 3 inches upwards, including professional FPV copters such as the X8. Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch image sensor, it enables recordings in 4K at 120 fps and supports the 10-bit D-Log M color mode. It is also compatible with the same ND filters as the DJI Avata 2, providing additional flexibility for professional shooting and post-processing. With race mode activated, it achieves a minimum transmission latency of 15 ms and a maximum transmission distance of 8 km (CE).
It can therefore be said that the DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) is ideal for small copters such as FPV Whoops and that the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro is the actual successor to the O3.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro weighs a total of approx. 36.2 grams. The air unit itself weighs approx. 15.6 grams, with camera approx. 32 grams and the antennas approx. 2.1 grams each.
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) weighs a total of approx. 9.95 grams. The air unit itself weighs approx. 5.1 grams, with camera and lens mount approx. 9.2 grams and the antenna approx. 0.75 grams.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro has a range of 15 km (FCC) and 8 km (CE).
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) has a range of 10 km (FCC) and 6 km (CE).
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro can achieve a minimum latency of 15 ms in combination with the DJI Goggles 3 and the selection of the race mode with a video transmission quality of 1080p at 100 fps. If you opt for the DJI Goggles N3 in race mode, the lowest latency is 19 ms, also with a transmission quality of 1080p and 100 fps. If you use the DJI Goggles 2 or the Goggles Integra, the latency is less than 30 ms with the same video quality.
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) in combination with the DJI Goggles 3 and the selection of the race mode can achieve a minimum latency of 20 ms with a video transmission quality of 1080p and 100 fps. If the DJI Goggles N3 are used in race mode, the lowest latency is 24 ms with the same video quality. If the DJI Goggles 2 or the Goggles Integra are used instead, the latency is less than 35 ms.
This latency data represents the minimum values measured during the image repetition of the DJI Goggles. They were tested under ideal conditions in an open, interference-free outdoor environment. Actual video transmission latency may vary depending on the device used.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro can record video at 4K 120fps at a bit rate of 130 MBit/s.
The transmission to the video goggles takes place in Full HD at 100fps.
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) can record video at 4K 60fps at a bit rate of 100 MBit/s.
The transmission to the video goggles takes place in Full HD at 100fps.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro supports the D-Log M color profile. The Normal color profile is also available.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro can be operated in a range from 7.4 to 26.4 volts. This means that 2S to 6S LiPo batteries are possible.
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) can be operated in a range from 3.7 to 13.2 volts. This means that 1S to 3S LiPo batteries are possible.
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro and the DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) are compatible with the DJI Goggles 3, DJI Goggles N3, DJI Goggles 2 and DJI Goggles Integra.
The DJI FPV Remote Control 3 can be used in conjunction with the DJI Goggles 3 and N3. The DJI FPV Remote Control 2 in combination with the DJI Goggles 2 and Integra.
These products are therefore compatible with the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro:
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro and DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) support Betaflight 4.3.0 and higher.
DJI O4 Air Unit Pro size (L × W × H)
Air Unit: 33.5 × 33.5 × 13 mm
Camera: 25.55 × 20 × 23.30 mm
Coaxial cable: 140 mm
DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) Size (L × W × H)
Air Unit: 30 × 30 × 6 mm
Camera: 13.44 × 12.36 × 16.50 mm
Coaxial cable: 50 mm
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) has an internal memory of 23 gigabytes. The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro has an internal memory of 4 gigabytes.
The memory of the Pro version can be expanded using MicroSD cards. This is not possible with the Lite version. Therefore, the internal memory is larger there.
Yes, the DJI O4 Air Unit series offers a race mode function. In this mode, the recording and video transmission is fixed to 1080p at 100 fps, the channel mode is set to manual mode, and compatibility with the race frequency points of analog video transmission (based on the race band) is ensured. When using with other racing drones that use analog video transmission, it is recommended to keep a distance of at least one meter between the goggles and the drone, manually select the distribution frequency and set the appropriate video transmission power. DJI Goggles 3 or DJI Goggles N3 are required to activate the race mode.
No, you cannot take photos with the DJI O4 Air Unit series.
No, the transmission and camera module of the DJI O4 Air Unit series has different dimensions (see above) than those of the DJI O3 Air Unit. The frame must be adapted accordingly.
The following is included in the scope of delivery of the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro:
And this is what the scope of delivery of the DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) looks like:
