Tag Archives: DJI

DJI Air 2S Takes to the Skies with 5.4K Video and 20-Megapixel Photographs

April 16, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

A few months ago, DJI launched their most advanced compact aerial photography and videography tool ever. They launched the DJI Mini 2, a follow up to what was a very successful DJI Mavic Mini. It is just a matter of time then for them to start updating the whole line-up and shorten the names of their products. The next product to receive that treatment is the DJI Mavic Air 2.

The DJI Mavic Air 2, before the launched the DJI Mavic Mini, was the most compact consumer level Mavic drone they made. It was capable of more than 30 minutes of flight and could record videos at 4K resolution which made it a very compelling prosumer tool to have. The DJI Mini 2 can do that now too though, at half the size. The DJI Mavic Air 2 needed an upgrade.

Welcome to the DJI Air 2S, the replacement for the DJI Mavic Air 2. The DJI Air 2S now shoots out of a 1-inch sensor, twice larger than the older DJI Mavic Air. A larger sensor allows more light to hit individual pixels to produce more detailed images at low-light conditions and regular lighting conditions alike. It now only shoots at 20-Megapixel compared to 48-Megapixel from before. But the lower Megapixel count also means that the DJI Air 2S shoots better in low-light conditions thanks to larger individual pixels in the already larger sensor.

At the same time, the DJI Air 2S packs more sensors than the older DJI Mavic Air 2. Instead of the regular front, back, and downward sensor, the DJI Air 2S has an upward sensor so you do not accidentally send it into a tree branch when you first take flight. It also means that flying is even easier and safer now on the DJI Air 2S.

Of course, when you get a DJI drone, you are not only going to take a photo from the skies. You want to take videos from the skies as well. In that department you have 5.4K at your disposal on the DJI Air 2S. You can also opt to still shoot at 4K resolution. In that mode, you can shoot at up to 60fps. You can also shoot those videos at up 10-bit colour profile (D-Log, HLG) in either H.264 or H.265 format.

The DJI Air 2S can also go beyond 10km in remote range. Thanks to DJI’s OcuSync 3, the DJI Air 2S can be controlled at 12km distance. That 12km remote range is also coupled with a Full HD 1080p video feed to the remote, which also means you are not technically flying blind. Additionally, the ability to fly that distance at up to 31-minutes also means that you can get it to fly that far, with less battery anxiety.

Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI

Of course, if you have flown modern DJI drones, the flyer app will tell you which areas you can fly your drones at, or if flying in that area is frowned upon. If you are really new to flying a drone, the DJI can even automatically take off for you and even land where it takes off automatically using the “Return to Home” function. All this is thanks to the inclusion of GPS antenna and DJI’s own GEO 2.0 geofencing algorithm.

The DJI Air 2S is now available in Malaysia via DJI’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada. You can get your hands on the DJI Air 2S now at MYR 4,499. As expected from DJI, there is also a Fly More Combo at MYR 5,975 that gives you two extra batteries, an extra set of propellers, and a charger capable of charging all three included battery at once. You can find out more about the DJI Air 2S on DJI’s website.

Accessories, Camera, Consumer Electronics, News

The DJI FPV – Redefining the Flying Drone Experience

March 3, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

You know those really impressive aerial footages you see on YouTube and such. There used to be a time where getting a video shot like that requires you to hire a helicopter, bring a video camera on-board, strap yourself in, and take off for 30 minutes at a time. It was a huge affair, and it was not cheap, as you might have guessed.

Flying drone technology though took all of the pains of aerial photography and videography away. It made aerial videos and photography way more affordable than before. It made them way simpler than before too. Basically the rise of the likes of DJI made aerial photography and videography accessible to the regular public.

For 15 years DJI has been the leader in consumer drone technology. For 15 years also they have innovated non-stop to make drone flying easier, safer, and even more affordable than before. For 15 years, they have stuck to the same recipe of multiple rotors and small electronic body housing the battery and camera package with their world renown 3-axis gimbal.

Once again, DJI innovated and revolutionised consumer grade flying drones with their latest DJI FPV. As suspected, FPV stands for First Person View. This is a different breed of flying drones.

