Mavic Air 2 Review: It's Great but... 

Great video Jake! You just missed one excellent pro.... . The PRICE! ...YAHOOOOOOOOOOO 🕺🏼🕺🏼 all that goodness and it's almost half the price of the M2P.. and better at some things the M2P does, like you said.. I also have them both so I can confir and agree...👍👍I myself sir, am keeping! Lol. In fact, I bought 2! Lol. Just in case! Lol.. You never know?...... Lol.... thx buddy for another AWESOME VIDEO.. Michael

Flew a drone for the first time today, then ordered a Mavic Air 2, then found this video! Thanks for all of these great tips. I can’t wait for my new drone to arrive.

Not only do you do an awesome presentation of these drones but you also do it in those fantastic landscapes. A joy to watch. Thank you very much.

My 1st drone is the mini 2. I love how small yet feature packed it is for a novice. 6 mile range, 30 minute flight time, 4k!

This is my first drone. I look forward to viewing that playlist you spoke of at the end of the video, since I am in Alaska as well I really want to make this thing shine!

I had a feeling it was clickbait but my eye is on the MA2 so I was curious to hear what the issue was.

I'm keeping mine. I don't need 10 bit color. I love it!

Great job Jake. I actually replaced my Mavic Mini with this fantastic MA2. I will be watching your playlist as I would love to know how to come with really great scenery shots for family trips 😉. Thank you again & keep it up 👍🏻

Thank you. I am doing research for a possible future purchase, and this was informative.

When I first saw the controller I almost fell in love, having the Mavic mini my only gripe about it is that the controller would die before my second battery because it would be constantly charging my phone. Loving the channel. Straight forward information that's clearly divided as to eliminate bias while also including your professional opinion. Good work!

Great vid, I've had 5 dji drones over the last few years and this is hands down my favourite. I film a lot of wake boarding and lock on subject then just fly the drone and it keeps the boarder in the frame and in 4k60 I've had great results. For youtube vids I think its a no-brainer. As you said for some client work you may need that 10bit of the m2p.

Yep, really good review, and love the use case. I too am considering getting this drone for filming the kind of scenes you film, albeit less remote here in the UK! Solid review, excellent production, and sound advice. Non BS intros or lots of unrelated talking at the beginning and just a serious and well-produced video. Subscribed!

Thank you for very detailed solid information. I was going to get the Air but now I will get the Air 2.

Updates to firmware and app are gonna make this drone just as good as mp2, at half the cost👍

Clear, concise, and great fluidity of information. Great review!

Not sure if I'd say FIRST drone (the Mini might be better as it's about 1/2 the price), Just keep in mind that if you do sell your drone, as of this writing you are NOT able to wipe the flight logs from the drone. This feature was removed in the latest version of DJI Assistant (which older versions cannot be used, as some people suggest, since they won't detect an Air 2). Just something to think about as this data does have GPS data about where the drone has been flown. You can clear the logs off your smart device, but not the drone (and i found this was not tied to your DJI account but rather is stored on the drone itself).,

Agreed. The Air 2 has some fantastic usability upgrades, but for me it all comes down to the image. You can’t push Air 2 images in post like you can with the 10-bit files from the Pro. Sure, they’re much higher resolution which helps with scaling, but for me it’s image quality, not size, and in that department the Pro wins. Saving my money for the Mavic Pro 3.

Just got the Mavic Air 2 as my first drone over $40. I love every minute it's in the air. Picked it up to fly but the fact that it has a great camera on it is an extremely nice bonus. Not into professional photography but it'll be nice to throw some drone footage on my YT channel!

Great job Jake very well done review I enjoyed it very much my Friend. I always love watching your review’s very good details and well though out. Take care Jake and God Bless

Thank you for that great account of Mavic Air 2. I'm now inspired to do wonderful things with it. Spot on with all your comments. I'm not a professional videographer, and I don't have to sell my footage. So I'm cock a hoop with the quality this fabulously priced drone gives me. Thanks again!

