We were super excited to join DJI in New York City Tuesday for the first look at their new products, and it looks like their latest drone lives up to the standards set by earlier aircraft. Compact and easy to fly, the new DJI Mavic Pro is a fold-up drone designed for fun. The drone itself may be small, but its physical stature does not limit the number of features inside. Among the new features are OcuSync, which is an updated video and data transmission system. Also incorporated on this bird is FlightAutonomy obstacle avoidance, ActiveTrack automatic subject tracking modes, and a gimbal-stabilized camera system that can capture 4K videos and 12MP photos.
OcuSync can transmit video in 720p resolution from up to 4.3 miles away, which is much further then you should fly. But at a shorter transmission distances, you can expect to see full-HD 1080p video transmission to the newly designed compact remote controller. Also introduced is the DJI Goggle wireless POV headset, creating an immersive 85° field of view with the HD video feed. OcuSync can use automatic frequency hopping to ensure signal integrity by finding the best open frequency available. In addition to video, OcuSync interfaces with the DJI GO app, sending flight telemetry data for monitoring, as well as photos and videos for sharing online.
DJI incorporated its new FlightAutonomy obstacle avoidance system. FlightAutonomy uses an advanced array of cameras and sensors, as well as GPS/GLONASS, to map a virtual 3D space in real time. Obstacles can be detected from up to 98′ in front of the drone, while accurate distance measurements can be made up to 49′ out in front of the drone, all while the drone is flying at up to 22 mph. The Sport mode unlocks the full speed potential of the Mavic Pro with a top speed of 40 mph. Tripod mode limits the speed to 2.2 mph, useful indoors or for meticulously composed photos or videos. Trace mode ensures that the Mavic Pro follows your subject from behind, in front, or by circling around them. Profile mode enables the drone to fly beside your subject, keeping a safe distance. Spotlight mode keeps the camera trained on your subject, regardless of the drone’s orientation, letting you direct the drone for framing without having to worry about camera positioning.
The Mavic Pro houses a camera capable of recording high-resolution 4K videos at 30 fps and 12MP still images. The camera is suspended on a miniature 3-axis motorized gimbal, which counteracts vibrations and other drone movements. Another new feature introduced on the Mavic Pro is the Gesture mode. Gesture mode leverages the advanced recognition algorithms, letting you guide the Mavic Pro and take selfies by signaling to it with your hands.
