DroneDJ

DroneDJ

Publication
0 followers

Daily industry news on drones, autonomy, policy, and enterprise use.

DJI RS 5, Osmo 360 Grab Top Honors at NAB Show 2026
NewsApr 28, 2026

DJI RS 5, Osmo 360 Grab Top Honors at NAB Show 2026

DJI captured two top honors at the NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas, with the RS 5 gimbal winning the Product of the Year award in the Camera Support category and a ProductionHUB Award of Excellence. The Osmo 360 earned ProVideo Coalition’s...

By DroneDJ
Beijing’s Drone Ban Creates a Massive Problem for DJI
NewsApr 28, 2026

Beijing’s Drone Ban Creates a Massive Problem for DJI

Beijing will prohibit all new consumer‑drone sales, storage and transport starting May 1, tightening rules on 17 core components and requiring flight approvals. The crackdown targets the entire drone category, hitting DJI—the world’s leading consumer‑drone maker—hard in its home market. At...

By DroneDJ
DJI Lito X1 vs Mini 3: Which Drone Is Right for You?
NewsApr 25, 2026

DJI Lito X1 vs Mini 3: Which Drone Is Right for You?

DJI introduced the Lito X1, a feature‑rich successor to the Mini 3, but it won’t be sold in the United States due to pending FCC approval. In the meantime DJI is discounting the Mini 3 (with DJI RC) to $379, down from $549,...

By DroneDJ
Insta360 Just Fixed Android’s Biggest Gimbal Problem
NewsApr 25, 2026

Insta360 Just Fixed Android’s Biggest Gimbal Problem

Insta360 rolled out a major spring software update for its Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbals, finally delivering full native support for flagship Android devices. The upgrade also introduces creator‑centric tools such as Dual View Mode, Apple Watch control, and a...

By DroneDJ
DJI Launches New Lito Budget Drones, US Misses Out
NewsApr 23, 2026

DJI Launches New Lito Budget Drones, US Misses Out

DJI unveiled two budget‑friendly camera drones, the Lito 1 and Lito X1, aimed at first‑time pilots and creators. Both models pack 48 MP sensors, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and up to 36 minutes of flight time, with the X1 adding LiDAR and 10‑bit D‑Log M....

By DroneDJ
AirData Automates Logs for BRINC Emergency Response Drones
NewsApr 23, 2026

AirData Automates Logs for BRINC Emergency Response Drones

AirData announced an integration that automatically captures flight data from BRINC’s Lemur 2 and Responder emergency drones, eliminating manual log uploads for public‑safety pilots. The platform, which has already processed more than 60 million flights, now creates mission records directly from BRINC...

By DroneDJ
FCC Trouble Makes These DJI Drone Discounts Harder to Ignore
NewsApr 23, 2026

FCC Trouble Makes These DJI Drone Discounts Harder to Ignore

DJI disclosed that FCC authorization hurdles could keep 25 planned drones out of the U.S. market in 2026, prompting the company to slash prices on its existing, approved inventory. Amazon Prime is now offering models such as the Neo for...

By DroneDJ
25 New DJI Launches Blocked by FCC, $1.5 Billion at Stake
NewsApr 23, 2026

25 New DJI Launches Blocked by FCC, $1.5 Billion at Stake

DJI tells a US appeals court that the FCC’s placement of its products on the “Covered List” could cost the company roughly $1.56 billion in 2026 and block up to 25 new drone and camera launches, including the Osmo Pocket 4. The...

By DroneDJ
SiFly Drones Now Appear on ADS-B Exchange
NewsApr 21, 2026

SiFly Drones Now Appear on ADS-B Exchange

SiFly Aviation announced that its cloud‑connected Q12 drones now appear on ADS‑B Exchange’s live airspace map, placing unmanned aircraft alongside traditional planes. The drones transmit telemetry via secure cloud connectivity, eliminating the need for onboard ADS‑B transponders. Live tests have shown...

By DroneDJ
Going to NAB? Don’t Miss DJI’s Booth
NewsApr 18, 2026

Going to NAB? Don’t Miss DJI’s Booth

DJI is turning its NAB Show 2026 booth into an immersive experience, offering hands‑on demos and workshops from April 19‑22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The company will showcase its full creative ecosystem, from high‑end Ronin cinema rigs to...

