Los Angeles, CA—DJI announced it ushered in a new era of aerial creativity with the launch of the DJI Mavic Air 2 drone. The consumer drone combines high-resolution imaging, intuitive flight performance and the company’s latest smart and safe technology. In fact, DJI says it is the “best all-around drone we’ve ever made.”
To make capturing high-quality content from the air simple, fun and safe, the Mavic Air 2 also offers flagship capabilities. Moreover, it does so in a compact folding drone that features 8K functionality. Its larger 1/2-inch camera sensor produces high-resolution photos and videos.
In addition, the drone’s advanced programmed flight modes, intelligent features and imaging technology aid in capturing professional-looking content. Furthermore, pilots can now fly it longer with enhanced flight time. The drone also features in-app editing.
“Mavic Air 2 is another milestone for DJI; it demonstrates that our smartest consumer drone does not have to be the largest,” said DJI’s president, Roger Luo. “While the Mavic Air 2 bears all the hallmarks of the Mavic drone family, we had to completely rethink its design and development process. Our goal was to create a drone that offered the best overall experience possible to even the most novice pilot. We hope our drones can help boost creativity and become a fun yet educational experience that can be enjoyed, even at this unprecedented moment in history.”
DJI Mavic Air 2 Key Features
No matter the pilot’s skill level, the compact, foldable Mavic Air 2’s features and technology are meant to appeal to creative visionaries. It is the first drone in the Mavic series to offer 4K video at 60 frames per sec and 120 Mbps. In addition, users can record content using HDR video; 4x slow motion in 1080p at 120 fps; or 8x slow motion in 1080p at 240 fps.
Pilots can also record 12-megapixel still images or choose a new high-resolution 48-megapixel feature while a mechanical 3-axis gimbal compensates for camera shake. Taking advantage of its large Quad Bayer 1/2-inch sensor, the Mavic Air 2 has a suite of image capture modes. The newly added SmartPhoto mode records 12MP photos using advanced scene analysis and deep learning to automatically choose one of three image capture options.
These options include HDR photos. The drone automatically captures seven varying exposures of the same photograph, merging them together to bring out a highly dynamic image. The second option is Hyperlight, which is designed for low-light scenarios; it takes multiple photographs and merges them to bring out a clear image with less noise in low light. Finally, in scene recognition mode, the drone recognizes five categories of scenes: sunsets, blue skies, grass, snow and trees. Moreover, based on this, it optimizes settings to bring out the highest degree of color, detail and tones.
Enhanced Flight Performance
What’s more, with the Mavic Air 2, DJI rebuilt the basics of drone flight. Despite only weighing as much as a small water bottle at 20 ounces, the drone employs new motors; new electronic speed controllers (ESCs); enhanced battery technology; as well as an aerodynamic design that provides a 34-minute maximum flight time.
In addition, DJI’s proprietary OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology was upgraded to deliver a more reliable and stable HD video feed at more than 6 miles. OcuSync 2.0 supports 2.4GHz as well as 5.8GHz frequency bands; it uses an auto-switching feature to move between the two based on signal strength, while anti-interference technology blocks unwanted signals to keep the video feed clear.
Upgraded Safety Features
The Mavic Air 2 also incorporates new safety features. Obstacle sensors on the front and rear warn pilots when they’re too close to an object. Pilots can also set them to stop the drone from moving any closer to avoid collision. Additional sensors and lights on the drone’s bottom assist with several functions, including smooth, automatic landing in difficult light. Moreover, the drone uses DJI’s geofencing solution to keep it away from the highest-risk locations, such as busy airports.
“DJI has an unwavering commitment to enhance drone safety with technology; the Mavic Air 2 implements yet another pioneering safety solution for drone operations,” said Brendan Schulman, vice president of Policy & Legal Affairs. “Our ambitious commitment to installing ADS-B in our new product models means the Mavic Air 2 is the world’s largest single deployment of ADS-B receiver technology; fulfilling and furthering our vision as the industry’s leader on voluntary safety efforts.”
In addition, Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 3.0 technology brings next-level autonomous flying to DJI drones. When users enable APAS 3.0, as obstacles come into the drone’s path, it creates a new path around, under or over the object. This gives pilots the confidence to fly in more complex situations while focusing on capturing their ideal images. Further, using 3D mapping, the updated version aids in smooth transitions and more fluid movements around objects.
True to DJI’s 10-point Elevating Safety vision published last year, Mavic Air 2 is also DJI’s first consumer drone to integrate AirSense technology. It provides enhanced safety by warning drone pilots of nearby aircraft. AirSense uses ADS-B aviation technology to receive signals from nearby airplanes and helicopters. Subsequently, it displays their location on the pilot’s control screen. As other aircraft approach, AirSense warns the pilot with messages, sounds and vibrations.
Intelligent Features
The Mavic Air 2 also has optimized intelligent features to enable users to quickly and easily record images. FocusTrack is the most advanced tracking feature on any DJI drone. It offers three different capture modes:
- ActiveTrack 3.0: Select a subject for the Mavic Air 2 to automatically follow. The third iteration of ActiveTrack uses mapping technology and new flight path algorithms for improved subject tracking and obstacle avoidance. It can also quickly reengage the subject if it temporarily moves behind an object.
- Point of Interest 3.0: It sets an automated flight path around a specific subject. The updated iteration also improves surface recognition to better track subjects.
- Spotlight 2.0: Found in professional DJI drones, it locks a subject in the frame while pilots have free operation of the drone’s movement.
In addition, a hyperlapse feature brings the visual appeal of time lapse but with the added element of the drone physically moving. For the first time, hyperlapse is shot in 8K resolution, and pilots can choose four flight modes. They include free movement; circle; CourseLock; and WayPoints.
Conversely, pilots can choose from preprogrammed flight maneuvers known as QuickShots. They utilize the 3-axis mechanical gimbal and electronic image stabilization. Preprogrammed maneuvers include rocket, circle, dronie, helix, boomerang and asteroid.
Updated DJI Fly App
DJI also updated its DJI Fly app, adding more functionality for the Mavic Air 2. Tutorials get users familiarized with the drone, and in-app editing features make the app an all-in-one tool to edit and adjust captured footage.
As Covid-19 has introduced new complexities for global shipping, the Mavic Air 2 initially retailed only in China. Preordered drones in other regions began shipping mid-May.
Mavic Air 2 is offered in two purchasing options. A standard package includes the Mavic Air 2; one battery; a remote controller; as well as the required wires and cables. It retails for $799.
Secondly, the Fly More option includes all the items from the standard version as well as a shoulder bag, ND filters, a charging hub and three batteries. It sells for $988.
In addition, DJI supports the Mavic Air 2 with additional accessories: a shoulder bag; ND filter sets; propeller guards; a protective case; a tablet holder for the controller; and also a monitor hood.
