DJI Matrice 30

Matrice 30

DJI just released a highly portable and high endurance UAV to operate in almost all weather conditions. This looks like a game changer for enterprise class UAV. It has 3 integrated camera and a LIDA to gauge range. It may not be able to use some more specialised instruments like the Matrice 300, but this certainly will see more use cases with its portability and more reliable radio control. Matrice 30 also comes with new improved obstacles avoidance sensor is 6 directions to ensure flight safety.

If you are keen to check out the specs, do head to: https://www.dji.com/sg/matrice-30/specs

DJI Mini 3 Pro

What we know so far.

It is exciting to see that DJI is going to release a pro version of the mini that allows holiday travellers to fly drone sub 250g legally in many countries.

Rumoured Specs:

1) Bigger sensor to record 4K/60p

2) Obstacle avoidance for the front

3) Ocusync 3 for longer range

4) Longer flight endurance

If the specs are true, this will be a very good travel companion for many. Stay tuned for more details.

DJI Mavic 3 landing soon?

There are some image leaks of the new Mavic 3 featuring a dual-camera system.

Looking at the photos, it still has the Hasselblad camera like Mavic 2 pro, and a 7x Zoom camera. Some also think that the camera system will also have Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to give that extra smooth cinematic video. However, I wonder with this camera design, how are we going to install a filter? From the design and rumors on the internet, it looks like the battery installation will be like the Phantom series. Will Mavic 3 be the drone that DJI is revealing at the Hi FIVE event?

What do you think? What specs do you hope the Mavic 3 will have this time?

[Update 26 Sept 2021]

Based on the latest leaked information. This is the specs:

Hi FIVE

Another teaser from DJI after a long time. This is going to be phantom 5, the OSMO Mobile 5, or the Mavic 3?

DJI Teaser poster hinting a version 5 of something is coming.

Update: Looks like the Hi Five event is for the launch of OSMO 5. What could be new for OSMO 5?

Get Ready For The ONE

DJI has once again send out a teaser about the ONE. What could it be this time. We all know at this stage DJI has refreshed the newly launch Magic Air 2 to the 2s version boosting longer range and some upward facing sensor for better obstacle avoidance. And also upgrading the camera sensor to ONE inch.

Mavic Air 2s

But what could be this “ONE”? Could it be the Magic Air 2s with the ONE inch sensor? Will the 2s kill off the Mavic 2 pro?

Let’s wait for DJI to make the latest announcement on 15 April 2021!

Sony Airpeak

Sony has revealed their UAV in the CES 2021

Finally Sony has showcased and revealed their UAV during the CES 2021. It is a quadcopter capable of carrying its Alpha Range of cameras. Like the Inspire 2, it carries 2 batteries for redundancy and safety purpose.

Although Sony has not release the specs of the drone, it is likely to have a flight time of 15-20mins based on the payload and size of the batteries. It should also be capable of flying at least 70-80km/h. This drone also allows dual pilot system where one person controls the flight the other controls the main camera gimbal.

As for the price range, it should be around the price of the Inspire 2 Advance Kit. My guess will be about US$9500 if it is released. It will be interesting to see what kind of lens can fit onto the gimbal.

So where does this drone fits into the industry? In my opinion, Airpeak tries to hit one level above the Inspire 2 series like the m600, but with a smaller footprint and a lower cost. As an aerial videographer, I often received request to film footages using the same camera as the ground shots. With only Inspire 2, Phantom 4 pro and Mavic 2 Pro in our inventory, we are unable to provide that service. Technically, we can deploy the m600, but the size and high maintenance cost makes it not practical. I am excited to see how the Airpeak can bridge that gap, and at what cost?

Airpeak by Sony

A patent application from Sony was granted in January 2020

Sony has indicated her intention to enter the UAV filming industry, going to compete with DJI directly. Sony has traditionally been supplying imaging sensors to DJI’s camera, and now she has decided to make her own flying camera. Will Sony be successful or will she crash and burn like GoPro?

Personally, I am really excited and believe that Sony has the ability to make their own UAV and also to make their own processor and sensors without relying on a 3rd party. If Sony can bring their industry leading camera technology to their flying cameras, it may potentially bite off a big chunk of business from DJI. Now filmmakers can shoot with the same color profile from their ground cameras to their flying cameras.

Beating DJI in this industry is not going to be easy. DJI has already deeply captured the market and has many years of experience in making the world best gimbal. Can Sony create the same or better gimbal?

This is going to be exciting. Competition in the market is always good for consumers. It will bring about new innovation! Let’s see what Sony can offer in Spring 2021! Check out: https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/airpeak/ for more details.

DJI Mini 2 Launch

There are lots of leaks online about the DJI Mini 2 already. There are also some people in the USA who manage to buy it from BestBuy ahead of the launch. How did that happen? Nobody knows.

