Should you buy the DJI Mavic Air 2?

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is perfectly logged in between the DJI Mavic Mini and the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and Pro models in terms of pricing. Where you look at the specs, however, the Mavic 2 Air gives the Zoom and Pro a serious run for their money. So, who is the drone for? And, more importantly, should you buy the DJI Mavic Air 2?

Should you buy the DJI Mavic Air 2?

The DJI Mavic Air 2 for the newbie?

If you are new to drones, should you go ahead and buy the DJI Mavic Air 2? Yes, if your budget allows for it and you think you are serious about flying drones, then the Mavic Air is DJI’s safest and smartest drone to get. It is effortless to fly, and with the improved OcuSync 2.0 transmissions system, you get DJI’s latest and best connection to the aircraft. The smart photo modes and QuickShots make it easy to get the most out of your drone in terms of photos and videos.

If you’re on a tighter budget or you are unsure about how much you like drones, you may also want to check out the DJI Ryze Tello and the DJI Mavic Mini. You can also look for an older DJI Mavic Pro or Mavic Air, although, personally, I’d skip those options and would go for newer technology such as the Mavic Mini.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 for the serious aerial photographer

The aerial photographer, the Mavic Air 2 with its 1/2-inch sensor, is still a very good choice. The 48MP photo option provides a very high-resolution image, albeit at the expense of low-light performance. The smart and HDR photo modes, as well as wide-angle option, give you a lot of flexibility with this drone. However, if its low-light performance that you’re after, the larger 1-inch sensor that the DJI Mavic 2 Pro provides will provide an image with less noise. Of course, if you have a larger budget available, you can also look at the Inspire 2 with the Zenmuse X7, but that is significantly more expensive and more of a handful. Alternatively, you can look at the Phantom 4 Pro as well with its mechanical shutter and excellent photo qualities.

The Mavic Air 2 for the aerial videographer

Yes, the Mavic Air 2 would be a great option here as well. It shoots 4K video at 60fps and 120Mbps. More than any other consumer DJI drone. However, the king of video within the more reasonably priced DJI drones is the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 with its 1-inch sensor. The Mavic Air 2 only has a 1/2-inch sensor and would likely lose in low-light performance. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is notoriously soft in 4K, so I would skip that one. If you have the budget, the Inspire 2.0 with the Zenmuse X7 and interchangeable lenses would be the ultimate DJI video setup but at a much higher budget. We will be comparing the video qualities of the various drones soon in a video, so stay tuned.

One feature that sets the Mavic Air 2 apart is its Spotlight 2.0 option (part of ForcusTrack) that allows you to lock the camera on your subject while maintaining freedom to fly the drone in different directions. This is a feature that used to be only available on the DJI Inspire 2.0

Should I upgrade from the Mavic Mini or previous Mavic Air?

If you are looking to take the next step in flying drones and improve your video and photography skills, I would say yes. The new drone is significantly better than both the Mavic Mini and the previous Mavic Air. And, the drone is still relatively light and small. It should be no problem to bring it with you where ever you go.

Should I downgrade from the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom?

Well, for the performance and capabilities of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom versus the Mavic Air 2, there is little reason to downgrade. You would win some in video quality, AirSense technology (ADS-B In), smart features such as Spotlight 2.0 option (part of ForcusTrack) and APAS 3.0, and ActiveTrack 3.0. But, on the other hand, you’d lose some as well. For instance, the side and top sensors. Unless you really want to have the latest DJI tech, it would be hard to recommend ‘downgrading’ from a Mavic 2 Pro or Zoom.

Should I get the DJI Mavic Air 2 instead of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom?

Yes, you should. Buy the cheaper, and arguably better, Mavic Air 2 instead and save your money for travel, extra batteries, or other things. Based on my first impressions, I would pick the DJI Mavic Air 2 over any other DJI drone in the prosumer lineup. Unless you have very specific requirements. For instance, if you want to use a drone for commercial mapping purposes (P4P in that case).

Should I wait for the DJI Mavic 3 instead?

If you want to have the latest and greatest, and, you can keep your finger off the ‘buy now’ button. Then yes, you should wait for the Mavic 3. That drone will have all the goodies from the Mavic Air 2 and then some (360-degree obstacle avoidance). It will surely outperform the Mavic Air 2 in photography and videography as well. The Mavic 3 is planned to be released sometime this summer, but keep in mind that DJI can always change their plans. If you need a capable drone right now, I would go for the Mavic Air 2.

Should you get the DJI Mavic Air 2?

Well, that depends on who you are. What drone, if any, you currently own. And what you are looking to do with a drone. However, that being said, I think that DJI nailed it with the DJI Mavic Air 2. At this price point, there currently is no drone that does a better job than the Mavic Air 2. The only other options would be the Skydio 2 (impossible to get right now) or the more expensive Autel EVO II. If you are looking to stay within the DJI lineup, and you need a drone now, I’d go for the Mavic Air 2 in a heartbeat.

Btw. The DJI Mavic Air 2 will be compatible with DJI’s Smart Controller.

What do you think about the DJI Mavic Air 2? Did you pull the trigger? Let me know in the comments below.