Great review. One thing that people haven't pointed out is how quiet the drone is. I was planning to use mine for weddings and real estate vids. That matters a bit for that. I'm still leaning towards this one. Thanks!

Nice solid honest review, thank you.

Then give your Drone to me. I love it. It's as tough as nails. I even forgot it was on my trailer and I drove off. Only to find it an hour later upside down covered in dust and dirt including the controller. I thought it was dead. I brushed it down & OMG. It still works, to go on to film inside of Cocklebiddy cave, off shore of the Great Australian Bight and more. It got rained on. Still works, flew through heavy mist, still works. Bang for bucks. What more can I say.

Hi Jake. Great and honest review ! Yours is the voice of a serious expert ! By the way, very nice footages and background music edition. I never had a drone but as engineer, I'm 100% technical minded. Was looking for a personal drone to carefully learn first and then inspect the progress of my construction sites. Therefore the MA-2 should meet my requirements, with exception of few questions the data sheets doesn't say. 1) I miss on all the tons and hours of reviews I have seen, any mention on WAYPOINTS settings for the MA-2, specially putting in the UTM coordinates of my sites or at least marking the route over a sattelite image (of my locations to be inspected). 2) What is the best APP to get Waypoints too and control that bird, and how much it takes of memory on a cellphone? 3) I do have a CAT S60-Android cellphone, just for its IR cam. It is my rough and loyal 4x4 field phone. Does the suitable app be supported by this phone? (No one can confirm me this...).... or do I need to buy a new cellphone to control the aircraft? THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE for your kind answer.

Hey Jake, I am looking to purchase my first drone for general photography and videos but not sure which one would be best. I'm based in the UK so the Skydio2 isn't an option and I'm going to be travelling through Europe so want to make the most of the experience......DJI obviously have a lot to choose from and they all have they're pros and cons so any pointers would be helpful, many thanks

Thanks for the good review, greetings from Belgium.

You are so lucky that you can buy this drone and Skydio 2. Here in UK Skydio is unavailable so it looks like Mavic Air 2 is so far the best option. I truly value your videos. Great job

Thanks for this good video! I bought a mavic 2 pro because of why you were keeping it and the importance of the 10 bit video.

Beautiful video I love Dji Mavic Air 2 thank you for sharing. Bye to Sicily

Great review. Just got the Mavic Air 2, haven't flown yet. Now what do think between the Air 2 and the Skydio 2 as far as video quality?

I personally am loving all the features you mentioned. I don't have clients that request what you stated. But yes I have also noticed the longer GPS timeframe. Other then some features with the Fly More app I've been happy so far.

Thank you for this video! I've been trying to decide on a drone to use with filming my farm videos. I think you've sold me on the Air 2. Great video!

I just wanna know that where it is, the scenery is so amazing !

Is that Byron glacier? I’ve wanted to hike out there. I want to take mine out to Archangel Pass. Some beautiful views out there.

This is my second drone and I’ve been flying for 4 years now and it’s a great drone! Sure, it’s definitely not as good as the Mavic 2 pro, but when you’re on a budget or you don’t want to spend $700 extra then the mavic air 2 is the best option for you!

Superb Jake. As a Newbie - I was already 90% sure the Air 2 was the right kit for me. You just crystallised that for me mate. Cheers 👍

I’m looking into getting into real estate photography and when I client needs drone footage of the house which drone do you recommend. You probably will take it on my personal cruise vacations as well.

Is this in Banff? Love your vid man! Hope you can tell me how my cinematics look like on my newest vid!

Wow this video is soo amazingly beautiful. Thanks sooo much for sharing this great video with us. You did an awesome job. Please keep those good videos coming. I have the Dji Mavic Air 2 and OMG I absolutely love ❤️ this drone. I cannot believe you said you are not gonna keep it. They fly and handles amazingly great. Could be better, but overall is amazing. You guys are Awesome. You just got a Big supporter and a big fan here. Let’s help and support one another. You have my full support 100%. Have a great weekend Captain 👨‍✈️. Thanks for all you do and please keep flying.

