DJI Mavic Air 2, analysis with opinion and technical sheet

Drones are versatile devices, since the possibilities they offer us are very wide. Next we will see the review of the DJI Mavic Air 2, a model oriented towards video recording and photography.

DJI is one of the best-known firms in the world of drones. In this case, the DJI Mavic Air 2 was presented just a few days ago and below we will show those functions that it has.

First of all, we must mention that the DJI Mavic Air 2 is a drone aimed at semi-professional use, therefore, as We will see later, it is not a device that is within the reach of any pocket.

Compact design

This is a small drone, although not at the level of the DJI Mavic Mini, which is the brand's ultra-compact model. At the top of the Mavic Air 2 we find the main body, where only the battery button is located.

With it we can turn on the drone, performing a short press first and a long press afterwards, something that also applies to the remote control.

At the bottom we find the multitude of sensors that includes the Mavic Air 2. Among all the tangle of sensors that integrates In this area we find a LED light that will make it easier for us to know the position of the drone at night.

On the front we find more sensors and also the 48 MP camera.

On the left side of the drone we have the slot to insert MicroSD cards up to 256 GB.

On the right side we can recharge the battery without removing it, and without even using its own charger, since it is done through USB Type C.

DJI Mavic Air 2, Technical Sheet

Before we get to know our experience with the DJI Mavic Air 2 in depth, let's see what's hidden in its hardware.

1. Camera: 48 MP, 2.8 focal aperture, with 4K video recording up to 60 fps.
2. Connectivity: GPS and GLONASS.
3. Storage: 8 GB expandable via MicroSD up to 256 GB.
4. Maximum distance: 10 km.
5. Maximum speed: 68 km/h.
6. Maximum altitude: 500 meters.
7. Battery: 3,500 mAh removable (approximately 34 minutes of flight).
8. Weight: 570 grams.
9. Folded dimensions: 180 x 97 x 84 mm.
10. Unfolded dimensions: 183 x 253 x 77 mm.

Easy, hassle-free folding

A feature of most DJI drones is the ability to fold. In this case, folding and unfolding follow an order: first we must remove the front legs and then the rear ones.

This is a drone whose portability is really good, since when we take it out of the box we will have to put the propellers, which are placed in a simple way, just “snap” them into the motors.

The propellers are located in a position that physically blocks them, so we would be safe if by any chance the drone got working. Although we already anticipate that it is very difficult for this to happen, due to the number of security measures that the DJI Mavic Air 2 integrates.

The folding of the DJI Mavic Air 2 is really useful and practical, in addition to being perceived robust, without any kind of play that make them think of future weaknesses.

Although the size of the unfolded drone is relatively large, when folded it can be easily carried in a small backpack.

The carrying case in this case is sold separately, or it is available in the superior version “Fly More”, where different additional accessories are included.

Flight modes for every situation

The flight modes that this DJI Mavic Air 2 has are mainly three:

1. Tripod: speed is limited to 18 kilometers per hour to prioritize the stability of the shots.
2. Normal: the drone reaches a speed of around 42 km/h, enough for the camera stabilization to be correct and we can move faster.
3. Sport: This is a more thoughtful mode for driving long distances and then switching to the other modes when recording, which goes up to 68 km/h.

Between the modes you can quickly and efficiently switch through the remote control. The best option, in our opinion, is to alternate between the three, since each one is aimed at a specific function.

Sufficient autonomy

The autonomy promised by the DJI Mavic Air 2 is about 34 minutes of flight time. Now, in this type of device, autonomy is somewhat changeable because circumstances such as wind, temperature, altitude, the mode we use… come into play.

They are almost infinite variables and mostly uncontrollable. In practice, the average autonomy that it has offered us is about 30 minutes using the DJI Mavic Air 2 in real environments.

It should be noted that even testing it with gusts of wind and even at a height of more than 50 meters, the drone has complied with both stability and autonomy.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 features a removable battery system to make it really easy to change them at a certain time Our unit brought a second battery with it, so we have verified that it is capable of flying for such a long time without problems.

The battery recharge time is about an hour and a half. The charger itself allows you to recharge the controller and the battery of the DJI Mavic Air 2 at the same time.

The Mavic Air 2 considers that below 20% the battery is low and will offer us to return to the takeoff site. On the other hand, when reaches 10% it does not allow us to take off for safety reasons, something we would have liked it to do if it was not able to return to the origin

Camera with incredible results

The camera is another aspect that will matter the most to those users who are thinking of purchasing this or another drone, and in the case of the DJI Mavic Air 2 it is its key functionality.

The 48 MP sensor that integrates the DJI Mavic Air 2 is equipped with Quad technology Pixel Therefore, the photos will be taken with the sensor limited to 12 MP, since by joining each set of four pixels into one, more light is captured and a better result is obtained.

