RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Mavic’

New DJI Mavic Air 2 firmware update includes remote control compatibility with Mini 2

13 Nov

Recently, DJI announced the Mini 2 drone. While it improves greatly upon its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, it won’t exactly replace the Mavic Air 2. To ensure that they can charge roughly $ 300 USD more, DJI has continued to improve upon the drone that falls below its Mavic 2 Pro and is a step above the Mini 2.

With firmware version v01.00.0460, DJI has added support so that the Mavic Air 2’s remote controller can also be used with the Mini 2. It is recommended that DJI’s Fly app v1.2.0, or higher, is installed on your smartphone. Another important update, especially for those flying near buildings or other tall structures, is the default Return to Home (RTH) altitude has increased to 100 meters (400 ft.).

This update also optimizes the downward vision positioning system by increasing the altitude limit to 30 meters (100 ft.). Users can also expect a quieter start-up after powering on their drone.

One question remains: since the Mini 2 also includes OccuSync 2.0 transmission technology, will it eventually be compatible with DJI’s Smart Controller? Time will tell. To get started with this latest firmware update for the Mavic Air 2, check out the tutorial video below. Full firmware release notes follow.

Changelog:

{pressrelease}

Overview:

Date: 2020.11.11
Aircraft Firmware: v01.00.0460
Remote Controller: v02.00.1101
DJI Fly App iOS: v1.2.0
DJI Fly App Android: v1.2.0

What’s New?

– Added support so the remote controller can also be used with DJI Mini 2. It is recommended to use the remote controller with DJI Fly v1.2.0 or above.
– Updated default RTH altitude to 100 m.
– Optimized Downward Vision System by increasing the altitude limit to 30 m when the aircraft is only using Downward Vision System for positioning.
– Optimized logic of rotational speed of fan after powering on in order to reduce noise and power consumption.
– Optimized detection and app alert when propellers are unfolded.

Notes:

If the update fails, restart aircraft, remote controller, and DJI Fly or DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic, and retry.

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on New DJI Mavic Air 2 firmware update includes remote control compatibility with Mini 2

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI Mavic Mini 2 sample gallery

07 Nov

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_9035981190″,”galleryId”:”9035981190″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

The DJI Mavic Mini is a great beginner-friendly drone in its own right, but the Mavic Mini 2 provides some significant improvements over its predecessor. The result is a fantastic little machine that’s easy to use, convenient to transport and full of sophisticated features in a small package. You can read all about it in our full DJI Mavic Mini 2 review, but be sure to check out the image quality it’s capable of by perusing the sample gallery above.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI Mavic Mini 2 sample gallery

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI’s Mavic Mini 2 now has 4K/30p video, Raw photos, OcuSync 2.0 and more

05 Nov

DJI has unveiled the DJI Mavic Mini 2, a second-generation compact drone that keeps the same look as its predecessor while improving performance in key areas.

On the outside, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 looks almost indistinguishable from the Mavic Mini. It features the same 249g weight (1g under the 250g weight limit that requires you to register the drone with the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)), the same white livery and the same fold-up design that makes is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Inside, however, the drone has received a number of updates, both in hardware and software. At the heart of the camera onboard the Mavic Mini 2 is a 1/2.3-inch sensor that can capture 12-megapixel photos and 4K/30p video at 100Mbps. In addition to the new 4K video capabilities, the Mavic Mini 2 can also capture Raw photos—something the Mavic Mini wasn’t capable of. When shooting video in 1080p, users can now zoom in 2x with lossless quality and 4x via digital zoom.

The Mavic Mini 2 now has DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology, which increases transmission range by 150% compared to the Mavic Mini for a maximum line-of-sight range of 10km (6.2m). Upgraded motors in the Mavic Mini also improve the flight time, acceleration, top speed and wind resistance (capable of withstanding winds up to 38.6kmph (24mph).

No new sensors have been added, but that means the Mavic Mini 2 retains the basic vision and positioning sensors on the bottom of the device to help map out the terrain for the assisted landing function. Likewise, DJI’s array of safety features, including geofencing, Return to Home and Altitude lock are present.

The Mavic Mini 2 comes with a number of pre-programmed shooting modes for quick setting changes that make it easier to track subjects and apply movements with minimal user input. Below are the descriptions for each of the pre-programmed shooting modes:

  • QuickShots: Pre-programmed movements and image capture modes.
    • Dronie: DJI Mini 2 flies backward and upward, with the camera tracking your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
    • Helix: DJI Mini 2 flies upward and away, spiraling around your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
    • Rocket: DJI Mini 2 flies straight up into the air with the camera pointing downward following your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
    • Circle: DJI Mini 2 will circle around your subject at a constant altitude and distance.
    • Boomerang: DJI Mini 2 flies a boomerang-like oval flight path around your subject, starting and stopping video in the same place.
  • Panoramas: Capture a wider perspective with select pano modes.
    • Sphere: DJI Mini 2 automatically captures twenty-six images and stitches them together for a crystal-clear image.
    • 180°: Captures seven photos for sweeping landscape images.
    • Wide-Angle: Captures a wide 3×3 image consisting of nine images.
  • Image modes: Different photo modes for different scenarios.
    • AEB Triple Shot: Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) takes three images of varying exposure and merges them for a vivid image. This can be edited further to bring out a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image in post-processing.
    • Timed Shots: Give yourself a few extra seconds before taking that photo with timed shots.

