What’s going on with the wave of apparent DJI camera clones suddenly appearing in US stores? From action cams to drones, near one-to-one replicas of DJI’s most popular products are popping up everywhere — and DJI doesn’t seem especially concerned.
The similarities aren’t subtle. The Xtra Muse vlogging camera looks virtually identical to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. A teardown by The Verge found not only matching hardware, but the same software — with references to “DJI” stripped out. Even some Osmo Pocket 3 accessories reportedly work perfectly with the Muse. The Xtra Edge strongly resembles the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, while the Xtra Atto mirrors the Osmo Nano.
Xtra Technology, which appeared only recently, describes itself as a Delaware-registered startup founded by imaging and consumer electronics veterans. On the drone side, Hong Kong–based SkyRover — claiming roots with former DJI engineers — sells the X1 and S1, drones that closely resemble the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Mini 4K. Hardware, software, flight characteristics, and camera performance appear strikingly similar.
Top: SkyRover – Bottom: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Why would this be happening? DJI faces mounting challenges in the US, including tariffs and political scrutiny over alleged ties to the Chinese government and military. The company has also been placed on the Federal Communications Commission “Covered List,” effectively blocking future DJI products from entering the US market.
One obvious theory is that these startups function as intermediaries, allowing DJI-style products to reach American consumers while sidestepping regulatory and trade barriers. DJI hasn’t confirmed any link, offering only a carefully worded statement affirming its commitment to the US market — notably without denying connections.
Whether these lookalike brands can successfully navigate US restrictions remains to be seen. But with few American companies able to match DJI’s performance-to-price ratio, consumer demand for affordable, high-quality drones may ensure these clones find an eager audience.
Top Photo: DJI Osmo Pocket 3, meet Xtra Muse. Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge
Source: TechRadar