DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs DJI Mavic Zoom vs DJI Mavic Pro

This DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Mavic Zoom and DJI Mavic Pro review will endeavor to look at exceptional features of these 3 drones while making a detailed comparison. All these are DJI drones that feature excellent design, engineering, and innovative features that make them versatile drones when deployed for various missions and activities.

We understand that you are curious to know the difference between these 3 innovative drones from DJI and what kinds of features make them outstanding and superior. To make a detailed comparison of DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Mavic Zoom, and DJI Mavic Pro, we have covered their main features separately to allow you to identify the differences among them.

Differences between DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Mavic Zoom and DJI Mavic Pro

Although all these quad drones are products of DJI Company, they have various features that make them comparable yet different. For instance, Mavic 2 is basically an improvement in most of its aspects over Mavic Pro.

Let's look at what makes these three products from DJI similar yet different drones.

Camera Performance

For camera performance, Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom have integrated Hasselblad to take its camera performance to a whole new level. Mavic 2 Pro's image sensor is upgraded to an inch while Mavic 2 Zoom comes with 1/2.3-inch image sensor just like Mavic Pro. However, the difference between Mavic 2 Zoom and Pro is that the Pro does not feature a Hasselblad. With this, the active sensing area is four times more effective than that of Mavic Pro, thus delivering a high-quality image and color performance.

Color Solution

The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution technology allows footages to look more real with minimal distortion. This technology enables Mavic 2 Pro to record more than 1 billion colors with its 10-bit Dlog-M color profile while both Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic Pro record 16 million colors only.

Mavic 2 Pro large sensor also does great in various environments with its extensive ISO range of 12800 as compared to 3200 for both Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic Pro. With the larger sensor, Mavic 2 Pro can capture an image with 20MP compared to 12MP for Pro and 2MP.

New Zoom Lens

Both Mavic Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom feature 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensors. Additionally, Mavic 2 Zoom is fitted with the latest 2X optical zooming lens that enables a 24mm to 48mm focal length. This allows extra space for adjusting perspective and up to 40 percent higher focus speed than other models. Besides, the zoom upgrade enables you to shoot a more dynamic perspective from different new angles.

Bit Rates

Mavic Pro can record videos with 60Mbps as the maximum, but Mavic zoom and 2 Pro are able to shoot with 100Mbps rate. Since the higher the bit rate the greater the clarity of your videos, Mavic Pro will shoot less clearer videos compared to the other versions.

Enhanced HDR Photo

Both Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom have the capabilities to capture HDR images while in flight mode. The HDR feature allows a more dynamic range and color depth compared to Mavic Pro that doesn't support enhanced HDR photo.

Video Coding

While Mavic Pro supports H.264 codec, Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom operate with H. 265 code, which is commonly referred to as High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). The HEVC system enables these two versions to have clearer and more detailed videos and pictures.

Upgraded Transmission System

The latest OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system is available in both Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom. This enables a video transmission signal of up to 1080p in a larger diameter of 8km compared to Mavic Pro that only transmits at 7km. While Mavic Pro utilizes a single 2.4 GHz frequency, Mavic 2 Pro version supports a 2.4 to 5.8 GHz auto-switching, thus enhancing performance in a demanding environment.

Flight Time Performance

Mavic 2 Pro and 2 Zoom come with less noisy propellers and an ergonomically designed chassis, which makes them two of the most advanced quad drones in the market. As such, they experience up to 19 percent less of body drag compared to Mavic Pro.

Moreover, Mavic 2 versions have a longer flying time of 31 minutes each as compared to Mavic Pro, which has 27 minutes of flight. Flight time is generally determined by battery capacity and power consumption. Moreover, they also have a higher flight speed of 72kph (45mph) as compared to Mavic Pro that has a slightly lower speed of 65kph (40mph).

Let's finish off with the drone descriptions, specifications, and their pros and cons.

