Hi Ian, What you experienced with Mavic Pro and Mavic Air heading into wind were exactly the same as I experienced with mine. My Mavic Pro (with OA on) struggled and was dragged sideway in wind but my Mavic Air (also with OA on) handled the wind smoothly. There were notices popped up that caught my eyes when I first flew my Mavic Air under strong wind - "Attitude is too large. Backward Obstacle Sensing is not functioning." and "Attitude is too large. Forward Obstacle Sensing is not functioning.". I have never seen this kind of notice with my Mavic Pro under strong wind, in any version of firmware. I think the difference between the headwind handling ability of the Mavic Pro and that of the Mavic Air is because not only the Mavic Air has a smaller frontal projection area, but also the Mavic Air's flight algorithm handles headwind differently - by design the Mavic Air will abandon the functioning of Obstacles Avoidance and will tilt more than 15 degree in overcoming strong headwind. By design of its flight algorithm, the Mavic Pro will alway limit its tilt to not more than 16 degree to maintain the functioning of Obstacle Avoidance even under strong headwind, and together with its larger frontal projection area the Mavic Pro is more prone to be blown to crawling speed or prone to drift sideway. Hope my observations ease your concerns and my analogies help to explain the reasons behind the observations. Henry
Henry, thanks for this clear and full explanation. Until I made this video, I, like many others I guess, wasn't aware of the connection between sensor deactivation and speed. The AIR obviously auto-disables its sensors to allow it to fly at the steeper pitch required for faster flight against strong wind, whilst the PRO simply reduces the speed to ensure the pitch doesn't exceed the working maximum for the sensors. This is a significant difference in fucntionality; one that's not been widely mentioned. Thanks again for this, Ian
Thanks Baba; I actually shot that fog this morning around 8am; had just finished editing this and decided to throw a 20 second segment on the end as I was pretty proud of that shot! Cheers, Ian
Your findings confirm my near flyaway a couple of weeks ago. Couldn't bring it back, so dropped it at extreme signal range, then went for a long walk in the snow to get it back.
I genuinely wonder how many people have panicked and not been able to land remotely, and lost their Pro.... But, there is hope. Watch my "Flying in Strong Wind" video that shows how to handle the Pro in strong winds... ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html Glad you got it back; smart move to land it and walk....! Cheers, Ian EDIT: Just seen you already have :) Cheers, Ian
Thanks for these comparisons - very helpful. I had 'a moment' with my MPP - when it lost GPS and just it started to drift off with the wind - I had to switch it into Sport mode just to get it back. I found tacking across the wind helped, as I had plenty of battery to zigzag the bird home.
Hello Ian, I fly a three pro, four and a Mavic, you’re far a braver man than me to push the breeze that far, flying quads for four years I haven’t yet had a prang. Teddington pilot.
Ian very good video. I flew my pro in 21 mph wind at 1000 feet high the other day. 21 mph measure came from Google..the wind took the drone 2000 feet away..lost control.I could not fly it back for a while ...i finally. Dropped the drone down to 300 feet or so...and struggled to get it back home....it did make it...all that was done in non sports mode....watching you confirms that in high wind you have to fly in sports mode...to make progress....thanks for the super info ...very helpful....
Hi Joe. Glad you got your Pro back, and your experience confirms what I'm saying here. If you don't usually use Sports Mode it can easily catch you out... Cheers, Ian
paul c The main thing you can do is switch off the sensors which makes a huge difference... Watch this on flying the Pro in strong winds:. ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
I really have enjoyed you videos, I took the plunge and my Mavic Air will be collected tomorrow (10% off at Curry’s this weekend 👍) I love the end footage, amazing ❤️
LittleMissTracy Hey Tracy! I'm really pleased to have helped you out ! Make sure you watch my top 15 causes of crashes, then don't. You have excellent weather across the UK this weekend so best of luck and have a great time. Ian.
Brilliant review lad! Checked your website out mate - really stunning stuff, especially the Devils Tower shots in WY; I used to drive out there every summer from my home in Wisconsin. Followed you on Instagram as well Ian. Keep up the good work mate, look forward to your next video. x from NZ.
manamedia Well thank you fella. Very kind words from a very talented photographer. I wish I had these drones when I lived in AKL and CHC for 4 years many moons ago.... You're a well travelled man and it's great to see you capture it so well. Great to have you on board and thanks for letting me into your IG world too fella. All the best and chat soon, Ian.