It should be noted that the drone software, called DJI Fly, has the possibility of taking native 48 MP captures, where the photography offers greater detail, although they also have a greater weight. In addition, it allows us to make recordings up to 4K at 60 fps

The camera software in the DJI app is really complete, and has multiple video and photo modes. Let's detail them:

1. Individual Photography: Through this mode we will take photos in 12 MP with automatic adjustments.
2. 48 MP Mode: if we want to take a picture with great detail and take advantage of the 48 MP that the DJI Mavic camera has Air 2 we must use this mode.
3. Intelligent: To make the best possible capture, the intelligent mode adapts all its parameters and optimizes the quality. This is a mode that has been implemented through a firmware update.
4. AEB Mode: It is one of the modes for photography professionals, in addition to the professional, to which we have access at all times to through bottom right.
5. Burst: we can take many shots and then select our favorite photograph.
6. Wide angle: The Mavic Air 2 sensor has a larger field of view than a normal one, and in this mode we will capture more elements even when we are close to an object.
7. Video: This is the normal video, where we can adjust the different qualities up to 4K 60 fps.
8. HDR Video: This is a mode that activates HDR for more vibrant colors.
9. Slow Motion: it is the way in which we can make plans of different objects in slow motion in a simple way, recording in 120 or 240fps.
10. Hyperlapse: This is the time-lapse mode of the DJI Mavic Air 2.
11. Panorama: it is one of the most complete sections of the Mavic Air 2. We have the possibility of making panoramic views up to 360 degrees, achieving very good results.
12. Quickshots: Different patterns to easily take shots that come preset. We must be in a large place, so that the drone has enough space to carry out the movements efficiently and safely.

Quickshots are a versatile function that generates very professional results, so it's worth going deeper into them, since the DJI Mavic Air 2 will attract many video creators for this feature.

Some Quickshots that come preset in the software are as follows:

1. Rocket: allows you to configure the drone to rise to a height that we choose, up to 500 meters, and record its ascent.
2. Circle: it will record the object in circles at the same speed and altitude that we select.
3. Dronie: the drone will carry out planes forwards and backwards chasing an object that we have marked.
4. Helix: it will take planes in the shape of a helix to an object that we select.
5. Boomerang: a mode with which we can record a certain route through which it will return to the point where it started.
6. Asteroid: Will take perspective from a height and zoom in on a particular object to get to a close-up of it.

It should be noted that it is likely that in future firmware versions the drone will integrate more Quickshots.

And it is that the DJI Mavic Air 2, like other electronic devices, receives updates where options will be added with the passage weather.

The camera is one of the sections that has left us most impressed because the results it offers us both in video and photographic level are really good.

The colors captured by the DJI Mavic Air 2 camera have an extra saturation that makes both photos and videos display more vivid tones.

The stabilization you get when taking both panoramas and video recording is really spectacular We have tested it several meters high to see if the camera suffered stabilization difficulties, but the Mavic Air 2 maintains its composure at all times.

The big drawback of this drone is the current legislation, at least in Spain, since the places where you can take pictures are really limited. And it's a shame, because the results offered by the DJI Mavic Air 2 are outstanding.

We must not forget that the Mavic Air 2 does not have microphones, that is, in video recordings the drone will not capture the sound. Something that we understand makes sense, since we would only hear the noise of the drone itself (reminiscent of a bee flying) or simply the gusts of wind.

Multiple options through the app

The DJI Fly app is essential when using the drone, since without it we will not be able to control it. Your controller must be continuously connected to a mobile through one of the cables included in the box (Micro USB, USB Type C and Lighting).

Through the DJI Fly app we will be able to know the flight limitations in our geographical area, as well as nearby popular places where it is allowed fly the drones. Depending on the legislation of each country, drones have a more or less limited space, and we have already explained what is allowed and prohibited to do with a drone in Spain.

The app is very useful, since through it we can perform the following actions:

1. Know where the drone is: The Mavic Air 2 integrates GPS and GLONASS, allowing you to see your location in real time in a map and know where it took off from. If we lose it, we can activate an option whereby it will begin to emit lights and sounds.
2. Update Firmware: On occasion, the Mavic Air 2 may show us a message that a new firmware update is available. firmware. Well, to update it you must do it through the drone settings within the application.
3. Limit altitude: As we say, the drone climbs to a maximum altitude of 500 meters, although if we want to be cautious, we can limit that altitude to a lower point.
4. Limit Maximum Distance: The drone has a range of 10 kilometers. Like the altitude, the range is adjustable so that it notifies us when we have exceeded a certain distance and thus not go further.
5. Remaining battery: at all times we are aware of the percentage of battery that the drone has and we are even shown an estimate of the minutes remaining flight numbers.
6. Altitude you are at: The drone will constantly know what altitude you are at.
7. Errors and Failures: The DJI Mavic Air 2 will detect circumstances such as strong gusts of wind, motor overheating, system errors…

These are some of the sections that you let us know through your application.

