Earlier today, DJI unveiled their latest drone out in NYC w/ the Mavic Pro. It's pretty much what we expected to be and more. It is small, foldable, and awesome. So much so that I already forgot about the GoPro Karma.
The Mavic Pro offers up everything you would get from the Phantom 4 and more at more than half the size.
So a backpack isn't needed as you can fit it in some back pockets, fanny packs, purses, and smaller over-the-shoulder bags along w/ extra batteries and then some. The front arms/propellers fold towards the back while the rear arms flips underneath the drone and towards the front. You have a glass covering over its camera. Now let's get into all that the Mavic Pro can do.
With tons of sensors on-board, the Mavic Pro can now do an even better job of dodging obstacles in different environments with or w/o the use of satellite signals via FlightAutonomy. It can avoid most things up to speeds of 22MPH. Also new is a Sport Mode that allows you to be agile while flying up to 40MPH. All while still offering up to 27 minutes of flight time per charge.
You have the option of flying the drone using DJI's new foldable controller which is also pretty small or their DJI Go app from your smartphone as well. Of course, all of the real goodies are in w/ the remote control option. It allows for 1080p streaming to apps like Facebook Live, Periscope, and YouTube from up to a 4.3mile range. The remote also brings you ActiveTrack, Gesture mode, and TapFly. ActiveTrack recognizes the subject and follows you around while recording. Gesture mode allows you to active tracking and shoot a selfie by using, well, gestures. TapFly is pretty much self-explanatory by tapping the area you want the drone to go and it will.
Speaking of optics, it sports the same camera from the Phantom 4 which is a f/2.2 28mm 12MP camera that can record 4K video @30fps + 1080p video @96fps. The camera can also take photos in both landscape or portrait modes. All of this w/ the support of a 3-axis gimbal as well as Adobe DNG RAW.
And lastly, they unveiled their own DJI Goggles. They look similar to what you would expect from a VR headset but these aren't that. They offer up an 85-degree 1080p view of your drone while in the air. Giving you a more immersive view of the world or drone-view.
The Mavic Pro is up for pre-order starting today, will start shipping on October 15th and will be available in Apple Stores in early November. The drone by itself will cost you $749, the drone w/ remote for $999, and their Fly More bundle (which includes the drone, remote, 2 extra batteries, extra propellers, a charging hub, adapter, car charger, and shoulder bag) for $1299.
So who's adding this to their Christmas list this year?
