The DJI Mavic Pro is a popular drone that was released in 2016. It quickly became a favourite among drone enthusiasts and professionals alike due to its compact size, impressive camera quality, and long flight time. However, with the release of newer models such as the Mavic Air, Air 2S and Mavic 2 Pro etc., the question arises is DJI Mavic Pro still worth it? My straightforward answer is a definite yes; continue reading why the DJI Mavic Pro is still worth it.
Is DJI Mavic Pro Still Worth it?
With newer models such as the Mavic Air 2, Mavic 2 Pro, Air 2S and Mini 3 Pro available on the market, it often gets asked if purchasing an older model like the DJI Mavic Pro is still worth it. The answer to this question will depend on several factors, including your budget, intended use for the drone, and personal preferences.
In this article, we will provide you with an in-depth analysis of whether or not we believe that purchasing a new or used DJI Mavic Pro is still worth it in today’s market. We’ll examine things like camera quality, flight performance, portability, battery life, user experience, ease of use, plus more so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this drone is going to be right for you.
Brief Overview of the DJI Mavic Pro
The DJI Mavic Pro is a compact yet powerful drone known for its impressive portability and high-quality camera. Its foldable design makes it convenient to transport, and its sturdy construction ensures durability.
One of the standout features of this drone at the time of its release was its HD camera. This was and is an exceptional camera that is capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second and full 1080p HD at 96 frames per second while also capturing 12-megapixel still photos.
Another standout feature at the time of its release was its flight time and range. It can fly up to 27 minutes on a full charge, and it has a video transmission range of 7km. The drone offers several flight modes, including Tripod Mode, Sport Mode, and various autonomous modes. The Mavic Pro is also equipped with forward and downward vision sensors for obstacle detection, GPS and GLONASS for precise outdoor navigation.
At the time of its release, it was a ground-breaking drone with its compact and lightweight design and the many advanced features it came with, especially its obstacle avoidance system, which was a first for a consumer drone.
Comparison to newer models
When it comes to comparing the DJI Mavic Pro to newer models like the Mavic Air and the Mavic 2, there are a few key differences to consider. First of all, the Mavic Pro is a few years old now, so it does not have some of the more advanced features that you’ll find on newer drones.
Mavic 2 Pro
The Mavic 2 Pro represents a substantial upgrade over the Mavic Pro, most notably in the camera department. The Mavic 2 Pro sports a 1-inch CMOS sensor, a step up from the Mavic Pro’s 1/2.3″ sensor, resulting in superior image quality. This drone captures 20-megapixel still photos and can record 4K video at a higher bit rate.
The Mavic 2 Pro also offers an increased flight time of up to 31 minutes, compared to the Mavic Pro’s 27. The image transmission is extended to 10km; the Mavic 2 Pro boasts enhanced signal quality. It also introduces omnidirectional obstacle sensing, improving upon the Mavic Pro’s forward and downward sensors.
Mavic Air
The Mavic Air, smaller and even more portable than the Mavic Pro, features an HD camera that can record 4K video at 30 fps and 12-megapixel photos. Although the camera specs are akin to the Mavic Pro, the Mavic Air’s compact size and lower price point make it a compelling option for casual users and travellers.
However, the Mavic Air comes with a shorter flight time of up to 21 minutes and a reduced range of 4 km, compared to the Mavic Pro. It also has a slightly slower top speed but includes forward, backwards, and downward obstacle
sensing, an improvement over the original Mavic Pro.
Mavic Air 2
The Mavic Air 2 is a considerable upgrade over its predecessor, the Mavic Air. Its camera utilises a 1/2″ CMOS sensor capable of capturing 48-megapixel photos and 4K video at 60 fps, providing a noticeable improvement over the Mavic Pro.
The Mavic Air 2 also boasts a flight time of 34 minutes and an impressive control range of 10 km. Additionally, it features forward, backwards, and downward obstacle sensing and incorporates APAS 3.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems) for better obstacle avoidance.
Air 2S
The Air 2S, a more recent model, is a substantial upgrade over the Mavic Air and even the Mavic Air 2. It features a large 1-inch CMOS sensor, akin to the Mavic 2 Pro, capable of capturing 20-megapixel photos and 5.4K video. This gives it superior image quality compared to the Mavic Pro.
The Air 2S also offers an impressive flight time of 31 minutes and an extended control range of 12 km. It also features four-direction obstacle sensing, providing an enhanced safety feature compared to the Mavic Pro.
5 Reasons Why The DJI Mavic Pro is Still Worth It
1 . Mavic Pro Camera Quality
The DJI Mavic Pro comes with an amazing camera that can record in 4K at up to 30 frames per second. While the sensor size is smaller than those found on the newer models, it’s still large enough to produce high-quality images and videos. The resolution of the Mavic Pro’s camera is more than sufficient for most users, delivering sharp and detailed footage.
In comparison to newer models like the Mavic Air and Mavic 2, the Mavic Pro falls slightly behind in terms of sensor size and overall image quality. However, this difference may not be significant enough for amateur photographers or videographers who are looking for a solid entry-level drone with excellent camera capabilities.
