Drone News Roundup: Cinematic FPV Tour of Scotland, DJI Releases the Osmo Action 4 Camera, and More!
BY Zacc Dukowitz
10 August 2023This week we’re covering a beautiful cinematic FPV drone tour of Scotland shot on the DJI Avata.
We’re also covering DJI’s release of the Osmo 4 Action, Zipline’s new partnership in Ohio to deliver prescription medication by drone, a new drone-in-the-box for public safety agencies made by Skyfire Consulting and Airobotics, and a firmware update that makes the DJI FPV drone compatible with both the Goggles Integra and the Goggles 2.
Now on to the links!
Soaring through Scotland with the DJI Avata
The Avata is DJI’s first and only cinewhoop, which is a drone made for shooting FPV fly throughs, often in tight, indoor environments. In 2021 cinewhoops rose quickly in popularity, with a range of organizations like sports teams and bands shooting fly through tours of stadiums, concerts, and other venues. But since its launch Avata pilots have changed things, often using it to shoot tight, cinematic FPV footage outdoors. This beautiful video shot by FPV drone pilot and YouTuber Richard Beck is a great example, taking us on a tour of Scotland’s rolling green hills, dramatic bluffs, and gorgeous waterfalls. Hope you enjoy it.
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DJI Releases the Osmo Action 4 Camera
Credit: DJI
DJI just released the fourth generation in its action camera series, the Osmo Action 4. The Osmo Action cameras are made to compete directly with GoPro’s action cameras, letting you shoot high quality footage while doing extreme sports or generally on the go. The biggest upgrade in the Osmo Action 4 is that it has a 1/1.3″ sensor, which is the largest of any Osmo Action camera yet. (It’s also larger than the 1/1.7″ sensor on the GoPro Hero 11). With the bigger sensor, you also get improved image quality, improved color performance, and enhanced smart modes. The Osmo Action 4 starts at $399. If you’ve been considering an action camera upgrade, this might be a good time to pull the trigger.
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Zipline Announces Partnership for Prescription Deliveries
Medical drone delivery company Zipline recently announced a partnership with OhioHealth to make home deliveries of prescriptions by drone in Columbus, Ohio. Drones will also deliver lab samples and supplies between OhioHealth facilities. The deliveries will be fully autonomous, using Zipline’s new Platform 2 for the final step of dropping off packages. To make a delivery, a Zipline drone flies overhead at 300 feet, helping reduce noise. Once at the destination, the delivery drone lowers a small droid, which then makes the drop off. Zipline projects that it will be able to make deliveries to two million people in the Columbus area by 2025.
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Skyfire Partners with Airobotics on Public Safety Drone-in-a-Box
Skyfire Consulting recently announced a partnership with Ondas Holding, which owns both American Robotics and Airobotics. Through the partnership, the two companies will offer a drone-in-a-box solution—Airobotics’ Optimus System UAS—made specifically for public safety agencies. The Optimus is currently in the final stages of completing FAA Type Certification. Once secured, that certification will allow users to fly BVLOS in “further and more complex environments” according to Airobotics and Skyfire Consulting.
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DJI FPV Drone Now Works with Goggles Integra and Goggles 2
DJI Goggles Integra Credit: DJI
A new firmware update for the DJI FPV drone makes it compatible with both the Goggles Integra and the Goggles 2. The Goggles 2 first came out with the DJI Avata, which was released just about a year ago. The Goggles Integra are more recent, coming out just four months back as an upgrade option for flying the Avata. The addition of these two goggles opens exciting possibilities if you’re a DJI FPV owner, giving you access to DJI’s newest FPV goggle technology.
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