Additional accessories available for the Mavic Mini 2 include a 360-degree propeller guard, a DJI mini bag, a charging display case, a DIY creative kit for customizing the look of the Mavic Mini and a snap adapter for attaching an LED screen to the top of the drone.

The DJI Mavic Mini 2 surrounded by its optional accessories.

The basic DJI Mavic Mini 2 drone is available to purchase from the DJI online store and authorized DJI retailers for $ 449 while the Fly More Combo, which includes the Mavic Mini 2, three batteries, a charging hub, a carrying case and a remote control for $ 599. You can read our full review as well:

DJI Mavic Mini 2 Review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI’s Mavic Mini 2 now has 4K/30p video, Raw photos, OcuSync 2.0 and more

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Review: the DJI Mavic Mini 2 is the perfect drone for beginners

05 Nov

DJI Mini 2
$ 449 | DJI.com

A little over a year ago, DJI introduced the Mavic Mini. Its most notable feature was a takeoff weight that fell below the threshold of 250g (0.55 lbs). Now DJI is back with the Mini 2, which addresses the most important requests from users and still checks in at 249g. In the process, the Mavic branding has given way to a shorter name: the DJI Mini 2.


The original Mini was packed full of features and easy to operate; the DJI Fly app was introduced at the same time with a slick, pared-down and intuitive interface. But the drone also came with limitations that frustrated users, including spotty transmission and the ability to only capture JPEG files were frequently cited shortcomings.

The Mini 2 addresses these concerns and more. Users will pay slightly more for a drone with a higher quality camera that can record up to 4K/30p video, capture Raw+JPEG files, and features DJI’s robust OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology instead of relying on Wi-Fi. So, is it worth upgrading from the original Mini? Let’s find out.

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_9035981190″,”galleryId”:”9035981190″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

View our DJI Mini 2 sample gallery

Key Features

  • 249g total weight
  • OcuSync 2.0 transmission
  • 1/2.3″ CMOS image sensor
  • 24mm equivalent lens (84º FOV)
  • F2.8 aperture (fixed)
  • 12MP photo resolution
  • JPEG + RAW images
  • 4K/30p and 1080/60p video (100 Mbps bit rate)
  • Up to 4X (2X lossless) zoom
  • 31-minute flight time

Let’s start by comparing the Mini 2 to its predecessor, the Mavic Mini. Though some specifications are similar, those that have changed are significant.

Mavic Mini Mini 2
Takeoff weight 249g 249g
Flight time 30 minutes 31 minutes
Drone size (Folded) 140x81x57 mm 131x81x58 mm
Camera Sensor 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 12MP
Max. Video Resolution 2.7K/30p @ 40 Mbps 4K/30p @ 100 Mbps
Lens F2.8, FOV 83º, 35mm equivalent at 24mm F2.8, FOV 83º, 35mm equivalent at 24mm
Photo File Type JPEG JPEG + RAW
Video File Type .MP4 .MP4
Zoom Capabilities None 2X @ 4K, 2X @ 2.7K, 4X @ 1080p
Return to Home No Yes
Transmission Wi-Fi OcuSync 2.0
Maximum Distance 4km 10km
Image Modes Timed Shots AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) Triple Shot, Timed Shots

Not much has changed when it comes to the overall design of the Mini 2. Its body is compact, its propellers need to be screwed in, the legs are foldable, the battery and MicroSD slots are located in the rear, and the vision positioning sensors are placed on the bottom of the aircraft. If not for the ‘4K’ lettering imprinted on the camera and a ‘Mini 2’ logo on the top left-hand arm of the vehicle, it would be difficult to tell them apart.

Registering the Mini 2 with the FAA, or other regulatory agencies with a similar 250g cut-off isn’t required

Also worth noting: the Mini 2’s 249g weight doesn’t exempt anyone from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) rules and regulations for operating unmanned aircraft. It just means registering a Mavic Mini with the FAA, or regulatory agencies in other countries with a similar 250g cut-off isn’t required.


Camera

The Mini 2 has a 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor with a 12MP camera, much like the original Mini and Mavic Pro. The camera has a 24mm (equiv.) fixed-aperture F2.8 lens with an 83º FOV, and an ISO range of 100-3200. What many buyers will appreciate this time around is the ability to capture Raw images in addition to JPEG.

The camera on the Mini 2 fits into an impressively small, but effective, 3-axis gimbal.

For those not familiar with the Mavic Mini and looking at a Mini 2 for the first time, you’ll be impressed with the 3-axis gimbal DJI managed to place on such a tiny machine that easily fits in the palm of your hand. The footage captured is typically smooth and stable. DJI also claims this particular drone can withstand wind speeds up to 24mph, thanks in part to upgraded motors.