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Mavic Pro

If you are looking for a small yet powerful quadcopter, the DJI Mavic Pro has you covered. This compact designed drone to allow for easy carrying in your backpack or larger purse whenever you go out for trips. Its compressed design makes it one of the most portable drones available on the market.

Although most people may think this compressed size results to low quality and few features, it, however, conceals a high degree of complexity, which makes DJI Mavic Pro one of the most refined flying camera ever designed and built.

DJI Mavic Pro comes in one color. When it arrives, the grey drone doesn't need much assembling to launch its first flight. You only unfold its arms with the front ones from the sides while the rear arms are unfolded from beneath. Don't forget to unfold the landing gears at the base of the front arm and others at the fuselage around the rear arms. Since the clearance is marginal all round, you will have to find a relatively even and solid surface to launch from and land.

It requires 3 Lithium-ion batteries that are easily removable to allow you to charge. You remove them by a simply squeezing together the buttons that are located on either side of the batteries. These batteries hold enough charge to ensure the drone flies up to a maximum of 27 minutes at a speed of 40 miles per hour. 

Its 4K camera has 12MP and is housed in the front side and stabilized by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. 5 vision sensors are positioned right above the camera to help detect obstacles while avoiding any danger that may compromise the drone. All these sensitive components are kept safe and dry by the plastic casing that is optional. You can detach the casing if you establish that it compromises the quality of the images taken.

Overall, DJI Mavic Pro is a superior computing quadcopter that is complemented by intelligent, Dual-GPS radio for accurate location, self-landing abilities, and autonomous flight modes among other high-performing computer cores. The dual gps will definitely help accuracy. Interestingly, you can command all these functions by pushing a button on the remote controller.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 12 Inches
• Weight: 734 gm.
• Image Sensor: 1/2.3-Inch
• Image Resolution: 12 MP
• Max Video bit rate: 60Mbps
• Optical Zoom: X
• Flight time: 27 minutes
• Max Speed: 40mph (65kmph)
• Max Transmission Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
• IOS range: 100 - 3200

Pros

• It's portable
• Features a highly effective remote controller
• Comes with extra rotors
• High capacity 64 GIC card
• Have 5 vision sensors

Cons

• Normal HDR quality image
• Lower maximum speed compared to other options
• Slightly lower maximum transmission distance
• Lower maximum video bit rate compared to other options.

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Mavic 2 Pro

Mavic 2 Pro is an excellent combination of high-end features from Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic Pro. So, what really makes this quad drone a big deal?

Primarily, Mavic 2 Pro comes in a compact size that brings out a sleek appearance that sets the bar quite high for other players in the quad drone industry. The sleek look is further enhanced by a unique grey color.

It comes with a high image quality even under low light conditions. Its aperture is adjustable to give more versatility when it comes to handling different light conditions. The 1-inch CMOS sensor captures more information in each pixel for a better signal to noise ratio, a dynamic range even at a low-light performance. The Hasselblad is iconic and ergonomically designed to enhance the quality of the image. It has a long history of capturing the most of the world's iconic images.

Mavic 2 Pro utilizes the newest OcuSync 2.0 digital video transmission system that allows more exploration of your environment in a smooth and safe way. OcuSync 2.0 gives you an 8km 1080p video transmission at 2.4/5.8 GHz real-time auto-switching 5 and a downloading speed of 40Mbps. With a 2.0 Active Track, this drone can effectively map a 3D view of your desired environment while the dual front vision sensors enhance recognition and precision.

The trajectory prediction system allows a maintained tracking even when the subject is obstructed temporarily. If you want high tracking speed, Mavic 2 Pro drone from DJI is likely to be your pick as it boasts a maximum speed of 45mph (72 kph) for 31 minutes of flying. However, this speed is only attainable after switching off the obstacle sensing system.

Mavic 2 Pro features obstacle sensors that are fitted in all sides. With its Advanced Pilot Assistance System, you will easily navigate obstacles both in the front and behind. Moreover, the auxiliary light helps the underneath sensors to work perfectly even at low-lit conditions.

