DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI began 2020 with a surprising announcement. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 was being re-released.

This came less than a year after the popular aircraft was pulled from the shelves, with DJI citing a shortage of parts from a supplier.

The Phantom's return caught many off-guard, but regardless of the reasoning behind this u-turn, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is back and can pre-ordered now from Heliguy.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

This is good news for operators wanting to capture some seriously good content. Described by DJI as a 'complete aerial imaging solution, designed for the professional creator', the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has some stand-out features, such as its mechanical shutter and ability to capture 4K/60fps video.

With this in mind, how does the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 compare with DJI's other stand-out photography and videography drone - the flagship Mavic 2 Pro?

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

In this Heliguy Insider blog, we compare the two drones and look at which one will best suit your needs.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Key Specs

To kick things off, here's a look at some of the drones' key specifications at a glance.

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DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Design

When it comes to the design of the two drones, there are differences.

Towards the end of last year, the DJI Phantom Series was named as one of the gadgets of the decade, with its iconic white frame becoming synonymous with not just Phantoms, but drones in general.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has the classic Phantom Series shape.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is no different and is the classic Phantom design - a rugged, fixed structure with two legs, and camera underneath its star-shaped body.

The Mavic 2 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a foldable design, making it incredibly portable. Because it can be folded, and tipping the scales at 907g, the lightweight Mavic can be easily carried in a bag and be taken out quickly and easily. In contrast, the Phantom weighs 1,375g.

The Mavic 2 Pro can be folded.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Price

The Phantom 4 Pro V2 is more expensive than the Mavic 2 Pro.

The Phantom is £1,589, while the Mavic is £1,349. Price is, of course, a relative thing, but one of the biggest selling points of the Mavic 2 Pro is its price - a really powerful drone for a decent price tag.

These prices increase if you choose the controller with the built-in screen for the Phantom, or the Smart Controller for your Mavic. See the Remote Controller section later in this blog for more details on these prices.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Camera Performance

One of the most important comparisons between the two drones is how their cameras perform and how this will transform your aerial photography and videography.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has some impressive camera specifications.

The camera on the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0.

When it comes to great imagery, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has a one-inch CMOS sensor and can capture 20MP images and 14fps Burst shooting mode. Creatives can also film with Cinema 4k/60fps and benefit from an adjustable aperture of f/2.8-f.11.

One of the biggest pros of going with the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is that it is equipped with a mechanical shutter.

This reduces​ troublesome rolling shutter effect, and allows pilots to freeze fast-moving objects in frame, helping to capture high-speed action with stunning clarity.

These images show the difference between using a mechanical shutter and an electronic shutter.

In comparison, the Mavic 2 Pro does not have a mechanical shutter, but it does have impressive tools in its arsenal to help you create some incredible images.

The Mavic 2 Pro has a Hasselblad sensor.

Firstly, the Mavic 2 Pro has a 10-bit Dlog-M colour profile to give photographers control over dynamic ranges and added flexibility for colour grading in post-production. The Mavic can also capture 4K 10-bit HDR video. To see images taken by the Mavic 2 Pro, click here.

A stunning shot by Mavic 2 Pro pilot Simon Heron.

In terms of similarities with the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, the Mavic 2 Pro's sensor is also 1-inch and can capture 20MP images, while the adjustable aperture (f/2.8-f/11) is identical.

The Mavic 2 Pro's 4K/30fps at 100 Mbps is slightly less powerful than the Phantom's 4K/60fps at 100Mbps. It also has a Burst Mode, but up to 5fps, instead of the Phantom's 14fps.

When it comes to storage, a 128GB microSD card can be fitted into both drones, while the Mavic 2 Pro also has 8GB of internal storage.

The Mavic 2 Pro captures JPEG and DNG (Raw) imagery, while the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 captures JPEG, DNG (Raw), and JPEG + DNG.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Flight Performance

There isn't much to split the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and Mavic 2 Pro when it comes to flight performance.

Both drones benefit from OcuSync 2.0, support 2.4 and 5.8GHz control frequencies, and have a transmission distance of up to 8km (FCC: 8km; CE: 5km).

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0.

Speed-wise, they can fly at a maximum 72kph. In terms of endurance, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 achieves 30 minutes of flight time, while the Mavic 2 Pro can go for 31 minutes.

The Mavic 2 Pro can be flown in slightly harsher environments, operating in temperatures from -10°C to 40 °C, while the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 can be flown in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 40 °C.

In essence, the flight performance of both drones is very impressive and gives you enough to capture those great shots.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Intelligent Features

Both drones benefit from an array of intelligent features to maximise your flights and take your creativity further.

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro has a wealth of intelligent features.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has three ActiveTrack options, allowing users to film subjects in Profile, Spotlight or Circle mode.

An improved TapFly mode allows pilots to fly their Phantom drone in reverse, perfect for those dynamic aerial selfies, while Gesture Mode lets you control certain aspects of your photography with your body - for instance, raise one arm, and the aircraft frames you perfectly in the centre of the photo, or by reaching out with two arms simultaneously, the aircraft begins a selfie countdown.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has Gesture Mode.

