DJI Mavic Air - Hands On Review

The DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone: A Comprehensive Review

As I hold the DJI Mavic Air 2 drone in my hands, it's clear that this is one of DJI's most impressive creations yet. What sets this drone apart from its predecessors is that it seems to have taken the best features from older models and packed them into a new machine. The design is remarkably similar to the Mavic Pro, with a hinged arm that allows for easy collapse and folding into an ultra-compact package. This makes it incredibly portable, making it easy to transport without sacrificing too much functionality.

One of the standout features of this drone is its physical controller, which is a welcome change from the virtual joysticks found on smartphones. The new controller is designed with portability in mind, featuring removable sticks that can be stored inside the controller itself. This small but significant improvement makes it even easier to fly without having to deal with annoying virtual interfaces.

Another notable feature of the Mavic Air 2 is its 4K camera. While it may not match the capabilities of some other drones, such as the Mavic Pro, it still delivers impressive results and is made possible by an innovative new gimbal design that's similar to the one found on DJI Spark. This clever stabilizer rig is also designed to be less prone to damage in the event of a crash.

But what truly sets the Mavic Air 2 apart from its competitors is its high-end obstacle avoidance system. While the Mavic Pro only has forward and downward vision, the Air 2 boasts forward, downward, and backward sensors that provide unparalleled protection for pilots. Additionally, DJI's new environmental awareness software allows the drone to build a virtual 3D map of its surroundings while in flight, giving it an enhanced sense of spatial awareness. While it may not have full 360-degree obstacle avoidance sensors on its sides, the Air 2 can still avoid obstacles to its right and left in certain situations.

The Mavic Air 2 also comes equipped with an impressive suite of intelligent flying modes. DJI's Active Track mode has been improved upon, making it even more effective at tracking subjects while avoiding obstacles. Additionally, there are new Quick Shot modes that make capturing cinematic shots a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these features will help you take your drone photography and videography to the next level.

In conclusion, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is an impressive piece of technology that delivers on almost every count. With its portable design, dedicated controller, 4K camera, obstacle avoidance system, and intelligent flying modes, it's hard not to be impressed by this drone's capabilities. And at just $800, it's an incredibly affordable option for anyone looking to upgrade their aerial photography or videography game.