Reader Response Draft #3

The DJI Mavic Air 2 (“Mavic Air 2”) is a compact and feature-rich drone manufactured by Chinese company, DJI which currently dominates the global market for hobbyist and commercial drones (Alvarado,2022). When folded, it measures 180 x 97 x 84mm which is approximately the size of a 500ml water bottle(Abbott,2020). The drone is equipped with a powerful 1/2-inch sensor on its “renowned 3-axis gimbal system”(Mavic Air 2 ,2020, Stabilisation). Which can capture 48-megapixel photos and record 4K videos at 60 fps with HDR, delivering stunning aerial photography and videography in any surroundings (Cipriani,2020). The transmitter, OcuSync 2.0 alternates between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies and intercept unwanted signals, to maintain drone connection of up to 10km (Abbott,2020). The drone has an array of intelligent shooting modes, including ActiveTrack 3.0, which uses algorithms for precise subject tracking, Spotlight 2.0 to keep the subject centered in the frame, and Point of Interest 3.0 to create flight paths around the subject. Furthermore, the 8K Hyperlapse feature seamlessly creates day-to-night transitions, enabling filmmakers and photographers to create cinematic masterpieces(Mavic Air 2, 2020). The DJI Mini 3 Pro ("Mini 3 Pro") outperforms the Mavic Air 2 with its enhanced camera, flight performance, and reduced weight. These enhancements are vital in creating superior aerial photo and videography. Image quality is the fundamental element of camera drones. Compared with the Mavic Air 2, the Mini 3 Pro boasts a larger sensor measuring 1/1.3 inches. A larger sized sensor equates to more data captured, yielding a superior image quality. Consumers can be assured that the images captured by the Mini 3 Pro, when displayed on larger screens, will not be compromised due to image enlargement (DJI Mini 3, 2022). Consumers who require portrait-oriented output for platforms like Instagram, will notice that the Mini 3 Pro has a distinct advantage over the Mavic Air 2. The Mini 3 Pro features a redesigned gimbal, capable of rotating 90-degree to shoot vertically without cropping or compressing the image (DJI Mini 3, 2022). Conversely, the Mavic Air 2 shoots in landscape orientation and digitally crops and combine images to achieve a vertical shot. However, this leads to a reduction in image quality as pixels are lost during cropping(Johan,2021). Consumers of the Mini 3 Pro have the benefit of uploading optimised and high-quality videos directly to platforms like Instagram. Whereas, Mavic Air 2 users will have to contend with compressed images or invest additional time re-touching with editing software. Flight performance is another core feature where the Mini Pro 3 has an advantage over the Mavic Air 2. While the Mavic Air 2 offers a respectable 34-minute flight time and a 10km transmission range, the Mini Pro 3 is a step above with an impressive flight time of 47 minutes. Furthermore, it is able to transmit high-definition images continuously up to 12km. While the additional 13-minutes flight time and extra 2km of transmission might appear inconsequential, it plays a vital role in enhancing creative possibilities. With extended flight time and wider area coverage, photographers and videographers can fully immerse in exploring their surroundings through transmitted high-resolution images. They also have more time to frame their shots and experiment with the various intelligent features to create the perfect shot(DJI Mini 3, 2022). According to DJI’s website, the Mini 3 Pro weighs less than 249g, which is almost half the weight of the Mavic Air 2 (DJI Mini 3, 2022). This makes the Mini 3 Pro an ideal choice for consumers, as most countries do not regulate drones heavier than 250g(French, 2022). This allows Mini 3 Pro consumers to enjoy the advantage of carrying a lighter drone, and the freedom to fly them locally and internationally without the inconvenience of drone registration. The Mavic Air 2, however distinguishes itself in terms of speed. In Sports mode, it attains an impressive maximum flight velocity of 19m/s , outpacing the Mini 3 Pro by 3m/s (DJI Mini 3, 2022). Dynamic action scenes require swift manoeuvrability and tracking of fast-moving subjects. The Mavic Air 2 is equipped for that and is able to cover greater distance rapidly. Filmmakers can leverage its speed with intelligent shooting modes to capture engaging and adrenaline-pumping visuals. In summary, the enhanced features of the Mini 3 Pro gives it a clear advantage over the Mavic Air 2. These enhancements enable the Mini 3 Pro to capture and produce superior aerial shots and videography, surpassing the capabilities of the Mavic Air 2. Hence, it is the ideal drone for filmmakers.   References: Alvarado, E. (2023, June 19). Best Drone Manufacturing Companies 2022 | DroneII Insights. Drone Industry Insights. https://droneii.com/best-drone-manufacturing-companies Abbott, J. (2020, April 28). DJI Mavic Air 2 Review. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/dji-mavic-air-2-review Cipriani, J. (2020, May 14). DJI’s Mavic Air 2 is a perfect combination of price and features | CNN underscored. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/dji-mavic-air-2-drone DJI Mini 3 pro vs. mini 2 vs. Mavic Air 2: Which one should I choose?. DJI Guides. (2022, October 27). https://store.dji.com/guides/dji-mini-3-pro-mini-2-mavic-air-2-comparison/ Mavic Air 2 unboxing: Ultimate product highlights and features. DJI Guides. (2020, April 28). https://store.dji.com/guides/mavic-air-2-unboxing-ultimate-product-highlights-and-features/?from=buying-guides French, S. (2022, May 26). DJI Mini 3 pro vs mavic air 2 and air 2s: Which is better?. The Drone Girl. https://www.thedronegirl.com/2022/05/11/dji-mini-3-pro-vs-mavic-air-2-and-air-2s-which-is-better/ Johan. (2021, March 23). Shoot a vertical panorama with your drone if you regularly publish in Portrait mode. Johan Drone Adventures. https://www.johandroneadventures.com/blog/shoot-a-vertical-panorama-with-your-drone-if-you-regularly-publish-in-portrait-mode/