By DroneDJ
Why This Sub-$300 Drone Might Be Enough for Most Creators
NewsApr 17, 2026

Why This Sub-$300 Drone Might Be Enough for Most Creators

Skyrover introduced the S1, a sub‑$300 drone that matches the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s 4K/60 fps specs while adding a 48 MP sensor, 40‑minute flight time, and stronger AI‑assisted vertical tracking. The Mini 4 Pro, priced at $815, retains its premium edge...

By DroneDJ
Review: Movmax Blade Arm + Pocket Controller
NewsApr 17, 2026

Review: Movmax Blade Arm + Pocket Controller

Movmax has expanded from heavy‑duty cinema rigs into creator‑focused gear with the Blade Arm and Pocket Controller for DJI's Osmo Pocket 3. The Blade Arm uses a spring‑loaded dampening arm and an electronic suction cup that auto‑re‑pressurizes, eliminating the need for...

By DroneDJ
DJI Pocket 4 Camera Becomes First Real Casualty of US FCC Ban
NewsApr 17, 2026

DJI Pocket 4 Camera Becomes First Real Casualty of US FCC Ban

DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket 4, a pocket‑sized gimbal camera featuring a 1‑inch CMOS sensor, 4K 240 fps video, 14‑stop dynamic range and 10‑bit D‑Log. It adds 107 GB of internal storage, up to four hours of recording, and enhanced AI tracking, gesture control,...

By DroneDJ
DJI Is Releasing 4 New Products This Month — Here’s What’s Coming
NewsApr 15, 2026

DJI Is Releasing 4 New Products This Month — Here’s What’s Coming

DJI is staging an unprecedented four‑product launch in April 2026, covering a vlogging camera, a portable power station, an entry‑level drone, and a new audio system. The Osmo Pocket 4 promises a 1‑inch sensor and up to 100 GB of built‑in...

By DroneDJ
New DJI Avata 360 Drone Is Finally Available to Buy in US
NewsApr 14, 2026

New DJI Avata 360 Drone Is Finally Available to Buy in US

The DJI Avata 360 drone is now for sale in the United States, with the RC 2 combo priced at $719 and a Fly More bundle at $979. It pairs dual 1‑inch‑equivalent sensors to capture 8K/60 fps HDR 360° video and 120 MP stills, while...

By DroneDJ
DJI Modify Update Makes 3D Drone Data Easier to Use
NewsApr 14, 2026

DJI Modify Update Makes 3D Drone Data Easier to Use

DJI released Modify version 1.6.0, adding tools that simplify processing, editing, and sharing of large‑scale 3D meshes and point clouds. The update introduces orthographic view switching, triangle‑count and texture‑size reduction, and custom cube drawing with orthophoto export. Point‑cloud workflows gain merging,...

By DroneDJ
US Clears Counter-Drone Laser System for Southern Border Use
NewsApr 13, 2026

US Clears Counter-Drone Laser System for Southern Border Use

The FAA and Department of Defense have cleared a high‑energy laser system for counter‑drone use along the southern border after a detailed safety review. Live demonstrations showed the laser can engage rogue UAVs without affecting aircraft, navigation systems or broader...

By DroneDJ
New Pentagon Memo Complicates DJI Drone Ban Reversal
NewsApr 10, 2026

New Pentagon Memo Complicates DJI Drone Ban Reversal

The Pentagon released a memo reaffirming its opposition to any reconsideration of the FCC’s “Covered List,” which bars foreign‑made drones and critical components from U.S. sale. The memo cites both classified and unclassified intelligence, including a classified annex submitted to...

By DroneDJ
Skyrover Wants to Be Your Next DJI Drone
NewsApr 9, 2026

Skyrover Wants to Be Your Next DJI Drone

Skyrover is entering the U.S. drone market with FCC‑compliant, competitively priced models, aiming to offer DJI‑style features without the premium. The entry‑level S1 sells for $289 with a 48‑MP Sony sensor and forward obstacle avoidance, while the X1 retails at...

By DroneDJ
New Funding Fuels AirHub’s Defense Drone Ambitions
NewsApr 8, 2026

New Funding Fuels AirHub’s Defense Drone Ambitions

AirHub, a European drone‑software firm, closed a €4.4 million ($4.8 million) Series A round led by Keen Venture Partners, RunwayFBU, Lumaux and LUMO Labs. The capital will fund expansion of its Drone Operations Center and the launch of MilHub for defense and SecHub...

