DJI's new hovercraft, launched today in Israel, has more advanced capabilities compared to the previous version, and the best photo quality we've come to see • That's what we thought

• Photo: Yinon Ben Shoshan

DJI's world-leading skate maker is launching Mavic Air 2 in Israel today - and we have already had it flown for the past two weeks, just before it lands on the shelves. The Air 2 introduces technological innovations alongside enhanced photo capabilities, and a much longer flight time due to an upgraded battery.

What's in the packaging?

The price of the Mavic Air 2 in Israel is NIS 3,299, through the official Banda importer, for the basic kit that includes: skimmer, sign, battery and charger. If you are unfamiliar with the world of skating and want to experiment for the first time - go for this kit.

We received the extended kit, which is priced in Israel at NIS 4,149, and also includes 2 additional batteries, a charging hub for recharging multiple batteries (three possible at the same time), a side bag and 2 sets (total of 8 units) of propellers, a USB Type-C cable , An adapter that turns the backup batteries into a portable charger (Power Bank), and the most interesting innovation: three filters that will reduce the amount of light entering the lens.

Essay

Fly the skier with the company's DJI Fly app available on Android and iPhone. The initial setup process is a bit long and will require you to update the software (which includes updating maps and flight areas), calibrate (operate), operate the controller (joystick), plus a few clicks and physical connection with a smartphone cable that comes in the box. In short, do not build on opening the box and start flying immediately and take at least 20-25 minutes to process.

Design

The design of the skimmer itself is impressive and clean with smooth lines in white-gray-black. And although the main material made of the Mavic Air 2 is plastic to save costs and maintain low weight, it is evident that its build quality is still high. Its plastic blades (aluminum) are made of aluminum, and the lower part has a light bulb that you can light up when you fly it at night.

Unlike the Mavic Pro remote control of the Air 2 without a screen and similar to the old Xbox signs. Apparently, here, too, the goal was to lower costs to the customer (which is fine). The remote control is equipped with a dedicated and strong arm for connecting the smartphone to be used as a display, along with Android or iPhone (interchangeable) connection cables.

Notice that the joystick sticks can be disassembled and stored in a dedicated place at the bottom of the remote so you can save space in the skimmer's storage bag, and even so that they don't hit and break suddenly (even though you have another pair of spares in the chassis).

control

The biggest advantage of this caterpillar is that it's easy to fly and there's not too much to prepare for or fear. Suddenly, while the hover was already in the air, I felt it was so simple to control (even though it was dealing with strong gusts of wind at first) and all I had to do was concentrate on the angles of photography I see on the screen of my smartphone. 

Importantly, even though it is a cheap caterpillar, it still has sensors that will detect obstacles immediately and work around them elegantly (provided the lighting is good enough). On the other hand, note that you are not confused with the joysticks - left and right - and enter tree branches instead of raising altitude, which happened to me at a relatively low altitude, causing the hover to fall to the ground - but survive. 

However, I still recommend flying it carefully and paying attention to where you are - looking up at the sky or smartphone - and in any case you can also leave the controller and the hover will continue to hover in the same place until you tell it otherwise.

Photo quality

In daylight, the videos look phenomenal (considering the price) even when watching them in full size on a big screen. This is not the most advanced sensor you will find in rattles, but the quality can be compared to that found in most flagship devices of the last year - only that the photography is from above and everything looks more impressive.

When shooting near the sea you can pay attention to moving in videos or stills, but under normal conditions the result looks great with smooth and very impressive and non-nuclear photography. Who is it good for? Almost everyone - for amateurs, professional photographers for beginner photographers, and for those who want to enter the professional field of photography and are still debating (if you are a YouTube fan for example).

A nice addition to incorporating into Chinese society is the option to choose some photo modes that will enhance your videos. For example: Circle mode will cause the skimmer to move around you, even while moving, keeping it smoother and smoother (and then you can shoot a video just like you know from the movie or image videos).

Other legacy features that you must try are a "follow-up" mode, so the hovercraft can fly alone and follow a particular photograph without bumping into obstacles - whether you're running runners or practicing outside - and the ability to shoot selfies with hand gestures.

Battery time

The flight time of the new skimmer was significantly extended to 34 minutes instead of 21 minutes in the first version (under optimal conditions). The larger battery slightly increases its weight, but performance remains nearly the same, with a maximum speed of 68 mph. The remote control battery has also been upgraded, providing 240 minutes of work time.

In practice, I managed to reach about half an hour of flying under optimal conditions, with very little wind. Along with the extra batteries that came in the case, I managed to reach a total flying time of a little less than an hour and a half.

Prohibited areas and flight range

On paper and according to DJI the Mavic Air 2 is capable of flying up to 10 km, but due to regulations of the Ministry of Communications and Security Forces, aircraft with a frequency of 5.7 GHz radio frequency can not fly in the country, so this model with a maximum range of 10 Miles will not reach the country. We got the European model at a frequency of GHz 2.4, which "on paper" should support up to 6 miles.

And what height were we able to reach? In fact, only 500 meters in the flight at the floating Yarkon Park was stopped and we received a red-colored warning that we could not fly any higher, and within the city we reached only 100 meters. From past experience if you travel to a more desolate area (like the Judean Mountains) you will probably be able to cross the maximum 3 km.

For beginners, a special flight mode is offered that limits the skimmer to no more than 30 meters away - within sight. Also, if you feel that you have lost the skimmer from your angle of view, you can click the "Return to Home" button on the remote.

Bottom line

The Mavic Air 2 is a high-quality, easy-to-use skimmer and is suitable for those who are looking for something professional with impressive results, and also for those who want to experiment in the hovercraft world without spending too much money. Its range of absorption is a bit disappointing (at least in Israel), and the quality of photography is no less than phenomenal.