Portability vs Quality
Over the past few years, drones have become a very hot, object for people all over the world. An explosion of affordable, reliable, and easy to use drones have appeared on the market. With so many options it may be hard to pick the right one. DJI–one of the worlds most advanced drone producers–has recently released two new drones for consideration. First, the Phantom 4 Pro–with a background of 3 previous brothers–and the brand new Mavic Pro. The main differences between these two are: camera, sensors, and portability. Both are amazing platforms but the question is, which one is best for you?
Although sharing many similar characteristics, the differences should be carefully studied. The Phantom 4 Pro (P4P) has a truly incredible camera, it is made up of a one inch 20MP CMOS sensor, similar to an entry level DSLR. The Mavic Pro (MP) on the other hand, has a 1/2.3in 12.3 MP CMOS sensor, similar to a high end smart phone camera. Both are RAW, a uncompressed video file with much more detail than a JPEG, capable and can shoot in 4K. However, the P4P shoots 4K at up to 60fps vs the MP’s 30fps. This will give you more professional videos capable of being slowed way down. As you can see, the differences, though subtle should be carefully explored to fit your needs.
When it comes to sensors, these quads are packed! The MP uses two forward looking and two downward facing stereo sensors as well as two downward facing ultrasonic sensors. These sensors are used to create a “map” of their immediate surroundings to allow them to sense and avoid obstacles. In comparison, the P4P uses two stereo sensors in the front and back one infrared sensor on each side and various ultrasonic sensors for a total of five direction obstacle avoidance! Both feature dual IMUs and tons of computing cores (24 in the Mavic!). With all these sensors, the quads can fly missions autonomously in safety.
For most people, portability is a big selling point. This is where the Mavic really shines. Incredibly, it can fold its arms and props in to approximately the size of a water bottle! It can be carried in a small bag or even a (large) pocket! On the other hand the P4P takes up a lot of space requiring a good sized back-pack to tote it around. The P4P’s props must also be taken on and off for transport. The remotes have similar differences. The Mavic’s is roughly the size of a Xbox controller with arms that fold out to hold a cell phone/iPad mini for FPV (first person view). On the P4P, the remote is about the size of a typical RC transmitter and is actually bigger than the Mavic itself! When it comes to portability, the Mavic is the perfect option!
Now we have been through the main differences: camera, sensors, and portability. For most people who want a good quality, fully capable drone, the Mavic is the one! While the P4P provides amazing, professional quality results, most people don’t need it and can deal with slightly less quality and much more portability. The ability to pull it out of the glove compartment and fly for miles is a major advantage for most people! So, if you are a professional video maker and want a quality camera in the sky, the P4P, priced at $1,500 is perfect for you. If you are just the average person who wants to take good quality pictures and videos but not quite professional, the Mavic Pro, is right for you.
You can find the Mavic Pro here
You can find the Phantom 4 Pro here
I'm a little biased as a Mavic owner but I tried to do both sides justice. Let me know what you think!
Over the past few years, drones have become a very hot, object for people all over the world. An explosion of affordable, reliable, and easy to use drones have appeared on the market. With so many options it may be hard to pick the right one. DJI–one of the worlds most advanced drone producers–has recently released two new drones for consideration. First, the Phantom 4 Pro–with a background of 3 previous brothers–and the brand new Mavic Pro. The main differences between these two are: camera, sensors, and portability. Both are amazing platforms but the question is, which one is best for you?
Although sharing many similar characteristics, the differences should be carefully studied. The Phantom 4 Pro (P4P) has a truly incredible camera, it is made up of a one inch 20MP CMOS sensor, similar to an entry level DSLR. The Mavic Pro (MP) on the other hand, has a 1/2.3in 12.3 MP CMOS sensor, similar to a high end smart phone camera. Both are RAW, a uncompressed video file with much more detail than a JPEG, capable and can shoot in 4K. However, the P4P shoots 4K at up to 60fps vs the MP’s 30fps. This will give you more professional videos capable of being slowed way down. As you can see, the differences, though subtle should be carefully explored to fit your needs.
When it comes to sensors, these quads are packed! The MP uses two forward looking and two downward facing stereo sensors as well as two downward facing ultrasonic sensors. These sensors are used to create a “map” of their immediate surroundings to allow them to sense and avoid obstacles. In comparison, the P4P uses two stereo sensors in the front and back one infrared sensor on each side and various ultrasonic sensors for a total of five direction obstacle avoidance! Both feature dual IMUs and tons of computing cores (24 in the Mavic!). With all these sensors, the quads can fly missions autonomously in safety.
For most people, portability is a big selling point. This is where the Mavic really shines. Incredibly, it can fold its arms and props in to approximately the size of a water bottle! It can be carried in a small bag or even a (large) pocket! On the other hand the P4P takes up a lot of space requiring a good sized back-pack to tote it around. The P4P’s props must also be taken on and off for transport. The remotes have similar differences. The Mavic’s is roughly the size of a Xbox controller with arms that fold out to hold a cell phone/iPad mini for FPV (first person view). On the P4P, the remote is about the size of a typical RC transmitter and is actually bigger than the Mavic itself! When it comes to portability, the Mavic is the perfect option!
Now we have been through the main differences: camera, sensors, and portability. For most people who want a good quality, fully capable drone, the Mavic is the one! While the P4P provides amazing, professional quality results, most people don’t need it and can deal with slightly less quality and much more portability. The ability to pull it out of the glove compartment and fly for miles is a major advantage for most people! So, if you are a professional video maker and want a quality camera in the sky, the P4P, priced at $1,500 is perfect for you. If you are just the average person who wants to take good quality pictures and videos but not quite professional, the Mavic Pro, is right for you.
You can find the Mavic Pro here
You can find the Phantom 4 Pro here
I'm a little biased as a Mavic owner but I tried to do both sides justice. Let me know what you think!