The DJI FPV shares more similarities in looks with the DJI Aspire professional filmmaker drones than the consumer level Mavic or even the prosumer level DJI Phantoms. But it is unlike any other drone that DJI has ever made. It even flies a little differently compared to DJI’s existing drones.

For one, the camera gimbal assembly is mounted a little differently compared to the regular DJI drone. The whole design concept allows for better aerodynamics to keep flight as stable and smooth as possible.

If you look at the marketing shots too, you realise that the drone looks like it is in a forward moving position, with its front propellers point toward the ground and the rear propellers pointing up. That is because this is default state it should be at, on the move.

What the marketing photos do not tell you though is how the new DJI FPV is modular. According to DJI, each part of the FPV, including the rotor arms, the outer shell housing, and camera gimbal is detachable and replaceable. That also means that servicing or fixing or even replacing parts on the drone is much cheaper and easier than before.

Of course, in-line with its name, the DJI FPV comes with DJI’s FPV Goggles V2 for an immersive flight experience. You can get video feeds at 1440 x 810 resolution at up to 120fps in 142^o Field of View. Or you can get up to 150^o field of view at 50fps. You can get your video feed at about 28ms latency. In wireless video feed mode, that is as close to instant as you can get. If you want, you can take on up to eight passengers on the flight too with audience mode.

You can even record your flights at 4K resolution at up to 60fps on its single-axis gimbal camera. While that sounds like you are going to get choppy videos, the DJI FPV features their RockSteady stabilisation technology to ensure that you get that DJI smooth video. You can even record videos at 1080p resolution at up to 120fps for 4x slow motion videos.

Of course, this would not be a DJI drone if it is not easy to fly. You can fly it in Normal (N) mode with all the flight assistance tool available to you like proximity sensors, smart flight modes, and even GPS. You can turn it to Manual (M) mode if you are a more experienced or confident flyer. There is also Sports (S) mode that sits in between both N and M modes. It offers the flexibilities and controls from M mode but retains the safety measures that N mode offers.

Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI
Source; DJI

There is also a new way to fly the DJI FPV. You can now fly it with a single motion sensitive joystick instead of the traditional remote. Of course, that will take a little bit of practice still. You can practice with the drone with DJI’s Virtual Flight App too, to ensure that you are ready to take on the skies when you are out of your home. You would want the practice, this thing can fly at north of 100km/h.

The DJI FPV is available now in Malaysia from DJI’s local retailer. You can get your hands on one from both DJI’s official store on Lazada and Shopee as well. The price of this flying goodness is MYR 5,299 (US$ 1,299*). For that money you are getting your hands on the drone itself, a regular remote controller, a DJI FPV Goggles V2, additional replacement propellers and the usual chargers, cables, and battery pack. For more information on the DJI FPV, you can visit DJI’s website.

*Actual retail price in US$

Accessories, Camera, News

DJI Unveils RS 2 & RSC 2 3-Axis Camera Gimbal – Smaller, Better

October 16, 2020 Leeden Tang Leave a comment

The DJI Ronin series has always been very highly acclaimed in the film-making community. The camera stabilising platform that is the DJI Ronin is actually more affordable that plenty of stabiliser platforms and somehow more advanced at the same time, allowing film makers flexibility and possibilities like never before. They introduced the DJi Ronin S and Ronin SC later to accomodate smaller budgets and lighter production gear. That proved to be popular too.

The global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology has expanded their legacy of the popular DJI Ronin series, the newly introduced DJI RS2 and DJI RSC 2 to replace their popular Ronin S and Ronin SC camera stabilization systems. Like the hardware these stabilisers replace, the RS 2 and RSC 2 platforms oofer film makers and content creators an unimaginable versatility and robustness in a package that is easy to handle and transport. They are the Ronin S and Ronin SC re-imagined, improved.

DJI RS2

The DJI RS 2 brings added power and agility to creators and using professional camera systems such as DSLR and compact cinema cameras. The successor to the Ronin S can work with payloads of up to 4.5kg. It can even carry all that weight for 12 hours and can be quickly charged via the battery handle, if need be. A 15-minute charge on the handle affords two hours of extra run-time.