For those looking at a miniature drone for the fist time, you’ll be impressed with the 3-axis gimbal

A useful feature that seasoned photographers will surely make use of is Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB); the Mini 2 can take up three shots, one underexposed, one normal, and one overexposed. While DJI says the shots are automatically stitched together, I found all three appeared separately on my memory card. Either way, they can be combined in post-processing for an HDR image.

The original Mavic Mini could only capture up to 2.7K/30p footage at 40 Mbps. The Mini 2 now allows you to record in resolutions up to 4K/30p, 2.7K/30p, and 1080p/60p at 100 Mbps. You can also zoom in on subjects while recording. Both 4K and 2.7K allow up to 2X zooming, and 1080p resolution allows you to hone in on a subject up to 4X, though the quality only remains lossless at 2X zoom.

Back to top


The Controls

DJI decided it was time to do away with the remote from the first Mavic Mini. Replacing it is a remote that replicates the design and functionality of the controller on the Mavic Air 2. This upgrade makes sense for a lot of reasons; it’s easier to hold and despite the fact that I still find it challenging at times to clamp my smartphone in, its placement above rather than beneath the remote makes viewing the display screen way more convenient.

The remote for the Mini 2 follows the trend of the new Mavic Air 2, mounting a smartphone above the control sticks instead of below for improved visibility.

The front of the remote contains a ‘Return to Home’ button on the left-center area. This is a useful feature for beginner pilots who may not be comfortable with flying back to the home point – especially when battery life is running low. In the center is a switch that allows you to navigate between three flight modes – ‘Cine,’ which slows the drone down to 13 mph for cinematic-type footage, ‘Normal’ (22 mph), and ‘Sport’ which lets you fly up to 36 mph. To the right is the ‘Power’ button. I’m a fan of this simple layout as it gives you instant access to necessary commands.

An ‘Fn’ button on the top-left-hand corner activates an auxiliary light that’s useful for visibility when landing in poorly lit scenarios. On the upper-right-hand side is the ‘Photo/Video toggle’ button that allows you to instantly switch back and forth between the two modes. A gimbal wheel on the top-left-hand corner allows you to tilt the camera up and down while the top-right-hand corner contains a shutter button for taking images or recording video clips. The joysticks can be unscrewed and stored on the bottom of the remote for easier transport.

Back to top


The DJI Fly app

With the release of last year’s Mavic Mini, DJI also introduced the Fly app. It’s cleaner, powers the Mavic Air 2, and is more streamlined than DJI’s GO 4 app – which is compatible with more advanced drones including the Phantom 4 and Mavic 2 series. A top progress line allows you to view how much battery life is left on the drone, and the control panel can be accessed in the upper-right-hand corner.

The DJI Fly app is more streamlined than the DJI GO 4 app used with DJI’s more advanced drones, and offers a good balance of simplicity and control for beginners.

On the left-hand side, above the shutter button, is a rectangular photo icon. This pulls out a menu that serves as access to all the features you need to capture imagery. Starting from the inside, a menu displaying the options of Photo, Video, QuickShot, and Pano appears. From there, you can customize your settings for each mode.

On the photo end, you can select regular, AEB, and Timed Shots. Video pulls out to a menu that allows you to select resolution and frames-per-second. When you start recording, a zoom button displaying either ‘2X’ or ‘4X’ depending on the resolution appears next to the Shutter button on the right-hand side. You can also slide it up and down for smoother zooming. It’s easy to use even while recording.

This sample reel from the Mini 2 includes 4K, 2.7K and 1080 footage, as well as 2x and 4x zoom shots.

The Mini 2 features five different options for QuickShots versus the original Mini’s four. As before there’s the “Dronie”, which flies up to 120 feet above its target, the “Helix” which spirals at a distance up to 120 feet as well, the “Rocket”, and the “Circle”. The latest addition, “Boomerang”, flies away from and back to the subject in an oval path. Like the original Mini, there aren’t any Intelligent Flight modes, like ActiveTrack or Point of Interest, available.

Finally, there are three different options for creating a panorama. “Sphere”, which resembles a tiny planet, captures twenty-six images. “180º” captures seven images for a landscape perspective while wide captures a 3×3 tile consisting of nine images. Unlike the Mavic Air 2, there isn’t an option to create a vertical panorama.

Back to top


Other important upgrades

There are two other significant upgrades to the latest Mini beyond the camera: upgraded motors and the addition of DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology.

Regarding the motors, the Mini 2 is no longer ‘quite noisy for such a little machine,’ as I stated in my review of the original Mavic Mini, and also accelerates at a faster pace when taking off and in the air, especially in windier conditions.

As for the transmission tech, the Mini 2 doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi communication. With OcuSync 2.0, dual-frequency transmission automatically alternates between channels to prevent signal interference between the remote and drone. DJI claims connectivity up to 10km (6.21 miles). While that’s impressive, it is important to keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times.

Back to top


What’s it Like to Fly?

I was impressed with the original Mavic Mini and am even more delighted with the upgrades that the Mini 2 boasts. The updated motors really make all the difference as far as general noise and acceleration are concerned. Lately, it’s been windy where I live, and the drone handled gusts quite well, delivering smooth footage and crisp images.