By DroneDJ
GoPro’s New Camera Might Be Its Biggest Comeback Move
NewsApr 8, 2026

GoPro’s New Camera Might Be Its Biggest Comeback Move

GoPro will unveil a new generation of cameras at the 2026 NAB Show, powered by its in‑house GP3 processor. The GP3 is a 5‑nm SoC that promises twice the pixel‑processing power, AI‑driven scene recognition, and markedly better low‑light and thermal...

By DroneDJ
Major PX4 Drone Software Vulnerability Raises Hijacking Concerns
NewsApr 8, 2026

Major PX4 Drone Software Vulnerability Raises Hijacking Concerns

Cybersecurity firm CYVIATION has identified a critical flaw in the open‑source PX4 Autopilot flight‑control software, catalogued as CVE‑2026‑1579 with a 9.8‑out of‑10 severity rating. The vulnerability stems from missing authentication on MAVLink communications, allowing an attacker on the same network...

By DroneDJ
DJI Confirms End-of-Support Timeline for Mavic 2, Matrice 600 Drones
NewsApr 7, 2026

DJI Confirms End-of-Support Timeline for Mavic 2, Matrice 600 Drones

DJI announced that support for the Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Enterprise Zoom, Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual and the Matrice 600 Pro will end by May 29 2026, with the Mavic 2 Pro lasting until August 31 2026. After those dates the company will stop providing technical assistance, repairs, and parts. These models have...

By DroneDJ
New DJI Terra Update Adds HEIF Support, Boosts Reconstruction Performance
NewsApr 3, 2026

New DJI Terra Update Adds HEIF Support, Boosts Reconstruction Performance

DJI released Terra version 5.2.0, adding HEIF photo import for Zenmuse L3 and GeoTIFF COG export for faster GIS workflows. The update introduces automatic mark identification for D‑RTK 3 datasets and a High‑Efficiency Mode that exploits multiple CPU cores, cutting reconstruction times. Under...

By DroneDJ
DJI Reality: This New Free Tool Could Change How You Share Drone Data
NewsApr 2, 2026

DJI Reality: This New Free Tool Could Change How You Share Drone Data

DJI has launched DJI Reality, a free 3D model viewer built into its Terra platform. The tool supports mesh, point clouds and the emerging 3D Gaussian Splatting format, allowing instant exploration of massive datasets without login or costly software. It...

By DroneDJ
DJI Pushes Drones Beyond Cameras with AI Competition
NewsApr 2, 2026

DJI Pushes Drones Beyond Cameras with AI Competition

DJI has launched the Enterprise Drone Onboard AI Challenge 2026, inviting developers to build AI models that run directly on its Matrice 4 drones or the Manifold 3 onboard computer. The competition, open until May 10, 2026, offers hardware bundles and public recognition for...

By DroneDJ
FCC Eyes Sweeping Reforms to Boost US Drone Power
NewsApr 1, 2026

FCC Eyes Sweeping Reforms to Boost US Drone Power

The FCC has issued a public notice calling for sweeping reforms to accelerate the U.S. drone ecosystem, tying the effort to the Trump administration’s “American drone dominance” strategy. Chairman Brendan Carr highlighted drone production, deployment, and export as national‑security priorities...

By DroneDJ
UK Drone Rules Just Got Way Easier to Understand
NewsMar 31, 2026

UK Drone Rules Just Got Way Easier to Understand

Grey Arrows Drone Club has integrated every UK council’s byelaw, PSPO and local policy into its Drone Scene app, creating a comprehensive map of local drone restrictions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The update adds a traffic‑light colour...

By DroneDJ
Drone Surveying without GCPs? Wingtra Says It’s Here
NewsMar 31, 2026

Drone Surveying without GCPs? Wingtra Says It’s Here

Wingtra introduced the SURVEY61 payload for its WingtraRAY drone, promising survey‑grade accuracy of up to 3 cm without using ground control points. The system leverages a post‑processed kinematic (PPK) workflow and ultra‑high‑resolution imagery to map large sites in minutes rather than...

