Last Updated on December 2, 2023
Of all the brands we feature on this site, DJI is the 200 pound gorilla, albeit a very well dressed gorilla with only the materials.
DJI became the standard when they came out with the Phantom line of RC aircraft. However, while large quadcopters still have their place, the market has changed and enthusiasts are looking for a compact design without sacrificing options. DJI has managed to keep pace and again set the bar for what a drone should be. DJI gives fans exactly what they wanted in the Mavic line of quadcopters.
Mavic models are fold-able and light weight making them perfect for bringing along in your backpack for a day hike. Don’t let the trimmed down size and light weight fool you, these are well made devices full of buying choices to take the best possible aerial photos as well as still shots.
Lets jump right in and find the right DJI model for you.
Comparison of the Best DJI Drones
DJI Mavic Mini 2 Drone
- PACK LIGHT, FLY FREE: at less than 249 g, it weighs about as much as an apple and...
- OCUSYNC 2.0 VIDEO TRANSMISSION: mini 2 supports up to 10km of hd video transmission...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: with a max battery life of 31 minutes, dji mini 2 grants more...
- 4X ZOOM: there’s no need to get so close for your dream shot. 4x digital zoom makes...
The DJI Mavic Mini 2 is perfect for a beginner. Its light weight, takes phenomenal photos without too many complicated choices to figure out.
DJI Mavic Mini 2 is the lightest of all the DJI drone models and in many countries does not need to be registered because of its 250 gram weight. It is also available with the Mavic Mini 2 Fly More Combo package giving you everything you need to get started.
The DJI Fly app which makes it easy for the novice by providing templates so that you can be posting first class video from your flights in a flash.
If you are looking for a light weight drone that is simple to fly but still would like to take stunning high quality photos. This is a great option and the 3 axis gimbal provides professional level stability for your photos.
- 3-axis Gimbal
- 31 min flight duration/li>
- 12MP images
- Switchable between Sport (S-Mode) and Position (P-Mode) modes
- Downward Obstacle avoidance
- Maximum speed of 57.59 KPS (in sport mode)
- Maximum Altitude 4000m
The DJI Mini 2 added a couple of features from its original version. First, it added a 4x Zoom feature allowing you get close up photographs without getting too close. The second change of note is the implementation of OcuSync 2.0 which support HD video transmission for up to 10 km. Other features are the panorama option, RAW image support as well as the editing feature.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo
- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the...
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor...
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to...
- 【INTELLIGENT TRACKING】: Mavic Air 2 features intuitive shooting functions that...
The Mavic Air 2 while heavier than the Mini, is still quite compact and can be carried in the palm of your hand when folded.
The most distinguishing feature on the Mavic Air to is OcuSync 2.0, which offers and impressive video transmission of up to 10 km and as well as delivering 1080p FHD resolution live-stream straight from the quadcopter.
As a new craft that has been upgraded, this aircraft improves on the DJI Mavic Mini’s obstacle detection providing Forward, Backward, and downward obstacle detection.
The fly more Combo gives you additional propellers, a bag to protect your equipment and accessories, 3 additional lens filters, a charging hub and 3 intelligent flight batteries.
- 3-axis Gimbal
- 68.4 kph in sport mode
- 34 minutes flight duration
- 48MP images
- 1.25 pounds (570g)
- 8K Hyperlapse
- 4K Video with 60fps
You won’t miss any of the action with the 3 options for tracking objects on the Mavic Air 2, Active Track 3.0 allows you to track fast moving objects while offering obstacle avoidance. Spotlight 2.0 give you control while keeping your subject in the center of the picture frame. For circling subjects like cars, boats, animals and humans, POI 3.0 is available.
This model is best suited for the pilot looking for most of the choics available, but doesn’t have the funds to spring for the professional version. With all the provided bells and whistles, this is a fantastic value.
Mavic 2 Pro – Drone Quadcopter UAV with Smart Transmitter
- Equipped with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20MP 1” CMOS Sensor, the Mavic 2...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 907G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal...
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2. 0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse,...
- The DJI Smart Controller comes with an ultra-bright 5.5-inch 1080p display that...
This version looks similar to the air and zoom versions but has some subtle differences that made it our top choice.
First off, we chose the model with the smart transmitter; my eyes aren’t getting any better and the ultra-bright 5.5-inch 1080p color display screen is almost a requirement for me. You could save some money by getting the version without the smart transmitter.
Another separating feature is the 1″ sensor. If you are like me and don’t get around to flying until the early evening, the larger sensor will provide better results as daylight starts to fade into night. It also gives you some more range with ISO’s.
This quadcopter also runs a little quieter, due to is use of FOC Sinusoidal communication driven ESC and low noise propellers. In addition to being a little quieter it is equipped with the Hasselblad 20MP giving even clearer pictures.
- 3-axis Gimbal
- Hasselblad 20MP Camera
- 31 minutes flight duration
- Max speed of 72 kps
- Omni-directional Sensing
- 1.9 pounds (907g)
- DJI 4 Go App
- Point of Interest tracking
- Hyperlapse
- T/P/S Switch
In the end the DJI Mavic Pro is really intended for those who are serious about aerial photography. Using DJI’s technology and innovation to look at photography through the lens of a professional aerial photographer I feel they accomplished this. The advanced photography capability will deliver spectacular results that seemed impossible even just a few years ago.
DJI FPV Combo – First-Person View Drone
- IMMERSIVE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: Feel the thrill of immersive flight provided by the DJI...
- FAA Remote ID Compliant - DJI FPV complies with the FAA Remote ID rule. Please check...
- 4K/60FPS VIDEO: The DJI FPV aircraft can record 4K/60fps video at up to 120 Mbps,...
- ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES: An auxiliary bottom light, Smart Return to Home (RTH), Low...
New to the DJI line up is the FPV Drone by DJI. This is a slight departure from the Mavic line-up given that its not foldable and flies up to a whopping 140.39 kph (87.24 mph).
To stabilize images and video the FPV drone uses RockSteady EIS technology to create crystal clear images and video. This is accomplished by analyzing images in the CMOS sensor and overlaying them into a single frame which is clear with the correct exposure. This is an important feature for taking videos at high speeds (did we mention this thing can go up to 87 mph?).
The DJI FPV also comes with both a motion controller and FPV goggles giving you an immersive experience and you fly your craft. If you like playing the 3D games that are out now you’ll love flying in this mode. It also helps that the FPV drone comes with both downward and forward obstacle avoidance to assist in avoiding crashes.
OcuSync 3.0 is the latest version of video transmission by DJI and in this upgrade you are given several options allow for for a near realtime feed up to higher quality images with a little more delay. You’ll also have the option of other people joining into your FPV feed to enjoy your experience with you.
- single axis Gimbal
- Rocksteady EIS
- Flie up to 87 mph
- Comes with 3 Operating Modes
- 20 minutes flight duration
- Downward and Forward obstacle detection
- 150 degree FOV
- Weight: 20oz (568g)
- VR Googles
- FVP Motion Controller
- FVP Remote Controler
The ergonomic controller allows you to easily switch flight modes, gimbal adjustment, return home, and stable hover mode at the touch of a button should you lose the drone. The unit also comes with a motion controller that you can control the drone by moving the stick.
The Gimbal is one feature we like to call out that is different on the FPV drone. It only has a one axis gimbal and relies on the rocksteady EIS software to stabilize the images/video. While this is good, it doesn’t compare to the 3-axis gimbals on the mavic models. This isn’t a flaw per se, but something you should be aware of if you chose this model.
There are three modes of flight, Normal mode which has all the obstacle protection and is best for the beginning pilot; Sport Mode which takes the training wheels off but still has some restrictions to key the craft stable in flight; Manual Mode leaves everything up to the pilot to manage and should only used by experienced pilots given how easy it is to get disoriented.
Mavic 2 Zoom – Drone Quadcopter UAV with Smart Controller
- Powered by a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 905G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal...
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2. 0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse,...
- The DJI Smart Controller comes with an ultra-bright 5.5-inch 1080p display that...
At first glance this doesn’t really seem that much different than the Mavic 2 Pro, After all it has pretty much the same flight specs. The zoom flies just as fast (72 kps) and just as long (31 minutes). They also share the Active Track and Hyper-lapse options. But there are a few items that separate this model and may be exactly what you are looking for in your photography.
