DJI Mavic Air: compact folding quadrocopter with 4K camera

By: Bohdan Chub | 23.01.2018, 20:54

DJI announced the Mavic Air quadrocopter - a cross between the affordable Spark and the more expensive Mavic Pro. Dron received a folding design and is able to shoot 4K-video.

How is it interesting?

DJI Mavic Air is 41% lighter than its older brother, and when folded, it takes up even less space than the miniature DJI Spark. The 12-megapixel camera with a three-axis stabilization suspension includes a 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS sensor and a 24-mm lens with a f / 2.8 aperture. Supports recording 4K-video at a frequency of 24 or 40 frames per second, the maximum bitrate - 100 Mbps. There is a slow-motion function in Full HD format at 120 frames per second. The manufacturer also worked on image processing algorithms to squeeze the maximum out of the smallest sensor. There was a panorama mode, when 25 photos are combined into a 32-megapixel snapshot with a 180-degree view.

Drona can follow the object and circling it. With the help of additional cameras and infrared sensors DJI Mavic Air tracks obstacles at a distance of up to 20 meters and bends them without an additional user command. In addition to the slot for microSD cards, an internal 8 GB storage drive is available. The package also includes a folding control panel with a working radius of 4 km (on the connected smartphone in real time, the image from the camera in Full HD format is broadcast). The management of gestures has not disappeared anywhere. It supports the work with glasses DJI Goggles.

The claimed flight time is 21 minutes, 5 minutes more than Spark. More hardy Mavic Pro will last in the air for 6 minutes longer, and the updated Platinum version - for 9 minutes. The device speeds up to 68 kilometers per hour in a sport mode (with no obstacles tracked) and accelerates to almost 29 km / h in normal conditions.

How much is?

Price DJI Mavic Air in the US is $ 800, but in the European market it will cost 850 euros. For 1050 euros you can buy an extended set with three batteries, a backpack and other buns. Dron is already available for order in several countries, and deliveries will begin on January 28. There are versions in black, white and red case.

Mavic Pro Platinum costs 1300 euros (the standard Mavic Pro is 100 euros cheaper). The older model is worth paying attention if autonomy is more important than compact sizes. DJI Mavic Air can fit in your pocket, but the Pro version is difficult.

Source: DJI