Oh wow, Ian!! Awesome to know you have been to my home country! Thanks for the comments regarding photos on my IG as well. You are definitely a good photographer yourself. Definitely, catch up the next time I am in the UK (my son lives in London). I'll flick you an email and definitely catch up with you and your man somewhere on the planet. Cheers mate.
Did I read or view an article that DJI have slowed the crafts down a little by firmware / updates ? im not really a sports fan of fast flying unless needed for emergencies etc but as always Ian nice complete video thanks
Yes, they've amended things so even flying down wind in a strong wind, you won't exceed their stated top speed. Which kind of furthers my question; if they can amend how it handles wind by a firmware update, why does the Pro handle so differently from the Air when not in Sports Mode? This is something they could fix with a firmware update... Ian
Hi....!!! so... what a pleasure to see Ted(dy) again and his fight with the drones : )))) that´s cool test Ian.... Thanks (as usual) for this BIG smiling face and the barks of mister Ted.... BTW I already order my Mavic pro Platinum bundle due I fiscover it deom your channel and I think it fits with my way of understanding the DJI philosophy , wish me luck buddy...!!
Hey fella! Maybe I need to mark which videos have Ted the Westie in! :) He crops up in around half of them. My New 'Smooth Camera & Gimbal Settings' video has him in plenty! Good luck with the new Pro! Make sure you watch my playlist on useful stuff to know for flying.... It should help you.... Ian Tutorial Playlist: ruclips.net/video/n1DmTQURiTE/видео.html
sure it will be...actually is doing it, it helps a lot specially because I love the MiDron but I got the Epson Moverio FPV Goggles and they are not working with mine....ONLY with the Dji stuff soooo,.... it was the momento to go ahead with the MPP ; ) Hugs for mister Ted and smiles for you.... THxs...!!!!!!
Thanks David. I'll try that next weekend, although I don't see why that should be necessary when the Air copes... But I'll have a play and see what happens. Cheers, Ian
Great vídeo! Looks like the air has better images out of the box With no altered settings. So if distance and battery time is no issue, do you prefer the air over the pro if you could buy Just one of them? Thanks
Hi Ian. A question. I note that the videos you have done appear to be just 'straight line' flying. Have you made any video about flying in banked curves and, if not, could you?
Hi Tony; the closest I've done is my 'Smooth Camera and Gimbal Settings' video which goes through the settings to makes turns and movements smoother.... Cheers, Ian ruclips.net/video/fRS0nXMaW9o/видео.html
Hi Ian. I've just had the MA up properly. What an incredible machine! I am so impressed. The only down side is the battery time - I could have been out there a lot longer.
Hi. I got the package with two extra batteries so was in the air for about 45 min until I got a battery warning. One last question if I may. I started in beginners mode but when I got it up quite high, I think I got the option to turn the mode off. As I was watching the aircraft more the screen so I'm not sure. To save me trawling through the manual, is that normal?
I have watched many of your Videos Ian and I think you, they are very informative and educational, I am a Phantom 4 Standard user now since March of last year and have done many Video in my local area, I am looking at both the Pro and the Air, I have seen and also spoke with pilots of both and I am trying to make my mind up as to which one I chose as another drone to have as an out door drone, I have had 5 drones in total since March of last year, started with the Hubsan H502S Desire then bought a second hand H501S its bigger brother then a brand new H501SS all of wich have taught me many lessons on flying drones, then I saw the breeze for sale and jumped in for that one, again I played with it but I have to say that after selling all my Hubsans and putting my other two drones up for sale to purchase a Air, or a Pro I feel still undecided as to which way I should go, I am also Dissabled and I have issues walking for long distances, so transport of my P4S is fine as its in a back pack and sits on the back seat of my car, so if I can leave my car and travel say 2o or 30 meters from my car to an area I can take off in, then I am very happy, I enjoy the hobby very much and as a Retired man have seen countrys and place I would never be able to visit now on my pension, I thank you again and I am sorry this has gone on as long as it has, Rgeards TJK.
