DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, Discover the Bigger Picture

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The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom was my first jump into advanced drone flying. To me, this was a needed jump for myself into the future of flying. Before this, I thought DJI was just overpriced automation for guys that couldn’t fly. Other than a few of my ex’s, I don’t think I have ever been so wrong!

Recommended: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom on DJI.com

Key Features

• 2x Optical Zoom (24mm-48mm)
• 48MP Super Resolution Photo
• Dolly Zoom
• 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
• 4x Lossless Zoom FHD Video
• Hyperlapse

Slightly Larger Than Before

The DJI Mavic Series, both Zoom and Pro, is all about compactness and portability. The Mavic 2 Zoom is a little bigger, and a little heavier than its predecessor. Mainly this can be credited to larger, more capable batteries and the extra obstacle avoidance sensors and electronics.

Controller

The remotes that come with these models are amazing also. At first the remote seemed a little awkward and definitely not comfortable, but that quickly changed. Once everything is unfolded and put into place, you don’t notice its size so much as it morphs into something larger and natural feeling.

A small built-in display will give you basic information about your Mavic 2. Battery percentage of your drone and remote, flight altitude, flight distance away, RPM, and current speed are among some of the more notable information. Quick access to important buttons such as Return to Home (RTH) and Flight Pause are within easy reach also. Add in some camera controls and you have everything you need to have a successful photo mission at your fingertips.

Flight automation has come a long way since I first started on this journey. Drones I had flown before had zero flight automation. So when I started playing with these new flight modes, this being my first DJI ever, I was quite amazed.

Plug-In Your Phone

The majority of information and settings come from your phone or tablet. The Mavic 2 comes with all the phone adapters you should need. USB-C, Micro-USB, and Apple Lightning USB connectors were all included straight out of the box. If you unplug the shorter cable, you can use any normal USB cable when inserted into the middle bottom of the remote, allowing longer cables to be used for larger devices or possibly a camera operator.

Over the years, I have always seemed to have larger Samsung phones, and they all have fit in without too much of an issue. Currently, I am using the Note 10+ and although it does fit snugly, it does work without too much effort. Anything larger you would probably want to take your remote with you before purchasing and see how it would work in the store.

Photo Capabilities

Optical Zoom

One of the larger differences between the Mavic 2 Zoom and Pro is the zoom and how it works. Unlike the Pro, the Mavic 2 Zoom allows you to zoom in or out while recording on the fly. With the Pro, you must decide ahead of time as you lose the ability to zoom once you begin recording. You would need to stop recording when you want to adjust it.

DJI Go 4 App

The DJI Go 4 app is used by the Mavic 2 Zoom to interact between your phone and your drone. Using the standard flight controller alone is perfectly acceptable, but by using the app, you can unlock and set up many more features than you can with the controller alone. Some of these features include flight logging, Hyperlapse, and automated shots.

Also, the app will notify you and not allow you to take off or fly into any TFRs or no-fly zones in your area. This feature alone could keep you out of some serious trouble. The Remote Pilot is always responsible for knowing their surroundings and weather. Make sure you always check the B4UFly app and the appropriate FAA Notams page to make sure the DJI app is correct.

Intelligent Flight Modes

On the right side of the controllers, there is a 3-way button slider that is marked T, S, and P. These Stand for Tripod, Sport, and Positioning.

Tripod Mode: Your Mavic 2 will respond slower than usual in Tripod Mode. Allowing a more stable and cinematic video shoot. This flight mode allows you to create very professional-looking videos while moving slowly around your focal points.

Sport Mode: To me, sport mode is just as it sounds and not for the faint of heart. The Sport Mode is faster and more responsive than any other mode. Be warned, in this mode all obstacle avoidance sensors are disabled, allowing the full processing power of the Mavic 2 to be used for faster responsiveness. Max speed in sport mode is 45 mph.

Position Mode: Position Mode is where you will spend most of your flight time in. This mode uses all obstacle avoidance sensors and GPS signals. This is also the perfect mode to get used to your Mavic 2 and learn how it can respond.

ATTI Mode: ATTI Mode is a non-selectable mode. Honestly, I would consider this ‘Emergency Mode’ or full manual mode really. At this point, your drone has lost GPS signal and obstacle avoidance is unavailable. Now would be a good time to land!

Tiny Planet Zoom Effect

Video Capture

The Mavic 2 Zoom delivers clear and crisp 4k colorful video. Even while moving and gusty winds, the gimbal stabilization system does a great job at keeping the video stable as you record. 4k quality videos can be captured at 24, 25, and 30 fps. You can also step your way down to 120 fps at 1080p (2k) resolution ending up at 2.7k videos.

There is a number of video profiles available for the inexperienced right out of the box. If you fit into this category as I do, you can easily pick something that looks immediately shareable online through your favorite social media or video page. For those that like to dive into all of the settings, there is plenty there for you to play with or grow into.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Fly More Package

With the Fly More Package (Here On Amazon), you get more batteries, a car charger, extra propellers (you can ALWAYS use those!), and a compact carrying case. This case is about the size of a shoebox and extremely compact, maybe just a little too compact. But I have found this case to be amazing. In my daily routine, I can bundle up all 3 batteries, controller, extra props, carefully place my Mavic 2 Zoom in the compartment and head out for whatever the day might bring! Even my 6 pack of filters fit inside with ease.

Who is the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom For

While being extremely portable, having a great mix of hardware and software, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is an amazing platform for any aspiring or existing photo professional. The Mavic 2 Zoom was my first professional platform and I couldn’t be happier.

Recommended: DJI Mavic 2 Fly More Package on Amazon

Conclusion

What the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom might be missing out on the Hasselblad camera, it makes up for with the Zoom camera. While still having all of the same functions as the Pro, the camera is the only difference. Both setups are interchangeable with each other in terms of parts and features.

Recommended: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom on DJI.com

By no means am I a professional photographer by trade. Therefore I don’t see the need to have the latest and greatest top-end camera features. It is doubtful that I will even be able to see the differences until I have both of them in my hands and comparing the end results side by side. Because of this, I have purchased a full DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Fly More kit now, and will See the Mavic 2 Pro later!

See More: Past and Present DJI Models!!