What I enjoy most about this entry-level drone is how compact it is. DJI sent me the Fly More combo ($ 599), which also includes three batteries, a charging hub and a case. Everything, including the three-battery charger, fits neatly into the case and all components weigh a little over a pound. I found myself taking off unexpectedly in places, on impromptu shoots, where I may have hesitated with larger drones that needed the propellers snapped on. It feels effortless to launch and fly.

I was impressed with the original Mavic Mini and am even more delighted with the upgrades that the Mini 2 boasts.

The only minor snag I encountered is that the gimbal would sometimes flip back up slightly if I pointed it straight down. It may be an issue with the review unit, but I was a bit annoyed when I had to readjust the camera to achieve a top-down shot.

Back to top


Who’s if For?

The Mavic Mini 2 is an excellent drone for hobbyists and beginners alike. One particular line that resonates is that this is ‘a drone that grows with you.’ The original Mini had its limitations with JPEG-only imagery, 2.7K video footage, and a Wi-Fi signal. DJI took the logical next steps to ensure that anyone purchasing the Mini 2 could accomplish a lot more with their investment.

That being said, with the recent release of the Mavic Air 2, which retails at a few hundred dollars more than the Mini 2, it’s clear that Intelligent Flight modes, which allow you to track and follow subjects, won’t ever be included. If you’re looking to upgrade to a drone with a similar camera that includes those capabilities, can produce higher-quality .MOV film clips, shoot hyperlapses, and even simulate FPV flight, all while offering obstacle avoidance, you will need to upgrade. Serious photographers may even want the 1″ CMOS sensor that the Mavic 2 Pro offers.

One final thing I found odd for drone aimed at beginners is that images taken for panoramas aren’t stitched together, or synthesized, in the aircraft. This is something the Mavic 2 series and Mavic Air 2 performs automatically. While you can pull a completed version of your pano off the media library in your Fly app and instantly share it to social channels, the quality is inferior compared to the imagery from your memory card, which stores images from each panorama in a separate folder. This strikes me as a strange move on DJI’s part since most beginners may not be ready or willing to do the extra work in post-processing.

Back to top


Final Thoughts

DJI took an excellent initial concept for a beginner-level drone, listened to feedback from the community, and made some significant improvements. Despite some minor issues, the Mini 2 is a versatile little machine that is easy and convenient to transport and packs a number of sophisticated features into a small package. Mavic Mini owners will definitely want to upgrade and for those first-time buyers, the extra $ 100 you’ll spend is well worth it.

What We Like:

  • 4K camera with zoom capabilities
  • Raw photo capture
  • OccuSync 2.0 transmission
  • Quieter motors than predecessor

What We Don’t:

  • No obstacle avoidance sensors
  • No .MOV files
  • Gimbal can be jerky when facing directly downward

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Review: the DJI Mavic Mini 2 is the perfect drone for beginners

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Exploring the Alvord Desert with Andy Maser and the DJI Mavic Air 2

18 Aug

The DJI Mavic Air 2 offers 48MP stills and 4K/60p video recording in an ultra-compact, folding body. A significant update to the original Mavic Air, the Air 2 is DJI’s smartest drone to date, and includes HDR capture, scene recognition to optimize the look of footage depending on your subject, as well as a suite of safety features, including front, rear and underside object avoidance sensors.

Join filmmaker Andy Maser and drone pilot Alex Emberlin as they use the new DJI Mavic Air 2 to explore the beautiful Alvord Desert in Oregon.


This is sponsored content, created with the support of Amazon and DJI. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Exploring the Alvord Desert with Andy Maser and the DJI Mavic Air 2

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI’s new Mavic Air 2 firmware update allows for 4x zoom, 4K hyperlapse, and more

14 Aug

A few days ago, DJI released firmware update for the Mavic Air 2 that gives users new capabilities. Coming in at 178.3MB, V01.00.0340 is the first major update since the consumer–grade drone started shipping a little over 3 months ago. It offers up digital zoom, a new hyperlapse resolution, improved obstacle avoidance, and more.

‘We are so excited to bring a unique zooming function to the Mavic Air 2 along with 4K hyperlapse. The zooming feature will help creators add a dynamic perspective to the scene, establish shots and so much more while the 4K hyperlapse offers high-quality content in a manageable format. The Mavic Air 2 continues to be one of the most versatile and capable drones to ever take to the skies,’ says Patrick Santucci, DJI’s Senior Communications Manager.

DPReview recently covered issues encountered when testing out the Mavic Air 2’s 8K hyperlapse feature. So it’s exciting that the drone manufacturer has now made it possible to record 4K hyperlapse clips. Users now have the ability to pause a hyperlapse and then resume recording as well. The number of waypoints you can select when pre-planning a flight has increased to 45 and there is added support for Task Library.

Mavic Air 2 users can now digitally zoom in on a subject. 4K Zoom mode supports 2x digital zoom up to 4K/30p.

