Pro Moviemaker Spring 2018PMM_SPRING 2018

AERIAL FILMMAKER NEWS

Two big launches fromDJI and Yuneec galvanise themarket, while GoPro has taken the decision to cease production of themuch-vaunted Karma and to withdraw frommaking drones. WORDS TERRY HOPE

DJI’s Mavic gets a baby sister

The hugely popular DJI Mavic Pro now has a sibling, the Mavic Air, which was released at the end of January. Priced at £769 in the UK and $799 in the US, the newmodel slots in between the company’s cheapest drone, the £449/$399 Spark, and the Pro itself, which is priced at £1099/$999. Smaller, lighter and faster than the Pro model, as well as promising more advanced obstacle-avoidance tech, the Air does feature a shorter 21-minute flight time – opposed to the Pro’s 27 minutes - and cannot travel as far from its operator, being limited to 4km rather than 7km. The Mavic Air uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor that shoots 4K video at 24 or 30fps, or

12-megapixel stills, using a 24mm f/2.8 lens. It tops out at 42.5mph, can withstand winds of up to 22mph and, thanks to its seven-camera obstacle avoidance system, it comes with the ability to automatically plot a new route above or around the object rather than just hovering on the spot. Also on board is a redesigned ventilation system that DJI says will help prevent it from overheating, along with a new 3-axis gimbal casing for the camera to help produce smooth footage. Like the Pro, the Air is designed to be folded to make it easier to carry around, and in this mode it’s significantly smaller than the original – about half the size –

and 41% lighter as well. There are also updated and improved software features on the Air along with new shooting modes, including a 32-megapixel panorama option, or a tiny planet mode, better gesture controls, and DJI claims it’s improved its image processing in order to squeeze better photos and video out of the sensor. With news of GoPro’s departure from the drone market, it leaves DJI in a stronger position than ever. Even with GoPro in the frame, in the year up to last September the company accounted for 72% of all sales of $500 to $1000-priced drones in the US. www.dji.com

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PRO MOVIEMAKER SPRING 2018

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