By DroneDJ
This Firmware Update Makes Avata 360 Ready for Real Flying
NewsMar 27, 2026

This Firmware Update Makes Avata 360 Ready for Real Flying

DJI has launched a day‑one firmware update (v01.00.0100) for the Avata 360, extending support to the new FPV Remote Controller 3 and enhancing the entire ecosystem, including RC 2, Goggles 3, and the Fly app. The update raises Sport mode’s top speed to 18 m/s,...

By DroneDJ
DJI Avata 360 Drone Launch Delayed in US
NewsMar 26, 2026

DJI Avata 360 Drone Launch Delayed in US

DJI announced that its new Avata 360 drone will launch in the United States on March 30, a few days after the global rollout slated for March 26. The delay is attributed to heightened regulatory scrutiny and import hurdles that have become common...

By DroneDJ
America’s New 911 Drone Is Always Ready
NewsMar 25, 2026

America’s New 911 Drone Is Always Ready

Police departments across the United States are scaling Drone‑as‑First‑Responder (DFR) programs, but many current drones suffer from short flight times, limited range, and connectivity gaps. BRINC’s new Guardian drone tackles these issues with an automated battery‑swap dock that delivers up...

By DroneDJ
DJI’s Latest Deals Make Shaky Phone Footage a Thing of the Past
NewsMar 25, 2026

DJI’s Latest Deals Make Shaky Phone Footage a Thing of the Past

DJI has slashed prices on its Osmo Mobile gimbal lineup, offering the Osmo Mobile 8 for $126 (down from $149), the 7P for $99 (down from $129) and the 7 for $59 (down from $75). All three models provide 3‑axis...

By DroneDJ
A Photojournalist Is Challenging FAA’s Drone Ban over DHS Vehicles
NewsMar 20, 2026

A Photojournalist Is Challenging FAA’s Drone Ban over DHS Vehicles

The FAA’s recent Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 6/4375 bans all drone flights within 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet vertically of Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Department of Homeland Security facilities and mobile assets. Photojournalist Rob Levine, represented by the...

By DroneDJ
DJI Flip Now Cheaper than Many Beginner Drones
NewsMar 20, 2026

DJI Flip Now Cheaper than Many Beginner Drones

DJI has slashed the price of its Flip drone to $309, making it the cheapest option in its lineup and undercutting many entry‑level competitors. The controller‑free bundle runs the aircraft via the DJI Fly app, while optional controller bundles remain...

By DroneDJ
US Army Signals End of Traditional Combat with Drone Shift
NewsMar 20, 2026

US Army Signals End of Traditional Combat with Drone Shift

The U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division conducted a live‑fire drill at Fort Campbell showcasing drones as the initial combat element rather than mere support tools. Multiple UAV platforms, from the MQ‑1C Gray Eagle to small reconnaissance drones, operated alongside Special...

By DroneDJ
Drone Pilots Face $100K Fines Under New DOD Crackdown
NewsMar 20, 2026

Drone Pilots Face $100K Fines Under New DOD Crackdown

The Department of Defense, together with the DOJ, DHS, and FAA, has launched a coordinated crackdown on illegal drone operations under the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. Violations in restricted airspace such as airports, military bases,...

By DroneDJ
Tourist Drones Disrupt 83 Flights, Trigger Military Action in Vietnam
NewsMar 18, 2026

Tourist Drones Disrupt 83 Flights, Trigger Military Action in Vietnam

In Da Nang, Vietnam, illegal tourist drones caused major disruptions, halting 83 flights over a week during the Lunar New Year. A 25‑year‑old Chinese visitor was seized with a DJI Mavic 3 Pro, and several other foreign tourists have been caught. Drones were flying...

By DroneDJ
Antigravity A1 Drone Discount Arrives Before April Feature Update
NewsMar 17, 2026

Antigravity A1 Drone Discount Arrives Before April Feature Update

Antigravity is offering a flat 20 % discount on its A1 8K 360 drone across all bundles, just weeks before a major April software update. The A1 remains the only consumer‑grade drone in the United States capable of true 8K 360...

By DroneDJ
This 300-Mile Cargo Drone Is Moving Closer to Deployment
NewsMar 13, 2026

This 300-Mile Cargo Drone Is Moving Closer to Deployment

Elroy Air has been chosen for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, becoming the sole cargo‑focused participant among air‑taxi developers. Its Chaparral autonomous VTOL drone can transport up to 300 pounds over roughly 300 miles using a hybrid‑electric powertrain...

