MAVIC MINI VS MAVIC AIR VS MAVIC 2 COMPARISON | Which Drone is best for you?

DJi has recently released the newest drone to its consumer drone lineup named the Mavic Mini. The Mavic Mini is DJI's lightest weight drone to date, weighing in at only 249 grams, and enabling users in most countries to fly the drone without having to worry about government restrictions. Now, with the release of the groundbreaking Mavic Mini, drone pilots have three Mavic series drones to choose from including the Mavic Air and the Mavic 2 series, but which Mavic is the perfect match for you? Below we have broken down their differences to help you pick your perfect Mavic companion.

Design

The Mavic Mini is DJI's lightest drone to date, weighing in at only 249 grams. When folded, the Mavic Mini measures 140×82×57 mm (L×W×H) and when unfolded 160×202×55 mm (L×W×H). Completely folded, the Mavic Mini can fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Design-wise, the Mavic Mini looks like a miniature version of the Mavic 2, but features a matte, light-grey colour.

The main attraction of the Mavic Mini's design is, of course, its weight, making it fall under the lowest weight class for drones in most countries. This is a huge accomplishment for DJI as it means most drone enthusiasts can fly the Mavic Mini without having to worry about regulations or restrictions.

The Mavic Air also features a fold-down design and is about the size of a Smartphone when completely folded. The drone weighs 430 grams, size-wise, being in between the Mavic Mini and Mavic 2. The drone itself features an aesthetically industrial look and comes in three different colours including black, white, and red. The drone also features small, foldable leg extensions that will raise the front of the aircraft approximately an inch off the ground.

The Mavic 2 series features both the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom which both feature identical aircraft but different cameras. Both drones feature a foldable design and when completely folded are about the size of a water bottle. The drones measure 214×91×84 mm (L×W×H) when folded and 322×242×84 mm (L×W×H) when unfolded. The Mavic 2 series features a dark, matte, grey colour and is the largest drone out of all the Mavics, though it is still extremely compact, portable, and easy to carry around in a backpack or case. Due to its bigger camera, the Mavic 2 Pro also weighs slightly more than the Mavic 2 Zoom.

Gimbal & Camera

Though the Mavic Mini is small it still features a powerful camera capable of capturing stunning aerial footage. The Mavic Mini can shoot 2.7k video at 30 fps and 12-megapixel stills with a 1/2.3 sensor. Though the Mavic Mini lacks 4k capabilities its camera is still excellent quality for the average user and its 3-Axis gimbal provides smooth, shake-free footage. The Mavic Mini can also only shoot in JPEG and MP4 files which could be a setback for those looking to invest in a drone for more professional endeavors.

The Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro feature powerful 3-Axis gimbal systems for smooth, stabilized footage and powerful cameras to take aerial footage to all new heights. The Mavic 2 Zoom is DJI's only consumer drone that can zoom in flight, able to shoot 2x lossless optical zoom from 24mm-48mm. The Mavic 2 Zoom's camera can capture 4K video at 30 fps, and 12-megapixel stills. Thanks to its zoom capabilities the drone also features unique shooting modes including Super Resolution, which enables the drone to stitch together a stunning 48-megapixel photo as well as Dolly Zoom, a cinematic effect that enables users to zoom in on a subject and distort the background outwards.

On the other hand, the Mavic 2 Pro features the highest quality camera out of all DJI's consumer drones. The drone features a Hasselblad camera capable of capturing 4K video at 30 fps and 20-megapixel stills with a 1-inch sensor, the largest sensor size of any consumer DJI drone. Thanks to its large sensor size images and video captured feature enhanced colour, light, and detail. In comparison to the Mavic 2 Zoom, the Mavic 2 Pro's camera will give professionals more control over their camera parameters, and more to work with in post-production.

FLIGHT PERFORMANCE

OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS

INTELLIGENT FLIGHT MODES

Out of all the Mavic's the Mavic Mini currently features the least amount of intelligent flight modes. Currently, the Mavic Mini features Return-To-Home, CineSmooth Mode, and four QuickShots modes including Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket. QuickShots enables users to capture stunning and dynamic footage with just a simple tap. With CineSmooth Mode, the speed and movement of the Mavic Mini will slow down for more control and ultra-smooth shots. Finally, Return-to-Home will enable the drone to return the the spot it was launched from with a tap of a button or when it detects that is has a weak signal or low battery. One noteworthy flight mode the Mavic Mini is missing is ActiveTrack, one of the most popular intelligent flight modes featured on DJI drones. This mode along with some of DJI's other popular modes like TapFly could be added to the Mavic Mini in future updates.

The Mavic Air features a full suite of DJI's signature flight modes like Point of Interest, ActiveTrack, Cinematic Mode, and TapFly, along with QuickShot Modes including Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Helix, Boomerang and Asteroid. With a large variety of intelligent modes to choose from, the Mavic Air will give users plenty of creative options to capture cinematic shots that take their footage to the next level.

The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom feature the most intelligent flight modes out of all the Mavic drones including TapFly, WayPoints, Point of Interest and Tripod Mode. The Mavic 2 also features an improved ActiveTrack 2.0, wherein the drone will create a 3D map of its environment to better track and predict the movement of the selected subject up to 3 seconds in the future. Additionally, the Mavic 2 features six QuickShot Modes including Boomerang, Circle, Rocket, Helix, Asteroid, and Dronie. A new flight mode is also featured on the Mavic 2 named Hyperlapse Mode. With Hyperlapse, with just the tap of a button users can capture stunning movements in time. The Mavic 2 Zoom additionally has two unique modes including Dolly Zoom wherein the camera will zoom in on a subject and pull away for a cinematic effect, as well as SuperResolution wherein the drone will stitch together a stunning 48-megapixel still.

Which Drone is Right for You?

For casual users or first-time flyers that are looking for a safe, easy-to-use drone without having to worry about government regulations the Mavic Mini is the ideal choice. With its long range and battery life, the drone delivers exceptional performance while still staying under the lowest weight class for drones in most countries. Although the drone lacks the ability to shoot in 4k its 2.7k 12-megapixel camera is perfect for the average user and will capture smooth, stabilized footage and stunning aerial stills. For any recreational or entry-level user the Mavic Mini is a perfect choice and comes with the freedom to fly without the worries of dealing with government regulations.

On the other hand the Mavic Air is the ideal drone for new users, travel enthusiasts or professionals who want a more budget-friendly drone that is a perfect balance of price, size, and performance. For users who seek a drone with 4K video and more intelligent flight mode options to play with the Mavic Air is a solid investment.

Finally, the Mavic 2 is the highest-end model out of all the Mavic drones and features powerful functions, more professional video capabilities, and extended range. The Mavic 2 Pro is perfect for more professional users including professional photographers and videographers, or even commercial users looking to take their first steps in the drone market and who need superior camera quality above all.

In comparison, Mavic 2 Zoom is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Mavic 2 Pro and ideal for those who want the ability to shoot more dynamic and creative shots, or who want to shoot footage without disturbing the surrounding environment. For those shooting in more remote areas or landscapes, the Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom are also both ideal due to their stronger OcuSync 2.0 system in comparison the Mavic Mini and Mavic Air's Enhanced Wifi systems.

In conclusion, between the Mavic Mini, Mavic Air, and Mavic 2, each Mavic provides users with powerful features and unique advantages to take their creativity to the next level. Whether you are new to the world of drones or seeking a drone that will take your business ventures to all new heights the Mavic series will give you safe, reliable, and powerful options to take to the skies.