With the release of DJI’s new Mavic Mini 2, we’re taking another look at the Mavic consumer drone lineup to help you decide which of these models best suits your needs. From the lightweight DJI Mini 2 to the balanced Mavic Air 2 to the powerful DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, each model has its own unique benefits to choose from. Here’s everything you need to know about these DJI consumer drones:
All 3 of these Mavic models have similar-looking designs, each with a signature matte, light-grey color.
The DJI Mini 2 is the smallest of these drones (and of all DJI drones), with a weight of only 249 grams. This weighs in at under the 250g weight limit set by Transport Canada, meaning it doesn’t require a license or registration to fly. This can be a huge advantage for beginners who are looking for something small and easy to get started with. It’s also incredibly easy to transport as it easily fits in the palm of your hand once completely folded.
Weight: 249 Grams
Folded: 140×82×57 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded: 160×202×55 mm (L×W×H)
Weight: 570 g
Folded: 180×97×84 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded: 183×253×77 mm (L×W×H)
Weight: Mavic 2 Pro 907 g | Mavic 2 Zoom 905 g
Folded: 214×91×84 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded: 322×242×84 mm (L×W×H)
The DJI Mavic Air 2 has a weight of 570g, which is a decent middle of the road choice between the Mini 2 and the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom. Because of its heavier weight and larger design, the Mavic Air 2 can incorporate more high-tech features without upping the price too drastically. The DJI Mavic Air 2 also has a measurement of 180x97x84 mm (LxWxH) when folded and a measurement of 183x253x77 mm (LxWxH) when unfolded. This means that you can easily fold the Mavic Air 2 down to fit within a small bag or case when traveling, as it has the surface area of a large smartphone when completely folded.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Zoom both weigh 907g and 905g respectively, making them the heaviest options of these consumer drones, but also including the most advanced features. Their weight differs slightly due to the different cameras that each model possesses, but their design is almost identical. They both have a measurement of 214x91x84 mm (LxWxH) when folded and a measurement of 322x242x84 mm (LxWxH) when unfolded. Although they are the biggest of the consumer DJI drones, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom can both easily be carried around in a backpack without any difficulty.
The Mavic Mini 2 comes with a 3-axis gimbal and an upgraded camera from the earlier Mavic Mini. The DJI Mini 2 can now shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and 12-megapixel photos in both jpeg and DNG raw format. In addition to its brand new 4K video capability, the Mini 2 has 4x digital zoom capabilities (when shooting in 1080p). This is more than enough for most amateur photographers and videographers, giving you high-quality, smooth footage at an affordable price. However, those looking for more professional level photography may want to choose one of the other models.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 features the same stabilized 3-axis gimbal system that guarantees shake-free footage, although its camera is much more advanced. The Mavic Air 2 can shoot 4K video at 60 fps and features a ½ CMOS sensor that can capture 48-megapixel stills, giving you much greater quality than the Mini 2. The DJI Mavic Air 2 also gives you more options for formatting footage, with the ability to shoot in jpeg, DNG raw, MP4, and MOV formats. If you’re a semi-professional or a recreational user who’s willing to spend more for a better quality camera, the Mavic Air 2 is an excellent option.
Both the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and DJI Mavic 2 Pro systems have the same stabilized 3-axis gimbal system as the other models, but each comes with a very different camera. The Mavic 2 Zoom is unique in that it has extraordinary zoom capabilities, supporting 2x lossless optical zoom from 24mm-48mm while in flight. This zoom feature provides it with shooting modes such as Super Resolution, which stitches together multiple photos to provide one outstanding 48-megapixel photo. It also has the unique Dolly Zoom effect, a Hitchcock-like effect that zooms in on a subject while distorting the background of the image outwards.
Both the Zoom and the Pro can capture 4K video at 30 fps, but while the Zoom can only capture 12-megapixel stills, the Pro can capture 20-megapixel stills thanks to its 1-inch sensor. This sensor enhances the color, light, and detail of a photo, as well as giving users the ability to control camera parameters for easier post-production. If you’re looking for a consumer drone with the highest quality camera and you’re less concerned about optical zoom, you can’t do better than the DJI Mavic 2 Pro.
