Mavic Air vs Mavic Air 2 – Check What Made Mavic Air 2 Best!
Mavic Air and Mavic Air 2 both have impressive features. but for better quality and performance I would say to pick Mavic Air 2.
Why you should pick Mavic Air 2?
- Mavic Air 2 can fly up to 34 minutes, while Mavic Air can fly for 21 minutes. So, Mavic Air 2’s extra flying time ensures perfect capture with impressive battery life.
- It can capture impressive 48MP photos, but Mavic Air can capture 12MP images only. Even, Air 2 has a unique Quad Bayer image sensor feature that gives incredible HDR video; unfortunately, this is missing in Mavic Air.
- Mavic Air 2 has three-direction obstacle sensing to make it convenient for beginners; also, it increases safety and reduces accidents for the device. While the Mavic Air has two-direction obstacle sensing.
- Air 2’s video transmission distance is up to 6.2mi or 10 km from where it can deliver a 1080p FHD resolution live stream directly from the drone’s camera. In contrast, Mavic Air can transmit video up to 2.48mi or 4 km only.
- Mavic Air 2 consists of three different focus modes: Spotlight 2.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and ActiveTrack 3.0. On the other hand, Mavic Air doesn’t contain the focus mode at all.
Mavic Air 2 is designed with those excellent features to ensure better performance than its rival device. Hence, Air 2 is also an upgraded version.
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Similar Features in Mavic Air vs Mavic Air 2
- They have the same 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor that helps to shoot amazing images or videos.
- They have 3-axis stabilization so that the devices can capture better photos even in strong motion or movement.
- Mavic Air and Mavic Air 2 use the same 4K Ultra HD; 2.7K video resolution, so both drones are able to provide high-quality shots.
- Both provide gestures, mobile devices, as well as remote control modes for easy control.
- DJI Mavic Air and Mavic Air 2 provide a one-year warranty that will cover any defects; also, you can replace them.
Both drones contain all these similar features but Mavic Air 2’s advanced functions made it the best pick here. If still want to pick Mavic Air then you can follow your preference.
Quick Comparison: Mavic Air vs Mavic Air 2
| Specification | Mavic Air | Mavic Air 2 |
| Editor’s Rating | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Max Flight Time | 21 minutes | 34 min |
| Camera | 12MP | 48 MP |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3” CMOS | 1/2″ CMOS |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Max Video Bitrate | 100Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| Focus Mode | No | Yes |
| Max Image Transmission | 2.5 miles | 6.2 miles |
| App | DJI GO 4 | DJI Fly |
| Dimension | 6.5 x 1.57 x 3.24 inches (Folded) | 7.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 in. (Folded) |
| Weight | 15.2 ounces | 20.1 oz |
| Photo Format | JPEG, DNG | JPEG, DNG |
| Video Format | MP4/MOV | MP4/MOV |
| Stabilization | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Max Flight Distance | 10 km | 18.5 km |
| Remote Controller Transmission System | OcuSync 2.0 | OcuSync 2.0 |
| Lens | FOV: 85° 35 mm | FOV: 84° 24 mm |
| Video Resolution | 4K Ultra HD; 2.7K | 4K Ultra HD; 2.7K |
| Obstacle sensing | Two Direction | Three Direction |
| Storage | Micro SD, and
8 GB internal storage |
Micro SD |
| Warranty | 1-year | One-year |
Similarities & Dissimilarities of Mavic Air vs Mavic Air 2
Up Your Game
Mavic Air and Mavic Air 2 is a powerful aircraft that will take the portability to a great level you want. And in the compact form factor, they offer advanced features. Both devices allow you to capture excellent images. Also, the flight is safer with them since they are equipped with obstacle sensing.
3D Foldable Design
Both drones are foldable, and they look like a smartphone when folded. The devices are ultraportable and lightweight. Mavic Air is 15.2 ounces, while Air 2 is 20.1 oz. And when these are folded, Mavic Air is 6.5 x 1.57 x 3.24 inches; while Air 2 is 7.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches.
The device provides a dedicated remote controller as well that is designed to the low-profile, foldable, and it lets you keep your smartphone in it for the ultimate convenience.
QuickShots
Both are compatible with QuickShots, and they have six different QuickShots, such as Boomerang, Helix, Asteroid, Circle, Dronie, and Rocket. You just need to tap on the device, and the device will be ready for the epic aerial selfies or videos as well. The QuickShots can be controlled from the DJI GO 4 or DJI Fly app, respectively. Moreover, the apps allow you to share photos on social media. The Mavic Air 2 will enable you to add music to the video or effect to look professional.