The Mavic Pro’s camera produces stunning images and videos that rival those of much larger drones. The colours are vibrant, with good contrast and saturation.
Detail is sharp across all areas of the frame, whether you’re shooting photos or videos. The video quality on the Mavic Pro is exceptional, even though it’s an old drone.
The drone’s gimbal stabilisation system ensures smooth footage even when flying in windy conditions. This feature enhances image quality by reducing motion blur during flight.
Overall, the DJI Mavic Pro’s camera quality is impressive, considering its small size. It produces high-quality images and videos perfect for hobbyists or even professionals on a budget who want to capture stunning footage from above without breaking the bank.
2. Price point
One thing that really sets the DJI Mavic Pro apart from its newer counterparts is its price point. While you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a new Mavic Air or nearly $1,500 for a new Mavic 2 Pro (as of this writing), you can often find used or refurbished DJI Mavic Pros for around $800-$900. This makes it an incredibly appealing choice for those who want a high-quality drone but don’t want to break the bank.
Of course, if money isn’t an issue for you and you want all of the latest bells and whistles in your drone, then going for one of the newer models might be the way to go. However, for most people, the DJI Mavic Pro still offers plenty of amazing features and capabilities for an excellent price.
3. Range and Speed
The range and speed of the Mavic Pro are made possible by its powerful motors, aerodynamic design, and advanced flight control system. The drone utilises GPS technology to maintain its position in the air and stay on course during flights. Additionally, the Mavic Pro features obstacle avoidance sensors that help it avoid collisions while flying at high speeds or in tight spaces.
4. Flight modes and features
In addition to its impressive range and speed, the DJI Mavic Pro also comes equipped with an array of useful flight modes and features. These include ActiveTrack, which allows you to track moving subjects like people or vehicles with ease; TapFly, which lets you tap on your smartphone screen to set your drone’s destination; and Tripod Mode, which slows down your drone’s movement for more precise manoeuvring. Overall, if you’re looking for a highly capable drone that offers excellent flight performance along with a range of useful flight modes and features, then the DJI Mavic Pro is definitely worth considering.
5. DJI Mavic Pro Controller & App
Probably one of the downsides to the Mavic Pro is its controller; yes, it’s small and compact like the drone, but when compared to the RC-N1, it does seem a bit basic. Also, the Mavic Pro is not compatible with any of the newer DJI controllers that have an HD display screen.
On the plus side, the Mavic Pro is flown with the aid of the DJI GO 4 App, which many people prefer to the newer DJI Fly App.
Through the app, users can directly see live HD video transmitted from the drone’s camera and access valuable telemetry data, such as flight speed, altitude, and distance. The application also provides users with the ability to control the drone’s flight, including take-off, landing, and flight adjustments, and manage the drone’s camera settings to capture photos or record videos.
Adding to these capabilities, the DJI Go 4 app features intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, Waypoints, and Point of Interest to enhance users’ filming experiences. The app is also built with a strong emphasis on safety, providing flight safety information and warnings based on local laws, battery life, and signal strength. Furthermore, it incorporates built-in editing and sharing tools, allowing users to personalise their footage with music, filters, and text and then share their creations directly to social media platforms.
Is The DJI Mavic Pro Suitable For Beginners?
The answer is yes; the DJI Mavic Pro is suitable for beginners due to its advanced flight features and intelligent flight modes. These capabilities make the drone intuitive and relatively easy to control, even for those new to drone piloting. The Mavic Pro’s advanced features, like automatic return-to-home, obstacle avoidance, and steady hover capabilities, significantly reduce the likelihood of user error, making it a great choice for beginners looking to learn the ropes.
However, I would not recommend it for absolute beginners because the DJI Mavic Pro is a high-end, feature-rich drone developed with a primary focus on aerial photography and videography. Consequently, it comes with a price tag that matches its premium offerings. For those just dipping their toes into the drone world, the Mavic Pro might be seen as a significant investment.
While it does offer great beginner-friendly features, there are other more cost-effective drones available that might be more suitable for those starting and exploring the hobby. Therefore, beginners who are interested in drone piloting but not yet committed to professional-grade aerial photography may want to consider starting with a more budget-friendly option before progressing to a more sophisticated model like the DJI Mavic Pro.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer the question, is DJI Mavic Pro still worth it? The answer is a most definite yes.
Even though there may be newer models available from DJI, investing in a DJI Mavic Pro could prove to be more financially savvy over time. Technology always advances at breakneck speed, which means new models are constantly being released with fancy new features that make older products seem outdated.
However, this doesn’t mean older technology becomes inferior overnight – quite often, previous iterations are more than capable of fulfilling their original purpose for years to come. ; if you’re looking for an entry-level drone that offers great camera specs, excellent performance, and portability at an affordable price point, the DJI Mavic Pro is still a great option.
It might not be the newest model from DJI, but it’s a tried and tested piece of equipment that has proven its worth time and time again. So if you’re looking for a good drone for photography, the DJI Mavic Pro is worth it.
