New DJI Mavic Air 2 Has 4K Video, AirSense, and Hyper-lapse

DJI has officially unveiled the new Mavic Air 2, calling it “the smartest, safest, and easier-to-fly consumer drone” on the market.

Weighing just 570 grams (more than the original Mavic Air), the drone has new hardware with intelligent software for more advanced features.

The Mavic Air 2 is the first in the Mavic series to offer 4K video at 60fps and 120Mbps. You can also record HDR video or even 120fps or 240fps video in 1080p.

Harnessing the power of the 1/2″ camera sensor offers 48 megapixel images, making this drone a possible choice for aerial photographers.

“The Mavic Air 2 is the perfect tool to take creativity to the next level with a suite of image capture modes,” says DJI. “SmartPhoto records 12-megapixel photos using advanced scene analysis and deep learning to automatically choose one of three image capture options.”

Those image capture modes are as follows:

• HDR photos – Mavic Air 2 will capture 7 varying exposures of the same scene, merging them together for a HDR shot.
• Hyperlight – Designed for low light scenarios, multiple photos are merged together for a clear image with less noise.
• Scene Recognition – Automatically recognising five categories of different scene styles including sunsets, blue skies, grass, snow, and trees. The drone will then optimise the settings to make the photograph “pop.”

Flight performance has also improved. New motors and electronic speed controllers, alongside enhanced battery technology and an aerodynamic design, provide a maximum flight time of up to 34 minutes.

DJI has also upgraded the OcuSync 2.0 transmission to deliver an “extremely reliable” and stable HD video feed from a maximum distance of 10 kilometres.

New safety features are particularly interesting, with Advanced Pilot Assistance System 3.0 now bringing new possibilities to autonomous flying.

When the system detects an obstacle, the drone will create a new path around, under, or over the object.

This is also the first drone to have AirSense technology, providing enhanced safety by warning drone pilots of other aircraft nearby. The drone receives signals from nearby planes and helicopters, displaying their location on the control screen.

As aircraft approach, AirSense will warn the drone pilot with messages, sounds, and vibrations.

“DJI has an unwavering commitment to enhance drone safety with technology, and Mavic Air 2 implements yet another pioneering safety solution for drone operations,” said DJI Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs Brendan Schulman. “Our ambitious commitment to installing ADS-B in our new product models means Mavic Air 2 will be the world’s largest single deployment of ADS-B receiver technology, fulfilling and furthering our vision as the industry’s leader on voluntary safety efforts.”

The Mavic Air 2 also has intelligent features aiding cinematography. FocusTrack allows three different capture modes:

• ActiveTrack 3.0 – Select a subject for Mavic Air 2 to automatically follow. This new version uses “state-of-the-art mapping technology” and new flight path algorithms for improved tracking and obstacle avoidance. If the object moves behind something out of view, the drone will quickly re-engage.
• Point of Interest 3.0 – Flight paths around a specific subject with better surface recognition.
• Spotlight 2.0 – Lock onto a subject in the frame whilst the user has free operation of the drones flight path.

There is also a hyper-lapse feature, allowing a time-lapse with the feel of the drone “physically moving.”

DJI Mavic Air 2 will be available for immediate purchase in China from today, with other regions taking pre-orders for shipping estimated in mid-May 2020.

A standard package will be available for $799 USD, and a Fly More package for $988 USD. You can pre-order on the DJI website.