Even though it was only yesterday that DJI cancelled a media event scheduled for July 18 which was largely expected to be the release of the Mavic Pro 2, rumors of the upcoming drone seem more firm than ever before. This is largely due to a recent photo leaked to DroneDJ by Twitter user and infamous DJI inside man, @OsitaLV. As with any “leak”, there’s a chance that it’s a fake or photoshopped, but most people online concur this one looks genuine. This is because the photo seems to confirm several previously rumored new features and specs that we’d be seeing.
What’d in a name?
The first thing you might not notice on first glance is the name on the front arm. While most forums and blogs have been using the name “Mavic Pro 2” to discuss the upcoming predecessor to DJI’s original Mavic Pro, it has also been rumored that there will be at least two variants as well. This would seem to indicate just that.
Unless DJI is planning on losing the “Pro” descriptor completely, they will probably release both a Mavic 2 and Mavic Pro 2. The Mavic 2 would be cheaper and feature a smaller sensor, perhaps 1/1.7 sensor, while the latter would be more expensive and offer a superior 1” sensor.
Speaking of sensors
Besides the drone, also visible in the image is a second camera/gimbal setup. This further supports the two models theory and gives us an idea of their sensor sizes. Of course, DJI might also just sell one drone and then offer different camera/gimbal packages which can be swapped out — kinda like the Inspire 2.
Hold on, steady there
One of the coolest features of the ill-fated GoPro Karma was the ability to take the gimbal off the drone and use it handheld. Now it looks like the Mavic 2 may get that feature. Looking closely, the second camera/gimbal setup in the picture appears to be able to operate independently from the drone. It is connected to a component which features a lightening cable for charging and two buttons (presumably record & shutter).
A sixth sense
Well not really, but if this picture is accurate the Mavic 2 will have obstacle sensing in 5 directions. This would include the usual front and downward facing sensors as well as rear sensors like the Mavic Air, and side sensors like the Phantom 4 Pro. With this setup, the Mavic 2 would enjoy full 360 obstacle avoidance. Notably lacking: a top sensor to stop the drone from up into things.
Harder, better, faster, stronger
Besides the headline grabbing new features, the Mavic 2 looks to sport some additional upgrades as well. The motors are larger so expect improved flight speed and/or efficiency. However we don’t see the new tipped quiet propellers like debuted with the Mavic Pro Platinum. Hopefully this is just a tester unit and they will eventually come standard but there is a chance that they will only be offered as an upgrade.
Up front the legs seem to fold much in the same manner as the original Mavic Pro, though the whole drone just looks sleeker and more sturdy. This would offer improved aerodynamics and durability. Also, the previously mention gimbal appears to be beefed up — a welcomed improvement for most Mavic owners.
The wait continues…
With the cancelation of the scheduled July 18 event, we have no clear idea when DJI will take the wraps off the new Mavic drone. Due to this — as well as new drones from both Autel Robotics and Parrot going on sale — it might be that this leaked picture of the Mavic 2 was purposefully “leaked” by DJI to keep people waiting to buy. Still, the drone in the image looks fairly well finished making us believe that we will in fact see the new Mavic some time before the end of summer. DJI most likely wants to release another product (Phantom 5 or Spark 2?) before the holiday shopping season and a release in August or early September gives them some time between product launches.
