One of the biggest complaints about the original DJI O4 Air Unit has always been its narrow FOV, and DJI is finally doing something about it. When I reviewed the Flywoo wide-angle lens for the original DJI O4 Air Unit, I was so impressed that I said, “This is what the O4 should have been from the start”。 DJI may have been listening, because they are now releasing a new version that is basically exactly that.
What’s New?
The new version is called the DJI O4 Wide Air Unit.
It is basically the same O4 Air Unit (Lite), but with a built-in wide-angle lens. As far as I know, nothing else has changed. It still uses the same image sensor, gyro, and overall hardware design. However, the wider FOV (field of view) should make the O4 much more usable and appealing, just as we experienced with the Flywoo wide-angle lens. You can check out my review here: https://oscarliang.com/flywoo-o4-wide-angle-lens-new/
From what I understand, DJI is using essentially the same solution Flywoo created, likely through a collaboration between the two companies. But with DJI’s manufacturing capability, we can probably expect stricter quality control, better overall build quality, and possibly better lenses.
The O4 Wide weighs 13.3g, over 5g heavier than the original, so might become a challenge for smaller quads. We will see.
I will be reviewing the new O4 Wide soon. In the meantime, take a look at this footage using the Flywoo wide-angle lens. I believe the image quality of the DJI version will look very similar, if not better:
Mounting
The O4 Wide camera housing is 14mm wide, identical to the original O4 Lite camera. The distance between the two mounting holes also appears to be the same. However, the type of screws used may be different. I will only be able to confirm that once I get my hands on the new product.
What Will Happen to the Old O4?
The original O4 has reportedly stopped production. Going forward, you will only be able to buy the O4 Wide Air Unit once existing stock of the old O4 runs out.
Why Didn’t DJI Change the Gyro?
Unfortunately, the new O4 Wide still uses the same 1469D gyro (ICM-40609-D), which is known to be more sensitive to vibration and more likely to cause jello or vibration in stabilized footage. You can learn more about this story here: https://oscarliang.com/dji-o4-pro-gyro-stabilization-issue/
My guess is that this is due to supply constraints, and DJI is unable to switch to a different gyro for mass production.
The good news is that Flywoo will be offering a custom O4 Wide with the MP66 gyro (MPU-6050), which is used in the original O4 Pro and is known to be much more reliable and usually free from jello. They will also come with adapters and ND filters, which are not included if you purchase it from DJI.
Get it here: https://oscarliang.com/product-ggql
BnF Quads with DJI O4 Wide Air Unit
Multiple manufacturers have told me they will be releasing new BNF quads with the new O4 Wide, including Flywoo and BetaFPV. I will be testing these new quads in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Conclusion
The new DJI O4 Wide Air Unit looks like a much-needed improvement to the original O4. DJI has not changed the core hardware much, but by finally giving it a built-in wide-angle lens, they have addressed one of the biggest complaints pilots had about the system. If the final image quality is as good as, or better than, what we have already seen with the Flywoo wide-angle lens, this could easily become the more desirable version of the O4 for micro quads and lightweight builds.
That said, it is a little disappointing that DJI did not take this opportunity to change the gyro as well. The narrow FOV was not the only weakness of the original O4, and the continued use of the 1469D gyro means the vibration and jello issue may still remain for some users. Even so, for pilots who wanted a wider, more immersive view without relying on aftermarket lens mods, the O4 Wide is shaping up to be a very welcome upgrade.