With these high-end and innovative features, Mavic 2 Pro becomes an ideal drone for videographers, hobbyists, and photographers that want high-quality images and compactly sized drones for portability.

Specifications

• Weight: 907g
• Image Sensor: 1-Inch
• Image Resolution: 20 MP
• Flight Time: 31 minutes
• Max video bit rate: 1000Mbps
• Enhanced HDR Photo: 14EV
• ISO range: 100 - 12800
• Max Speed: 72kph (45mph)
• Max Transmission Distance: 8km (5miles)

Pros

• Produces enhanced HDR images
• Quiet with greater range
• Easy to control
• Flexible even in low-lit conditions with adjustable aperture
• Features four panorama modes
• Attains greater speed of tracking
• Provides dual vision sensors for precision and recognition

Cons

• Some users find it too heavy for comfort
• A bit pricey
• The gimbal might start to act up

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Mavic 2 Zoom

Mavic 2 Zoom is one of the first drones to feature an optical zoom lens of 24-48 mm. Its zoom camera is powered by 1/2.3 inch, 12MP sensor that zooms up to four times. This gives Mavic 2 Zoom a dynamic perspective since it can capture everything from mid-range to wide-angle shots with extra creative options. In order to take super-resolution photos of up to 48-Megapixel, the camera will capture and patch together nine photos with its telephoto lens.

For a fast and precise focus, Mavic 2 Zoom features a hybrid autofocus that blends phase and contrast detection to achieve higher focus precision at a speed 40 percent higher than before. With the Autofocus Tracking System, the subject will appear clearer and sharper when zooming in and out.

The Dolly Zoom system is incorporated into the drone to allow zooming when in flight mode. This system auto-adjusts during the flight to add intense and warping visual effects to your videos. For more excellent and creative shots, you can set the focus speed values.

The obstacle sensors in Mavic 2 Zoom allow it to actively evade flying into obstacles both in front and behind. The auxiliary light at the bottom enables the downward sensors to function effectively.

The Active Track 2.0 system that relies on 3D mapped images from the primary camera and the front dual vision sensors allow for easy tracking of a subject. With this system, the drone will be able to read, be aware of and evade obstacles that are either in front or behind it while you shoot your subject with high precision and uninterrupted.

The Mavic 2 Zoom is also fitted with an OcuSync 2.0 Digital Video transmission system for smooth and safer exploration. This system boasts a range of 8 km with 1080p real-time video transmission. With a downloading speed of 40Mbps, you will be sure to get your videos transferred almost at an instant. With 31 minutes of quiet flying, you will be able to have enough time to video the entire scene before landing.

With the high-quality images and full HD videos, Mavic 2 Zoom becomes an ideal drone for photography and video shooting.

Specifications

• Weight: 905g
• Image Sensor: 1/2.3-Inch
• Image resolution: 12 MP
• Max Video bit rate: 100Mbps
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Optical Zoom: 2 times
• ISO range: 100 - 3200
• Enhanced HDR Photo: 13 EV
• Max Speed: 72kmph (45mph)
• Max transmission distance: 8km (5miles)

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Pros

• Has great zooming capabilities
• Provides more flight minutes
• Produces full HD video resolution
• High Megapixel images
• It boasts of great stability

Cons

• Rear arm rotors rub against the body

Conclusion

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Looking at these drones from DJI, we get to see that they are compactly designed to allow easy portability in a camera bag or backpack. They are also easy to set up, making them great for a quick and safer launching.

However, Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom are more innovative and feature the latest designs and technology in the camera industry. These features make them more versatile than Mavic Pro, which forms the basis for these two versions to advance. As such, Mavic 2 and Mavic 2 Zoom are better in photography and videography since they shoot clearer and sharper photos and videos in addition to providing an overall longer flight time. For most people the Mavic 2 zoom will be the better buy, but for those who need the extra bit of camera performance the Mavic 2 Pro may be the better bet. We can say that any of these drones would make a great christmas present.