DJI Mavic Air 2
May 2020
Release DateThe DJI Mavic Air 2 is the first “air” to look like a Mavic drone. It’s the perfect midway between the Mini and larger Mavic 2 series, with a great camera and huge flight time.
Description
The DJI Mavic Air 2 drone is more than just a successor to the original Mavic Air, it’s more of a transition from its own form-factor into a true Mavic drone. The Mavic Air 2 maintains its place as a mid-tier drone in DJI’s lineup. In terms of size, price, and capability, the Mavic Air 2 sits almost perfectly in between the Mavic Mini and the Mavic 2 series drones.
In the same way that the Mavic Air stepped up the camera game for small drones, the Mavic Air 2 is an exciting update in the camera department as well. You’re looking at a new 1/2-inch sensor that shoots 12MP stills, but does so from a 48MP sensor! You can capture 48MP stills as well, but the 12MP shots are better, using pixel binning managed by Quad Bayer technology. Photos are great, but the new 4K video capture at 60fps, and a data bit rate of 120Mbps, are more exciting to many users.
Check out the DJI Mavic Air 2 for a starting price of $799 for the base package, $988 for the Fly More combo at launch in May 2020.
Related reading: The best DJI Mavic Air 2 accessories
DJI Mavic Air 2 overview
DJI has included Ocusync 2.0 connectivity, with impressive new range, and the Mavic Air 2 is the first consumer-class drone to offer an ADS-B receiver.
Once you put this drone into the sky, you’ll enjoy APAS 3.0 flight assist in the numerous self-piloting functions, and you’ll be up there for up to 34 minutes, as DJI has included their full suite of power management tweaks and high-performance propellers.
The Mavic Air 2 is a little bit smaller than the more expensive Mavic drones. In fact, it measures almost exactly halfway in between the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic Mini. That comparison does not stop there, as the Mavic Air 2 is roughly the in-between weight and price of those two as well. DJI obviously had a plan with this new machine.
Is the DJI Mavic Air 2 any good?
The Mavic Air 2 balances form and function. The initial Mavic Air was ideal for packing down and taking on the go. The Mavic Air 2 is less portable, but still easier to pack than the Mavic Pro or Mavic 2 drones. The trick here is that there is no compromise in the camera or flight for the reduced size and weight.
The Mavic Air 2 feels like the most responsive drone that DJI has produced. Its rated top speed is no different than the larger Mavic drones, but it has an acceleration rate that you need to be aware of if flying in tight places. If you jam on the sticks, the drone will be gone in that direction at full speed before you can look up from the controller.
The Mavic Air 2 is good, but there are a few compromises to consider. First, the lack of sideways obstacle avoidance is a downgrade from other offerings on the market. Admitting that this is more of a premium feature is to admit that the Mavic Air 2 is not a premium drone. It’s one of the very best consumer-grade drones, but not quite premium.
DJI Mavic Air 2 prices
| DJI Mavic Air 2 for $799 | DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More combo for $998 |
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Specifications
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