By DroneDJ
This Pocket Device Lets Police Identify Drones in Seconds
NewsMar 12, 2026

This Pocket Device Lets Police Identify Drones in Seconds

Zing Drone Solutions unveiled the Z‑SCAN MINI, a handheld Remote ID receiver, at the DroneResponders National Public Safety UAS Conference. The pocket‑sized device scans both Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth Remote ID broadcasts, letting officers instantly identify nearby drones. By revealing compliant...

By DroneDJ
The DJI Drone Everyone’s Been Waiting for Gets a Launch Date
NewsMar 11, 2026

The DJI Drone Everyone’s Been Waiting for Gets a Launch Date

DJI announced the Avata 360, an 8K flagship 360° drone, with a public unveiling scheduled for March 26. The aircraft merges true spherical video capture with high‑speed FPV flight, featuring a dual‑lens system that can record native 8K 360 footage and switch...

By DroneDJ
This Sensor Lets DJI Drones Detect Methane and Toxic Gases
NewsMar 11, 2026

This Sensor Lets DJI Drones Detect Methane and Toxic Gases

AIRINS introduced new multi‑sensor configurations for its Sniffer4D Nano2+ gas detection system, enabling DJI enterprise drones to monitor up to ten gas parameters in a single flight. The solution pairs AI‑driven analytics with lightweight sensors to map methane, hydrogen sulfide,...

By DroneDJ
DJI Mini 4 Pro, Matrice 4 Drones Can Create 3D Models Faster with This Tool
NewsMar 9, 2026

DJI Mini 4 Pro, Matrice 4 Drones Can Create 3D Models Faster with This Tool

SkyeBrowse has released a major update to its Flight App, extending 3D‑mapping compatibility to DJI Mini 4 Pro, Matrice 4E/T, and Matrice 400 drones. The upgrade adds high‑performance payload support and introduces two new grid‑capture modes—Cross Grids and Side Scan—to...

By DroneDJ
Michigan Capitol Deploys Drone Traffic Platform to Monitor Skies
NewsMar 9, 2026

Michigan Capitol Deploys Drone Traffic Platform to Monitor Skies

Michigan’s State Capitol has fully deployed Airspace Link’s AirHub Portal, a drone operations management system that provides real‑time monitoring of both unmanned and manned aircraft over the Capitol complex. The platform aggregates data from Remote ID, ADS‑B, radar, RF detectors...

By DroneDJ
A Sub-$300 Drone with Obstacle Avoidance? Meet Skyrover S1
NewsMar 6, 2026

A Sub-$300 Drone with Obstacle Avoidance? Meet Skyrover S1

Skyrover has launched the S1, a sub‑$300 drone that packs DJI‑level capabilities into a sub‑249 g, fold‑foldable package. It delivers 4K/60 fps video from a 1/2‑inch Sony sensor on a 3‑axis gimbal, forward obstacle avoidance, and up to 12 km transmission. Smart flight...

By DroneDJ
Vector Secures $20M Loan to Expand US Drone Production
NewsMar 4, 2026

Vector Secures $20M Loan to Expand US Drone Production

Vector, a Utah‑based defense startup founded by former special‑operations personnel, secured a $20 million loan from JPMorgan Chase to expand its U.S. drone manufacturing capacity. The financing follows a $61 million Series A round closed in September 2025, underscoring growing investor appetite for domestic...

By DroneDJ
10 Million Calls: The Drone System Changing Policing
NewsFeb 27, 2026

10 Million Calls: The Drone System Changing Policing

Skydio’s Drone‑as‑First‑Responder (DFR) Command platform has processed over 10 million service calls, demonstrating that autonomous drones are now embedded in U.S. public‑safety workflows. The system pulls live 911, CAD, and sensor data directly into its Flight Deck, allowing operators to dispatch...

By DroneDJ
DJI’s Most Capable Drones Are Still Finding Their Way to US Third Party Retailers
NewsFeb 26, 2026

DJI’s Most Capable Drones Are Still Finding Their Way to US Third Party Retailers

DJI’s flagship drones remain unavailable through official U.S. channels after the FCC’s recent ban on new DJI products. Despite the restriction, a handful of third‑party retailers have begun importing these high‑performance models, creating a fragmented supply chain. The gray‑market influx...

By DroneDJ