DJI 360 drones are completely mixing up the way we shoot from above. In simple terms, a 360 drone is one that’s fitted with a special camera that records the whole space around it at once, not just what’s in front. That means you fly first. Then choose your perfect shots later. If you’re into immersive video, high octane action shots or some seriously creative snapping, these drones are well worth a look.
What is a 360 drone and how does it work?
A 360 drone carries a 360° camera, usually made up of two ultra-wide lenses mounted back-to-back. Together, they capture a full spherical view of your scene or subject - above, below and all around.
Unlike a normal drone camera that points in one direction, a 360 drone records everything at the same time. This has one big benefit. You don’t need to perfectly frame your shot while flying. Instead, you can go back later and ‘reframe’ your footage, choosing the best angles when you’re done.
Here’s how they work…
The drone flies normally, just like any other DJI model.
The dual-lens camera records a full 360° field of view.
Software stitches the footage together into one continuous sphere.
You edit and pick your favourite angles once you’ve landed.
This makes 360 drones really flexible and a great shout for first time flyers. And especially those of you who don’t want to worry about directing a camera mid-flight. There’s enough going on as it is!
Tech deep dive: To learn more about the tech, check out our piece what is a 360 camera? Everything you need to know.
The DJI 360 lineup
DJI drones have quickly become one of the major players in the drone world. And with their new generation of 360 models, they’ve designed a new one for every kind of pilot.
DJI Avata 360
The DJI Avata 360 is all about immersion. It combines a first-person view (FPV), which yes, is just as cool as it sounds, with a powerful 8K camera. So, you get cinematic shots that still look ultra-crisp and clear.
Why we love it: There’s 42 GB of built-in storage to play with here, giving you plenty of space for your clips. That means more time flying, and less time spent deciding what to delete or keep.
DJI Lito X1
Sitting in between the other two, you’ve got the DJI Lito X1. It’s premium and gives you excellent looking shots. But it’s still beginner friendly enough that you shouldn’t smack it into a tree on take-off.
Why we love it: SmartPhoto nails any lighting and colours for you. You won’t have to do as much editing. And that morning sunrise is going to look epic!
DJI Lito 1
If you want to try out 360 aerial photography – but don’t want to break the bank – the DJI Lito 1 is an amazing budget option.
Why we love it: You’ll get up to 36 minutes of flight on just the one charge. Now you shouldn’t have to rush to nail that amazing aerial shot.
Why choose a drone with a 360-degree camera?
A drone with a 360-degree camera opens up whole new ways to be creative. Instead of worrying about where your camera is pointing, you can focus on the flying while it captures your footage. Here’s why you should think about getting one…
Creative freedom – It’s easy to reframe shots when you edit. Basically, you’re never stuck with a missed angle.
No need for complex tracking – The camera sees it all. So, you don’t need to perfectly follow your subject while you’re in the sky.
Perfect for action shots – They’re ideal for extreme sports (like skateboarding or skiing). The drone can follow them down slopes or ramps while the camera shoots in every direction.
Immersive video – You can easily create VR-style footage. It’ll put your viewers right in the cockpit!
Cleaner setup – Because the camera stays stable as it shoots, there’s no need for gimbals and other specialist kit. And that means there’s less clutter and gear to lug about.
FAQs
What is the best drone with a 360-degree camera?
That depends completely on what you need. The DJI Avata 360 is ideal for immersive, high-end video. On the flip side, the Lito X1 strikes that balance of top performance, while still being easy to use. Then there’s the simpler – and more affordable – Lito 1.
How do you take a 360 photo with a drone?
To take a 360 pic, you simply fly around as normal and use the built-in 360 camera. The drone picks up a complete spherical image automatically, and the software stitches it together. You can then edit and tweak the perspective afterwards.
How do you capture 360 drone videos?
You record 360 drone videos just by flying! The dual lenses will record everything around the drone at the same time. You’ll then need to use some editing software to reframe the footage and pick the angles, pans and zooms you like the best.
Do I need internet to fly a DJI drone?
No, you don’t need internet to take a DJI drone for a spin. While you will need an internet connection to get started (and download any firmware updates) that’ll be it. The actual flying and recording only rely on the connection between your controller and the drone itself. So, you can launch it in the most remote locations without worrying if you have enough bars.
What is the best DJI drone for beginners?
We’d go for the DJI Lito X1. For starters, it’s simple to fly, and will stay nice and stable while you pilot it. Then there’s the larger sensor. The bigger the sensor, the easier it is to record great footage while you learn the ropes. Both features are designed to help build your confidence in the air.
Need more advice?
We’ve got plenty more drone tips and tricks for you budding pilots out there. When it comes to choosing the right drone, there’s lots to think about. Or, if you want to snap away from the sky, check out our best photography drones for beginners.