The DJI Mini 2 has a maximum flight time of 31 minutes and an upgraded range of 10km, giving you the ability to take your time shooting photos without worrying about running out of battery or going too far out of range. It’s also built to withstand winds up to 37.8 km/h and fly as fast as 57.6 km/h, making it a uniquely tough and fast drone for its small size. Its upgraded OcuSync 2.0 transmission system features 2.4/5.8 GHz auto-switching, which cuts through interference and signal fading to ensure a stable connection and smooth video downlink. Thanks to the upgrades made to the Mini 2 since the Mavic Mini, this drone is no longer far behind the other consumer drones when it comes to flight performance.
The Mavic Air 2 features the same 10km video transmission range and OcuSync 2.0 transmission system as the DJI Mini 2, although it has a faster speed of 64 km/h and a longer flight time of 34 minutes. Its wind resistance is roughly the same as the Mini 2, although whereas the Mini 2 should not be used in temperatures below 0°C, the Mavic Air 2 can go as low as -10°C. The biggest advantage of the Mavic Air 2 in terms of flight performance is its ability to fly slightly longer and faster in colder environments, so if that’s a gamechanger for you, then the Mavic Air 2 will be your best option.
Both the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and DJI Mavic 2 Pro have a flight time of 31 minutes and a range of up to 8km. This range is slightly shorter than both the Mavic Mini 2 and the Mavic Air 2, but all three models use the OcuSync 2.0 transmission system for stable, long-range video transmission. The Mavic 2 series drones have the same wind resistance as the other two models and the same temperature range as the Mavic Air 2, but they are the fastest as they can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h in S-Mode.
The DJI Mini 2 has several intelligent flight modes that help beginners and experts alike operate the aircraft. Smart Return to Home automatically starts the drone’s flight back to its home point, while automatic takeoff and precision hovering help make operation more streamlined than ever. The intelligent flight modes that really shine on the Mavic Mini 2 are the QuickShot modes, which allow you to capture dynamic videos with the touch of a button. Choose from modes such as Dronie, Helix, Circle, Rocket, and Boomerang to create share-worthy videos for social media.
The Mavic Air 2 has a range of intelligent flight modes that make it even easier to fly the aircraft and shoot footage. It features the same five QuickShot modes as the Mini 2 as well as a sixth Asteroid mode. It also includes ActiveTrack 3.0 and Point of Interest mode to help track subjects while filming, and Spotlight 2.0 to lock the camera onto a subject while flying it freely. Hyperlapse mode is another cool feature of the Mavic Air 2, allowing you to create complex shots without needing to go through post-processing. If you need an aircraft that’s more intelligent when it comes to tracking and filming, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is a worthy step up from the Mini 2.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Zoom both support all six QuickShot modes as well as Point of Interest and Hyperlapse. Both models do feature ActiveTrack 2.0, which is an earlier edition than the one featured on the Mavic Air 2. However, they support additional features such as Waypoints and Tripod Mode with the addition of the TapFly feature. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom also features the special DollyZoom and SuperResolution modes thanks to its zoom capabilities.
The drone you choose will depend upon your specific needs as well as your budget. The DJI Mini 2 is the cheapest model at only $569, and is perfect for beginners or recreational users who are looking to dip their feet into the world of drones. It can help you capture cool selfies and landscape videos to share on social media while providing you with a fun recreational activity.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is double the price at $1079, but it comes with many more intelligent flight modes and a powerful camera that make it a worthy upgrade for semi-professional photographers. It’s also an excellent middle of the road option, giving you the best value for money in terms of size and performance. If you’re a beginner looking for something a bit more powerful than the Mini 2 or a professional looking for a good deal, the Mavic Air 2 is well worth the money.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is the most expensive model at $2019, but it gives you the most powerful performance of all the options. If you want the best camera and flight capabilities that money can offer, you can’t do better than the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is slightly cheaper at $1839, and is perfect for anyone who values zoom capabilities. However, it may be a better deal to get the Mavic Air2.
The DJI Mavic drones are some of the best consumer drones on the market, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Only you can decide what you want out of your drone and which of these drones will take you where you want to go.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.