Seeing the bigger picture
> The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom collapsible drones add a whole new dimension to taking dramatic shots
TWO YEARS after the first Mavic drone was launched in the Malaysian market, civilian drone maker DJI recently unveiled two new iterations of the model – the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom collapsible drones – which come with intelligent features like Hyperlapse and ActiveTrack, as well as a flight time of up to 31 minutes.
The Mavic 2 Pro is touted as the world’s first drone with an integrated Hasselblad camera, while the Mavic 2 Zoom is the world’s first drone of its kind with optical zoom.
The main difference between the two is in the cameras. The differences in the quality of photos and videos taken using the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom are visible.
The Mavic 2 Pro’s camera has a 1in 20MP CMOS sensor that can capture video in 4K 10-bit HDR. However, the Mavic 2 Zoom gives users a level of flexibility never before seen in a drone like this.
Within the camera is a 1/2.3in CMOS sensor paired with a 2448mm optical zoom lens that simulates a 96mm telephoto lens.
This means that the Mavic 2 Zoom can take 12MP images from a distance.
It is also the only one to feature the new Dolly Zoom QuickShot mode. This mode lets users take dramatic-looking videos.
The effect is achieved with the drone flying backwards while simultaneously zooming in.
Additionally, for the avid videographer, both cameras on the Mavic 2 capture vivid 4K ultra-high definition video with extreme detail, recording at a maximum bit-rate of 100 megabits per second using the H.265 compression codec.
For the photographer, the new Enhanced High Dynamic Range capabilities blend a sequence of photos for ghostfree high dynamic range, giving the Mavic 2 Pro 14 stops of dynamic range, and the Mavic 2 Zoom up to 13 stops.
According to DJI global director of communication Kevin On, the camera on the Mavic 2 can be swapped out (only authorised DJI technicians should do this), but adds the batteries on the Mavic 2 are not interchangeable with previous Mavic models.
Nevertheless, the Mavic 2 is equipped with some of the most advanced safety and flight features DJI has to offer.
Ten sensors on the drone combined with an improved Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) allows the drone to analyse its surroundings and automatically fly around obstacles without stopping.
When it comes to the design of the remote control itself, one of the innovations introduced with the Mavic 2 is the removable thumbstick which makes the controller more pocketable.
A newly-designed OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system enables a more stable connection between the drone and its remote controller.
The drones can also be controlled via mobile apps, and there is a concern about differences between the iOS version and the Android version.
On said that designing the app for Android was a challenge because of the many SKUs. On the other hand, iOS devices are standardised and are limited to variations.
However, users who pick up a Mavic 2 should not see a difference, he added.
On explained that the Mavic 2 is engineered to be the best it can be. It is up to users to find creative use for the drone, whether for recreation or work.
The Mavic 2 Pro, inclusive of the drone, battery, remote controller, charger, and four pairs of propellers, retails for RM6,599 (including SST)
Meanwhile, the Mavic 2 Zoom, inclusive of the drone, battery, charger, remote controller and four pairs of propellers, retails for RM5,699 (including SST).
A Fly More Kit, which comes with two additional batteries, a multi-battery charging hub, a car charger, a battery to power bank adapter, two pairs of propellers, and a carrying bag, retails at RM1,399 (including SST).
A gimbal replacement service, exclusively for Mavic 2, will be available at a later date.
The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom will be available soon through DJI’s authorised sales channels including all ECS Astar authorised dealers as well as Lazada.