Hello Thomas. Thanks for your good words and I'm really pleased you've enjoyed the videos. I generally have a lot of fun making them and the main point of the 'talking' videos is to help people. I do have a section on my channel called 'flying around' which are just scenic videos to watch and enjoy the view. The AIR and PRO are similar and some of the differences are less or more important than others. In a nutshell, the main differences are of course cost, size, weight, range and flight time, all of which are smaller with the AIR. In case you haven't, make sure you watch my 'Attitude Too Large' video, and my AIR versus PRO video, in the 'Mavic AIR Section on my channel. I go through the differences in a precise and objective way. You decide what's important to you, and go from there. Finally, you will be hearing rumours of the Mavic Pro ll. Well, that could be launched tomorrow or September. Whatever you buy this year will be replaced by something next year, so why not enjoy it now? Both the Pro and the AIr are excellent drones; the AIr really is lighter and smaller though and that's made it my favourite out of the two now. Hope this helps, and I wish you all the best! Ian
Hi Ian thank you for taking the time to get back to me, I have watched as I say many of your Videos now and I did enjoy the objective way in which you perform all the tests, I like the fact that the Air is the smaller and also that she tends to cope better in the wind than the Pro big factor I think as I have been watching lots of videos where people have nearly or even lost their Pro because of flying into the wind on the return flight, as I have already said I fly the P4S and up till now have been more than satisfied with its performace, I have taken on board all that you have said and will inform you of what I go with in the future, thanks again and be safe and be well. Regards TJK.
I reckon it would do better; it's all to do with the obstacle sensors; the Mavic Pro slows down to maintain a more level pitch. The Phantom 3 series didn't have sensors, so the pitch could go steeper when needed. Ian
The question would be what is the top speed when you don't have sports mode on for each unit.. If the top speed on the mavic air without sports mode is faster than of course it's going to go forward faster..
John, if range and flight time is important, get the Pro. If you can handle shorter flight times and are happy to stay under 1,500 metres distance, get the Air. It's smaller, lighter and as long as you get the combo (for the spare batteries) you'll love it... Ian
Ian in London thanks for the reply. I'll probably go with the air then. I have a TBS discovery with crossfire if I need to go far I guess. The extra features and smaller size of the air are really hard to pass up.
Hi Ian I had an R/c helicopter many years ago but, after one VERY short attempt at flying, lost my nerve and sold it. I've been toying (struggling) with the idea of acquiring a drone for 18 months and have taken a long hard look, initially, at the Mavic Pro. Then the Air came on the scene. My main question is simple. Is it easy to fly and stable? Tony
Hi Tony. Yes in a nut shell. They are extremely easy, as they have GPS to ensure they literally stay stationary if you take your hands off the control. They have auto take off and auto land functions and the only reason you'll crash is if you get over confident :). I would wholeheartedly recommend the Air. Take a look at my Air and Pro comparison video.... Cheers, Ian.
Hi. Thanks for that. I feel a bit more confident about going after one. Another Q if I may. Looking at your direct comparisons with the Pro and the Air, the Air appears to have a over-cooked the colours in the fields at the back of your place, whereas the Pro's colours seem more realistic. Can the colour settings be adjusted on the Air? Lastly, it's nice to find a English reviewer that says it as it is and not go OTT - USA style. :) Cheers Tony
Thanks again Tony. Yes, the colour mode is extremely adjustable, with a variety of presets and a manual mode too, so you'll be fine on that. And glad you like the style! I don't want to be too staid and boring, but I currently have no urge to open with "What's up everyone" and flick my fingers..... :) Cheers! Ian
Good luck Tony. Take it easy; watch my Mavic Air series of videos and also watch this playlist of mine... it may help :) Ian ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
Hi Ian, I don't understand your "surprise ", you've been making some good videos for a while. It seems that now you have the air, you don't rate the Mavic anymore. Before I got into Dji drones, I was like that every time I got a new one and I've got loads. In fact whilst I love my Mavic I'm beginning to find this type of flying a bit boring, maybe that will change when the summer arrives, I'm just a little confused in what your saying cheers
Hi Alan. Don't get me wrong; I still love the Mavic Pro. In every video I've put on over the last month, I've tried to be balanced and simply state the facts. But this particular video really did surprise me. I was the first time I did a proper comparison and the first time I resisted the urge to just 'flip it into Sports Mode'. As it is, I've had a fair bit of information come in from Mavic Pilots and the DJI forums since posting this. It's all about the obstacle sensors and basically the AIR auto-disables them allowing it to fly at a steeper pitch and therefore faster into the wind, whilst the Pro doesn't diable them, requiring it to simply slow down, until the user flips it into Sports Mode (which then disables the sensors). So very different behaviour with very different results. But my message remains the same; if you have a Pro, stick with it; if you're gettign your first drone, then probably go for the Air as long as you're okay with the shorter ranger and flight time. Cheers as ever for your input Alan! Ian
Hi Wayne. Bit hard for me to guage what's going wrong without all the details. But I have found the DJi Forum is the best place to work out what's wrong. Loads of helpful people on there. The Phantom forum is forum.dji.com/forum-68-1.html cheers fella Ian
Hi Ian. looking to set my C1 AND C2 buttons on my Mavric air to camera looking down qucikly and the other to change between video and camera (if I can) Im sure I seen you exspaline this on a video but cant find it? can you help. cheers
Hi Bob; nice and easy one; three dots upper right on App, then third option down for 'Remote' settings, then scroll down to the 'customise buttons' section and scroll through the available options. Cheers! Ian
Hi Ian I had a look. Mine inst the same. I don't have the `customise button` option. It shows a drawing of two controllers. With the two buttons and then a list of things to make them do. I was hoping to have one quickly point the camera down. But even that isn't on the list as I thought it was.
