The DJI Mavic 2: Zoom and a 1-Inch Sensor Arrive on a Pair of Folding Drones

The Mavic Pro is touted by DJI as the best-selling drone of all time. Now DJI has made that already excellent drone even better. DJI put a slight twist on the release of the Mavic 2 by releasing two different drones at the same event, the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom. You now can choose from either the Mavic 2 Pro or the Mavic Zoom. We were there at the launch event where we were among the first to get up close and personal with the Mavic 2. Wondering which one is better for you?

There are some exciting new features on the Mavic 2 that are sure to make it the must-have drone of 2018 (and 2019). Soon there will even be a Mavic Enterprise. We will help you understand the differences so that you can choose the right Mavic for you.

If you want to see how the Mavic 2 stacks up against the original or how the Mavic 2 Zoom compares to the Mavic 2 Pro check out the links below.

What is New with the Mavic 2?

Whether you opt for the Mavic 2 Pro or the Mavic 2 Zoom, there are a few important things that both drones share. Both Mavics share the unique folding design that put the original Mavic on the map. Both drones share an 31 minute flight time and an impressive 8000-meter range. That is almost 5 miles!

Both the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom have upgraded obstacle avoidance that will help you keep your drone safe. It will utilize the new APAS system to detect and avoid obstacles in your way. Both new Mavics will also incorporate the new Active Track 2.0 for advanced flight modes. Unlike the original Active Track, the new 2.0 version utilizes even the drone’s primary camera to augment obstacle tracking and avoidance.

We flew the Mavic 2 at the launch event. DJI has also put a lot of work into what seems to be the worlds most advanced drone hyper-lapse technology. They included 3 automated hyper-lapse modes – circle, waypoints, and corse lock. We gave it a try and so far the results look good.

Mavic 2 Pro vs Mavic Zoom

While these drones are very similar there are some very important differences. The biggest and probably most important difference is the camera.

Mavic 2 Pro Camera

The Mavic 2 Pro utilizes a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with an impressive 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor. Like the name states, this version will appeal to professionals and anyone looking to get professional quality pictures and video. Hasselblad not only contributed to the design of the lenses, but they contributed their proprietary “Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) technology.”

Did Hasselblad lend any of their design technology to the Mavic 2 Zoom? We asked Jon Diele, Hasselblad’s Vice President of Sales, and he told us that Hasselblad had no involvement in the development of the Zoom version of what has become DJI’s flagship model, the Mavic 2.

We are excited about having a 1-inch sensor with improved dynamic range and new 10-bit color encoding (the original Mavic Pro used 8-bit). The Mavic Pro camera was certainly due for an upgrade, and DJI has pulled through. We are also super excited for the f/2.8 to f/11 aperture. The small f/11 aperture will provide the equivalent darkening of over ND 250, so you can leave your ND filters at home.

Mavic Zoom Camera

The Mavic Zoom camera may not have a 1-inch sensor, but that doesn’t mean it can’t take excellent pictures and video. With its upgraded 1/2.3″ sensor this camera is still an upgrade over the original Mavic camera. The Mavic Zoom as the name implies also incorporates the ability for the pilot to zoom in with lossless mechanical 2X zoom for photos and 4K video and lossless 4X zoom when recording in 1080p.

Zoom is a feature we have grown to love on our Parrot Anafi and we are pleased that DJI finally decided to get on board. While the zoom certainly can be fun for hobbyists, it also has some very practical applications for inspections and unique perspectives that you can’t get with a wider field of view. DJI touts the Mavic 2’s quiet props and zoom lens as an ideal flying camera for wildlife.

Like the Anafi, the Mavic 2 Zoom adds a Dolly Zoom mode. This one-of-a-kind mode zooms in on the subject while flying backward to keep the size of the subject unchanged as the background morphs. While the Anafi does a 3X digital zoom during dolly zoom, the Mavic 2 Zoom can do up to 4X composite zoom using both digital and optical zoom.

Is that it for the Mavic 2 Zoom? No. DJI also included a 48-megapixel “Super Resolution” photo mode that seamlessly stitches 9 high-resolution photos together that are taken zoomed in to create a single 24 mm equivalent picture that has crazy high resolution.

What Is the BEST Drone?

So what is the absolute best drone out there? That question isn’t as easy to answer as you’d think. BUT…for most people the answer is the DJI Mavic Air. It is portable, has an awesome camera and excellent flight modes. Learn more about the Mavic Air HERE.

What Is Our FAVORITE Drone?

The Mavic Air is great but the drone that has us excited to go fly the most right now is the Parrot Anafi. The camera and gimbal setup on this drone allow it to do things that no other drone can. Plus, having the ability to zoom in on what you are filming is priceless. Learn more about the Parrot Anafi HERE.

What Drone Is the Best VALUE?

The best value on the market today has to be the DJI Spark. Now under $400, this little dynamo can do things that once upon a time cost over $1000. Learn more about the DJI Spark HERE. Still too much money for you? There are still some great options. Check out our list of the best drones under $200.

Want More Options?

Every month we update what we believe are the best drones on the market. Check out Best Drones Now. We have also created the one-of-a-kind Half Chrome Drone Cipher™. You answer a few questions and we’ll pair you with the best drone for you.

Do you want to search by price? Click on your menu above or we can break it down for you. Check out drones under $50, from $50-100, from $100-200, from $200-500 or over $500. Maybe you like a good Top Ten list, we’ve got you covered.

Learn More…

If you want to learn more about taking great pictures or flying FPV then check out our comprehensive guides on those topics. Also, take a look at our articles on how to choose the right drone for great aerial photos or for getting started flying race drones. Learn more about drones and how to get the most out of them in our Drone Academy. In the Academy, we also detail some of the advanced testing we do including drone thrust testing and camera quality testing.

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