The DJI RS 2 has something called a Titan Stabilization Algorithm. It is DJI’s magic software that allows the gimbal to smooth out kinks, optimise angles, and even tilt around to compensate its users movement. No other gimbal has that ability before. It is cleverer and better than before with SuperSmooth mode that can compensate and improve stability at up to 100mm of focal length (that is quite long, by the way).

It is more versatile than ever with a dual-layer mounting plate that is compatible with the world’s renown Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto platforms. There is even a fine-tune knob to better optimise the camera payload’s balance on the gimbal. The built-in 1.4-inch colour touchscreen can display all sorts of data from camera’s shoot data, gimbal modes, and even serve as a secondary display for the camera. Of course, the RS2 is compatible with multiple accessories from DJI to make it an even more robust and capable tool in your film making arsenal.

Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI

DJI RSC 2

Then there is the DJI RSC 2. The DJI RSC 2 is made to be even more portable than the DJI RS2. That means that it is smaller, and lighter than the RS 2. It weighs only 1.2kg and is able to take on a payload of 3kg in total. While that is a little less than the DJI RS 2, it also lasts about 12 hours. There is also quick charge built-into the handle itself. This gimbal is perfect for mirrorless cameras.

The new folding design makes DJI RSC 2 easier and more portable. It allows film-makers to bring the gimbal along everywhere without adding additional weight to the gear list. The main gimbal arm can be loosened to provide an unique shooting angle as well, so the DJI RSC 2 is also just as versatile as the DJI RS 2. It comes with all the same goodies the DJI RS 2 comes with too. There is the RavenEye technology, Titan Stabilisation algorithm, and even the dual-layer camera mounting plate.

Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI

Advanced Capabilities

Of course, DJI being DJI, the two gimbals come with support for multiple attachments. The accessories list includes a Focus Wheel, 3D Focus System, Cheese Plate and Twist Grip Handle, Thethered Control Handle, counterweight systems, and more. The vital features and functions on both the gimbal can be controlled and adjusted over distance of about 100m with the virtual joystick and Force Mobile, where the gimbal mimics the movement of your smartphone. The TOF sensors mounted in the camera enables the shooter to create a super smooth and cinematic footage using a manual lens.

Price and Availability

The DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 will be available starting today at US$ 849 (MYR 3,299*) and US$ 499 (MYR 1,699*) as standalone units. For the Pro Combo that includes a phone holder, Focus Motor, RavenEye Image Transmitter, a dedicated carrying case, and more will set you back an extra US$ 150, totaling up to US$ 999 (MYR 3,899*) for the DJI RS 2. For the DJI RSC 2, the Pro Combo will set you back US$ 739 (MYR 2,549*), another US$ 240 on top of the device itself. The DJI RS2 and the DJI RSC 2 will be available for purchase at DJI Malaysia Flagship stores, authorised dealers and their official store on Lazada and Shopee. More information on the DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 can be found on their website.

* Official Malaysia Pricing

Camera, Mobile, News

DJI Mavic Air 2 Takes Flight

April 28, 2020 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

There is one thing that plenty of us miss during this quarantine period. That thing is travelling. Specifically, we all miss flying away to faraway lands and see the beauty of this ball of dirt floating through space from high up above.

There is, of course, another way to fly. There is another way to explore the vast outside world in this ‘stay home, stay safe’ period. After all, staying indoors for about 40 days without seeing what grass or trees look like is difficult and depressing. Buy a drone, any drone.

Thing is, just any drone does not cut it sometimes. There is so much potential with a drone. If you invest in one now, you can take it to your travel destinations after the whole COVID-19 situation blows over and create some stunning videos and photos to make your friends all jealous of you.

It is true, a simple aerial shot can be more stunning than it seems. Aerial photos and videos make the plainest places in your eyes look even more stunning than you can imagine. That is why plenty go for DJI drones. They are the best in the business, so it only makes sense.

