Design of drone
I had treated Phantom drones favorably for their size and weight performance but Mavic Pro surpasses them entirely when it comes to mobility.
I received the package from the postman with amazement because it seemed impossible that such a small shoebox-sized delivery could hold all the expensive drone parts worth over £1,000. The Mavic stands as a revolutionary drone since its size becomes one-sixth smaller than Phantom drones when folded into its minimum configuration.
Since the small factory-built design could potentially harm aerial steadiness and image clarity I initially expressed concerns. Despite some doubts tucked away I found myself captivated by the drone controller and drone folding mechanism. The Mavic Pro stands as the initial drone able to operate all day due to its compact size and practical ergonomics. Users need to carry the Phantoms inside large special protective backpacks whereas they can easily store the Mavic Pro alone in tiny bags.
The drone has excellent construction quality thanks to its tough plastic materials which become crucial knowledge because drone owners face occasional flying mistakes. The camera on the gimbal needs extra care however DJI provides protective clear plastic housing to shield the unit when carrying it.
Features
In particular, the camera can be set up in a compact size, yet it is highly functional because it has the capability to produce 12MP JPEG and DNG RAW files, and video footage in 4K 30fps or 1080P at 96fps. \n\nA small motorized gimbal mounted on the drone’s camera permits coordinated sensor-integration, achieving immediate level stability with the drone. The drone’s camera allows for predefined movements such as tilting, and panning based on drone flight which defines a new POV mode.
In addition, there are two more cameras for obstacle detection. These cameras, however, are not used for the purpose of taking photos, but rather for aiding in stability and safety for the drone. To help prevent the drone from drifting in poorly covered areas, two cameras facing downward are activated. There are also two more cameras on the drone that face forward which also detect obstacles in all forward motion paths preventing any potential collisions, thus ensuring safety and stability. The Mavic drone is designed so it automatically stops flying forward if it is close to any objects, however, this obstacle detection is limited only to forward movements. If while flying sideways, backward or downwards the drone moves its position towards any surrounding obstacles such as trees, windows or lampposts, the detection system will completely fail. Because of this, it is advised to be cautious when flying the Mavic drone.
The last part that needs to mention is the controller. The controller’s design enables it to unfold making it capable of holding to either apple or android smartphones. The controller is then able to connect to the phone through a short cable and allows viewing of what the drone’s camera captures in high definition 1080p. The controller also connects to the Mavic camera via wireless or remote control. All in all, the drone is very user friendly and requires minimum effort to operate the camera control.
DJI claims the drone can transmit information over intricate terrains with complex or rugged environments up to a range of 4.3 miles. While I have not attempted to test that range out due to the legal restrictions regarding flying a drone beyond visual range within the UK, it is something worth mentioning.
If your smartphone or tablet is too large to fit in the grip, there is a full-size USB port on the base of the controller. You can plug your device in and prop up the controller, but it is a far less convenient method.
Gallery and videos
Our score
Where to buy
For those looking to buy a portable drone with great flying agility, image quality, and battery life without breaking the bank, look no further than the Mavic Pro. This is by far the best option available today.
This drone displays the qualities of the Phantom range while combining a new set of features that greatly increase its portability. It is clear that DJI has outdone itself with this grin inducing drone.
If you need something less advanced than the Mavic Pro, you ought to check out the DJI Spark. But in our opinion, you should stretch your budget a little bit and get the Mavic Pro as the video and battery life is far superior.
