It’s also worth noting that 8K is limited to 25fps 6K to 50fps and 4K to 60fps.
Why is 8K ‘lesser’? In fact it uses the same Sony IMX586 half-inch imaging chip as featured in the Mavic Air 2, while the 6K pro sports IMX383 1-inch sensor (that’s four times the area) and can output 10-bit footage and a variable aperture. So far the ‘lesser’ 8K model is the one widely available – with the 6K ‘Pro’ model following and the dual infrared-enabled version to come.
Intended for professional work, the drone also lacks DJI’s big-brother geofencing.
Another big plus is that the drone has omnidirectional collision sensors which it uses in normal fight (the Mavic 2 has side-sensors, but only uses them in some automatic modes). Moreover it has the huge advantage of being optional: there is a 3.3-inch OLED screen in the remote meaning you can fly without connecting the phone at all. While Autel Explorer, it’s partner app, lacks some of the polish of DJI’s equivalents, it does bring all the tracking options you might want. It’s a bit chunkier than the Mavics, but it can fly for longer and is bigger unfolded). Both are built around a heavy, rugged-looking (but average feeling) orange airframe which eschews sleek consumer-friendly design for simple practicality. Like the Mavic 2, Autel’s second EVO is offered with different camera choices, in theory at least (supply has been erratic in its early months, but then 2020 hasn’t been an easy year). The Mavic 3 Cine is a variant exclusively for those requiring ProRes 422 HQ format video which also holds onboard a 1TB SSD to store the uncompressed video it can capture, and ships with a “DJI RC Pro” (controller with built in screen).
Some might see the folding form factor as belonging to consumer territory, but that’s an old-fashioned perspective in the drone world and amongst clients this is an aerial camera which (while being over most weight limits) is more portable than most and certainly priced for professionals.
Nevertheless, the Mavic 3 will do the job in a lot of situations, and it can do it for much longer too hovering for up to 45 minutes. The zoom has a notably lower res 12-megapixel half-inch sensor attached at a fixed ƒ/4/4, so Is more of a scouting accessory and surveying tool than an Inspire 2 with the right lens. The Mavic 3 is a powerful machine, capable of lifting both a 24mm EFL main camera and a secondary camera which provides a “hybrid zoom.” This can be a little confusing at first, but it’s best thought of as an excellent 20 megapixel camera which brings the pro (at least in drones) features of adjustable ISO, exposure and, crucially, aperture. Average looking telephoto -Missing firmware at launch There have also been significant arrivals including the DJI Air 2S, seemingly creating its own niche, and the long-awaited Mavic 3. In 2021, the major excitement has been with the arrival of the DJI FPV Combo - which brings sports drone photography using goggles to a much wider audience. If your budget is tight, check out our guide to the best cheap drones you can buy right now. While there are cheap drones that will do a good job, the rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. We’ve included drones suited to a range of different budgets, each of which has different levels of intelligent flight control and camera technology. Each one has a camera supported by a powered gimbal for stabilized shooting, designed to counteract the bumps and buffets that come with flight. Rules apply to drones of different sizes depending on the country, so even if you’re using a tiny drone, it’s worth reading up.Įvery drone featured in this guide will give you fantastic results for photos and video. Before you take a drone into the air, it’s well worth checking out our guide to drone rules in the US, the UK and beyond. Of course, there are rules and responsibilities that come with drone flying. Then there’s also the fact that intelligent flight controls are getting better and better, making drones so easy to fly that even a total novice can pick up the basics in minutes. The big difference these days is that the camera technology in drones has come a long way, with larger sensors, better video resolutions and improved stabilisation systems powered by on-board gimbals.