Are you running the latest version of the app? To be clear, you can only choose from the list that's offered; it's not fully customisable... And I do recal reading that the 'point straight down' option had indeed been removed' I'll have a check when I'm next flying. Ian
Hi Ian. it did an update last week to 4.2.14 You could be right about it taken off now. Ive only had a drone around a month now and i think i seen that opion on an older video I seen on youtube. B
Howdy again Gavin. Yes, spot on. Watch this video on flying the Pro in strong winds and I go through the sensors and how they massively affect performance. Cheers, Ian ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
There is no mystery here at all. When it is windy, and the Air needs to angle more to fight it, it angles it and pops those two messages telling you the attitude it too large(it is angling into the wind, and the OA cameras are now pointing down in the front and up in the back rather than toward you direction of travel) and the front and rear Obstacle Avoidance is shut off automatically. You said some people don't want to fly in sport mode, because they want obstacle avoidance. YOU did NOT have obstacle avoidance on the air, when you were flying into the wind! It was shut off when you got those messages. If you want to actually compare them for speed, you need to shut obstacle avoidance off on the Pro as well.
DragonFlyAerialsLLC Yes , that's exactly the case. I pinned a comment explaining this... But the fact remains the Air auto shuts off the OA, to allow you to continue flying at speed, whilst the Pro just goes slower and slower until it stops... Which isn't the best functionality for many people. Cheers, Ian.
Drone Video Productions Hi there... I'm actually doing my next video on this as a few people have asked this. It's the tilt of the drone, making the sensors point too high or low....
I returned my Mavic air, for me I could not deal with the small battery, wifi connection issues one minute you are connected next minute your not, and so small the wind takes it away.
Well, I found it rock steady in the wind, but it's true, the low flight time and connections if you're approaching 1,000 metres isn't great... Let's see what MPll brings.... Ian
Hi Ian,
What you experienced with Mavic Pro and Mavic Air heading into wind were exactly the same as I experienced with mine. My Mavic Pro (with OA on) struggled and was dragged sideway in wind but my Mavic Air (also with OA on) handled the wind smoothly.
There were notices popped up that caught my eyes when I first flew my Mavic Air under strong wind - "Attitude is too large. Backward Obstacle Sensing is not functioning." and "Attitude is too large. Forward Obstacle Sensing is not functioning.". I have never seen this kind of notice with my Mavic Pro under strong wind, in any version of firmware.
I think the difference between the headwind handling ability of the Mavic Pro and that of the Mavic Air is because not only the Mavic Air has a smaller frontal projection area, but also the Mavic Air's flight algorithm handles headwind differently - by design the Mavic Air will abandon the functioning of Obstacles Avoidance and will tilt more than 15 degree in overcoming strong headwind. By design of its flight algorithm, the Mavic Pro will alway limit its tilt to not more than 16 degree to maintain the functioning of Obstacle Avoidance even under strong headwind, and together with its larger frontal projection area the Mavic Pro is more prone to be blown to crawling speed or prone to drift sideway.
Hope my observations ease your concerns and my analogies help to explain the reasons behind the observations.
Henry
Henry, thanks for this clear and full explanation. Until I made this video, I, like many others I guess, wasn't aware of the connection between sensor deactivation and speed. The AIR obviously auto-disables its sensors to allow it to fly at the steeper pitch required for faster flight against strong wind, whilst the PRO simply reduces the speed to ensure the pitch doesn't exceed the working maximum for the sensors.
This is a significant difference in fucntionality; one that's not been widely mentioned.
Thanks again for this, Ian
the dogs are sooo cute..stay back so sweeet
The last view of the fog is fantastic.. I used to hate fog untill i got a drone. Great vid as always.
Thanks Baba; I actually shot that fog this morning around 8am; had just finished editing this and decided to throw a 20 second segment on the end as I was pretty proud of that shot! Cheers, Ian
Your findings confirm my near flyaway a couple of weeks ago. Couldn't bring it back, so dropped it at extreme signal range, then went for a long walk in the snow to get it back.
