The new Mavic 2 series comes in two versions: the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom. Both of them are fantastic drones and choosing between them might not be easy. Let’s see whether the Pro or the Zoom best fits your needs!
What’s the same?
Let’s make it clear from the very beginning. The flight performance is the same on both the Pro and Zoom versions of the DJI Mavic 2. With a maximum speed of 72 kph or approx. 48 mph, they can both fly for up to 31 minutes. Additionally, they can both shoot 4K videos at a bit rate of 100 Mbps. They also share similar intelligent features, like Hyperlapse and ActiveTrack 2.0. Both models contain huge improvements compared to the Mavic Pro, and you can learn about them here.
Related:
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Hands-on Review
DJI Mavic 2 Pro In-depth Review
The Heart of the Mavic 2 Pro: Introducing the Hasselblad L1D-20c
Mavic 2 Pro VS Mavic 2 Zoom: The Differences
So what’s the difference? Putting it simply, the main difference between Zoom and Pro is in their cameras.
Here is their camera comparison table:
Mavic 2 Pro vs Zoom: Features Only on Zoom
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Unique Zoom lens
The Zoom version keeps the 1/2.3 image sensor size, but what really shines is the zoom lens with a 24mm-48mm focal length. 2x zoom might not sound impressive, but once you use it and see the results, you will certainly appreciate the number of dynamic perspectives it allows you. Not only can you get perfect compositions for your shots from a farther distance, but it’s also possible to change the field of view for a more dramatic look. With the new zoom lens, your creative possibilities are endless. Enjoy 4x lossless zoom when shooting Full HD videos.
Check out both of these shots to see the difference when shooting with 24mm and 48mm focal length.
With Mavic 2 Zoom’s 12 megapixel sensor, you will be able to print your best shots as large as 30 by 20 inches.
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Fantastic Quickshot “Dolly Zoom”
Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom support a rich amount of new camera modes, but there is one unique mode for the Zoom model. It’s called Dolly Zoom. For those of you who don’t know what Dolly Zoom is, it is also known as the Vertigo effect. Basically, it’s a visual effect where the main subject stays the same, but the background becomes wider or narrower. Just see the video below to get a better idea about what Dolly Zoom can create.
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Super-resolution photo with “SuperRes”
This brand new Super Resolution feature is just supported by the Mavic 2 Zoom. When taking a picture in 24 mm equivalent 5, the camera will capture and patch nine photos with its telephoto lens, resulting in a 48-megapixel super-resolution photo.
Mavic 2 Pro vs Zoom: Features Only on Pro
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Hasselblad Camera with 1-inch Image Sensor
Developed in collaboration with Hasselblad, Mavic 2 Pro’s camera offers outstanding quality and details captured in 20-megapixel resolution. Due to the larger sensor and 28mm equivalent prime lens, the ISO can go up to 12800, which is much higher than the Zoom version.
With the combination of a newly adjustable aperture and larger sensor, low light environment shots can climb to new heights with extremely low image noise and precise color reproduction.
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HNCS & 10-bit Dlog-M Color Profile
Talking about colors, unlike the Zoom version, the Mavic 2 Pro uses HNCS (Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution) technology for more natural and accurate colors. Also, it supports a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile which generates higher dynamic range and deeper colors for both videos and still images. With the upgraded color profile, the Mavic 2 Pro is able to record over 1 billion colors, while the Zoom version records 16 million colors.
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HDR Video
With 4K 10-bit HDR support, the Mavic 2 Pro can be plugged into a 4K HLG TV and will play back footage with the right color tones, including brighter highlights and increased contrast that make HDR so appealing. Everything without any time-consuming post-editing.
Mavic 2 Pro vs Zoom: Features on Both Version
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Enhanced HDR photos
Even though both versions are capable of capturing enhanced HDR photos, their exposure value is still quite different. Compared to the Mavic 2 Zoom with 13 EV stops, the Mavic 2 Pro with its Hasselblad camera goes up to 14 EV stops, offering even higher dynamic range and more image clarity.
Without getting too technical, that means both cameras can preserve a lot of information bits in underexposed and overexposed areas of the photo. These can be recovered in post-processing in order to create more detailed images, especially with the Mavic 2 Pro. Take a look at the pictures below to get an idea of the difference between 13 EV and 14 EV.
Which one should you buy?
Let’s decide. The Mavic 2 Pro will give you images with astonishing details and clarity as well as HDR-videos with vivid colors no matter how bright or dim the environment. But if you prefer a drone with a wide zoom and quick focus function or one that can shoot cinematic looking videos with breathtaking visual effects, the Mavic 2 Zoom might be the right choice for you.
Related:
DJI Mavic 2 FAQ: Top 20 Questions Answered
Get a Discount On The New Mavic 2 with DJI Trade Up!
Mavic 2 Top 10 Must-Have Accessories
Landscape Photography with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone and Exposure X4
Technical Support
If you have any technical issues or need a guide to walk you through some operations, you can contact DJI Support via Facebook Messenger or enter their YouTube channel to watch helpful tutorials.
Drone Community
Are searching for other people to discuss drone topics or a community to share drone content?
Check out DJI OFFICIAL OWNERS Group or the OFFICIAL MAVIC PRO/MAVIC AIR OWNER Group to meet other Mavic owners.
