The battle for supremacy in the action camera and drone space is entering a thrilling new dimension—literally. In a strategic game of one-upmanship, industry titan DJI and the innovative challenger Insta360 are on a collision course, with leaked images now suggesting a head-to-head clash in the nascent 360-degree drone market is closer than we thought.
For years, the competition has played out in the palms of our hands with action cameras. This year alone, Insta360 strengthened its position with the release of the X5, a powerful 360-action camera that has seen several iterations since April. Not to be outdone, DJI fired back by entering the 360-camera ring with its own compelling offering, the Osmo 360, a move that signalled its commitment to the immersive video format.
But the next battlefield is in the skies.
A New Challenger Appears: Insta360's Antigravity A1
The conflict escalated when Insta360, not content with dominating ground-based 360 footage, announced its first foray into the drone market under a new "Antigravity" brand. The Antigravity A1, a consumer-focused drone, made waves with its promise of accessible flight. However, with a release date set for January 2026, Insta360 left a wide-open window of opportunity.
Almost immediately, the rumor mill began to churn. Whispers from as early as August suggested that DJI, the undisputed king of consumer drones, was preparing a direct competitor designed to launch well before the Antigravity A1 could even get off the tarmac.
DJI's Counter-Strike: The "Avata 360" Leaks
Those rumors have now crystallized into a tangible threat. What was initially dubbed the "Mini 360" has been reframed in leaks as a successor to the popular FPV drone, the Avata 2. Now, thanks to renowned leaker Igor Bogdanov, we have our best look yet at what appears to be the final retail product: the DJI Avata 360.
The shared images don't just confirm the name; they reveal a device that seems ready for production. The Avata 360 clearly features a robust dual-camera system, the footage from which is seamlessly stitched together to create immersive 360-degree content. Critically, it retains the signature semi-protected propellers of the Avata 2, suggesting a focus on both safety and agile, immersive flight.
What We Know About the DJI Avata 360's Specs
Based on the visuals and previous rumors, the Avata 360 is shaping up to be a formidable piece of technology.
- Dual-Camera Powerhouse: It's expected to utilize camera hardware derived from the well-received DJI Osmo 360 (curr. $412 on Amazon), potentially stabilized by a three-axis gimbal. This setup would allow for buttery-smooth 8K 360-degree video recordings, a significant step up in resolution for consumer-grade immersive drones.
- Intelligent Flight: Flanking the camera housing are dual LiDAR sensors, working in tandem with front-facing obstacle avoidance sensors. This indicates that DJI is prioritizing safe, intelligent flight, even in complex, close-quarter environments—a key feature for an immersive FPV-style drone.
- Sub-250g Weight: Perhaps the most impactful rumor is that the Avata 360 will officially weigh in at under 250 grams. This places it in the coveted C0 drone classification in many regions, dramatically reducing registration requirements for pilots and making it an incredibly accessible option for beginners and travelers.
The Stakes: Price, Timing, and a Shifting Market
The potential pricing is as aggressive as the design. DJI is reportedly aiming for a launch price of around CNY 5,000 (approximately $700) in China. While global pricing often varies, this positions the Avata 360 as a premium but accessible device.
The publication of these detailed images is a strong indicator that an official unveiling could be just around the corner, with many industry watchers predicting a launch before the end of the year. If DJI succeeds, it will have not only created a new product category but effectively locked it down for over a year before Insta360's Antigravity A1 arrives.
For consumers, this intensifying rivalry is nothing but good news. It promises faster innovation, more advanced features, and competitive pricing. The dream of effortlessly capturing breathtaking, immersive aerial footage is rapidly becoming a reality, and the race to deliver it is officially on. The skies of 2025 are looking a lot more interesting.
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