I genuinely wonder how many people have panicked and not been able to land remotely, and lost their Pro.... But, there is hope. Watch my "Flying in Strong Wind" video that shows how to handle the Pro in strong winds... ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html Glad you got it back; smart move to land it and walk....! Cheers, Ian
EDIT: Just seen you already have :) Cheers, Ian
Thanks for these comparisons - very helpful. I had 'a moment' with my MPP - when it lost GPS and just it started to drift off with the wind - I had to switch it into Sport mode just to get it back. I found tacking across the wind helped, as I had plenty of battery to zigzag the bird home.
Thanks for the review, saves me doing it as I too have both :) good information
Hi Ian. Well given you have tried two with similar results that seems pretty conclusive. Thanks for posting. Bob UK
Thanks for taking the time to do these tests Ian.
atvb t ..
Cheers Tadpole! Always good to hear from you! Ian
Nice comparison! Nice surprise how better the small Air can deal with the wind
Very nice test.
That was really a surprise. Thanks for the video!
Hello Ian, I fly a three pro, four and a Mavic, you’re far a braver man than me to push the breeze that far, flying quads for four years I haven’t yet had a prang.
Teddington pilot.
Well, I've only had one. (The "Dover Incident") but I feel a little more confident on home turf where I can see the drones the whole way.... :) Ian
Brilliant information. Thank you.
Another thumbs up for the air. Was surprised about the pro
Air is becoming my drone of choice! :)
I've not had this problem before ! Must give it another go, but that's not a good sign.Cheers Ian.
Ian very good video. I flew my pro in 21 mph wind at 1000 feet high the other day. 21 mph measure came from Google..the wind took the drone 2000 feet away..lost control.I could not fly it back for a while ...i finally. Dropped the drone down to 300 feet or so...and struggled to get it back home....it did make it...all that was done in non sports mode....watching you confirms that in high wind you have to fly in sports mode...to make progress....thanks for the super info ...very helpful....
Hi Joe. Glad you got your Pro back, and your experience confirms what I'm saying here. If you don't usually use Sports Mode it can easily catch you out... Cheers, Ian
Ian in London very true ....I don't normally use sport mode as it kills the battery faster ...but with high wind it seems its a must
Thanks from Houston!
Really like this video... Looking forward for more.
Thanks fella!
great test.
The controller trims can be adjusted in the pro to give it more forward power in normal mode
paul c The main thing you can do is switch off the sensors which makes a huge difference... Watch this on flying the Pro in strong winds:. ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
Great review as always Ian!! Due to high wind was how i lost my pro the first time i flew it... after a 2h walk in the forrest i found it phuuuu....
Jonas Jönsson Lucky fella Jonas... I never found the Dover loss...... After a day off and 5 hours searching.... Cheers ! Ian.
I really have enjoyed you videos, I took the plunge and my Mavic Air will be collected tomorrow (10% off at Curry’s this weekend 👍) I love the end footage, amazing ❤️
LittleMissTracy Hey Tracy! I'm really pleased to have helped you out ! Make sure you watch my top 15 causes of crashes, then don't. You have excellent weather across the UK this weekend so best of luck and have a great time. Ian.
Brilliant review lad! Checked your website out mate - really stunning stuff, especially the Devils Tower shots in WY; I used to drive out there every summer from my home in Wisconsin. Followed you on Instagram as well Ian. Keep up the good work mate, look forward to your next video. x from NZ.
manamedia Well thank you fella. Very kind words from a very talented photographer. I wish I had these drones when I lived in AKL and CHC for 4 years many moons ago.... You're a well travelled man and it's great to see you capture it so well.
Great to have you on board and thanks for letting me into your IG world too fella. All the best and chat soon, Ian.
Oh wow, Ian!! Awesome to know you have been to my home country! Thanks for the comments regarding photos on my IG as well. You are definitely a good photographer yourself. Definitely, catch up the next time I am in the UK (my son lives in London). I'll flick you an email and definitely catch up with you and your man somewhere on the planet. Cheers mate.
Thanks a lot sir. It helped me a lot.
Did I read or view an article that DJI have slowed the crafts down a little by firmware / updates ? im not really a sports fan of fast flying unless needed for emergencies etc but as always Ian nice complete video thanks
Not slowed down but they have restricted the speed, not a happy bunny.......
Yes, they've amended things so even flying down wind in a strong wind, you won't exceed their stated top speed. Which kind of furthers my question; if they can amend how it handles wind by a firmware update, why does the Pro handle so differently from the Air when not in Sports Mode? This is something they could fix with a firmware update... Ian
Hi....!!! so... what a pleasure to see Ted(dy) again and his fight with the drones : )))) that´s cool test Ian.... Thanks (as usual) for this BIG smiling face and the barks of mister Ted....