Great review Jake! I totally agree about needing the 10 bit color, too! Thanks!

Has anyone had this issue? I left my battery in Mavic Air 2, for a week and when I went out to fly it. The battery was at 40% and I know it was 100%

How is this in the wind, can it get lost with RTH in high winds

4:29 when I'm looking for my keys already running late for work

So it’s perfect for 99.99% of the world, just not for those who really can’t tell the difference between 10 bit color from a hole in the ground. After watching this video, I want this drone even more.

i just got my air 2 fly more combo and couldn’t be happier. the ND filters are good quality and i’m doing some colour grading in post editing and the images look amazing

That scenery!!! Wow.

Hi Jake! I noticed in the settings that you were filming in H.265. Just wondering your opinion on the quality differential of filming in H.264. Is there really much difference? By the way, this is hands down the most beautifully shot and well put together video I've yet to see on the subject. Thanks for posting!

What is 10 bit color? Why does it matter / what is the benefit that must be quite important to not keep that otherwise very good drone. Great review, really well done.

Very good video, Jake. All the positives/negatives you mentioned are very true! The MA2 offers super great value for its price and given its lightweight is the best travel quad available right now. I subbed!

Thank you. Excellent info. Looks cold for such a light jacket.

We think that we will buy the Air 2… here in switzerland there is a special price in the moment 899 CHf for the whole package… We could really need it for our channel to make excellent footage of Madeira… you deserved our bell :)… Feliz Natal

Hey! Nice review! I myself was able to get a mavic air on black friday for about 500 dollars. I was originally wanting to get the the air 2. But I didn't have enough money since the air 2 was 800 dollars on black friday, and the air was half off and right within budget so I just had to get it. Can't wait to use it! Do you think it was worth buying for 500?

I am still learning droning with mavic mini - I flew a few sub $200 drones my friends owned so I wanted to get into flying - but decided to pull the trigger on the mini (under 250g means no licence in Canada) - I am absolutely blown away but what that little thing can do. Its my first drone but it doesn't feel like a cheap thing - it's a monster for the price - hoping to upgrade to mavic air 2 later on .

Nice landscape! 2:57 is my favorite shot! Good work with the drone footage, looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for posting.

What is 10 bit color?? Why do you need it?? Also south east AK? Not fair with all the gorgeous scenery up there. Incredible.

Very informative video , thank you . You said it would be a "good beginner drone for most people" , MOST people don't have $800 to spend on a drone.

I'm pretty sure they fixed all the issues you mentioned. I just bought mine (upgrade from a mavic mini) and it's been great

Great video. I just ordered my air 2, I've only ever had crappy walmart drones years ago so I'm stoked!

I use the mavic 2 pro, and have also tried out the mavic air 2. It's a good drone in my book, but other than for a paid promotion I can't see why folks keep putting it up next to the mavic 2 pro. It's like stacking a b.b. gun up against an A.K.47.

You know what causes the drone to go crazy with you in your kayak? The paddle moving up and down. My MA2 goes crazy, side to side, in and out, when I'm paddling in my kayak. I find if I keep the paddle low and don't dig too deep, it tracks me smoothly as if I was walking or in a moving boat or car.

Same for me with the GPS satellite lock. It’s about the same as a Garmin hand held device, like a Map62. Maybe we are just used to this being fast, rather than the MA2 being slow. Thanks for the video!

Mavic Air 2 is my first drone and I LOVE IT

99% of the clients we all work with won’t see or appreciate 10 bit color, so it seems like a pretty strong drone.

I have the Mavic mini which I really like for a variety of reasons, but I am looking at moving up to this one in the near future.

Great video! I am going to purchase this this week!

Have to say it's incredible that they didn't add tracking of the controller since 3.0 struggles to see the object. Also having to use the controller on a bike is just stupid. I'm tempted to get the Parrot Anafi

I have M2P but I’m debating if I should get the MA2. I’m a minimalist that travels a lot, but make youtube videos about cities so I’d like great quality too. So what do you think.. should I buy the Air instead because of portability but maybe less quality?