Last year they introduced a near perfect drone package in the DJI Mavic Air. The compact, lightweight Mavic remote controlled drone was half the weight and size of the larger Mavic 2. That also means that it is more travel friendly than before with its foldable propeller arms introduced into the world with the DJI Mavic Pro.

It was no larger than a 500ml drinks bottle, which was quite fascinating. Considering you still can shoot videos at 4K 30fps with such a small package was wonderful. It even has longer battery life compared to the Mavic Pro all while costing less. Even the fly more combo was still cheaper that the basic DJI Mavic 2.

Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
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Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
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Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI
Source: DJI

There is no way they could top that within 6 months, we thought. Then earlier today they released their new DJI Mavic Air 2 and all hell broke loose. It is the successor to the DJI Mavic Air and it comes with a whole list of upgrades that they conveniently put in a single video.

Bigger, Better, Faster

The first upgrade, which will yield the most thumbs up is its sensor itself. The DJI Mavic Air 2 now features a larger ½-inch sensor that give you the power of 48 million pixels. You get to shoot at 4K resolution still, but now you can do it at 60fps instead of 30fps. 1080p Full HD videos can be shot at 240fps for a nice, smooth slow-motion videos, if you really need one in the air.

48-Megapixel sensor also means that you get incredibly detailed and sharp photos. You can choose between that or a compressed 12-Megapixel photos for your Social Media needs. Then there are more clever stuffs like HDR photos, Hyperlight low-light mode, and even scene recognition.

Beefed Up, Souped Up

It is a bigger drone than the original Mavic Air. It even looks like its bigger brother now. No more cheap white plastic you can draw on or customise on your own. It is now built with the same materials as the bigger Mavic Pro. It is built to the same quality standards too meaning. It is still lighter than the bigger Mavic Pro at 570g but put on quite a lot of weight compared to the older Mavic Air 480g body.

The added weight also means that the DJI Mavic Air 2 packs a longer battery life at 34-minutes of flight time. There is a whole slew of new sensors packed with Mavic Air 2 as well to keep it flying and not hitting anything in front of it. That might make for some remarkably interesting review video though, obstacle avoidance. They call the new system Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 3.0. Even if you are a rubbish drone operator, you can still fly it. I did not say you cannot crash it, you can if you try hard enough.

Still, the added weight also helps with in-air stability if anything. You really want that stability in windy conditions especially when you can keep it about 10km away from you with the new remote system and OcuSync 2.0. Oh yes, the remote is also now beefier and a little cleverer.

Clever Flying, Clever Shooting

The new DJI Fly app has been improving with each iteration and that is no doubt the case with the app. It should be more intuitive than ever and even better to use than ever. But shooting aerial photographs or videos is much more than that.

There are new sets of ND filters you can equip the camera with, because you really want to block out some harsh sunlight in super sunny conditions. You are shooting outdoors anyway, and ND filters are important in outdoor shoots just to compensate for the harsh lighting.

The drone itself can now shoot timelapses in 8K resolution if you really want to. With timelapse mode you have Free movement, Circle, CourseLock, and WayPoints mode to get that stunning moving timelapse. Of course there are other shooting modes that you might be used to with the DJI Mavic Air.

There is a new cleverer ActiveTrack 3.0 that should be a large improvement over the ActiveTrack 2.0 from the older Mavic Air though. With the new Point of Interest 3.0 also, tracking subjects on a shoot is much more accurate and natural. That is also true for the new Spotlight 2.0 mode that is usually only found on DJI’s professional drones. All this makes for an independent aerial photography and videography a breeze for single operators.

Pricing and Availability

The DJI Mavic Air 2 will be available 10^th May 2020 onward. You can pre-order your’s today onward though via authorised DJI retailers in Malaysia. Of course, with a beefier spec, comes a beefier price tag too. A standard package will set you back MYR 3,299. The Fly More Combo that comes with an extra piece (two pieces of battery) of everything you get from a standard package (except for the drone itself, of course) a shoulder bag, ND filters, and a charging hub for MYR 4,299. For more information on DJI’s latest portable and foldable flyer, check out their website.

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