I’ll start with what it doesn’t have. It doesn’t have the Hasselblad 20MP or the 1″ Sensor. This will limit you some if you work with ISO’s or take a lot of photos as evening is arriving.
The Zoom does have a few points that are specific to the model. The feature that gives zoom its name is the x2 zoom lens. This allows you to zoom in on your subjects with out having to get so close.
SuperRes, is a feature that allows for taking a picture in 24 mm equivalent 5; the camera will capture and patch nine photos with its telephoto lens. The final result of this is a a 48-megapixel super-resolution photo.
- 3-axis Gimbal
- SuperRes Resolution
- x2 Zoom
- DollyZoom panning feature
- 31 minutes flight duration
- Max speed of 72 kps
- Omni-directional Sensing
- 1.9 pounds (905g)
- DJI 4 Go App
- Hyperlapse
DollyZoom is another feature specific to this model. It basically is an effect that zooms or pans in on an object creating a dramatic visualization. The focused object remains as the background pulls in or or out effectively ‘panning’ to the object.
Even with out the 1″ sensor we found the photos to be quite detailed. For the pilot that is looking for more effects (x2 zoom, SuperRes and DollyZoom) this model gets a nod over the Mavic Pro version.
Inspire 2 Drone
- Efficient workflow
- Sense and avoid
- Spotlight Pro; Compatible with 5.2K Gimbal Cameras
- Intelligent flight modes. Obstacle Sensing Range : 0-16.4 feet (0-5 m)
The inspire 2 is the second generation of professional cinematography drones.
Because the gimbal and the camera are separate, you can order the devices of your choosing to mount to the drone.
Some of the improvements over the Inspire 1 are faster Accent and Decent times, bumped up max speed of 94 kph, an infra red sensor on top for upward obstacle avoidance, Dual battery design to increase flight duration and a self heating system for filming in severe cold weather.
The frame is comprised of magnesium aluminum composite and carbon fiber arms creating a durable drone to mount your favorite configuration.
The software supports the ability for two people to control the flight and the shot, and supports 5.2K@4.2gbp RAW video using the integrated Cinecore 2.0 software.
To get visual idea of what is possible check out DJI’s video to the right.
This is a great choice for the professional looking to get into or further their capabilities in cinematography. Master this craft and you can create movies just like in the theaters!
- Flight duration 23-27 minutes
- Max Speed of 94 kph
- 30M Sensory Range
- Live View 1080P
- Control Range 7km
Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 camera drone comes equipped with a 3-axis motorized gimbal and...
- The standard controller features a smartphone holder. You will need to install the...
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a beast when it comes to flight performance. It has a...
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack,...
The classic Phantom has been upgraded to a Phantom 4 Pro V2.0.
The Phantom was the start of true high quality aerial photography. This new incarnation continues the tradition.
The camera has a 1″ CMOS and can capture 20MP images. However it doesn’t come with the 10-bit Dlog-M color profile or the 4K video with 10-bit HDR. It does include a mechanical shutter which allows the pilot to freeze fast-moving objects in frame for amazing clarity on high speed shoots. It also eliminates the rolling shutter effect.
This model also includes Draw mode for navigation. To create a route its as simple as drawing the route up on the display screen.
- 3-axis Gimbal
- 72 kph maximum speed
- 30 minute flight period
- 3 ActiveTrack options
- Draw mode
- Max speed of 72 kps
- 5 direction Obstacle Sensing
- 3.03 pounds (1375g)
For us the biggest drawback to this icon is the weight and the fact that it can’t be folded an easily carried on hikes and trips where you need to be nimble and mobile. If the weight and the folding design (or lack of) are not components that interest you, then this model should be in your short list.
DJI Models at a glance
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo – Ultralight... | $599.00 $569.00 | View on Amazon | ||
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo - Drone... | $983.00 | View on Amazon | ||
DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Drone Quadcopter UAV with... | $2,049.00 $1,199.90 | View on Amazon | ||
DJI FPV Combo (Goggles V2), First-Person View... | $999.00 $698.00 | View on Amazon | ||
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom - Drone Quadcopter UAV with... | $1,399.00 | View on Amazon | ||
DJI Inspire 2 Drone | $2,489.00 | View on Amazon | ||
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 - Drone Quadcopter UAV... | $2,239.00 | View on Amazon |