Here are the key features of the DJI Mini 2:

  1. OcuSync 2.0 up to 10 km (Significantly more reliable control compare the version 1 of the mini using wifi signal)
  2. 4K 30P video recording (Up from 2.7K of version 1)
  3. RAW DNG Still photo
  4. Intelligent Flight Mode (Rumoured to have similar features as Spark)

Are these features enough to make owners of version 1 upgrade to version 2? Will you buy it for US$585(Fly more combo)?

UPDATES:

Specs

Aircraft

  • Takeoff Weight [1]: < 249 g
  • Dimensions
    • Folded: 138×81×58 mm (L×W×H)
      Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm (L×W×H)
      Unfolded (with propellers): 245×289×56 mm (L×W×H)
  • Diagonal Distance: 213 mm
  • Max Ascent Speed
    • 5 m/s (S Mode)
      3 m/s (N Mode)
      2 m/s (C Mode)
  • Max Descent Speed
    • 3.5 m/s (S Mode)
      3 m/s (N Mode)
      1.5 m/s (C Mode)
  • Max Speed (near sea level, no wind)
    • 16 m/s (S Mode)
      10 m/s (N Mode)
      6 m/s (C Mode)
  • Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level
    • 4000 m
      (2000 m when taking off with propeller guard)
  • Max Flight Time: 31 mins (measured while flying at 4.7 m/s in windless conditions)
  • Max Wind Speed Resistance: 8.5-10.5 m/s (Scale 5)
  • Max Tilt Angle
    • 40° (S Mode)
      25° (N Mode)*
      25° (C Mode)*
      * Up to 40° under strong winds
  • Max Angular Velocity (by default)*
    • 130°/s (S Mode)
      60°/s (N Mode)
      30°/s (C Mode)
      * Can be adjusted to 250°/s with the DJI Fly app
  • Operating Temperature: 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
  • Operating Frequency [2]: 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz
  • Transmitter Power (EIRP)
    • 2.400-2.4835 GHz
      FCC ≤ 26 dBm
      CE ≤ 20 dBm
      SRRC ≤ 20 dBm
      5.725-5.850 GHz
      FCC ≤ 26 dBm
      CE ≤ 14 dBm
      SRRC ≤ 26 dBm
  • Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO
  • Hovering Accuracy Range
    • Vertical: ±0.1 m (with Vision Positioning), ±0.5 m (with GPS Positioning)
      Horizontal: ±0.3 m (with Vision Positioning), ±1.5 m (with GPS Positioning)

Gimbal

  • Mechanical Range
    • Tilt: -110° to 35°
      Roll: -35° to 35°
      Pan: -20° to 20°
  • Controllable Range: Tilt: -90° to 0° (default setting) -90° to +20° (extended)
  • Stabilization: 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan)
  • Max Control Speed (tilt): 100°/s
  • Angular Vibration Range: ±0.01°

Sensing System

  • Downward: Hovering Range: 0.5-10 m
  • Operating Environment
    • Non-reflective, discernable surfaces
      Diffuse reflectivity (> 20%,such as cement pavement)
      Adequate lighting (lux > 15, Normal exposure environment of indoor fluorescent lamp)

Camera

  • Sensor
    • 1/2.3” CMOS
      Effective Pixels: 12 MP
  • Lens
    • FOV: 83°
      35 mm format equivalent: 24 mm
      Aperture: f/2.8
      Focus range: 1 m to ∞
  • ISO
    • Video:
      100-3200 (Auto)
      100-3200 (Manual)
      Photos:
      100-3200 (Auto)
      100-3200 (Manual)
  • Shutter Speed: Electronic Shutter: 4-1/8000 s
  • Max Image Size
    • 4:3: 4000×3000
      16:9: 4000×2250
  • Still Photography Modes
    • Single Shot
      Interval: JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s
      JPEG+RAW: 5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s
      Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3 bracketed frames at 2/3 EV Bias
      Panorama: Sphere, 180°, and Wide
  • Video Resolution
    • 4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30fps
      2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30fps
      FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
  • Max Video Bitrate: 100 Mbps
  • Zoom Range
    • 4K: 2x
      2.7K: 3x
      FHD: 4x
  • QuickShot Modes
    • Dronie,
      Helix,
      Rocket,
      Circle,
      Boomerang
  • Supported File Formats
    • FAT32 (≤ 32 GB)
      exFAT (> 32 GB)
  • Photo Formats: JPEG/DNG (RAW)
  • Video Formats: MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC)

