Thanks to DJI, we’ll be taking a quick look at their latest consumer drone – the Mavic Air. This ultraportable drone is compact, light-weight, foldable and offers 4K recording at 30fps. In terms of placement, it sits somewhere between the slightly larger Mavic Pro and the smaller DJI Spark.
Last year, DJI was kind enough to loan us the Mavic Pro and the Spark to review. Both were excellent drones. Personally, I prefer the smaller Spark for selfies and vlogging (1080p max), while my senior editor, Wing preferred the larger Mavic Pro for more scenic and aerial shots (native 4K).
To many people, the DJI Spark was classed as a “selfie” drone, but I wanted it to do more. Things like the ability to record 4K video, and to cover a larger distance and range. I also wanted 3-axis gimbal and longer flight time … is that too much to ask? I guess not … because DJI have answered my prayers with the Mavic Air!
With the Mavic Air, I can now do all of the above, with a drone that’s both compact in size and light-weight.
Here’s a little blurb taken from DJI’s website …
Creativity is at the heart of every dream. Every idea, every groundbreaking leap that changes our world starts with the vision of talented creators. At DJI, we give these creators the tools they need to bring their ideas to life.
Our platforms empower them to capture images that were once out of reach. Our flying and camera stabilization systems redefine camera placement and motion. Amazing photos and video, treasured personal memories, and high-end professional imagery are captured every day, in every corner of the world using DJI products.
DJI technology does more than simply enable creators. We push visionaries to go beyond the limits of what is thought possible, inspiring them to inspire the world.
Headquartered in Shenzhen, widely considered China’s Silicon Valley, DJI benefits from direct access to the suppliers, raw materials, and young, creative talent pool necessary for sustained success. Drawing on these resources, we have grown from a single small office in 2006 to a global workforce.Our offices can now be found in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. As a privately owned and operated company, DJI focuses on our own vision, supporting creative, commercial, and nonprofit applications of our technology.
Here’s a comparison table between the three different drones we’ve looked at.
| Features | DJI Mavic Pro | DJI Mavic Air |
DJI Spark |
| Weight | 734g (1.62 lbs) | 430g | 300g |
| Dimensions (mm) | 83(H) x 83(W) x 198(L) | 64(H) ×184(W) x 168(L) | 55(H) x 143(W) x 143(L) |
| Battery Life (flight time) | 21 mins | 21 mins | 16 mins |
| Video recording | Native 4K @ 24/25/30 fps | 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 24/25/30p | FHD 1080p @ 30 fps |
| Max range/Distance | 8 Miles (16km) | 6.2 Miles (10 km) | 1.6 Miles (2km) |
| Max height | 5000 m | 5000m | 4000 m |
| Max speed | 40 mph | 42.5 mph | 31 mph |
| Gimbal | 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw) | 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw) | 2-axis (pitch, roll) |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4/5.8GHz | 2.4/5.8GHz | 2.4/5.8GHz |
| Camera | 12.71 megapixel | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
From the comparison table above, you can see that the DJI Mavic Air is almost identical to the Mavic Pro in terms of features, except it’s smaller and lighter. If you ask me to choose between the Mavic Pro, Mavic Air and Spark, I would most definitely choose the Mavic Air. I really like the compact size. You can literally put it in your pocket and GO anywhere!
This is the ultraportable drone I’ve been waiting for … I can’t wait to test the Mavic Air! First, we’ll be do a quick unboxing. Then, we’ll set up the drone, and start flying and recording the video footage.
Let’s start the review with the overview and specifications of the DJI Mavic Air …
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Buy now …
- Buy the DJI Mavic Air
(Fly More Combo $999) from Amazon – http://amzn.to/2FHECtG
- Buy the DJI Mavic Pro (Fly More Combo $1,299)
from Amazon – http://amzn.to/2wk4kBq
- Buy the DJI Spark
(Fly More Combo $689) from Amazon – http://amzn.to/2xzWQZI
