Hands-On with the DJI Mavic Pro
The DJI Mavic Pro is a full featured drone with 4k UltraHD image recording and a host of advanced features – all in a compact package.
The Mavic Pro drone folds up for storage and unfolds quickly, without tools, when you are ready to fly. Folded up, you could comfortably fit it in a backpack. It has a unique positioning system that allows it to hover with precision. It uses 5 image sensors, GPS, and ultrasonic range finders to maintain position. This allows the positioning system to work in locations where you don’t have access to a GPS signal. The sensors also power a collision avoidance system.
There is a 3-axis gimbal stabilized camera that records 4k UltraHD video at 30fps. Add a set of DJI Goggles and you can get a live “Drone’s Eye” view of the world.
ActiveTrack technology allows you to tell the Mavic Pro who to track, and then it will follow them automatically. The collision avoidance system will keep it from getting into trouble during automated flight. There are a number of other special flight controls to help novice and experienced drone pilots get smooth accurate flights using the Mavic.
The Mavic Pro is only 1/6th the size of the Phantom 4, but it doesn’t skimp on flight time. Its high-efficiency motors provide up to 27 minutes of flight time (environmental conditions and your flying style will effect performance.)
Check out this Hands-On Preview of the DJI Mavic Pro
The DJI Mavic Pro is a fantastic drone that has many of the features found in bigger drones but in a super compact size that makes it easy to carry. This drone will set you back less than $1,000, which is a steal when you consider what all that it is capable of doing.
What do you think, is there a better drone out there at this price?
Was wondering if the Mavic could handle confined spaces like attics and crawl spaces. I’ve read the obstacle avoidance limits its distance to 19″. I assume this is a spherical distance, which would make it a bit too large a diameter to get in to many areas. Are there hobbiest who will modify this distance? Or are there other modes that DJI has developed? This feature would greatly improve the safety of building inspectors and anyone who has to go into a space which may contain high levels on CO2 or CO.
There is a ‘Tripod Mode’ which is specifically tuned for indoor use. It gives slower and more precise controls. I’m sure how well that would play with attics and crawl spaces. You can switch off the obstacle sensing system by putting the Mavic into ‘Sport Mode’.