Earlier today during a launch event in NYC, DJI announced their latest drone – the DJI Mavic Air. The new an ultra-portable and foldable drone features a 3-axis 4K stabilized camera capable of 12 megapixel stills and 4K UHD video up to 30fps. A lot of us were expecting a 4K/60p capable camera much like on the newly announced Autel Robotics Neo foldable drone, which appears to be a direct competitor to both the new Mavic Air and Mavic Pro. Whereas the DJI Mavic Air lacks in higher frame rates in 4K, it more than makes up for it in new safety features, QuickShot moves, weight cutting measures, and advanced gesture controls.
4K Camera – 4K/30p; 1080p/120fps slow-motion
The CMOS sensor is the same 1/2.3″ inch size as on the Mavic Pro, but the bit rate goes up to 100Mbps for a more detailed and crisp image. The gimbal has been re-designed and now sits recessed into the body for further protection.
12 Megapixel Stills & New 32 MP Sphere Pano
Other new improvements in the imaging department also include a new 32 megapixel sphere panorama options which looks stunning and also a built-in 8GB storage for those times when you forget your MicroSD card. The Sphere Panorama mode on the Mavic Air stitches together 25 photos in just eight seconds to create a 32 megapixel Sphere panoramas, which can also be viewed DJI Goggles for a 360 degree view. The camera is also capable of HDR photo capture.
Slimmer, Lighter Foldable Design & New QuickShot Modes
Designed to fit in most pockets, the Mavic Air comes in at just 430 grams and much more compact than the Mavic Pro, which is already really compact. The DJI Mavic Air also adds two new QuickShot modes – Asteroid and Boomerang, which allow the operator to achieve complex moves with a simple touch.
ActiveTrack allows you to track up to 16 subjects simultaneously, while letting you choose the right subject to track with high precision even when they are running or cycling.
FlightAutonomy 2.0 with Advanced Pilot Assistance System
The new FlightAutonomy 2.0 processes data gathered from seven on-board cameras and infrared sensors to construct a 3D map of its environment for more precise hovering and better flight performance. The improved forward and backward dual camera vision systems can sense obstacles up to 66 feet (20 meters) away.
To help navigate through more complex outdoor environments, Mavic Air has newly developed Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems that helps pilots avoid and bypass obstacles automatically, providing an extra layer of reassurance during flight.
DJI Mavic Air Features
- 3-Axis Stabilized 4K Camera
- Gimbal recessed in body for protection
- 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K up to 30p
- 100Mbps
- Full HD up to 120fps slow motion
- 8GB Internal Storage
- 24mm f/2.8 lens (35mm FF equiv.)
- 12 Megapixel Stills
- 32 Megapixel Sphere panoramas
- HDR photos
- New QuickShot Modes:
- Asteroid
- Boomerang
- 21 Minutes Flight Time
- Available Colours:
- Onyx Black
- Arctic White
- Flame Red colours
- Flight Autonomy 2.0 Compliant
- Advanced Pilot Assistance System
- Available: January 28th
- Price: $799 B&H // $999 – FlyMore Combo
The new DJI Mavic Air has a maximum flight time of up to 21 minutes and a max speed of up to 42 mph/68 kmh in Sport mode. Mavic Air’s remote has also been re-designed and now features detachable control sticks that can be stored inside the remote controller for added portability.
DJI has placed omnidirectional antennas inside the foldable landing gear to help increase signal coverage to deliver a maximum range of up to 2.5 miles (4km) with 720p real-time video transmission when flying with the remote controller.
The DJI Mavic Air is priced at $799 and $999 for the Flymore Combo, which gives you extra propeller guards, extra batteries, battery charging hub and a travel bag.
Pre-orders start today at store.dji.com, the four DJI Flagship Stores and authorized dealers such as B&H. Pre-orders will start shipping on January 28th.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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