After a series of leaks and pre-release glimpses, DJI has launched the Mavic 2 series of drones with two camera options, the Pro and the Zoom.

The Mavic series from DJI is a small form quad-copter that folds for easy transportation and was first released in 2016.

Of the two models releases, the Mavic 2 is endowed with either a high-end 20 megapixel 1-inch CMOS image sensor, or an optical 2x zoom.

In addition to the beefed up optics and imagery specifications, the Mavic 2 also sees some performance specification boosts to ascent, descent and horizontal speed over its predecessor.

Flight time has also increased by around 50% and additional anti-collision vision in the Mavic 2 now adds side-monitoring to the downward, forward and back monitoring.

Range has also increased out to 8km 1080p live video according to the DJI website, although the line-of-sight limitation will not see this tested under current CASA Remotely Piloted Aircraft regulations.

The optical zoom functionality of the Mavic 2 Zoom is thought to be the first integrated zoom camera on a drone.

Meg Kummerow from Fly the Farm says that the zoom feature might be particularly useful where operators need to see detail without manoeuvring the drone too close to objects.

"An example might be to inspect the top of a silo or shed where previously, most UAV's have wide-angle cameras and need to get close to objects to see smaller details, the Mavic 2 zoom will allow that safety of distance while still retaining the ability to capture smaller features"

Meg also noted the high-end optical specifications of the Mavic 2 Pro; "While majority owned by DJI now, Hasseblad have a well-earned and long-standing reputation for some of the best quality cameras and optical technology available."

Hasseblad, founded in Sweden, is the brand of camera NASA first chose to take to the moon, and have a reputation amongst photographers as the benchmark in optical quality. The use of a 1 inch (25.4mm) sensor over the 1/2.3inch (11mm) sensor is an improvement in capture area and resolution, better low-light performance, improved dynamic range and less diffraction on the edge of the image.

Kondinin Group has requested a press unit from DJI for hands-on testing.

Mavic 2 specifications and retail pricing

Maximum Take-off Weight: 907 g

Maximum Horizontal Speed: 72km/h

Maximum Ascent Speed: 5m/s

Maximum Descent Speed: 3m/s

Maximum Flight Time: 31mins

Maximum Hover Time: 29mins

Anti-collision vision system: Downward, Forward, Backward, Left, Right (0.5 to 40.0 m)

Flight battery: Interchangeable 15.5V 3850 mAh (59.3 Wh)

Operating temperature: -10 to 40°C

Dimensions folded: 91 x 84 x 214 mm

Dimensions unfolded: 242 x 84 x 322 mm

Camera

Mavic 2 Pro: 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor, adjustable aperture f2.8-11, Field of view 77 degrees, Video up to 3840 x 2160p at 24/25/30 fps

Mavic 2 Zoom: 12MP 1/2.3inch CMOS sensor, 24-48mm optical zoom, Field of view 83 degrees, Video up to 3840 x 2160p at 24/25/30 fps

Retail pricing is listed as $2499 including GST for the Mavic 2 Pro and $1999 including GST for the Mavic 2 Zoom.

A "Fly More Kit" which adds extra batteries and carry case, as well as other accessories is available for an extra $649 including GST.

Meg notes that Mavic 2 stock is currently available in Australia although is in limited supply due to demand.

Parrot

Parrot has also come to the market with their latest release, the ANAFI. Boasting a 21 megapixel camera using a 1/2.4 inch Sony sensor. The main party-tricks the ANAFI brings to the table is its impossibly small fold size and 180-degree tilt up and down camera. The camera is also capable of true 4K cinema resolution (4096x2160)

Folded, the ANAFI is just 66 x 63 x 2.4 mm and Parrot claim an unfold time of less than 3-seconds.

Charging is via USB-C which means a special charger does not need to be carried with some newer laptop and phone-chargers also using this standard.

Flight time is a respectable 25-minutes and maximum horizontal speed is 55km/h

Specifications and retail pricing are:

ANAFI

Maximum Take-off Weight: 320 g

Maximum Horizontal Speed: 55km/h

Maximum Ascent Speed: 4m/s

Maximum Flight Time: 25mins

Anti-collision vision system: Downward, Forward

Flight battery: Interchangeable 7.6V 2700 mAh LiPo (20.5 Wh)

Operating temperature: -10 to 40°C

Dimensions folded: 244 x 67 x 65 mm

Dimensions unfolded: 175 x 240 x 65 mm

Camera :

ANAFI:: 1/2.4 inch (10.6mm) Sony CMOS sensor, aperture f2.4, Field of view 69 degrees, Video up to 4K Cinema 4096x2160 24fps

The ANAFI is listing on the Australian Parrot store for $1099 including GST