DJI Mavic Pro Footage in Focus

With the new reviews of the DJI Mavic Pro, there’s been one popular concern from many of us: the quality wasn’t quite 100 percent and looked a bit blurry, especially when compared with other drones. Then we shared the 4K comparison with the Phantom 4, and even though the camera specs are very close between the two, it was apparent that the Mavic quality was not quite there. The Phantom 4 was the clear winner here, but the size still made the Mavic a viable contender for many of us who would compromise portability over quality and sharpness.

Later in the day after Casey’s review and comparison was up, he came back and updated that he figured out the focus works differently than any previous DJI drone unit. This was great news for many of us, as this brings hope back to the Mavic. Michael Shainblum was able to get his hands on the DJI Mavic as well, and explains and clears up some of the concerns on the focus for the unit. Apparently the focus works like you are using an iPhone to take photos or video. You have to tap on the screen to grab that focus point. With this new video showing 4k in focus, the Mavic looks great. It’s back on my radar to purchase when it comes out. He even made some comments about the stabilization of the Mavic vs the Phantom, which he believes is a lot better on the small Mavic drone.

One of Michael’s comments about how sharp the Phantom 4 is spot on with my opinions as well, especially with the side by side comparison; it looks like the Phantom 4 is a bit over sharpened. With a bit of sharpening filters applied, the Mavic footage will look great and a good replacement for the Phantom 4. I for one will be watching for more testing and reviews to see how the Mavic fairs, especially when it’s finally released to the public.

Here's another focus test from Ken Booth using the DJI Mavic Pro, which ones again looks a lot sharper than the previous test footage. My hopes are back for the little drone that could!

What are your thoughts, is the DJI Mavic a viable option for you?

Alex Ventura's picture

Staff writer Alex Ventura is a professional photographer based out of the Houston area that specializes in automotive and glamour with the occasional adventures into other genres. He regularly covers automotive related events for Houston Streets & Spekture with some publications in the United States.

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19 Comments

According to DJI, the camera on the new Mavis is inferior to the camera on the P4, in part because the sensor on the Mavis is smaller. DJI needs to improve the camera. I had ordered the Mavis, but this morning cancelled that order after reading about the inferior camera. Not for me.

I'm a bit puzzled by your choice to cancel your order. The difference in quality of image seems to be extremely small, especially when properly focused. Even if it was more noticeable, the portability of the Mavic means I'll be able to take it to places I would never consider hauling the Phantom or Inspire 1. This is a huge advantage in my book. Just curious why you feel the small difference in image quality is a deal breaker. Love to hear more of your thoughts.

Maybe he was talking about the Mavis?

I didn't even notice Mavis vs Mavic. haha...

Phantom 4 - 1/2.3” (CMOS), Effective pixels:12.4 M
Mavic - 1/2.3” (CMOS), Effective pixels:12.35 M (Total pixels:12.71M)

Phantom 4 - FOV 94° 20 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.8, focus at ∞
Mavic - FOV 78.8° 28 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.2

Phantom 4 - http://www.dji.com/phantom-4/info#specs
Mavic - http://www.dji.com/mavic/info#specs

Dude you are spreading false information. Read the specs, same size CMOS, only smaller FOV

Huh? They both share the same 1/2.3" Sony sensor, in fact, I won't be surprised if it's a generation better than P4. But I still insist that the problem lies in micro-blurs caused by the vibrations of the rotors. I am very interested to know your sources.

So, if you have to tap the screen to assign your focal point, does that mean any time you move the drone or pan your camera you have to reassign a focal point? If you are filming while flying somewhere do you constantly have to keep tapping the screen?? I feel like you would need to be constantly tapping your screen to keep everything sharp?? Same with doing a vertical takeoff with the gimbal pointed down. It would fall out of focus instantly. There's no autofocus that will allow it to keep focusing while you gain altitude??

No, you don't need to be constantly tapping, nor re-focusing.
You just need to pre-focus at infinity ( choose something that is contrasty and about 50m away from the camera, tap once, and you are set ).

Volcano at 1:49???

probably a fire being put out.

California most likely a wildlife.

I'm sticking with random world ending volcano.

I have a P4 and the Mavic footage I've seen so far seems to have a different saturation/contrast. It reminds me of vintage footage from the 1970s. Not sure if I like that aspect of it yet and what color grading might be able to do. I do love the small form factor. I'll wait to see how things continue with it. Can't beat the price/features. Very curious to see what is coming with the next version of the Inspire drone, they will really have to step that up in features to compete with the P4 & Mavic,

it seemed that no one has tested out the new feature that the mavic is able to shoot portrait oriented images and video. i would love to see to whats its capable of in portrait mode

What would be the benefit of a vertical video? I only say this because of the annoying portrait videos that people upload with their iPhones. Which gets me to yell its 2016 know how to shoot your video horizontally.

it's for photo, like high tower or high building

Here is a funny video about vertical video syndrome https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt9zSfinwFA.

Sold thank you!