OcuSync 2.0
Both devices have OcuSync 2.0, which is used for the video transmission distance. Mavic Air has a 10km distance, while the Air 2 has an 18km distance, but they will deliver you a 1080 FHD resolution live stream right from your drone camera. Hence, you are allowed the perfect shot and freedom to explore the sky.
Additionally, the Air 2 also features SmartPhoto that has the scene recognition HyperLight. It can optimize different camera parameters for the various supports and scene recognition in five different categories: trees, snow, grass, sunset, and skies.
HDR Photos
Mavic Air and Mavic Air 2 offer you incredible HDR video since they use QuadBayer that provides high-performance convenience. The devices will give you dark details, accurate capture of light, plus exposure levels in different areas. With the higher dynamic range, the images will be eye-catching, balanced, and colorful. The best part is, you can intelligently obtain the right exposure through the lighting conditions. Furthermore, they have DSP acceleration that provides you with efficient shooting.
Smooth Flight
Flight safety is an important thing to consider, and the Mavic Air 2 is the best in this. It supports 2.4/5.8GHz dual-frequency communication that allows you to switch between the lowest interface channels in real-time automatically. Furthermore, to increase flight safety and the challenging environments, the aircraft’s anti-interface ability increases.
Panoramas and 4K Video
Compared to the Mavic Air, the Mavic Air 2 uses the advanced panorama mode of DJIs. It will capture incredibly accurate plus vivid images with a higher dynamic range. On the other side, they have 4K video quality; Mavic Air uses 30 fps and captures every second at 100 Mbps. The Mavic Air 2 supports 60 fps and records at 120 Mbps every second with UHD quality.
Intelligent Features
Mavic Air 2 combined a powerful camera with an intelligent shooting mode so that you can capture stunning photos. They use three different focus modes, while this is not available on the Mavic Air. And for Creative aerial photography, Mavic Air 2 makes it effortless with the Spotlight 2.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and ActiveTrack 3.0. So now unleash your creativity with these intelligent features, but remember, these are not available on the Mavic Air.
8K Hyperlapse
To warp the time and space for the stunning footage, the Mavic Air 2 includes the Hyperlapse in 8K. You do not need to post-processing your shot once you shoot with this feature. It has different modes, such as Waypoint, Course Lock, Free, and Circle. All you’ve to do is, select the location, and the Mavic Air 2 will rest for you. The Hyperlapse feature is missing on the Mavic Air.
Fly Longer & Safer
When the Mavic Air 2 is in Sport mode, it can fly for up to 34 minutes, while the original Air can fly for 21 minutes. If you want your device to stay longer to capture stunning images, then go with the Mavic Air 2.
Also, both are equipped with obstacle sensing, yet here the Air 2 performs better. Mavic Air offers two directions that are forward and downward. But the Mavic Air 2 offers three-sided obstacle sensing for backward, forward, and downward. Since the Mavic Air 2 is equipped with better obstacle sensing, you can select this one.
Warranty
Both come with a one-year limited warranty, which is very convenient. The DJI offers you two replacements for the unit with just a small additional cost in one year. They give you a hassle-free full coverage warranty. If your product damaged due to water or a collision, or anything else happened with your product, you could replace your Mavic Air or Air 2 with a new one within the warranty period. But to get the warranty service, you need to follow the instructions, and if you damage the product, then the warranty will void.
Final Thought
Mavic Air 2 is an upgraded aircraft that is perfect for helping you take your game to the next level. If you want to shoot professional images or videos, plus a better obstacle sense function, the Air 2 is the ideal choice for you. And if you are okay without these awesome features, get the Original Mavic Air.
FAQs About Mavic Air vs Mavic Air 2
| What will I get with the Mavic Air 2?
You will get the best camera performance, better flight time, and improvised functions, including other handy features. Are they app compatible? Yes, the Mavic Air is consistent with the DJI GO 4 app, while the Mavic Air Pro is compatible with the DJI Fly app. Do they feature a focus track? Mavic Air 2 uses FocusTrack which uses three different intelligent tracking modes so that you can track different modes for any situation. Are they Hyperlapse compatible? Yes, they support the Hyperlapse feature; it is recommended to use them on the PotPlayer of Windows system or the SPlayer on macOS. Does the Mavic Air 2 contain waypoint mode? It supports Waypoint, which is used as the sub-mode of the Hyperlapse; the device will automatically take photos on the flight path of two to five ways, and then it will generate a timelapse video. |
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