DJI Mavic Air vs DJI Phantom 4 RTK
Drones are becoming increasingly popular for various applications, including aerial photography, videography, land surveying, mapping, and inspection. Given the vast range of drones available in the market, choosing the right drone could be a daunting task. Here, we will compare two popular drones, namely the DJI Mavic Air and the DJI Phantom 4 RTK, based on their features, performance, and specifications.
Design and Portability
The DJI Mavic Air is a compact drone that fits comfortably in your backpack or purse. It weighs only 430 grams and measures 168 x 83 x 49 mm when folded, making it one of the most portable drones available in the market. On the other hand, the DJI Phantom 4 RTK is larger and heavier, weighing 1388 grams and measuring 350 x 350 x 220 mm. The Phantom 4 RTK is designed for professionals who need a drone with superior imaging capabilities and high-precision mapping.
Camera Quality
The DJI Mavic Air features a 12-megapixel camera that can shoot 4K videos at up to 60 fps. The camera is stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal that ensures smooth footage, even in windy conditions. Additionally, the Mavic Air's camera can capture stunning HDR photos, and its panorama mode provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
On the other hand, the DJI Phantom 4 RTK is equipped with a 20-megapixel camera that can shoot 4K videos at up to 60 fps. The Phantom 4 RTK's camera is stabilized by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal that offers superior stability, and its 1-inch CMOS sensor provides improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Also, the Phantom 4 RTK comes with an RTK module that provides centimeter-level accuracy in photogrammetric maps and models
Flight Performance
Both drones are excellent flyers with intelligent flight modes such as "active track," "tap fly," "gesture mode," "follow me," and more. The DJI Mavic Air has a maximum flight time of 21 minutes and a maximum speed of 68.4 km/h. The Mavic Air's transmission system operates at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies, providing a maximum range of up to 10 km, depending on the environment.
In comparison, the DJI Phantom 4 RTK has a maximum flight time of 30 minutes and a maximum speed of 72 km/h. The Phantom 4 RTK's transmission system operates at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies, providing a maximum range of up to 7 km, depending on the environment.
Price and Value for Money
The DJI Mavic Air is an affordable drone, with a price range of around $699 to $799, depending on the bundle. Meanwhile, the DJI Phantom 4 RTK is notorious for being an expensive drone, with a price range of around $6,000. The Phantom 4 Pro RTK is designed for professional users who need high-precision mapping and 3D modeling, making it a valuable investment for surveying and inspection tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the DJI Mavic Air and the DJI Phantom 4 RTK are excellent drones with unique features and capabilities. If portability and affordability are your priorities, then the Mavic Air is a perfect choice. However, if you need superior imaging and precision mapping capabilities, then the Phantom 4 RTK is the way to go. As with any purchase, it is crucial to choose the right drone for your needs and budget.
References
- "DJI Mavic Air - Specs, Tutorials & Guides - DJI." Accessed January 28, 2022. https://www.dji.com/mavic-air-2.
- "DJI Phantom 4 RTK - Specifications, FAQ, Video Tutorials, and DJI GO - DJI." Accessed January 28, 2022. https://www.dji.com/phantom-4-rtk.