DJI Mavic Air 2
1/2" 48MP CMOS sensor | 4K/60p video | 8K hyperlapse
What we like:
- 4K/60p video
- Small size
- Overall value for the price
What we don't:
- 8K hyperlapse requires a powerful computer
- No upward-looking obstacle avoidance
The Mavic Air 2 is a compact, mid-level foldable drone and is the first consumer-grade drone to offer 8K hyperlapse and 48MP photo capture. It was also the first model to be equipped with DJI's ADS-B, a technology that detects nearby crewed aircraft and alerts remote pilots of their proximity to the drone.
The Mavic Air 2 can fly at a speed up to 68 km/h (42 mph) in Sport mode, and a generous maximum 34-minute flight time will keep you in the air for a while. The Air 2 has obstacle avoidance sensors on the front, bottom and back of the aircraft. There aren't any sensors on the sides.
The Mavic Air 2 is ideal for those who aren't ready to spend money on a prosumer model but want something a more sophisticated than an entry-level drone.
The camera uses a 1/2" CMOS Quad Bayer sensor to capture both Raw and JPEG images at either 12MP or 48MP. It's mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, and the camera has a fixed-aperture F2.8 lens with an 84ยบ FOV. SmartPhoto mode, which uses computational photography techniques similar to those found on smartphones, is included and automatically integrates HDR capture, DJI's Hyperlight technology for low light photos, and scene recognition features for improved photos. You can capture panoramas as well.
This is the first drone in the Mavic series to capture 4K/60p video at 120 Mbps using the H.265 codec. HDR video can be captured at 4K/30p, while slow-motion footage can be captured at frame rates up to 1080/240p. The D-Cinelike color profile is included for more serious videographers.
The Mavic Air 2's remote is boxy but easy to hold. Attaching a smartphone on top can be a challenge. That said, you can easily access every critical feature you need to operate the aircraft. OcuSync 2.0 gives the drone a range of 10km (6.2 miles). FocusTrack, typically found on more advanced DJI drones, includes Active Track 3.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and Spotlight 2.0, and will help you track subjects and automate flights for professional-looking results.
This drone is ideal for those who aren't ready to spend money on a prosumer model but want something a bit more sophisticated than what an entry-level drone has to offer. Additionally, the 1/2" sensor provides better image quality than the 1/2.3" sensors found on many budget models. Overall, the Mavic Air 2 represents a good balance between features and affordability.