Meanwhile, Draw Mode is a cool feature. Draw a route on the remote-controller display screen and your Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 will move in that direction while keeping its altitude locked.

Draw Mode on the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0.

The Mavic 2 Pro benefits from a wonderful array of intelligent features, including four ActiveTrack 2.0 options (Precise Recognition, Trajectory Prediction, High-speed Tracking, Obstacle Sensing).

Hyperlapse mode not only allows you to capture incredible motion shots with four different shooting options (Free, Circle, CourseLock, WayPoint), but it also automatically stabilises clips during post-processing.

The Mavic 2 Pro also has a HyperLight feature - a low-light setting designed to enhance your images while reducing noise significantly.

Without HyperLight...

...With HyperLight.

With four shooting modes for panoramas (Sphere, 180°, Horizontal, Vertical) and a host of QuickShots like POI 2.0, Waypoint 2.0, Asteroid, and Boomerang, various shooting modes are available for both beginner and experienced users.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Remote Controller

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 remote controller is equipped with the OcuSync 2.0 transmission system.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is compatible with two remote controller types: the standard version and the built-in screen version.

The built-in screen version has a 5.5-inch 1080p display, with 1000 cd/m2 brightness and the built-in DJI GO 4 app. Its remote controller is also equipped with an HDMI port, microSD slot, microphone, loudspeaker, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

If you opt for the remote controller with the built-in screen (known as the Phantom 4 Pro+ V2 package), this pushes the price up from £1,589 to £1,819.

The Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0's remote controller.

Mavic 2 Pro pilots can utilise a number of options.

Firstly, the standard remote controller - which can be integrated with your smartphone - offers up to 135 minutes of battery life. In keeping with the portability of the Mavic 2 Pro, the controller features an ergonomic and foldable design with detachable sticks, making it convenient to carry and store.

Alternatively, Mavic 2 Pro operators can maximise their experience by using the DJI Smart Controller, which comes with an ultra-bright 5.5-inch 1080p display that maintains clear visibility and vivid colour even in direct sunlight.

The DJI Smart Controller.

The installation of third-party apps is supported, and an optimised version of the DJI GO 4 app comes pre-installed, along with the SkyTalk feature for livestreaming flights. You can also easily transfer your aerial photos and videos from the DJI Smart Controller to your mobile device using the DJI GO 4 app’s new Go Share function.

The Smart Controller pushes the price up. A Mavic 2 Pro and Smart Controller bundle is £1,779. Alternatively, the Smart Controller on its own is £579.

Thanks to OcuSync 2.0, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and the Mavic 2 Pro connect wirelessly to the DJI Goggles for an even more immersive experience.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Safety Features

Safety is a key factor, and the Phantom 4 Pro V2 and the Mavic 2 Pro benefit from a range of features to give you peace of mind during flight.

With two rear visual sensors, forward and downward sensors, and infrared sensors on its sides, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 provides reliable obstacle sensing in five directions.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has a number of sensors.

The Mavic 2 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle sensing (forward, downward, left, right, backward, and upward) for greater safety during flight.

Some of the sensors underneath the Mavic 2 Pro.

The drone also benefits from APAS, which lets users fly forward and backward with ease, avoiding obstacles in front of and behind a subject. APAS will plan an appropriate flight path to avoid these obstacles automatically in flight.

Both drones have Return to Home functions.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - What's In The Box

Here's a look at what is included in the box of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and the DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

In the box with the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

• Aircraft x 1

• Remote Controller x 1

• Propeller Pairs x 4

• Intelligent Flight Battery x 1

• Battery charger x 1

• Power cable x 1

• Gimbal clamp x 1

• MicroSD card x 1

• MicroUSB cable x 1

• Carrying case x 1

Mavic 2 Pro

In the box: The Mavic 2 Pro.

• Aircraft (Intelligent Flight Battery & Gimbal protector included) x 1

• Remote controller x 1

• Propeller (pair) x 3

• Battery charger x 1

• Power cable x 1

• Communication cable - USB 3.0 Type-C x 1

• USB adapter x 1

• Spare control stick (pair) x 1

• RC Cable (slider included) - lightning connector, microUSB connector, USB-C connector x 1

Accessories are available for both drones to take your flights further. Click either Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 or Mavic 2 Pro to see the full list of accessories.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 v DJI Mavic 2 Pro - The Verdict

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and Mavic 2 Pro are excellent options for aerial photography.

The Mavic 2 Pro offers an excellent and well-balanced combination of portability, flight performance, and power. It is capable of capturing some seriously good shots, is incredibly powerful, and benefits from omnidirectional sensing. Priced £1,349, the Mavic 2 Pro is cheaper than the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0.

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On the other side of the coin, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has some advantages, including the ability to capture fast-moving objects with a mechanical shutter, and its 4K/60fps video capabilities.

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Ultimately, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and Mavic 2 Pro have transformed drone photography. These out-of-the-box drones are packed with great features which enable photographers and videographers to get some stunning aerial content.

To speak to our expert sales team about either of these drones, give us a call or send us an email. If you buy your drone from Heliguy, you can take advantage of our 50-days return policy, two-year warranty, and 0% finance options. You can also take out Repair Refresh to give you a comprehensive cover policy.