The DJI Mavic Air is a compact, foldable drone and is the smallest member of DJI's Mavic family of products. It offers high image...
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The DJI Mavic Air is a compact, foldable drone and is the smallest member of DJI's Mavic family of products. It offers high image quality in a travel-friendly size, as well as a solid obstacle avoidance system and powerful automated flight modes. It can shoot 4K/30p video at 100 Mbps, but uses Wi-Fi for connectivity instead of DJI's more robust Lightbridge or OcuSync signal transmission systems, both of which perform better over long distances.
The Mavic Air is a compelling offering, positioned between the consumer and professional-grade drones that DJI currently offers. When used correctly, it can produce content difficult to distinguish from its professional-grade cousins. If you're looking for a drone that delivers features close to the Phantom 4 Pro or Mavic 2 series while keeping size and cost factors in check, the Mavic Air might be the perfect aerial companion for you.
Key Features:
- 1/2.3" 12 megapixel CMOS sensor
- 3-axis stabilized gimbal
- 85 degree FOV (24mm equiv)
- Lightweight, 430 grams (15 ounces)
- 21-minute flight time
- Top speed of 68 km/h (42 mph) in sport mode
- DNG Raw support
- 100 Mbps 4K video up to 30 fps
- Forward and rear-facing APAS obstacle avoidance
- 8GB of internal storage
- New intelligent flight modes
The DJI Mavic Air is in some ways an evolution of the DJI Spark, but also borrows liberally from DJI's Mavic series of drones. The Mavic Air has a smaller footprint than the Spark when the legs are folded and the drone is in travel mode. On top of that, it also includes 4K video (the Spark maxes out at 1080p). The Air also offers DNG Raw stills, longer flight time, D-Cinelike color profile in video, and upgrades the gimbal from two to three axes of stabilization. The use of Wi-Fi for signal transmission matches the Spark, which keeps this small-but-mighty drone beneath the more robust transmission offering of the Mavic and Phantom series.
The Mavic Air has an improved obstacle avoidance system, which protects it from objects in front, behind, and beneath its flight path. Additionally, DJI's Active Pilot Assistance System, or APAS, also helps the drone avoid obstacles intelligently, by moving around them, instead of just stopping when it encounters them. It has many features that make it suitable for new and experienced drone pilots alike. It's a near-perfect travel drone for hobbyists and creators of all levels.
How it compares
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Learn about new features found on the Mavic Air, and find out how it compares to other DJI models, including the original Mavic Pro/Pro Platinum. |
Aircraft, Camera and Controller
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The Mavic Air's incredible portability may be the best part if its design. We take a closer look at the hardware, and explain a few of the compromises that come with its small size. |
Is it right for you?
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We'll help you figure out whether the Mavic Air is the right drone for you based on how you intend to use it. |
Photography Features and Image Quality
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The Mavic Air's camera is capable of capturing some very high quality images – as long as you're aware of its limitations. |
Video Features and Quality
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The Mavic Air boasts some impressive video capabilities, including high quality 4K/30p capture. Find out how it performs and whether the camera's small sensor comes with any limitations. |
Conclusion
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Our overall impression of the Mavic Air, as well as some alternative models you may want to consider. |
| Review Publication History | |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2019 | Review published |
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