With the release of the new Lito series drones from DJI, the obvious question is “what is the difference between the Lito X1 and the Lito 1”?
On the surface, they look alike, so obviously what major differences there are, are under the bonnet. What is different physically is that the camera houising in the X1 is slightly larger, the front LiDAR sensor, and the X1 is a slightly darker grey colour.
The most obvious of course is price, with the base Lito 1 selling for around $539 as against the base X1 at $619, making the Lito 1 DJI’s cheapest drone aimed at the photographer / videographer. The Neo 2 is cheaper at $409, but this is more aimed at the FPV / flying enthusiast I would suggest.
What’s Missing
So what is missing in the Lito 1?
Firstly, the sensor is smaller at ½” versus 1/1.3”. Both give an effective 48 megapixels, but the X1 also offers the colour grading 10-bit D-Log system as against standard 10 bit. In other words, pro level colour versus consumer level.
You also get the option of HDR plus better low light sensitivity and higher dynamic range in the X1. So, if these are important to you, the X1 is the way to go obviously.
In terms of safety, the Lito 1 does have omnidirectional collision detection which is good, but if you plan to do any low light flying (bearing mind you need to have CASA licencing for that) the X1 has built in LiDAR sensor too, which also adds to tracking sensitivity.
However both the Lito X1 and Lito 1 share the same flight time of 36 minutes, both have ActiveTrack and MasterShots and both can shoot 4K and slo-mo video.
For storing your video or photos, with the Lito 1, you must use an SD card whereas the X1 comes with 42GB on board storage in addition to the SD card option.
This makes the choice between the two pretty much a no-brainer if image quality is you main reasoning for getting a drone; I would suggest getting the RC2 controller with the built-in screen as this makes the whole experience far, far better.
What About the Mini 5 Pro?
Many pundits have suggested the Lito, and in particular the X1, is a replacement for the long lived Mini series of DJI drones. That’s an interesting concept, and in many ways it would probably be true.
Where the Mini 5 Pro is head and shoulders ahead though, is In the tracking capabilities, the sensor size, frame rate options, better dynamic range, collision detection, it has native vertical shooting and slightly better flying times from the battery.
Whether this extra functionality is worth the extra $500 or so is of course your call. I would say the tracking improvements alone would make the dollars worthwhile, but only if you regularly use those features.