Mavic Air 2 users can now digitally zoom in on a subject. 4K Zoom mode supports 2x digital zoom up to 4K/30p. 2x digital zoom is also possible up to 2.7K/60p while full 4x digital zoom is possible up to 1080p/60p in video mode. You can also press the ‘Fn’ button on the remote while using the dial to gradually zoom in and out.

With Obstacle Avoidance, you now have the ability to either bypass obstacles, brake in front of them, or you can turn it off entirely. The option to disable sideways flight is also available. Since the Mavic Air 2 does not have obstacle avoidance sensors on either side of the aircraft (only on the front, back, and bottom), this feature is useful for beginners or those wishing to fly in a straight line, forwards or backwards.

It’s easy to update the firmware within the DJI Fly app.

There are a few other improvements not mentioned above. To install the update, open up the DJI Fly app. You can also use the DJI Assistant 2 desktop app on your computer. At the top right–hand corner, you’ll see three dots. Click on that icon. From the top navigation bar, select ‘About.’ From there it will show you your latest firmware. Select ‘Check for Updates.’ You’ll need a full battery as it can take 10 minutes to install the latest firmware. Full release notes as follows:

• ZOOM – 4K Zoom 2x digital zoom 30/25/24 fps. 2.7 Zoom 2x 60/50/48/30/25/24 and 1080P 4x 60/50/48/30/25/24 in video mode.
• Added Safety Flight Mode. The aircraft avoids obstacles automatically and will not respond to commands to fly left or right.
• Optimized FPV mode for gimbal.
• Optimized hyperlapse. Pause shooting during hyperlapse, increased the number of waypoints to 45, and added support for Task Library.
• Optimized Sports Mode.
• Optimized ActiveTrack when tracking vehicles at low altitude.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI’s new Mavic Air 2 firmware update allows for 4x zoom, 4K hyperlapse, and more

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Drone filmmaker Nathan McBride on DJI Mavic Air 2: ‘it’s like nothing else’

10 Aug

The DJI Mavic Air offers 48MP stills and 4K/60p video recording in an ultra-compact, folding body. A significant update to the original Mavic Air, the Air 2 is DJI’s smartest drone to date, and includes HDR capture, scene recognition to optimize the look of footage depending on your subject, as well as a suite of safety features, including front, rear and underside object avoidance sensors. Meanwhile, Spotlight 2.0 keeps the camera locked on a subject, and ActiveTrack 3.0 keeps subjects automatically centered, letting you concentrate on flying.

Should your flight still somehow get into trouble, DJI Care Refresh* (available separately or bundled with the Mavic Air 2 on Amazon for a special price of $ 1,049) covers up to two replacement drones per year.

Adventure filmmaker Nathan McBride was one of the first people to use the Mavic Air 2, and had just started working on a promotional video when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US. In this interview he talks about the challenges of working with the Mavic Air 2 as the country shut down around him.

* DJI Care Refresh+ is also available, covering one more replacement drone for an additional year, for a small surcharge. Click here for more details.


What’s your background in photography and videography?

I started working in video about four or five years ago, doing action sports and story-based content. I also worked in the short film world for a while and then moved into commercials. For the last five or so years that’s been my full-time job.

The last two years I started diving into drone photography and videography pretty heavily.

Nathan McBride is a photographer and videographer based in Phoenix Arizona. He’s been using drones in his filmmaking for several years, and recently had the opportunity to create a launch video using the new DJI Mavic Air 2.

See more of Nathan McBride’s work on his website, Instagram and on YouTube.

What are the primary ways in which the technology has evolved since you’ve been using drones?

Size is the obvious one, and it’s so important. These days, so much filmmaking is run-and-gun style. How fast you can get up and running, and how safely, is really important. With these new drones, you can be hiking up a volcano with it in your backpack, pull it out, and you can be filming in minutes.

Build quality has improved over the generations, and battery life, too. Drone operators five or six years ago did not have the same flexibility and mobility as we do now. And it’s so much more affordable now, to become a drone pilot. It’s unreal.

Put a drone up in the air, and you can get a whole different perspective

What does working with a drone let you do, that a conventional camera rig wouldn’t?

Drones are cameras in 3D space. You can put a drone wherever you want. I love the potential you have with drones for movement. I started diving into the drone space just thinking ‘what could this look like?’ And instead of the conventional kind of drone shot, from high up, moving slowly, I decided that I was going to fly my drone like it was a gimbal, or get footage that looks like a hyperlapse.

There are only a certain number of angles you can get from ground level. But put a drone up in the air, you can get a whole different perspective. It’s like nothing else. You can put the camera wherever you want. That’s what I love about drones, and I want to keep pushing my filmmaking using that technology.

Nathan pictured in the desert near Hanksville, Utah.

How does preparing for a drone shoot differ from preparing for a normal stills or video shoot?

Weather is a massive factor. If the weather isn’t right, you can’t fly. There’s a lot of planning involved. I’m very much an ‘on the fly’ kind of creative, and I like working quickly, but it’s important to have a general sense of what you want to get out of a location before you go.

