DJI MAVIC 2 REVIEW: THE NEXT GENERATION OF FLYING CAMERAS

Where the Mavic 2 Pro and the DJI Mavic Zoom differ is the cameras they come equipped with. The Mavic 2 Pro features the highest camera quality to ever be featured on a drone of its size. Partnering with iconic Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad, DJI has equipped the Mavic 2 Pro with a camera equipped with a large 1-inch sensor capable of capturing 20-megapixel stills. On the other hand, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom comes with a camera featuring 2x optical zoom so that creators can capture even more dynamic and creative shots from the air.

Design

Both drones feature a matte medium-grey colour and streamlined industrial look similar to the original Mavic Pro. The aircraft is made of extremely high-quality, durable plastic that is strong enough to handle general wear and tear and even more extreme environmental conditions. In continuation of the Mavic series the drones feature a fold-down design. When completely folded down the drones are about the size of a water bottle and can conveniently fit into any bag to take on the go.

On the sides and bottom of the aircraft the drones also feature ventilation openings to protect the internal electronics from dust, debris and moisture. As well, the Mavic 2 drones feature LED lights on the front arms and back legs to make spotting the drone in the air easier. DJI also included a new bottom facing LED light that will illuminate the ground upon landing for added safety.

The propellers feature an easy twist and lock mechanism that makes installing and detaching the propellers fast and simple. The propellers are also designed to be extremely aerodynamic for more efficient and quieter flights. The newly designed ESC’s also help to significantly enhance flight time while also making the drones much more stable and accurate in flight. In the air, the new Mavic 2 drones are extremely smooth and stable and can handle up to 38 km/h winds.

Flight Performance and Remote Controller

The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom feature an extended flight time of up to 31 minutes. The charge one battery from virtually empty to full it takes about 1 hour. With a charging hub users can charge up to four batteries at a time for added convenience.

Mavic 2 Pro Camera

With the Mavic 2 Pro DJI partnered with camera manufacturer Hasselblad to create and design a camera featuring the highest quality ever seen on a drone of the Mavic’s size. The Mavic 2 Pro’s camera features a large 1-inch CMOS sensor. The large sensor is a huge achievement and delivers higher overall image quality, detail, better low light performance, an extended dynamic range and richer colour. The camera can capture 20-megapixel stills in JPEG and DNG RAW and shoot 4K video at 30 fps and 100 mbps. Another major achievement of the Mavic 2 Pro’s camera is its ability to film 10-bit Dlog M for over a billion different colour tones to give users improved quality and more options in post-production.

Mavic 2 Zoom Camera

The Mavic 2 Zoom features a camera with a 1 / 2.3” CMOS sensor just like the original Mavic Pro however also features an incredible 2x lossless optical zoom that can go from 24mm – 48mm with a field of view of 83-48 degrees. The drone can capture 12-megapixel stills in JPEG or DNG RAW and 4K video at 30 fps and 100 mbps in standard 8-bit Dlog. In addition, the Mavic 2 Zoom features a new mode called Super Resolution, wherein the drone can shoot stunning 48-megapixel photos. The Mavic 2 Zoom also comes with a brand-new mode named Dolly Zoom. With this effect users can create dynamic shots where the drone zooms into a subject and distorts outward with the simple tap of a button.

Internal Storage

Yet another great new feature of both the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom is that they come with 8GB of internal storage. This is a great feature for users that may forget their Micro SD Card at home and don’t want to miss out on a shot. Operators can additionally use a Micro SD Card for additional storage.

Upgraded Sensors

Intelligent Flight Modes

The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom both feature DJI’s most beloved intelligent flight modes including ActiveTrack, TapFly, Point of Interest, Waypoints, Cinematic Mode, and Tripod Mode. The drones also feature the newly upgraded ActiveTrack 2.0 mode, wherein a 3D map of the environment can be created in real-time to better predict the movements of subjects up to 3 seconds in the feature. The drones also feature all QuickShot Modes including Asteroid, Dronie, Boomerang, Circle, Helix, and Rocket.

A new and innovative flight mode featured on both drones is Hyperlapse Mode. In this mode, users can capture moments in time with the simple tap of a button. Another new flight mode only featured on the Mavic 2 Zoom is Dolly Zoom, wherein users can zone in on a subject, zoom in, and then pull out for an extremely cinematic and dynamic shot.

Another Step Forward for DJI

The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom continue to showcase the power and dominance DJI has in the market with their ability to consistently innovate and deliver the highest quality drones in the market. Both drones feature amazing improvements on flight performance and features. For those looking to focus on more professional endeavours with their drone and crave more options in the post-production process the Mavic 2 Pro is the ideal choice, and for those who want the ability to shoot more creative and dynamic shots, or who want to shoot scenes in their environment with less disturbance the Mavic 2 Zoom will fully deliver.