Remote Controller & Video Transmission

  • Operating Frequency: 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz
  • Max Transmission Distance (unobstructed, free of interference) [3]
    • 10 km (FCC)
      6 km (CE)
      6 km (SRRC)
      6 km (MIC)
  • Signal Transmission Ranges (FCC) [4]
    • Strong Interference (urban landscape, limited line of sight, many competing signals): Approx. 3 km
      Medium Interference (suburban landscape, open line of sight, some competing signals): Approx. 6 km
      Low Interference (open landscape abundant line of sight, few competing signals): Approx. 10 km
  • Operating Temperature: 10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F)
  • Transmission Power (EIRP):
    • 2.400-2.4835 GHz
      FCC ≤ 26 dBm
      CE ≤ 20 dBm
      SRRC ≤ 20 dBm
      MIC ≤ 20 dBm
      5.725-5.850 GHz
      FCC ≤ 26 dBm
      CE ≤ 14 dBm
      SRRC ≤ 26 dBm
  • Battery Capacity: 5200 mAh
  • Voltage: 1200 mA 3.7 V (Android)
    700 mA 3.7 V (iOS)
  • Supported Mobile Device Size: Max length: 92 mm
  • Supported USB Port Types: LightningMicro USB (Type-B) USB-C
  • Video Transmission System: OcuSync 2.0
  • Live View Quality: Remote Controller: 720p/30fps
  • Max Bitrate: 8 Mbps
  • Latency (depending on environmental conditions and mobile device): About 200 ms

Charger

  • Input: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 A
  • Output: 12V 1.5 A / 9V 2A / 5V 3A
  • Rated Power: 18 W

Intelligent Flight Battery

  • Battery Capacity: 2250 mAh
  • Voltage: 7.7 V
  • Charging Voltage Limit: 8.8 V
  • Battery Type: LiPo 2S
  • Energy: 17.32 Wh
  • Weight: 86.2 g
  • Charging Temperature: 5° to 40°C (41° to 104°F)
  • Max Charging Power: 29 W

App

  • Name: DJI Fly
  • Required Operating System: iOS v10.0 or laterAndroid v6.0 or later

Supported SD Cards

  • Supported SD Cards
    • UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required. A list of recommended microSD cards can be found below.
  • Recommended microSD Cards
    • 16 GB: SanDisk Extreme
      32 GB: Samsung Pro Endurance, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Industrial, SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x
      64 GB: Samsung Pro Endurance, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x, Lexar 1000x, Lexar High Endurance, Toshiba EXCERIA M303 V30 A1, Netac Pro V30 A1
      128 GB: Samsung Pro Plus, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x, Lexar 1000x, Lexar High Endurance, Toshiba EXCERIA M303 V30 A1, Netac Pro V30 A1
      256 GB: SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2

Footnotes

  • Footnotes
    • 1. The standard weight of the aircraft (including battery, propellers, and a microSD card) is 242 grams. Actual poduct weight may vary. Registration is not required in some countries and regions. Check local rules and regulations before use. These specifications have been determined through tests conducted with the latest firmware. Firmware updates can enhance performance, so updating to the latest firmware is highly recommended.
      2. Due to local policy and regulation restrictions, the 5.8 GHz frequency band is currently banned in certain countries, including but not limited to Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Please use the 2.4 GHz frequency band when operating in these locations. Always check local rules and regulations before use, as they may change over time.
      3. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience, not aircraft battery capability. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance. Data was measured in an open environment without interference. Please pay attention to the return prompt on the DJI Fly app during actual flight. Refer to the following applicable standard in different countries and regions:
      FCC: United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and other regions;
      SRRC: Mainland China;
      CE: UK, Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Macau, New Zealand, UAE, and other regions;
      MIC: Japan.
      4. Data is tested under different standards in open areas free of interference. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance without considering Return to Home. Please pay attention to RTH prompts in the DJI Fly app during the actual flight.

DJI launches the new Mavic Air 2

Today we have the full specs of that the Mavic Air 2 can do. I believe this is somewhat a response to Skydio R2 with the new FocusTrack which is said to be much more effective than the Mavic 2 active track 2.0. From the demo we can see that the Mavic Air 2 can navigate through a forest trail avoiding the trees and etc. See the video here

Is it worth for owners of Mavic 2 Pro / Zoom to buy the Mavic Air 2?

Well, I must say I was really tempted by the 4K60p video and the 48MP camera. But without the ability to adjust aperture, to do dolly zoom is a huge sacrifice for me. Also, a 1″ sensor vs a 1/2″ sensor is also a big sacrifice for night video. You notice there is no night video of the Mavic Air 2 produced by DJI, except for the hyper-lapse video which is a series of still photos and not video. HDR Video is a plus point if the user wants to use the footage straight out of the drone. However, for most production house they rather shot in D-log and do color grading in post-production.

There are definitely some nice cool features and a huge upgrade from the first Mavic Air, but compared to Mavic 2, it may not be a real upgrade in some sense for the pro videographer who wants more control. But for those who want to have their first UAV, the Mavic Air 2 is a great choice.