BTW I already order my Mavic pro Platinum bundle due I fiscover it deom your channel and I think it fits with my way of understanding the DJI philosophy , wish me luck buddy...!!
Hey fella! Maybe I need to mark which videos have Ted the Westie in! :) He crops up in around half of them. My New 'Smooth Camera & Gimbal Settings' video has him in plenty! Good luck with the new Pro! Make sure you watch my playlist on useful stuff to know for flying.... It should help you.... Ian
Tutorial Playlist: ruclips.net/video/n1DmTQURiTE/видео.html
sure it will be...actually is doing it, it helps a lot specially because I love the MiDron but I got the Epson Moverio FPV Goggles and they are not working with mine....ONLY with the Dji stuff soooo,.... it was the momento to go ahead with the MPP ; )
Hugs for mister Ted and smiles for you.... THxs...!!!!!!
On the pro if you turn of forward sensing it will be ok
Thanks David. I'll try that next weekend, although I don't see why that should be necessary when the Air copes... But I'll have a play and see what happens. Cheers, Ian
THE MAVIC AIR CAMERA JUST LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER!!!
Great vídeo! Looks like the air has better images out of the box With no altered settings. So if distance and battery time is no issue, do you prefer the air over the pro if you could buy Just one of them? Thanks
If distance and battery time is no issue, then I prefer the AIR. More portable and more camera options, with some useful internal storage too. Ian
Hi Ian.
A question. I note that the videos you have done appear to be just 'straight line' flying. Have you made any video about flying in banked curves and, if not, could you?
Hi Tony; the closest I've done is my 'Smooth Camera and Gimbal Settings' video which goes through the settings to makes turns and movements smoother.... Cheers, Ian ruclips.net/video/fRS0nXMaW9o/видео.html
Thanks, I'll have a look.
Hi Ian. I've just had the MA up properly. What an incredible machine! I am so impressed. The only down side is the battery time - I could have been out there a lot longer.
Great stuff Tony; It really is a great piece of kit. First thing I did was get two more batteries... and a car charger :)
Hi. I got the package with two extra batteries so was in the air for about 45 min until I got a battery warning.
One last question if I may. I started in beginners mode but when I got it up quite high, I think I got the option to turn the mode off. As I was watching the aircraft more the screen so I'm not sure. To save me trawling through the manual, is that normal?
Cool, compared to my P3 Standard my Mavic Pro struggles into the wind, but enable sport mode and its fine...
Exactly! SO I just wondered why the Pro makes you jump into Sports mode in order to handle anything more than a strong breeze.... Cheers, Ian
Ian in London probably to keep the battery fly time up on the specs perhaps 👍
Good info, thanks.
I have watched many of your Videos Ian and I think you, they are very informative and educational, I am a Phantom 4 Standard user now since March of last year and have done many Video in my local area, I am looking at both the Pro and the Air, I have seen and also spoke with pilots of both and I am trying to make my mind up as to which one I chose as another drone to have as an out door drone, I have had 5 drones in total since March of last year, started with the Hubsan H502S Desire then bought a second hand H501S its bigger brother then a brand new H501SS all of wich have taught me many lessons on flying drones, then I saw the breeze for sale and jumped in for that one, again I played with it but I have to say that after selling all my Hubsans and putting my other two drones up for sale to purchase a Air, or a Pro I feel still undecided as to which way I should go, I am also Dissabled and I have issues walking for long distances, so transport of my P4S is fine as its in a back pack and sits on the back seat of my car, so if I can leave my car and travel say 2o or 30 meters from my car to an area I can take off in, then I am very happy, I enjoy the hobby very much and as a Retired man have seen countrys and place I would never be able to visit now on my pension, I thank you again and I am sorry this has gone on as long as it has, Rgeards TJK.
Hello Thomas. Thanks for your good words and I'm really pleased you've enjoyed the videos. I generally have a lot of fun making them and the main point of the 'talking' videos is to help people. I do have a section on my channel called 'flying around' which are just scenic videos to watch and enjoy the view.
