DJI Mavic 2 Pro Review

The Mavic 2 Pro (M2P) has a bigger lens to accommodate the larger sensor, and aperature controls ranging from F2.8 to F11. You can get some exceptional blurred backgrounds with F2.8, however aperatures in the 3.5 to 5.6 range will yield the sharpest footage. While the Mavic 2 automatic mode, will shoot adequate footage, better results can be captured while filming in manual mode.

If you like playing around with color, you’ll love the Dlog-M color profile. When I shoot video I like to have the color and saturation as flat as possible to better control the light and shadows The Dlog-M allows you to do this, and then you can tweak your colors in post-production.

DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone Features

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The Mavic Pro 2 is a professional drone manufactured by DJI. Below is a list of features:

✔ Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.7 x 4.5 inches

✔ Weight: 5.51 pounds

✔ 4K, 10-bit HDR video (video resolution 3840 x 2160)

✔ 20 MP, 1-inch sensor Hasselblad camera

✔ 3-axis gimbal

✔ 31 minutes flight time

✔ 44.7 mph maximum speed

✔ 907G takeoff weight

✔ Control range 8 km

✔8 GB internal storage

✔ Omnidirectional obstacle sensing

✔ Adjustable aperature setting

✔ HDR photography

✔ Remote controller

✔ Low-noise technology

✔ OcuSync 2.0 video transmission technology

✔ 4-aerial shooting modes

4K Video And ActiveTrack

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The M2P shoots stellar 4K video. If you like really smooth panning, shoot in cinematic mode because it slows everything down. Another handy feature is the ability to rotate the camera up, which is awesome for shooting sunsets, clouds, or horizons.

A feature unique to the M2P is the bright LED lights on the bottom of the drone, enabling night shooting. These lights are easily visible, which allows for safe takeoffs and landings when it’s dark. This is particularly convenient because it’s not recommended to have a drone’s forward lights on during flight as they may bleed into the video.

ActiveTrack 2.0 is used on DJI’s pro-model drones, which uses the camera, along with two optical sensors, to track with greater specificity. Three modes are available, including Trace, which positions the drone either in front or back of the user, Profile mode, which positions the drone from the sides, and Spotlight mode, which  tracks the subject being filmed.

Gimbal Video Stabilizer

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DJI took safety to the next level by tucking the camera and the gimbal underneath the front side of the drone, making the drone super compact when folded. Speaking of gimbals, while 3-axis gimbals cost more, are heavier, and use more battery power than 2-axis gimbals, they excel at video stabilization, resulting in ultra-smooth video that performs well in less-than-ideal conditions.

Additional features include Hyperlight and Hyperlapse modes. Hyperlapse includes four individual modes: Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoints that all allow for unique time-lapse shooting.  By the way, the variable aperature setting is great when shooting in Hyperlapse.

And you don’t have to be an experienced drone user to start creating impressive time-lapse shots right out of the box. Data is processed automatically when shooting in Hyperlapse mode, which will save time in post.  Images can be saved as JPEGs, as raw images or on a microSD card that can be purchased separately.

Hyperlight allows the drone to film in low-light settings without sacrificing quality, but reducing noise levels. Watch the video below to see how the M2P behaves in low light:

Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing

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Omnidirectional obstacle sensing is another innovative feature of the M2P. This safety technology incorporates infrared sensors, a combination of cameras, and auxiliary lights on the bottom of the drone, making the detection of obstacles possible up to 40 meters using the dual vision sensors.

This is only one way the technology senses obstacles. If the drone happens to confront any obstacles, it will automatically stop. Obstacle sensing also makes the drone much easier to control.

HNCS AND DLOG-M Color Profile Technology

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Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) offers a wide range of color with precision accuracy, resulting in sharp, clear images. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the M2P is the Dlog-M color profile technology, yielding a more dynamic range of colors, detailed highlights and shadows, with more flexibility post-production.

The M2P comes with four aerial shooting modes: Point of Interest, Waypoint, Asteroid, and Boomerang. In Point of Interest mode, the drone circles around a subject. Waypoint mode lets you plan a flight and save it for future use. The drone spins and flies down on a subject while in Asteroid mode, whereas it flies elliptically around a subject when in Boomerang mode.

OcuSync 2.0 video transmission technology is designed for an exceptional, stable video feed. 1080p feeds are delivered to the controller from up to five miles away, allowing images and footage to be saved and shared without downloading content from the drone itself. Video footage can be uploaded from the cache to any of the social media networks, with photos being automatically saved to your mobile device.

Pros:

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✅ Performs well in low-light

✅ Color settings can be customized

✅ DLog-M color profile for laser sharp images

✅ Adjustable aperature control F2.8 to F11, which allows for some nice bokeh

✅ The drone folds so is easy to transport

✅ Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for safe navigation

✅ The remote has a handy dock for a smartphone (bulky cases may not work)

✅ 4-panoramic modes: sphere, horizontal, vertical, and 180 degrees

✅ 4 time-lapse modes

✅ Pre-programming modes, which is great for saving flight information

✅ Superb image stabilization

✅ ActiveTrack 2.0

✅ HNCS technology

Cons:

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• Price may be steep for amateurs
• Cannot zoom in and out while recording
• It’s not possible to shoot 4K at 60fps (only 30 fps)
• Gimbal case could be sturdier

Overall Rating:

DJI Mavic Pro 2 Accessories

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Here’s a list accessories included with the DJI Mavic Pro 2:

1. Remote Controller

2. Pair of 3X propellers

3. 1 lithium polymer battery

4. Battery charger

5. Power and communication cables

6. Pair of spare control sticks

7. USB adapter

8. RC cables (micro USB, USB type-C, and lightning connectors

9. Gimbal protector

If you’d like to fly the drone via head movements, you can purchase the FPV goggles, which enable complete control of the drone without using your hands. DJI has packed a ton of punch into a compact piece of equipment. Because of its size, the M2P is easy to carry in a purse or backpack while hiking or traveling, and is small enough to pack in the same case as your DSLR.

Buy the DJI Mavic 2 Pro here

Aerial Photography Tips

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For best results with the M2P, avoid flying over repeating patterns, and steer clear of areas where the lighting changes drastically. Obviously, don’t fly in areas that aren’t well lit or are close to power lines. Filming can also be tricky when flying over moving objects or reflective surfaces, such as snow, ice, or water.

Incidentally, omnidirectional obstacle sensing doesn’t work when flying in Sport mode so take extra care when using this mode to fly in open areas that have adequate light. Sport mode, does however offer complete control when it comes to the drone’s settings, while placing no restrictions on speed.

Key Points

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The M2P may just be the ultimate game changer for drone users. Because it was designed with pro-users in mind, the price may be steep for hobbyists. The 20 MP Hasselblad produces high-resolution images with gorgeous, crisp color, while shooting 4K video. The camera performs well in low-light, and the omnidirectional obstacle sensing enables safe navigation. Overall, the M2P s an extraordinary drone that is small and lightweight, making it convenient to take on the go. Read what others are saying here.

Are you in the market for a drone? Does the M2P have the features you’re looking for? Please leave a question or comment below.