DJI’s New Budget FPV Goggles N3
In one of the most significant moves to increase the circle of drone flyers, DJI introduced its newest creation directed at making the exciting world of First-Person View flying more accessible. The new DJI Goggles N3, priced at $229, promises to deliver the high-octane excitement of FPV flight without the eye-watering price tag of the premium models. Mated to the recently introduced DJI Neo drone ($199) along with the RC Motion 3 controller ($99), the entire kit should come in at about $500, half the price of DJI’s higher-end systems. If you’re curious about FPV flying but not ready to take the full plunge, the N3 might be the perfect way to get your feet wet.
Compared to most entry-level units with reasonable prices, this lower price does indeed come with certain compromises, some in technical limitations, others in design choices and system restrictions, making the goggles targeted more toward new pilots and hobbyists than seasoned FPV flyers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key features, the compromises made for those features, and how the latest effort from DJI positions itself within the market to create reasonably-priced FPV tech.
Cost-Effective Features: A Sneak into Premium Performance
With a price much lower than that of its premium siblings, the DJI Goggles N3 has been tagged to offer a host of attractive features that should attract the attention of first-time FPV flyers and budget-conscious drone enthusiasts. With technical capability features, the Goggles N3 dons the O4 video transmission system from DJI-a promise of high-quality, low-latency video for a better flying experience. This is one of the standout features of DJI’s pricier models, so to see it appear in a budget offering is a welcome surprise.
The thoughtful design choices of DJI show up in the areas of comfort and usability. To this end, it boasts the head-tracking capability in the N3 that allows users to have the drone camera follow their head movements. This certainly makes flying much more intuitive and immersive, thus bringing the N3 in line with the advanced features that users of DJI have come to expect.
Besides that, the N3 features a 54-degree field of view, way wider compared to the 44-degree one present on higher-end devices like Goggles 3. This expanded field of view makes for wider and more realistic views during flights, further enriching the FPV experience. The goggles also boast a large eyebox that comfortably supports prescription glasses, minimizing the need for users to switch between corrective eyewear and the goggles themselves. There is no need for vision adjustment knobs either, which further simplifies the setup.
One of the very useful features for all classes of users is the one-touch defogging with the help of an internal fan; it keeps the lenses from fogging during a flight. Since FPV goggles are quite prone to fogging, this feature alone can go a long way in ensuring non-stop flights.
Technical Compromises: Image Quality and Design Shortcomings
While the N3 brings a lot of desirable features, it also makes a number of compromises to hit its budget-friendly price point. The biggest trade-off is in its display technology: whereas high-end DJI FPV goggles sport micro-OLED screens for vibrant colors and high contrast, the N3 has a single LCD screen. This switch means that the image quality stays pretty washed out as a result and will more than likely be a disappointment to those FPV users who get used to vivid, high-definition visuals with OLED screens.
In addition to that, the low-quality display technology-one may observe other symptoms of cost-cutting in many details of the goggles design. For example, a cable on the outside, contrary to its integration within the body of the goggles, resembles being a distinctive feature of DJI premium models. It may also render the N3 a bit “unfinished” and detract from the general aesthetic appeal.
The fabric padding used in the N3, while functional, is less luxurious compared to the silicone padding found in the higher-end models. This may provide less comfort during extended flying sessions and could be of concern to users who intend to use the goggles for extended periods. Coming in at 65 grams heavier than the DJI Goggles 3, the N3 might feel a little more bulky on the head and might cause some fatigue with users used to such a much lighter build from premium models.
Another noticeable omission is the lack of passthrough vision capability, which allows users to visualize the world around them through cameras on the goggles. This feature is standard on higher-end DJI goggles and is often used for more precise maneuvers or even safety during takeoff and landing. DJI’s goggles always include this capability in their more advanced versions, and not having it on the N3 might be a deal-breaker for more advanced pilots who use this feature as a way to know how to keep their sUAS safe.
The Neo Drone: Affordable, Less Agile
The DJI Neo drone is also designed with the budget-friendly consumer in mind but again at a cost. While the Neo drone finally makes the FPV flying experience somewhat budget-friendly, it too forfeits the potential for much-needed agility and performance-found within DJI’s more premium models, such as the Avata or Avata 2.
Where it does differ markedly is that the Neo drone has less nimble flight characteristics and is more susceptible to wind interference. With a lower power-to-weight ratio, it is less responsive and more apt to struggle in challenging flight conditions. Of course, that might not be of too much concern if one is a complete beginner, but could irritate those who are used to the precision and stability of DJI’s higher-end drones.
Adding to that, the Neo drone doesn’t support the much better and higher-end set of FPV goggles from DJI called Goggles Integra, which could also be the reason people would not invest in it if they already have a higher end DJI FPV system.
Market Positioning and Availability: A Global Perspective
DJI has made some strategic decisions regarding how Goggles N3 and the Neo drone will be sold on different markets. With import restrictions, the Goggles N3 and the Neo drone will both sell separately in the United States, which could raise the price for U.S. customers buying both units. In the UK and Europe, though, DJI will be selling the product as part of a complete package called the DJI Neo Motion Fly More Combo, priced at £449 or €529. This will package the Neo drone, Goggles N3, RC Motion 3 controller, three batteries, and a charging hub-all in one compelling bundle that’ll be appealing to newer hobbyists.
The Goggles N3 will be available separately later in late November at £229/€269 in the UK and Europe.
This makes the N3 and Neo drone combo more of a sweet deal for those users who may be on the fence about upgrading to a more expensive system. But one of the more interesting aspects of this marketing strategy is that DJI has discontinued the $829 Avata Explorer Combo. Without compatibility between the Neo drone and the $350 Goggles Integra, though, the N3 remains the only viable choice for those using the Neo.
Early Verdict: A Solid, if Flawed Entry Point for FPV Newcomers
DJI’s effort to make FPV flying more affordable is highly commendable, with the N3 representing a promising entry point for newcomers to the hobby. Priced at a mere $229 to get started, the Goggles N3 strikes an unusually good balance between features we’d normally find on far, far pricier systems. The trade-offs on image quality, build design, and performance limits make it not ideal for more advanced pilots or those who would like the crisp and responsive flight experience brought about by more premium models from DJI.
Success will now come if DJI can clear up some of the early concerns about image focus and quality control that have been reported during early testing. If these prove to be isolated incidents, the N3 could become a very popular choice with starter FPV pilots who want to get into the sport with a shoestring budget. However, if you expect more or want performance at ranks among the very top, you may want to wait for more reviews before you commit to a purchase.
Ultimately, the DJI Goggles N3 can be that gateway into FPV flying in cases of budgetary restraint, but for more advanced enthusiasts of the sport, bigger performance and better image quality might not be satisfied.
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