The AIR and PRO are similar and some of the differences are less or more important than others. In a nutshell, the main differences are of course cost, size, weight, range and flight time, all of which are smaller with the AIR. In case you haven't, make sure you watch my 'Attitude Too Large' video, and my AIR versus PRO video, in the 'Mavic AIR Section on my channel. I go through the differences in a precise and objective way. You decide what's important to you, and go from there. Finally, you will be hearing rumours of the Mavic Pro ll. Well, that could be launched tomorrow or September. Whatever you buy this year will be replaced by something next year, so why not enjoy it now? Both the Pro and the AIr are excellent drones; the AIr really is lighter and smaller though and that's made it my favourite out of the two now. Hope this helps, and I wish you all the best! Ian
Hi Ian thank you for taking the time to get back to me, I have watched as I say many of your Videos now and I did enjoy the objective way in which you perform all the tests, I like the fact that the Air is the smaller and also that she tends to cope better in the wind than the Pro big factor I think as I have been watching lots of videos where people have nearly or even lost their Pro because of flying into the wind on the return flight, as I have already said I fly the P4S and up till now have been more than satisfied with its performace, I have taken on board all that you have said and will inform you of what I go with in the future, thanks again and be safe and be well. Regards TJK.
Cool review. Wondering how would the p3s do on the same test
I reckon it would do better; it's all to do with the obstacle sensors; the Mavic Pro slows down to maintain a more level pitch. The Phantom 3 series didn't have sensors, so the pitch could go steeper when needed. Ian
Dji have the pro set up totally wrong for high wind I've not tried turning the front sensors off on the pro on mine on the spark it makes it faster
The question would be what is the top speed when you don't have sports mode on for each unit..
If the top speed on the mavic air without sports mode is faster than of course it's going to go forward faster..
I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these. If you could only have one of either the pro or the air which one would you choose?
John, if range and flight time is important, get the Pro. If you can handle shorter flight times and are happy to stay under 1,500 metres distance, get the Air. It's smaller, lighter and as long as you get the combo (for the spare batteries) you'll love it... Ian
So I've just been told..... I'll be testing that out next weekend thanks David. Ian.
Ian in London thanks for the reply. I'll probably go with the air then. I have a TBS discovery with crossfire if I need to go far I guess. The extra features and smaller size of the air are really hard to pass up.
Hi Ian
I had an R/c helicopter many years ago but, after one VERY short attempt at flying, lost my nerve and sold it.
I've been toying (struggling) with the idea of acquiring a drone for 18 months and have taken a long hard look, initially, at the Mavic Pro. Then the Air came on the scene.
My main question is simple. Is it easy to fly and stable?
Tony
Hi Tony. Yes in a nut shell. They are extremely easy, as they have GPS to ensure they literally stay stationary if you take your hands off the control. They have auto take off and auto land functions and the only reason you'll crash is if you get over confident :). I would wholeheartedly recommend the Air. Take a look at my Air and Pro comparison video.... Cheers, Ian.
Hi. Thanks for that. I feel a bit more confident about going after one.
Another Q if I may. Looking at your direct comparisons with the Pro and the Air, the Air appears to have a over-cooked the colours in the fields at the back of your place, whereas the Pro's colours seem more realistic. Can the colour settings be adjusted on the Air?
Lastly, it's nice to find a English reviewer that says it as it is and not go OTT - USA style. :)
Cheers
Tony
Thanks again Tony. Yes, the colour mode is extremely adjustable, with a variety of presets and a manual mode too, so you'll be fine on that. And glad you like the style! I don't want to be too staid and boring, but I currently have no urge to open with "What's up everyone" and flick my fingers..... :) Cheers! Ian
Hi Ian. Well, my MA has just arrived. Wish me luck. I'll let you know how I get on.
Good luck Tony. Take it easy; watch my Mavic Air series of videos and also watch this playlist of mine... it may help :) Ian ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
Is the highest recommended wind speed for the AIR is 18 miles an hour..
THE PRO 22 or 25 I think..
So it's weird it's being blown back
muzikmon2267 I did a lot more research and testing on this. Watch this video
ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
Hi Ian, I don't understand your "surprise ", you've been making some good videos for a while. It seems that now you have the air, you don't rate the Mavic anymore. Before I got into Dji drones, I was like that every time I got a new one and I've got loads. In fact whilst I love my Mavic I'm beginning to find this type of flying a bit boring, maybe that will change when the summer arrives, I'm just a little confused in what your saying cheers
Hi Alan. Don't get me wrong; I still love the Mavic Pro. In every video I've put on over the last month, I've tried to be balanced and simply state the facts. But this particular video really did surprise me. I was the first time I did a proper comparison and the first time I resisted the urge to just 'flip it into Sports Mode'. As it is, I've had a fair bit of information come in from Mavic Pilots and the DJI forums since posting this. It's all about the obstacle sensors and basically the AIR auto-disables them allowing it to fly at a steeper pitch and therefore faster into the wind, whilst the Pro doesn't diable them, requiring it to simply slow down, until the user flips it into Sports Mode (which then disables the sensors).