I cant unsee the digital sharpening haha. That's why I like the 2 Pro

My first drone is Spark so even this would be nice upgrade

I’m hesitant about buying this drone and this is the best drone review I’ve seen on RU-vid. You are the only one who would go out of their way to have a beautiful view to talk in front of. Got every information I needed. Thank you so much 👍👍👍

It is a fantastic drone and I agree with you, If you own the mavic pro 2, no real reason to have this except for convenience

Thanks for another great review .Even though these higher end drones are out of my price range its good to understand the pros and cons. I think I'm sold on your review of the mini 2. Thats more my range and I dont have a drone pilot license to fly these heavier ones. I can see why you need them when clients are paying for your video. Keep up the great reviews

I'm 11, love this drone so much. The hdr video is pretty good on it. It has a really good flight time. Nice controller design too, long battery and charged phone. Originally wanted a mini but my brother gave me his air 2 and his 2 pro. The pro is scary big drone 😥

I just got the Air 2 for like 2 days, and it's gone. A stupid bird hit my drone and they both dropped into the water. I presume the bird was dead as well. I couldn't retrieve it because it's too far away in the middle of the lake and I had no boat.

I was so excited and decided to buy it after watching so many videos about drones, but that one thing about missing 10-bit color depth while it has only 8-bit discouraged me completely 😭

Great review Jake. Just discovered your channel. Definitely thinking about getting one of these Air 2's. I have had drones for a few years, both fixed wing and multi-rotor so not too much of a beginner but still very much to learn about photography. I have noticed ever since I started using what I will call a Photography Drone that I can barely see screens in the bright sunlight. I have modified a pair of cheap VR goggles (the type made to hold a phone) to solve this problem. I would like to use these goggles to fly the mavic air 2, so i have a couple of questions, if you don't mind: 1. One method of using my goggles is with an extended USB x lightning cord ( I have apple phone) . Will I still be able to do this? 2. I also use sometimes a "Dongle" that came with my drone to allow wireless connection between controller and phone. Does the Air 2 come with one, or does DJI sell one that will work, that you know of? (I actually prefer this method as no pesky wire hanging from the headset) . 3. If these methods will not work with the Air 2, Do the DJI goggles work with Air 2? Haven't priced DJI goggles ,gulp. 4. One failing of my present drone (which has a really good 3 axis gimbal) is that sometimes horizon will be tilted a little. I have also noticed this in another Air 2 video I was watching. Ever noticed this problem much? Thank you for any guidance ? Just on my lunch hour, I'll be checking out more of your videos when I get back home!! Stay safe!

Nice video, Jake! Yep, I am the same guy...looking at Lume Cubes and looking at adding my first drone to the photography mix...this review has me leaning towards the Pro version...for the higher quality images...and adding a couple Lume Cubes for night flight...thoughts!!! Again, great work on your videos...thank you!!! Oh, I am seriously considering the Lume Cube Pro Kit with a couple ball heads. I have a couple senior photoshoots coming up that will be a good test for me and the cubes!

Thanks Jake. I am in the process of researching drones and your video was very informative, offering lots of positives and negatives about the DJI Mvic Air 2.

It's a pity that the height restriction can be removed on the mavic 2 pro, but not on the mavic air 2.

Thanx for the review. One thing, though. Why doesn't any reviewer want to talk about the fact that you need a phone that is almost as expensive as the drone to be able to fly it? And in the case of the lower priced Mini an even more expensive phone? And that DJI doesn't tell that right away on their Mavic Air 2 page? Just that you need at least Adroid 6 at the Fly app page. And you need to dig REALLY deep to find out that just a few way too expensive telephones with not only a 64 bit structure, but also a 64 bit Android work, and then just a few that are okay with DJI.

