DJI recently released their new and upgraded Mavic 2 series. The two models have some differences, more exactly on the camera side, but both are terrific machines. The choice between DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is hard to do. They are game changer quadcopters. You have to decide what your priorities in this case. If you want a versatile drone, with a great camera, more for video footages and lots of creative aspects, you go with the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. Their astonishing effects will blow your mind, you don’t have to post process them with a professional editor. Creativity is your only frontier with the Mavic 2 Zoom.
If you are a more professional photographer, and your only goal is to get the best quality pictures in a wide spectrum of lighting conditions, with a ton of post-processing capabilities, than you have to go with the Mavic 2 Pro.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs DJI Mavic 2 Zoom are almost identical. The only difference as previously mentioned is the camera. Let’s see in detail what are these drones are capable of.
Mavic 2 Specifications
They are clearly an upgrade over the previous Mavic models. They have better flying skills are more stable in windy conditions, have more sensors to avoid obstacles and have lots of features that stand out from the crowded drone market. Both models are little heavier than the original Mavics. They have an astonishing flight range of 8 kilometers. With the OccuSync 2.0 video transmission signal, you will get crystal clear images from a great distance. The new propeller design transforms them into quiet stealth machines. Both models have an extraordinary flight time of 31 minutes.
The APAS 2.0 six-directional obstacle avoidance sensors help you to fly them safer around environmental objects. In sports mode, both are able to fly at an amazing speed of 72 kph. Both models can shot 4K videos at 100 Mbps bit rate. The cinematic flight modes and the aerial time-lapse modes are fun and easy ways to take those breathtaking aerial shots. The Hyperlapse feature is really spectacular. Both have the upgraded ActiveTrack 2.0 feature. An interesting addition to the Mavic 2 models is that in low light conditions they spread down-lights to make sure that the automated landing procedure is done properly.
Nodoughtably the new Mavic 2 models are one of the best quadcopters on the market, feature-wise they have advanced forward-looking technologies. Now let’s see the main differences in detail about these two models.
Mavic 2 Zoom Camera
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom has an optical zoom lens which is very rare on the drone market. With a focal length from 24 mm to 48 mm, you will definitely take advantage of the dynamic viewpoints that this specification can offer you. The pictures and videos have a deeper effect with the 2x zoom. The image sensor is 1/2.3″ in size and able to shot in 12 Megapixel resolution. With a 4x lossless zoom, you can record 1080p videos.
With the new shot modes of the Mavic 2 Zoom, you can get really creative in filming. Dolly Zoom is the outstanding effect of the Mavic 2 Zoom’s camera. If you are not familiar with what Dolly Zoom means, it can be explained as a Vertigo effect. The main subject remains the same in size, but the background when the drone flies backward keeps widening. It is a really unique effect that is done with professional video editing software if you have a fixed camera like the Mavic 2 Pro has. This is one of the advantages of the optical zoom lens.
Another interesting camera highlight of the Mavic 2 Zoom is the Super Resolution feature. When you take a picture in 24 mm the camera will catch and mend 9 pictures, resulting in a high-resolution 48-megapixel photo.
Mavic 2 Pro Camera
As previously mentioned the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is more for the professional photographers, I mean really professional. The Mavic 2 Pro does not have a zoom lens like the Mavic 2 Zoom. It has a fixed lens of 28mm. Developed together with the Swiss photography company Hasselblad, Mavic 2 Pro has a 1-inch sensor with 20-megapixel resolution.
With larger sensor then the Mavic 2 Zoom has, Mavic 2 Pro is capable of higher ISO rates. It can go up to 12800 range. The aperture capacity is also improved. It goes from f/2.8 to f/11 aperture. Along with the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution, the Mavic Pro 2 camera is truly outstanding. The images with the Mavic 2 Pro are crisper, sharper, the color reproduction is more accurate, it has a higher dynamic range. The fact is that the pictures done with the Mavic 2 Pro are truly amazing and don’t need post correction.
Both the Mavic 2 Zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro are capable of taking enhanced HDR photos. The only difference is in the exposure value. The Mavic 2 Zoom is able of 13 EV stops, the Mavic 2 Pro of 14 EV stops, resulting in higher dynamic range.
Conclusion
If you are not decided yet which Model you should buy, I give you a quick summary. First, you want to decide what aspects are important to you. If you want to make creative video footages, with outstanding effects, zooming options, you go with the Mavic 2 Zoom. The zooming option is not available on the Mavic 2 Pro, so for more focused shots, it is better to choose the Mavic 2 Zoom.
If the quality and is paramount important to you and want to make really professional and outstanding photographies than your choice will be Mavic 2 Pro. It is a bit expensive than the Mavic 2 Zoom, but it is hard to find a better camera drone on the market. The pictures with the Mavic 2 Pro are more dynamic, more natural, more detailed, and has more clarity even in extremely low light or very bright conditions.
Whatever is your option of choice you can’t go wrong with the new Mavic 2 models. If your choice is made you want to further think of accessorizing your professional companion, to have a long lasting experience. Here is an article about the popular accessories that helps you elevate your experience with the Mavic 2 to the next level.