So very different behaviour with very different results.
But my message remains the same; if you have a Pro, stick with it; if you're gettign your first drone, then probably go for the Air as long as you're okay with the shorter ranger and flight time.
Cheers as ever for your input Alan! Ian
Ian in London cheers Ian
need help mate, have a p3 standard. iniatially worked fine but recently im getting no live feed to my tablet. tried formatting card etc but nothing
Hi Wayne. Bit hard for me to guage what's going wrong without all the details. But I have found the DJi Forum is the best place to work out what's wrong. Loads of helpful people on there. The Phantom forum is forum.dji.com/forum-68-1.html
cheers fella
Ian
sorted it mate, wasnt tne drone after all it was the tablet i was using wasnt compatible with the app, using iphone 5c now its all good
My spark shouldn't be handling the wind better than my pro something is wrong
Hi Ian. looking to set my C1 AND C2 buttons on my Mavric air to camera looking down qucikly and the other to change between video and camera (if I can) Im sure I seen you exspaline this on a video but cant find it? can you help. cheers
Hi Bob; nice and easy one; three dots upper right on App, then third option down for 'Remote' settings, then scroll down to the 'customise buttons' section and scroll through the available options. Cheers! Ian
Ian in London great. Thanks Ian
Hi Ian
I had a look. Mine inst the same. I don't have the `customise button` option.
It shows a drawing of two controllers. With the two buttons and then a list of things to make them do.
I was hoping to have one quickly point the camera down. But even that isn't on the list as I thought it was.
Are you running the latest version of the app? To be clear, you can only choose from the list that's offered; it's not fully customisable... And I do recal reading that the 'point straight down' option had indeed been removed' I'll have a check when I'm next flying. Ian
Hi Ian. it did an update last week to 4.2.14 You could be right about it taken off now. Ive only had a drone around a month now and i think i seen that opion on an older video I seen on youtube. B
And it seems like the air turns it's sensors off when it has high winds I noticed that.
Howdy again Gavin. Yes, spot on. Watch this video on flying the Pro in strong winds and I go through the sensors and how they massively affect performance.
Cheers, Ian ruclips.net/video/FfWksdTAUA8/видео.html
strange that it was only flying 20mph downwind.
There is no mystery here at all. When it is windy, and the Air needs to angle more to fight it, it angles it and pops those two messages telling you the attitude it too large(it is angling into the wind, and the OA cameras are now pointing down in the front and up in the back rather than toward you direction of travel) and the front and rear Obstacle Avoidance is shut off automatically. You said some people don't want to fly in sport mode, because they want obstacle avoidance. YOU did NOT have obstacle avoidance on the air, when you were flying into the wind! It was shut off when you got those messages. If you want to actually compare them for speed, you need to shut obstacle avoidance off on the Pro as well.
DragonFlyAerialsLLC Yes , that's exactly the case. I pinned a comment explaining this... But the fact remains the Air auto shuts off the OA, to allow you to continue flying at speed, whilst the Pro just goes slower and slower until it stops... Which isn't the best functionality for many people. Cheers, Ian.
Drone Video Productions Hi there... I'm actually doing my next video on this as a few people have asked this. It's the tilt of the drone, making the sensors point too high or low....
I returned my Mavic air, for me I could not deal with the small battery, wifi connection issues one minute you are connected next minute your not, and so small the wind takes it away.
Well, I found it rock steady in the wind, but it's true, the low flight time and connections if you're approaching 1,000 metres isn't great... Let's see what MPll brings.... Ian
Do you use an android phone or iPhone? Apparently the range is massively affected when using an iPhone do to the way it handles gps
I'm Android.... but truth be told, I have occasional trouble with the Air. generally great, but occasionally bad.... Wish it had Occusync...! Ian
Have you put that Mavic Air in FCC mode yet?....transforms the drone mate
I'll be honest; not tried it yet, but did see the Norwegian chap's video on how to do it.. Will be trying it out over the next week :)
It’s bigger! So therefor harder to push through wind!
I’ve never had my pro blow backwards! Weird
You know? I can't argue with that :) But it copes when in Sports Mode..... Cheers, ian
Do a range test 🤣
Yeah.. I did! :) ruclips.net/video/IIaKwXX10c8/видео.html But the Pro rules range.... Ian
Ian in London I’m just jealous I don’t have an air!! 😘