I’ll often do discovery flights. For example I went to a spot in Texas recently, and we shot a video there. I had the Mavic Air 2, and I knew I wanted to get really low to the water, through the trees. There were certain textures I was looking for, so I did a discovery flight, just to look around, see what looked good, where the sunlight was coming from, and to get a feel for how safe it was to fly, where the gaps were between the trees and things like that. Once I’ve done that, I’ll put in a fresh battery and start filming.

I ended up with three weeks to shoot, and decided I was just going to have to use every single day, and hit every location I could

What’s your favorite of the drone projects you’ve worked on?

Probably this video, with the Mavic Air 2. I was originally meant to fly to Brazil to shoot, but then the coronavirus hit, and things got really bad, really fast. The project turned into a road trip around the US – Arizona to Utah, then Oregon, then down the California coast. That was the plan, but then everything started falling apart.

Often I’d drive for hours to shoot at locations that ended up being closed, but I didn’t want to fail, so I decided just to do as much as I could, wherever I could. I ended up with three weeks to shoot, and decided I was just going to have to use every single day, and hit every location I could until I got what I needed. A lot of it was very last-minute.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a tiny, powerful drone which folds up to be very compact. This makes it ideal for travel and outdoor adventure work.

In the video you describe shooting in your ‘back yard’. That’s a big back yard!

Yeah! I live in Phoenix Arizona, and I was shooting everywhere from within a few minutes from my house, all the way out across the state. I think the farthest I went was about seven hours north. People see the video, and see that part of it was filmed in the snow, and part was filmed in the desert, and they don’t believe that it was all shot in the same area, but those two locations were probably only about 45 minutes away from one another.

It was fun to have a month, basically, where I didn’t shoot anything else.

The snow was just good luck – I had driven to Flagstaff to get my buddy back to the airport, and we woke up to about three feet of fresh snow. So we made the most of it. Because I was shooting every day, I knew I’d win eventually!

It was fun to have a month, basically, where I didn’t shoot anything else. I didn’t pick up my DSLR, I didn’t pick up my other drones, I just shot with the Mavic Air 2. The first time I took the Mavic Air 2 up, I was amazed by how smooth it was, and the quality of the footage, especially at night. The handling is so good, it doesn’t feel like a consumer product.

Nathan’s road trip took him across the southwest states of the US, shooting with the Mavic Air 2.

Where’s your favorite location to shoot?

Bali, Indonesia. It’s one of those spots where you can find shots everywhere you look. It was a real eye-opener. I was able to get so many different shots there. I’d say that Nusa Penida, which is an island just off the coast of Bali, is my favorite place.

What’s your advice for someone just getting into drone shooting?

Always shoot H.265 if you can. There’s definitely a difference when it comes to post-production. And make sure you have enough light. Get a good set of ND filters – hitting your optimal shutter speed is key. And if it’s safe, and you’re not around people, fly as low as you can. Having foreground detail in your shots is a game-changer. The motion blur from having foreground elements makes the footage look so filmic. Obviously it’s risky, and you’ll need to practice.

Droning is all about immersing yourself in the environment that you’re in

Also don’t rush – leave yourself enough time. Droning is all about immersing yourself in the environment that you’re in. Slow down, actually take a breath, and find the angles that you want to explore. And do it safely.

Always have someone with you, to be a spotter, and be respectful. Don’t fly near people, and don’t go where you’re not meant to go. But most importantly, go out and explore and have fun because in the end that’s what it’s all about.


This is sponsored content, created with the support of DJI. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Drone filmmaker Nathan McBride on DJI Mavic Air 2: ‘it’s like nothing else’

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI’s Mavic Air 2 shoots 8K Hyperlapse – but will you be able to view it?

30 May
Want to use the DJI Mavic Air 2’s new 8K hyperlapse feature? This how it will look on most computers right now unless you download a specific video player.

Earlier this month, we reviewed DJI’s latest consumer-grade drone: the Mavic Air 2. The compact machine boasts an array of features normally reserved for higher-end, professional-grade drones. Notably, DJI touted the fact that the Mavic Air 2 now offers users the ability to capture 8K hyperlapse video.

When conducting our initial review, we were only able to test out 1080p hyperlapse, which is also available on the Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom models. The day the Mavic Air 2 was officially made available to the public, DJI released a firmware update that included the ability to capture 8K footage. When trying it out this past week, the process was straightforward enough. However, I found it impossible to view the recorded hyperlapse clips on a computer.

This is what the 8K hyperlapse clip pictured above should look like (screenshot captured using sPlayer software). DJI is currently working on a firmware update to improve compatibility, expected in early June.

At first I thought the files, taken on different memory cards and uploaded to both my MacBook Pro and iMac, outfitted with recent OS updates, were corrupted. As it turns out, the problem wasn’t computer-related.

The Mavic Air 2’s 48MP camera is what makes 8K footage possible. In hyperlapse mode, the drone takes a series of photos and automatically stitches them together to produce a short time-lapse video. 48MP photos consist of four 12MP images stitched together. At this time, half of these photos aren’t showing up. This creates the checkerboard effect seen in the first image when the footage is played back.

It appears that YouTube does handle the Mavic Air 2’s 8K hyperlapse videos correctly. Want to try playing the original video file on your own computer? You can download it here.