Large knob, but adequate

In the DJI Mavic Air 2 the control has grown and changed a lot compared to the other generations. In this case, the controller has a good size and features that attract a lot of attention, such as the possibility of removing the thumb rests that improve grip.

At the top of the controller we have a wheel with which we will control the inclination of the camera of the Mavic Air 2.

In the central part is located the support where we will place the mobile.

Just below is the cable to connect the phone to the remote. The system does not work badly, but it is somewhat cumbersome having to put it on properly so that it fits perfectly and does not deteriorate.

On the right trigger is the shutter release to start a video recording or just take a picture.

On the remote we find four buttons, two of them located at the top, and the other two located in the central part of the control, which are separated by some LEDs.

The “FN” button, located on the top left, corresponds to a button customizable to which we can assign different functions.

The camera icon, located at the top right, corresponds to the button through which we canSwitch from recording to photography , or vice versa, really quickly.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 controller works with two frequencies to communicate with the drone at such a distance. In the drone settings we can find out how the signal is received at a specific time.

In this aspect we have not had any problem, since the drone has constantly obeyed all the orders that we have sent through the command.

The configuration and controls of the remote are customizable through the application, in this way we can control and establish different profiles so that more comfortable for us.

When we connect the mobile to the controller with the USB Type C connection our smartphone will recharge, which makes the battery life depending on how charged the phone is.

Although, in general, the usage time of the controller is two or two and a half hours.

Security by flag

The DJI Mavic Air 2 integrates some really good security measures. Although at first glance it does not give a great sense of security, since it does not have any type of protection on the propellers that prevents them from rubbing against other objects.

In itself, the DJI Mavic Air 2 will show us on the smartphone screen some orange bars if it detects danger on any of the four sides, since the drone has sensors around it that allow it to know where there are objects.

In fact, if it detects that there is an object ahead, the drone will back down, thus avoiding a collision. We must emphasize that obstacles are identified much better when they are in front or behind, but not always if they are on their sides.

The option to detect objects can be disabled through the drone's settings, although this is not recommended as it makes it difficult to the control.

If by any chance the Mavic Air 2 perceives strong gusts of wind at a certain height, it will warn us that it cannot return to the destination automatically, but we will have to direct it using our flying skills.

Safe flight experience

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a drone that offers very high safety from the first flights. The possibility of knowing the route taken on a map, that we can save the different flights, see the entire landscape from a high altitude…

There are many options that are offered to us. The control of the drone is quite simple, although as we say, it is a semi-professional product The stability offered by the flying drone is incredible and it is very agile in the air. The correct management of the modes offers us a very good experience.

When we have tested the function of return to the point from which we have taken off, the drone has been quite precise. Even so, DJI already warns us that this mode can have a variation of approximately 20 meters.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 does not allow us to take off if it detects objects around it and checks that the place where we are trying to start the flight It is safe.

The takeoff cannot be done through the remote control, but it has a button located on the left side that will lift the drone up to 1.2 meters.

The minimum distance that the Mavic Air 2 can be is a about 50 cm from the ground, a height more than enough to record low planes. On the other hand, the landing can be done through the remote control or from the app, which allows you to land manually or automatically where the flight started.

With the DJI Mavic Air 2 you can fly at night, since each propeller has onelight that allows you to locate it , as well as an LED located at the bottom that makes it even easier to find out where your aircraft is.

Flying the skies has never been so easy

The DJI Mavic Air 2, despite its premium price of 849 starting euros (which rises to 1,049 euros in the edition “Fly More”) is a very useful product for those who seek the highest quality in their recordings and want a small drone without sacrificing power, autonomy and quality.

The drone is already on sale in China and is scheduled to reach the rest of the world in mid-May.

Now, drones have generated controversy in various countries, so before purchasing this type of device it is always advisable to check under what conditions they can be fly in our region.

Strengths of the DJI Mavic Air 2 in our review

1. Easy handling and a feeling of security almost from the start.
2. Good stability.
3. Impressive photographic results.
4. Integration of internal storage and MicroSD, being able to enjoy the files from the mobile.

Weak points of the DJI Mavic Air 2 in our review

1. Rudimentary smartphone connection system for these times.
2. Need to recharge the controller frequently.
3. No protections on the propellers.

Our assessment

1. Design: 8
2. Operation: 9
3. Stability: 9
4. Software: 7
5. Autonomy: 7
6. Price: 7
7. Overall score: 7.8