DJI has just introduced two additions to its Mavic series: Mavic 2 Pro, and Mavic 2 Zoom. These two new additions usher in some big image capturing features in the familiar small form-factor of the popular Mavic Pro. The Mavic 2 Zoom boasts an industry-first optical zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro features an integrated Hasselblad camera. Both cameras capture 4K ultra-high definition video at a maximum bitrate of 100 megabits per second (using the H.265 compression codec). New Enhanced High Dynamic Range for still image capture boosts the native dynamic ranges of both models, taking the Mavic 2 Pro to 14 stops of dynamic range and the Mavic 2 Zoom up to 13 stops.

With Hasselblad's color science, the Mavic 2 Pro can capture 20-megapixel aerial shots with greater color accuracy.


Like its predecessor, the Mavic 2 incorporates the folding design of the Mavic Pro,  with revamped, gimbal-stabilized cameras and intelligent features like Hyperlapse and ActiveTrack. Featuring flight times of up to 31 minutes and a more stable video transmission system, Mavic 2 seems to offer improved versions of all the features that made Mavic Pro so popular, while also introducing some creative new features as well. 

DJI Introduces Mavic 2 Pro And Mavic 2 ZoomDJI Introduces Mavic 2 Pro And Mavic 2 ZoomCredit: DJI

Mavic 2 Pro with Integrated Hasselblad Camera

The Mavic 2 Pro is the world’s first drone with an integrated Hasselblad camera and is designed for outstanding image quality with superior light and color performance. At the heart of this new camera is a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile which allows the camera to capture dramatically more color information, providing for greater latitude and flexibility in post-production. With Hasselblad's color science, the Mavic 2 Pro can capture 20-megapixel aerial shots with greater color accuracy and with 4K 10-bit HDR support, it can be plugged into a 4K TV with HLG and will play back footage with the right color tones.

DJI Mavic 2 ZoomDJI Mavic 2 ZoomCredit: DJI

Mavic 2 Zoom: Integrated Optical and Digital Zoom

The Mavic 2 Zoom is powered by a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and is DJI’s first foldable consumer drone with zoom. This newly introduced feature provides a dynamic perspective that lets you get closer to your subject at a moment’s notice by combining two-times optical zoom (24-48mm) with two-times digital zoom to simulate a 96mm telephoto lens that captures lossless video in full HD resolution. Hybrid auto-focus on the Mavic 2 Zoom promises increased auto-focus speeds up to 40% faster than before. Natively capture 12-megapixel photos or take advantage of the new Super Resolution feature that leverages the new optical zoom to automatically capture and stitch nine photos together for a highly detailed 48-megapixel image. 

Dolly Zoom

Along with the new optical zoom comes a new QuickShot mode called Dolly Zoom that allows filmmakers to quickly emulate one of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous techniques by automatically zooming in on your chosen subject as it flies away, keeping the subject the same size while the full background of the scene is revealed.

Hyperlapse

The Mavic 2 features a new Hyperlapse mode that produces timelapses at the press of a button and allows you to create establishing shots that show the passing of time and can do so in several modes:

  • Free - pilots the drone manually while shooting a Hyperlapse video.
  • Circle - automatically flies the drone in a circular pattern around a subject you select to create a timelapse video that captures the action.
  • Course Lock - keeps the camera fixed on shooting subject while the drone flies in a straight direction to create a unique perspective.
  • Waypoint - plans a complex flight path based on both altitude and GPS coordinates to capture complex shots.

Active Track 2.0

Active Track is a feature designed to help you keep a moving subject in the frame and has been improved and introduced as ActiveTrack 2.0. This new version combines automatic tracking and obstacle avoidance for the first time in a DJI drone. It does this by using its main camera and the front dual vision cameras to create a three-dimensional map of the area in front of it. Then it uses new trajectory algorithms to analyze motion and predict the subject’s path up to three seconds in the future. When tracking a target, the Mavic 2 can recognize and avoid obstacles while shooting your target without interruption. It can stay on target—even if your subject momentarily goes behind an obstacle—and can track the subject at higher speeds of up to 44 mph (72 km/h).

 In all, this system has 10 sensors on all sides of the aircraft to automatically detect obstacles in its path and help prevent collisions. 

Safer, Smarter and More Stable Flight

The Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) introduced with the Mavic Air, is now available on Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro, giving you the ability to automatically fly around obstacles without stopping. In addition, the Mavic 2 has a Bottom Auxiliary Light that turns on automatically to ensure safe and precise landings in low-light situations. The Mavic 2 also delivers autonomous flight capabilities that help you capture shots with even more confidence in complex environments. A fully upgraded FlightAutonomy system transmits data to an improved central processor for more accurate obstacle sensing and safer flight. In all, this system has 10 sensors on all sides of the aircraft to automatically detect obstacles in its path and help prevent collisions. 

OcuSync 2.0

The OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system has gotten some enhancements as well and is reported to provide a more stable connection between the drone and its remote controller. With stronger interference resistance and auto-switching capabilities that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequency bands, it can stream 1080p video at a distance of up to 8km which lets you instantly edit and upload Full HD footage directly from the video cache in the DJI app while in the field. Original resolution JPEGS photos in JPEG can also be immediately shared. 

Extended Flight Time

The Mavic 2’s redesigned airframe is supposed to make the unit more aerodynamic than the Mavic Pro, allowing the Mavic 2 to fly at speeds of up to 44 mph (72 km/h) in Sport mode. In addition, Mavic 2 features more efficient noise reducing propellers, and a maximum flight time of up to 31 minutes. 

Redesigned Remote Control

A redesigned remote controller features detachable control sticks for ease of storage and portability. The Mavic 2 is also compatible with DJI Goggles and offers gimbal (yaw) control range up to -75°¬– +75° in Head Tracking mode, for an even more immersive FPV flight experience.

Price and Availability

The US retail price of a Mavic 2 Pro, including the drone, battery, remote controller, charger, and four pairs of propellers, is $1,499 USD. The US retail price of a Mavic 2 Zoom, including the drone, battery, charger, remote controller and four pairs of propellers, is $1,199 USD.

A Fly More Kit, including 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 $319 USD. A gimbal replacement service exclusively for Mavic 2, will be available soon.

Starting today, the Mavic 2 is available for purchase online and at the four DJI Flagship Stores. 

Source: DJI