8K hyperlapse video clips will successfully playback using sPlayer software, which is free to download and available for both Windows and Mac. DJI tells us that it’s aiming for an early June firmware update that will allow 8K hyperlapse footage to be more widely compatible with other software. Additionally, a 4K hyperlapse update is expected to arrive in ‘late June or early July’, and 2.7K hyperlapse at a later date.

If you’re new to creating hyperlapse videos, keep in mind that recording 1 or 2 clips can take up most of your battery life – depending on the length of your shooting interval and the overall video clip time selected. The Mavic Air 2 battery boasts a maximum of 34 minutes flight time. The minimum interval between shots for 8K hyperlapse is 6 seconds, versus 2 seconds for 1080p. As a result, a 5 second clip at a 6 second intervals will take 12 minutes, 30 seconds to record.

If you’re eager to shoot 8K hyperlapse footage with your Mavic Air 2, you may want to hold off a bit. As of now, you’ll either need to download sPlayer to view it or wait a bit for the next firmware update from DJI.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI’s Mavic Air 2 shoots 8K Hyperlapse – but will you be able to view it?

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI Mavic Air 2 sample gallery

04 May

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4451978106″,”galleryId”:”4451978106″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

The Mavic Air 2 is a great all-around drone for almost anybody, but how are its photos? We shot Raw and JPEG images at both 12MP and 48MP, as well as ‘SmartPhotos’ that promise improved image quality. Compare the results in our sample gallery.

Did you miss our full review of the Mavic Air 2? You can read it here.

Mavic Air 2 sample gallery

Mavic Air 2 full review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI Mavic Air 2 sample gallery

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Review: The DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best all-around drone for most people

01 May

DJI Mavic Air 2
$ 799 ($ 998 with ‘Fly More’ kit) | dji.com

DJI just released the Mavic Air 2, the successor to the original Mavic Air that arrived in 2018. Notably, it’s the first Mavic drone to offer 48MP stills, 8K HyperLapse and 4K/60p video at 120 Mbps. It’s also the first consumer drone equipped with AirSense, DJI’s alert system that receives automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals from nearby manned aircraft and displays their location on the remote control’s screen

Whereas the original Mavic Air comes in a variety of colors and resembles the DJI Spark, the Mavic Air 2 falls between the Mavic Mini and Mavic 2 Pro with regards to appearance, size, performance, and weight. DJI told us it did a lot of testing to determine the best balance between size, portability, and features, and determined that 570g (1.25 lbs.)—the weight of the Mavic Air 2—overwhelmingly felt right.

Arriving at an ideal weight and size apparently wasn’t the only priority for DJI when crafting the Mavic Air 2. Adding features found in more sophisticated drones, including the Inspire 2, to a model 337 grams lighter than the Mavic 2 series, DJI also aimed to make this its smartest drone to date. Did they pull it off? Let’s take a look and find out if the Mavic Air 2 is the right drone for you.

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4451978106″,”galleryId”:”4451978106″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Key features

  • 570g (1.25 lbs.) total weight
  • 1/2″ 48MP CMOS image sensor
  • 24mm equivalent lens (84º FOV), fixed F2.8 aperture
  • 12MP and 48MP photos
  • 4K/60p and HD/240p video at 120Mbps
  • H.264 and H.265 codecs
  • HDR video and panorama
  • 8K HyperLapse
  • Spotlight 2.0 subject tracking
  • Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 3.0
  • 34-minute max flight time
  • 68 kph (42 mph) max speed

The compact, feature-packed Mavic Air 2

When folded down, the Mavic Air 2 is 180x97x84 mm and fits in the palm of your hand. This is slightly larger than the original Mavic Air, but it’s still quite a bit smaller than the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom models in the line above it.

The Mavic Air 2 is larger than the minuscule Mavic Air, but it still fits in the palm of your hand (mostly).

A more dramatic change is found in the design of the controller; it’s larger and boxier than other remotes in the Mavic series, and is designed to mount a smartphone on top rather than on the bottom, like past Mavic models. The phone is secured with a clamp similar to DJI Phantom series remotes, though it doesn’t extend far enough to hold a tablet. The clamp on the controller is quite difficult to adjust and securing the smartphone is a struggle at times.

Remote pilots can easily toggle between Tripod, Normal, and Sport flight modes as the mode switch is featured front-and-center on the controller. Similar to other Mavic remotes, Return to Home and Power buttons are on the front. The upper-right button allows you to alternate between still photos and video.

The Mavic Air 2’s controller is larger than others in the Mavic series and mounts the smartphone to the top, rather than the bottom, for better visibility. It also works with a case on your phone, unlike previous Mavic controllers.

The upper-left button features a ‘Fn’ button that activates the auxiliary light and additional sensors that assist with several functions, including smoother landing in low-light conditions. There’s also a controller wheel on the top left that tilts the camera up and down. Two joysticks are stored at the bottom and can be screwed on for flying or removed for storage.

When first unboxing the Mavic Air 2, you’ll notice stickers labeled ‘A’ and ‘B’ on the top and bottom arms of the foldable drone. The legs unfold in the same manner as the Mavic 2 and Mini, and the labels are affixed with a beginner pilot in mind. Two bags labeled ‘A’ and ‘B’ contain 3 propellers, 1 extra for each type if a replacement is necessary.

