A Buyer’s Guide To The DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom
Last month, DJI released the much anticipated next generation Mavic drones: the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, and the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. These models come with the latest cutting-edge technology, an abundance of aerial photography/videography features and is now one of the most powerful, foldable drones on the consumer market.
You may be wondering, should I upgrade? Is this the drone for me?
Below is a quick primer for pilots and enthusiasts thinking about upgrading/purchasing DJI’s most powerful consumer drone to date. We’ll run down the latest new features, the key differences that differentiate the Pro and the Zoom, and list a few important accessories that can help you harness the potential of these drones.
Image Source: DJI
What’s New?
Better vision to avoid collisions
The Mavic 2 drones have significantly improved collision avoidance systems. While original Mavic models could only see what was in front and beneath them, the Pro and Zoom can “see” all possible directions with the help of optical cameras installed all around the body of the drone and an infrared sensor installed on top of the drone, allowing pilots lift off the ground better. Please note, the side sensors only operate in Active Track of tripod mode.
This new system of cameras and sensors also means the drones support DJI’s Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS), which automatically maneuvers the drone through obstacles without stopping. The Mavic 2 drones also have a landing assistance system called the Bottom Auxiliary Light that guides the aids during descent in dark areas. Please note, all sensors are disabled in SPORT mode.
Less buzz, more power
When we think of drones, we often think of powerful machines gliding quietly through the air. Yet, most drones sound like a hive of bees, dashing any hopes of capturing sensitive footage like wildlife in their natural habitat or mellow picnics by the beach.
Thanks to noise-cancelling propellers and a new set of internal speed controllers, the Mavic 2 performed just as well than the Mavic Pro Platinum in real world testing, which is around a 60% noise power reduction compared to the original Mavic Pro.
Fly longer and faster...
One of the Mavic 2’s greatest improvement is battery life. At a flight time of 31 minutes, the new Mavic 2 can stay in the air a full 4 minutes longer than older models. This is extremely impressive with the introduction of new omni-directional sensing, more powerful cameras and a higher top speed. The Fly More Kit’s two extra batteries just about ensures pilots get all the time they need to get the perfect shot.
There are no drastic changes from the design of the first Mavic Pro and the two new Mavic 2 models. The only noticeable difference are the smoother edges of the new drones’ bodies, which helps reduce drag by 19%, allowing the new drone to fly more efficiently and faster compared to the old Mavic. The Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom have a max speed of 72 kph, compared to the Mavic’s 65 kph.
...at a crisper resolution
Both the Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom can shoot ultra-crisp 4k videos at a bit rate of 100 Mbps, a significant improvement from the original Mavic’s 60 Mbps. The Mavic 2 Pro being capable of 4K 10-bit HDR and a H.265 codec which maintains over 50% more information compared to the H.264 codec.
What’s Different?
Price Point
The Mavic 2 Pro comes in at AU$2,499, while the Mavic 2 Zoom is priced at a slightly lower AU$1,999.
Camera
The Mavic 2 Pro is equipped with a one-inch Hasselblad L1D-20c, bringing the power and unparalleled image quality of Hasselblad cameras to compact consumer drones for the very first time. The Mavic 2 Pro has a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor opposed to the 12-megapixel sensor 1/2.3-inch for the Mavic 2 Zoom.
The Mavic 2 Zoom, although packed with a slightly less powerful camera than the Hasselblad, is equipped exclusively with the 24-48mm Optical Zoom Camera. True to its name, the Zoom has 2x optical zoom, and can shoot 4x lossless zoom videos in FHD.
The Mavic 2 drones come with a variety of effects, such as Hyper lapse, but only the Mavic 2 Zoom comes with the dolly zoom. The dolly zoom is a popular cinematic technique used to create the illusion of widening or narrowing the background, whilst the subject stays the same size.
Colour Accuracy
The Mavic 2 Pro boasts quadruple the color performance of its predecessor thanks to the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution. This allows the drone to accurately capture and render nearly a billion colors and hues.
Accessories
Mavic 2 Fly More Kit
Mavic 2 Fly More Kit is available at AU$649. The kit includes two extra batteries, a charging hub, car charger, low-noise propellers, an adaptor that can turn your batteries into power banks, and a shoulder bag to pack all your gear into.
Extra Batteries
In case you opt out of purchasing the Fly More Kit but want extra batteries, you can grab a Mavic 2 Intelligent Flight Battery for AU$239.
Mavic 2 Protector Case
If you’re looking for a sturdier container for your Mavic 2 and its accessories, you can opt to get a Mavic 2 Protector Case . The case is IP67-rated, which means that the case is sealed tight against dust, and can withstand being immersed in waters between 15 cm and 1 meter deep. The case retails for AU$149.
Protectors for moving parts
Each Mavic 2 drone is an assemblage of many sensitive parts that can get damaged by dust, water, and just plain wear-and-tear. In the event you lose the gimbal protector, you can grab them here Pro and Zoom and also propeller guards when flying in close proximity to objects.
Mavic 2 Pro ND Filters
The Mavic 2 Pro’s ND Filters set comes with four neutral density (ND) filters: ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32. Each filter blocks a different amount of light (the higher the number, the darker the filter is) that reaches the sensor, giving drone pilots the ability to take day time long exposures, avoiding over exposure and is a necessity to get the smoothest video footage. (Following the general rule of your shutter speed being 1/twice your frame rate). The set sells for AU$139.
Insurance
Even the most careful drone pilots can get into accidents--expensive accidents. For AU$169, DJI Care Refresh for the Mavic 2 insurance packages gives pilots the peace of mind to fly freely. The plan for the Mavic 2 covers water damage, collisions, gimbal replacement, and for a small excess fee, can offer up to two replacement units or two repairs, depending on the severity of damage. Priority support is also be given to plan holders with their VIP service.