Thanks for the info on both these drones. Cheers. I think I will plump for the Pro 2. Failing that I will buy a good Canon Camera and friendly Baldy. 🦅

Great video, very useful. Since I lost my Mavic Pro in the North Thai jungle 3 days ago, I was thinking of getting this, unaware of the color limitation. I'll probably get the Pro 2 but with the Pro 3 coming out in Jan I'm not sure. hmmm

Great video 👍 If the Air 2 does not have 10 bit color, what bit color does the Air 2 have? I'm thinking of getting the Air 2 or the pro. Thanks

My first drone was the Mavic mini, just got the air 2 and was blow away with how good it is, i managed 1100 meters (any further and i would have lost line of sight) with full signal With UK drone laws being what they are, I am keeping both!

I returned my Mavic air 2 and will wait patiently for the Mavic 3 Pro🤗😎

You have a beautiful nature out there include your mavic air 2👍

I have mavic air 2 and I love it but the drone needs more manual options with the camera. Dji used to give u gimbal control and I really don’t like that the 48 mp pics are a standalone feature. I would have liked it to be used on all pics or at least an option. Also, being able to have the option to shoot 4k pics or 2k pics would be nice without having to push the smart photo option to achieve hdr. Outside of those things this drone has set a new standard for price and performance! Thank u

Jake, awesome video. I have a question for you and anyone else as I consider to purchase this drone soon. My sole use for this drone would be to gather footage while doing backpacking deep into the woods. Absolutely no cell service areas. I realize it has GPS, but is it consistently reliable in the backcountry too? Do you just need location selected to "ON" for your phone and you're good to go? Would love to hear your experiences, as well as, anyone elses.

wow..that landscape is just eye popping. amazing

if you choose the right format(h265) ) then its 10 bit

Hi Jake, thank you so much . This helps me make my mind whether to buy it

Very informative, thanks to know and learn

Thanks for the info. I just purchased a MAVIC air 2. I moved up from a spark. I’m working to get my videos as good as yours. You gotta start somewhere right?

Hi Jake - Thought that I would offer some comments about the issues that you had with GPS positioning in the video. We all take ubiquitous positioning for granted, but that is because most of us do not live or work in the far north or south. In these regions, several factors will reduce the number of satellites available, and increase the time for the receiver to lock on to enough satellites to fix position. 1. GPS likes to have a good "geometry", that is the satellites are well spaced around the sky. Satellites orbit the Earth between 56 degrees north and 56 degrees south of the equator. Beyond those latitudes, the geometry suffers. 2. Satellites that are low in the sky will be rejected by the receiver because the signal is affected by atmospheric refraction. 3. Being in a valley will cut off access to satellites. In lower latitudes, this is not such a problem, as you will have overhead satellites. 4. Finally, the direction of the valley might be the cause of differences in the time taken to get a fix. The satellites are orbiting east to west. If you are in an east-west valley, the receiver has more satellites available for longer, than a north-south valley. All that said, you were obviously able to get a fix and created some stunning video. This is my first time on your site, and I have subscribed to see more, in the hope that I can improve my video skills.

I also personally find the newer controller to be better than the original one (at least compared to the older design they used where the phone/smart device would sit below the controller between the grips, which I always felt was awkward. If you look at pro controllers, they usually have the smart device above the controller, so the new design of the controller on the Mavic Air 2 I feel is better. I feel like I have more of a firm grip on it.

Just bought it on the back of this video! I appreciate why it doesn't work for you, but I think it will for me. Thanks for posting, beautifully shot video btw.

I’m in dilemma... pro or the air? Which is better?

Very informative thanks Jake! Quick question, if I plan on uploading the videos I capture from a drone like this to youtube, do I have to register it with the FAA as "Commercial" and take the knowledge test, or can I just register it as "Recreational"?

Mine first was the Mini 2 and I absolutely love it. I can’t believe how well it handles and how great it records. I’m stuck for life 😂

JAKE JAKE JAKE !!! GREAT ADVICE AND GREAT REVIEW !!!! The price JAKE ... give the people what they want lol... its ok, looked it up. Would be nice to see some NIGHT FOOTAGE.... haven't seen any so far. Thanks again Great Job ... Love the channel and the FOOTAGE is BREATHTAKING !!!