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

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

DJI Air 2S vs. Mavic Air 2: 4 Key Upgrades

Intelligence: Epic is Easy with MasterShots

DJI Air 2S offers one of DJI’s most impressive intelligent features for creators: MasterShots. This new feature essentially gives anyone the ability to get all the best shots in any location within just a few minutes and just a couple of taps.

MasterShots can be thought of as the next evolution of QuickShots, a feature found on many DJI drones. But while QuickShots only offered one automatic flight route at a time, MasterShots combines 10-15, which are flown in sequence while the drone focuses on a subject of your choice and records. It even creates an automatic video clip afterward, edited with music, filters, and smooth transitions. More than 20 templates are available to choose from, all of which were created by professional aerial photographers.

This DJI Air 2S feature is an extremely powerful and convenient way for anyone to get all the shots they want in any location. With Mavic Air 2, users had to either use QuickShots, or fly and record 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 expert, you can get numerous cinematic clips of any subject effortlessly with MasterShots, leaving you with more time to explore and create.

Camera Performance: Bigger Sensor, Better Results

While Mavic Air 2 is still a powerful and versatile option when it comes to footage quality, DJI Air 2S raises the bar with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot in 5.4K resolution.

A bigger sensor is a big deal for many reasons, but essentially, it provides better quality and more details in any shot. Firstly, the night shooting ability of DJI Air 2S is significantly improved compared to Mavic Air 2. More nuance and details can be found in both the highlights and the shadows, and more visual information means more options when editing footage.

Some of the most beautiful drone shots take place in low lighting. Scenarios like sunrises, sunsets, or dark cityscapes are now crisp and vividly colored. That means with DJI Air 2S, there’s never a bad time to capture excellent cinematic footage.

Safety: Advanced Technology for Worry-Free Flight

Compared to Mavic Air 2’s obstacle sensing, DJI Air 2S has the ability to perceive its environment in four directions: up, down, forward, and backward. DJI Air 2S also features the upgraded Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) which allows DJI Air 2S to autonomously avoid obstacles in more complex scenarios and at high speeds. ^[1]

These enhanced obstacle sensing capabilities mean DJI Air 2S is better able to avoid obstacles automatically, even when flying at high speeds. In fact, this feature even works when flying in S mode, thanks to the added upward sensors.

One of the reasons obstacle sensing is such a benefit for pilots of any skill level is that it lets them focus on the shot instead of worrying about surroundings. Pilots should always be aware of their environment and fly safely, but obstacle avoidance is indispensable when trying to get cinematic shots in complex environments like a wooded forest or a rocky coastline.

Transmission: Fly Farther, Capture More

DJI Air 2S features the upgrades O3 transmission system with the most up-to-date OcuSync technology. That means max transmission range is now increased from Mavic Air 2’s 10 km up to 12 km ^[2], and with a stronger signal. Antennas on the DJI Air 2S are also doubled to support omnidirectional signal reception, offering sensitive and stable signal when the drone is flying above or ahead.

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 safety as loss of signal is less likely. And with a low-latency feed, pilots are more able to get the precise shots and movements they want for a better flight and filming experience.

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

With a larger 1-inch CMOS sensor, upgraded autonomous functions like MasterShots, and increased tracking and safety features, DJI Air 2S is truly the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Although Mavic Air 2 is still a powerful tool for aerial creators, DJI Air 2S has proven itself to be the all-in-one choice.

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Notes:

* All parameter values listed on this page were measured using the production version of DJI Air 2S in a controlled test environment. Actual results may vary depending on flight environment, usage method, and firmware version.

** All videos and pictures on this page were shot in strict compliance with relevant local laws and regulations.

[1] APAS 4.0 is not available while recording in 5.4K/30fps, 5.4K/25fps, 5.4K/24fps, 4K/60fps, 4K/50fps, 4K/48fps, 2.7K/60fps, 2.7K/50fps, 2.7K/48fps, 1080p/120fps.

[2] Unobstructed, free of interference, and when FCC-compliant. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience.