The Skydio 2 is the second generation autonomous flying camera that was released late last year. It combines advanced robotics technology and artificial intelligence to make intelligent decision and predicts what will happen next. It uses six 4k camera to build a 3D map of its surrounding that helps it to intelligently avoid obstacles in its fly path while tracking a subject in frame. The Mavic Air 2 is the latest release from the Mavic Series that boasts improved camera with 48MP photos, 4k/60fps video and up to 34minutes of flight time. How do these drones compare side by side on specification sheet?

Drone specification

Specification		Skydio 2	Mavic Air 2
Camera	Sensor	1/2.3” 12.3MP CMOS	1/2″ CMOS
	Lens Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
	lens focal length	20mm(35mm format equivalent)	24mm
	ISO	Video: (100 -3200) Photo: (100-3200)	Video:(100 -6400), Photo (12 MP):(Auto) 100-3200 ;(Manual) 100-6400. Photo(48 MP): (Auto)100-1600; (Manual)100-3200.
	Max Photo Resolution	12 MP @ 4056 x 3040 pixel	48 MP @ 8000 x 6000 pixel
	Video Format	MPEG-4(AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)	MP4/MOV (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC)
	Photo Format	JPEG/DNG (RAW)	JPEG/DNG (RAW)
	Video Resolution and Frame Rates	3840×2160 30 fps 3840×2160 60 fps 3840×2160 48 fps 3840×2160 24 fps 1920×1080 120 fps 1920×1080 60 fps 1920×1080 30 fps	4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps 2.7K: 2688×1512 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps FHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/120/240 fps 4K Ultra HD HDR: 3840×2160 24/25/30 fps 2.7K HDR: 2688×1512 24/25/30 fps FHD HDR: 1920×1080 24/25/30 fps
	Max Bitrate	100Mbps	120Mbps
	Video Transmission	Transmission System	Standard wifi 20, 40, and 80 MHz SKYDIO LINK™ 5 and 10 MHz	OcuSync 2.0, 2.4 GHz/5.8 GHz Auto-Switching
		Operating Frequency	2.400-2.4835 GHz 5.725-5.850 GHz	2.400-2.4835 GHz 5.725-5.850 GHz
Maximum Transmission Distance		Range to Phone(Line of sight, ideal conditions) 200m; Range to Beacon(Line of sight, ideal conditions) 1.5km; Range to Controller(Line of sight, ideal conditions)3.5km	10 km (FCC), 6 km (CE), 6 km (SRRC), 6 km (MIC)
Live Streaming		HD 720p	720p@30fps/1080@p30fps
Remote Controller
	Weight	386grams
	Battery Life	Android – 2h30, IOS – 5h30	1200 mA@3.7V (Android), 700 mA@ 3.7 V (IOS)
	Battery Capacity	2500mAh 3.6V
	Supported Mobile Device Connectors	USB-C (Charge and Data)	Lightning, Micro USB, USB Type-C
SD Cards	Storage	Removable Micro SD Card UHS Speed Class 3 / V30	Micro SD™ Supports a microSD card with a capacity of up to 256 GB. A UHS-I Speed Grade 3 rating microSD card is required
General	Weight	775grams	570grams
	Structure	Not foldable	Foldable
	Flight time	23minutes	34minutes
	Internal Storage		8GB
	Maximum Service Ceiling Above Sea Level	15000 ft	16400 ft
Safety	Obstacle Avoidance System	Autonomy System	Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 3.0
Battery	Energy Capacity	4280mAh(48.79Wh)	3500mAh (40.42Wh)
	Battery Type	Lithium ion polymer	Lipo 3S
	Nominal Voltage	11.4V	11.55V
	Charging Voltage Limit	13.05V	13.2V
	Weight	280g	198g

Additional What?

The Skydio 2 has six 4k navigation camera for mapping the environement. This is how it knows and avoid obstacles when following the subject. This is possible by the shear power of the Nvidia Tegra X2 SOC microprocessor. Obstacle avoidance coverage is omnidirectional and above/below. It is worth mentioning that user-selectable subject for tracking is people and vehicles. In addition, the cinematic skills possible are limited compared to the Mavic Air 2. Skydio 2 has Motion Track, Fixed Track, One shots(dronie, rocket, boomerang, and vortex), and Cable cam.

Let’s talk price

The Skydio 2 cost USD$999 and comes with :

• 1x Skydio 2 done
• 1x Battery
• 1x Wall Charger
• 1x USB C to C cable
• 3x CW Propellers
• 3x CCW Propellers
• 1x Carrying case

The Skydio 2 controller cost USD $150 and another USD $149 for Skydio 2 Beacon, and another USD $99 for one extra battery.

Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo cost USD $988 and comes with:

• 1x Aircraft
• 1x Remote Controller
• 3x Intelligent Flight Battery
• 1x Battery Charger
• AC Power Cable
•  6x Propellers
• 1x each of Lightning Connector, USB Type-c Connector, Standard Micro-USB Connector
• 1x ND Filters Set(ND 16/64/256)
• 1x Battery Charging Hub
• 1x Battery to Power Bank Adaptor
• 1x Shoulder Bag

Check the latest price of Mavic Air 2 here

Is it worth it?

It depends on what you intend to use the drone for. If you want to have control over your drone, get the Mavic Air 2. If you want the drone to be in charge, and have it dictate when and when not you can fly, get the Skydio 2.  Share your opinion in the comment below.

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