DJI Mavic 2 Pro
20MP, 1"-type CMOS sensor | 4K/30p video | 31-minute flight time
What we like:
- Outstanding image quality
- 10-bit DLog-M gamma for video
- Dual controller support
What we don't:
- Best 4K video comes from cropped region of sensor
- No 4K/60p video
- Extra batteries are expensive
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a compact and foldable prosumer drone suitable for travel but features a camera and other features that will appeal to professional pilots. It's the first and only DJI product to date that incorporates Hasselblad's Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology. It's light enough to carry around and contains enough bulk to withstand higher wind speeds and other challenging elements.
The drone can fly at speeds up to 70.8 km/h (44 mph) in Sport mode and remain in the air for a maximum of 31 minutes. A total of 10 obstacle avoidance sensors are located on the front, back, and each side of the aircraft, enabling it to detect obstacles in all directions. DJI's APAS technology allows the drone to see and fly around objects when flying forwards or backward, though it's not as effective as newer versions.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a compact and foldable prosumer drone suitable for travel but features a camera and other features that will appeal to professional pilots.
The camera uses a large 20MP, 1"-type CMOS sensor and has a 24mm equivalent lens with a variable F2.8-11 aperture range, delivering a 77º FOV. Hasselblad's HNCS provides increased color accuracy, and photos can be captured as either JPEG or Raw files. You can capture HDR images as well as Sphere, 180º, Vertical, and Horizontal panoramas. Burst shooting, Interval, and AEB are also available.
For video, the Mavic 2 Pro offers a 10-bit DLog-M color profile and 4K 10-bit HDR support. It captures up to 4K/30p, 2.7K/60p and 1080p/120p resolutions using either H.264 or H.265 codecs up to 100Mbps. However, to get the best quality 4K video you need to shoot with a center crop of the sensor which results in narrower 55° FOV. Noticeably missing are the 4K DCI format and support for 4K/60p recording.
The remote controller has a built-in LCD screen that keeps you updated on critical data, including battery life and flight mode. Dual remote controller mode allows one person to fly the drone while another controls the camera. For those not interested in attaching their smartphone to the bottom of the remote, the drone is compatible with DJI's Smart Controller. In addition to Intelligent Flight modes, hyperlapses can be captured. OcuSync 2.0 gives it a range of up to 8 km (5 miles).
The Mavic 2 Pro is a very capable portable drone that will appeal to both enthusiast and professional users. It features superior color and image quality, up to 4 stops higher than the Mavic Pro, and offers Intelligent Flight Modes and additional obstacle avoidance sensors that allow pilots to easily capture and create sophisticated footage and effects. However, videographers needing the best 4K quality while maintaining a wide FOV, or 4K/60p recording, may wish to research other options.