The Mavic Air 2’s controller is designed to mount a smartphone on top rather than the bottom.

Attachment points for the props are color-coded, with a silver ring where the ‘A’ props attach and plain black for the ‘B’ props. It’s a subtle touch to help ensure that all components are properly affixed, and if a propeller is incorrectly placed the drone will not take off. This might confuse consumers new to flying a drone, but it’s a good safety feature. The props have an aerodynamic design that allows for quieter flight, and the Mavic Air 2 is quieter than the Mavic Mini – which is less than half its weight.

The camera sits snugly on a 3-axis gimbal. The sensors at top are part of the obstacle avoidance system.

Photos and video

The camera, which uses a 1/2″ CMOS Quad Bayer sensor, is mounted on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal. It can capture Raw images, JPEG images (at either 12MP or 48MP resolution), as well as Raw + JPEG. In addition to standard movements, the gimbal can tilt upward up to 24º.

The Air 2’s camera boasts a 24mm (equiv.) fixed-aperture F2.8 lens with an 84º FOV. DJI’s Fly More combo includes 3 neutral density filters that appear to twist and snap on and off like those for the Mavic 2 Pro. (Our review unit didn’t include filters so we were unable to test them).

DJI has also added SmartPhoto modes, similar to computational photography techniques used by many smartphones, to improve photo quality. These include:

  • HDR photos: the camera automatically captures 7 different exposures and combines them for greater dynamic image.
  • Hyperlight: images taken in low-light conditions, especially on DJI drones, tend to be grainy and contain noise. Hyperlight takes multiple photos and merges them for a clearer image.
  • Scene recognition: this mode allows the drone to recognize 5 major components of a photo – sunsets, blue skies, grass, snow, and trees. It will analyze these objects and maximize tone, clarity, and colors.

SmartPhotos are captured at a resolution of 12MP

One thing I noticed is that 48MP images are a bit darker relative to Single or SmartPhotos. The latter feature worked quite well when capturing a sunset, and the HDR photos I was able to capture are quite good for a 1/2″ sensor and could be passed off in professional situations.

In Single and 48MP mode, the sky and sun were blown out while the foreground was practically pitch black. SmartPhoto recognized these components. Both photos are unedited.

I was surprised at how well Hyperlight and Scene Recognition worked, as evidenced in the photo above. Panoramas could be improved, as stitching doesn’t always match up, though the app I’m using is still technically in beta and some of these bugs will likely be ironed out with subsequent firmware updates.

The Air 2 is the first drone in the Mavic series that can capture 4K/60p video at 120 Mbps using the H.265 codec. This is impressive for a drone that retails under $ 1,000. Additionally, there’s 4K/30p HDR video, and HD/120p and HD/240p will deliver some serious slow-motion footage — up to 10x on a 24p timeline.

The Mavic Air 2 shoots impressive 4K/60p video, thanks to its support for the H.265 coded at bit rates up to 120 Mbps.

I was quite impressed with the quality of the 4K/60p and even 4K/30p video. However, objects in my slow-motion clips were a bit more blurry than I expected, even at a 240p frame rate. Does the 120 Mbps bit rate make a difference here? Yes, for this particular camera. The quality of video footage I was able to gather in various lighting scenarios is exceptional.

DJI’s normal color profile has been optimized for the ideal amount of saturation and detail, but its D-Cinelike profile is also included for more advanced shooters. 8K HyperLapse video will be available when the Air 2 ships in mid-May, 2020.

These video clips, captured at HD/120p and HD/240p are slowed down 4x and 8x on a 30 fps timeline. At 8x slow motion, movement of the tennis players in the second clip is barely noticeable.

Odds and ends

The Mavic Air 2 comes equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors on the front, rear and bottom of the aircraft. There aren’t any sensors on top. An auxiliary light with additional sensors, which can be activated from the controller, is located on the bottom to assist with landing in challenging conditions such as low-light environments.

DJI claims a maximum 34 minutes of flight time for the Mavic Air 2, a significant increase from the 21-minute life expectancy of the original Air model, though this figure is derived from flying in ideal conditions; DJI states that 33 minutes is more likely when performing a typical flight. I flew in moderate winds and found the figure to be closer to 30 – 31 minutes, on par with the Mavic 2 series.

The bottom of the drone includes obstacle avoidance sensors and an auxiliary light.

A microSD card slot, which supports up to 256GB, is located below the battery portal. 8GB of internal storage is provided as backup should the memory card become full (or if you forget to bring a card along). Photos or video captured internally can be accessed through the micro USB portal on the opposite side of the card slot. Two cables that connect to a laptop are included with the Mavic Air 2.

This model is also equipped with DJI’s Geo system, which prevents drones from entering prohibited areas including airports. For those unfamiliar with drone laws, this feature will come in handy. Geo zones, as well as ADS-B, can be deactivated in the Fly app.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Review: The DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best all-around drone for most people

Posted in Uncategorized