GET AIRBORNE WITH THE NEW DJI MAVIC AIR 2
IT’S POSSIBLY THE only way you’ll be flying over the next few months. Drone-maker DJI has upgraded its popular Mavic Air consumer-level camera drone. DJI says the new Mavic Air 2 is “the smartest, safest and easiest-to-fly consumer drone to date”.The upgrades include a new and larger 1.27cm Quad Bayer CMOS sensor (giving 8K video resolution and 12MP stills), an extended flying time of up to 34 minutes, advanced programmable flight modes, and revamped autonomous capabilities.
The Mavic Air 2 is the first drone in the Mavic series to offer 4K video at 60fps (with a 120 Mbps bit rate) plus it can record HDR video, 4x slow motion in 1080p at 120fps or 8x slow motion in 1080p at 240fps. Stills are captured at 12MP and there’s a new higherresolution 48MP mode with either RAW or JPEG capture. The camera is mounted on a mechanical threeaxis gimbal which can tilt upwards by up to 24 degrees. The lens is equivalent to a 24mm, giving a wide angle-ofview of 84 degrees. A new SmartPhoto mode captures 12MP images using AI-based deep learning analysis of the scene, including a Hyperlight mode for shooting in low-light conditions, capturing multiple frames to help reduce noise levels. The AI analysis is capable of recognising five categories of scenes – sunsets, blue skies, grass, snow, and trees – to optimise the capture settings.
Weighing only 570g, the Mavic Air 2 features new motors, new electronic speed controllers (ESCs), enhanced battery technology and an aerodynamic designed to help extend the flight time. DJI’s proprietary OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology has been upgraded to deliver an extremely reliable and stable HD video feed from the drone at a maximum distance of 10km. OcuSync 2.0 supports both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands and uses an auto-switching feature to move between the two based on signal strength. Anti-interference technology blocks unwanted signals to keep the video feed clear.
Obstacle avoidance sensors are provided on the front, rear and bottom of the Mavic Air 2, and it also has auxiliary lights in its base to enable automatic landings in low light. The drone is equipped with DJI’s GEO ‘geofencing’ solution to help keep drones away from high-risk locations, such as busy airports. Additionally, the latest Advanced Pilot Assistance System 3.0 (APAS) uses 3D mapping to enable the Mavic Air 2 to chart a new path around, under or over an obstacle to avoid a collision.
The Mavic Air 2 is also DJI’s first consumer-level drone designed to include AirSense technology which warns of other aircraft nearby. AirSense uses aviation technology known as ADS-B to receive signals from nearby airplanes and helicopters, and displays their location on the drone pilot’s control screen. As these other aircraft approach the drone, AirSense will warn the drone pilot with messages, sounds and vibrations, so the drone can be flown safely away.
The Mavic Air 2 is available in two options – a standard package which includes the Mavic Air 2 aircraft, one battery, a remote controller and all the required wires and cables priced at $1,499, or the Fly More Combo which includes all items from the standard version along with a shoulder bag, ND filters, charging hub, and two extra batteries for $1,899.
The Mavic Air 2 is available through DJIauthorised camera retailers around Australia or via online purchase at https://crkphotoimaging.