DJI Air 2S vs. Mavic Air 2: The Best All-In-One Drone

The DJI Air 2S is the latest addition to the Air series from DJI and is easily one of the most powerful yet. With a 1" sensor, 5.4K video, a new MasterShots feature and more, it's hard to find a better option out there. But how does the Mavic Air 2 stack up to its predecessor? In this article we'll compare the two, highlighting some of the major upgrades and explaining why the DJI Air 2S is the ultimate all-in-one drone.

DJI Air 2S vs. Mavic Air 2: Four Key Upgrades

Intelligence: Epic is easy with MasterShots

DJI Air 2S offers one of DJI's most impressive smart features for creators: MasterShots. This new feature basically gives anyone the ability to get all the best shots in any location within minutes and with just two taps.

MasterShots can be seen as the next evolution of QuickShots, a feature found in many DJI drones. But while QuickShots only offered one automatic flight path at a time, MasterShots combine 10-15, which are executed sequentially while the drone focuses on a subject of your choice. It even creates an automatic video afterwards, edits it with music, filters and smooth transitions. More than 20 templates are available to choose from, created by professional aerial photographers.

This function of the DJI Air 2S is an extremely powerful and convenient way for anyone to get all the shots they want in any location. With the Mavic Air 2, users had to either use QuickShots, or fly and film manually to achieve the same results, which would take much longer and require an expert-level pilot in some cases. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can get tons of cinematic videos of any subject with MasterShots, leaving you more time to explore and create.

Camera performance: Bigger sensor, better results

While the Mavic Air 2 continues to be a powerful and versatile choice when it comes to video quality, the DJI Air 2S raises the bar with a 1" CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot at 5.4K resolution.

A larger sensor is a big deal for many reasons, but it actually provides better quality and more detail in every shot. First, the DJI Air 2S's night shooting ability is greatly improved compared to the Mavic Air 2. More nuance and detail can be found in both highlights and shadows, and more visual information means more options when editing video.

Some of the most beautiful drone shots are taken in low light. Scenarios such as sunrises, sunsets or dark cityscapes are now sharp and vividly colored. This means that with DJI Air 2S there is never a bad time to capture great footage.

Safety: Advanced technology for a worry-free flight

Compared to Mavic Air 2's obstacle detection, DJI Air 2S has the ability to sense its surroundings in four directions: up, down, forward and back. DJI Air 2S also features the upgraded Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) that allow DJI Air 2S to autonomously avoid obstacles in more complex scenarios and at high speeds.

These improved obstacle detection capabilities mean DJI Air 2S is better able to avoid obstacles automatically, even when flying at high speeds. In fact, this feature even works while flying in S mode, thanks to the additional sensors up top.

One of the reasons obstacle detection is such a boon to pilots of any skill level is that it allows them to focus on shooting rather than worrying about the environment. Pilots must always be aware of their surroundings and fly safely, but avoiding obstacles is essential when trying to film complex environments such as a wooded forest or a rocky coastline.

Transmission: Fly further, record more

DJI Air 2S features the upgraded O3 transmission system with the most updated OcuSync technology. This means that the maximum transmission range now increases from Mavic Air's 6km to 8km and with a stronger signal. The antennas on the DJI Air 2S are also doubled to support omnidirectional signal reception, offering a sensitive and stable signal when the drone is moving up or forward.

A stronger transmission signal is absolutely critical when flying a drone. An increased signal means users can fly farther and see more. It also means increased security as signal loss is less likely. And with low-latency live view, pilots are better able to get the precise shots and movements they want for a better flying and filming experience.

DJI Air 2S: The All-In-One Upgrade

With a larger 1" CMOS sensor, upgraded standalone features like MasterShots and increased tracking and safety capabilities, the DJI Air 2S truly is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the go. While the Mavic Air 2 is still a powerful tool for aerial creators, the DJI Air 2S has proven to be the all-in-one choice.