DJI Inspire vs Mavic Pro
The Inspire range are large, powerful drones but how do they compare to the compact Mavic Pro. We have analyzed the key specifications to determine which drone(s) is the best buy. This will help you make the right decision, not spend loads on a model that is not right for you, and get you airborne as soon as possible.
Size Comparison
Inspire drones are beasts when compared to the Mavic Pro’s compact size. The Mavic Pro can literally fold up and fit into your pocket without having its propellers detached. Not so with the Inspire range. Each drone requires a backpack to carry and are around four times the size.
There is also a significant weight difference.
| Model | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|
| Inspire 1 | 3400 |
| Inspire 1 Pro | 3060 |
| Inspire 2 | 3440 |
| Mavic Pro | 734 |
As you can see the Mavic Pro is much lighter than the Inspire range. This, combined with the drone’s pocket size, makes for a portable machine, which can be handy if you’re going to be hiking out into the woods or across farmland.
Aerial Photography Capabilities
All drones can shoot video footage in 4K, however, only the Inspire 1 Pro and Inspire 2 can hit 60fps. The Inspire 2 can also film in 5.2K, making for exceptionally high-quality footage.
| Model | Megapixels | Frames per second (fps) |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire 1 | 12 | 4K at 30fps |
| Inspire 1 Pro | 16 | 4K at 60fps |
| Inspire 2 | 20 | 4K at 60fps 5.2K at 30fps |
| Mavic Pro | 12 | 4K at 30fps |
If you consider yourself a serious photographer than we recommend the Inspire 1 Pro or the Inspire 2. Their cameras are significantly better than the other models.
Speed
All four drones are pretty fast, but the Inspire 2 can hit a whopping 58mph. Only 5 seconds are needed for it to hit 50mph. The Inspire 1 comes in 2nd at 49mph, with the Inspire 1 and Mavic Pro lagging behind at 40mph.
| Model | Max Speed |
|---|---|
| Inspire 1 | 49mph |
| Inspire 1 Pro | 40mph |
| Inspire 2 | 58mph |
| Mavic Pro | 40mph |
Battery Life
The duration each drone can stay airborne is crucial, and this all comes down to battery life. Check out the readings below.
| Model | Max Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Inspire 1 | 18 minutes (when using a 4500mAh battery) 22 minutes (when using a 5700mAh battery) |
| Inspire 1 Pro | 15 minutes (when using a 4500mAh battery) 18minutes (when using a 5700mAh battery) |
| Inspire 2 | 27 minutes |
| Mavic Pro | 27 minutes |
The Inspire 2 has two 4280mAh batteries which give it an impressive flight time. The Mavic Pro only has a 3830 mAh battery. However, this is all that is needed to keep its small size airborne for 27 minutes.
If you do end up deciding to purchase an Inspire 1 or Inspire 1 Pro then just be sure what battery your getting. It’s always best to find a deal that will give you a more powerful battery because the additional flight time will be worth it.
Obstacle Avoidance
This is a crucial factor to consider. The Inspire 1 and Inspire 1 Pro lack obstacle avoidance sensors. The Inspire 2 and Mavic Pro, on the other hand, have forward and downward facing sensors to automatically prevent collisions. These sensors are precise enough to sense obstructions such as branches, power lines, and chain link fences.
Controller Functionality
Both the Inspire range and the Mavic Pro’s controllers function similarly. However, their appearance and size are quite different. With the Inspire range, you are getting a large white controller with dedicated and customizable buttons, as well as two control sticks. A tablet or smartphone can be mounted to the top.
The Mavic Pro’s controller comes in black and is noticeably smaller. Also, many users find it more ergonomic. It has a built-in LED flight info screen as well as a clamp at the bottom, for attaching a smartphone or tablet. There is also two control sticks and an array of dedicated and customisable buttons.
There is not really a big difference overall. However, the Mavic Pro’s controller is much more portable (just like the drone itself).
Controller Range
All four drones’ controllers have embedded Lightbridge downlink technology. This gives the drones a significant flight range before they lose the signal and can no longer receive commands.
| Model | Max Range |
|---|---|
| Inspire 1 | 3.1 miles |
| Inspire 1 Pro | 3.1 miles |
| Inspire 2 | 4.3 miles |
| Mavic Pro | 4.3 miles |
This is a long range for all models. Even the shorter range of 3.1 miles is still more than enough to survey the surrounding terrain. We don’t recommend putting these maximums to the test as this could cause you to lose or damage your drone.
Positioning Systems
All four drones utilize GPS and GLONASS positioning, so no difference here. You will find each model can determine their location to a high accuracy, by using American and Russian satellites.
You will find that vision positioning capabilities are similar. Each drone takes advantage of DJI’s downwards vision positioning module. When low to the ground they can use a variety of ultra frequency and infrared sensors to determine their position (to a higher degree of accuracy than GPS). This allows them to hover in place with minimal displacement.
- Vertical displacement when using vision positioning: ±0.1 m
- Horizontal displacement when using vision positioning: ±0.3 m
Modes
All drones have a variety of intelligent flight modes including:
- Waypoints- Users can set waypoints for a drone to follow. This automates their flight path.
- Point of Interest- Causes drones to repeatedly circle a selected feature, object or person.
- Beginner- Ideal for novice flyers. This mode limits speed and distance.
- Home Lock- This sets controls to function relative to the drone’s home point.
The Inspire 2 also has a Spotlight Pro mode. This is perfect for photographers because it causes the drone’s camera to lock onto a selected subject.
The Mavic Pro includes a Tripod mode which causes the drone’s movements to become slow and smooth. This makes it ideal for taking landscape shots.
DJI Goggles
DJI Goggles are a HD immersive headgear that allows you to watch your drone’s flight. Unfortunately, the Inspire 1 and Inspire 1 Pro miss out on this technology.
They will function effectively with the Inspire 2. Just connect the goggles to the drone’s controller via USB. You can stream footage by using the controller’s downlink.
The goggles work even better with the Mavic Pro. In fact, they were specifically designed for it. Wireless streaming is possible, so no USB cable is needed. Wears can also control the drone’s movements by using head movements.
Price
These are the approximate prices on Amazon. Have a look for yourself to see the latest figures.
| Model | Standalone Price | Check Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire 1 | $1,800 | |
| Inspire 1 Pro | $3,300 | |
| Inspire 2 | $2,900 | |
| Mavic Pro | $900 |
Best Buy For Photographers
The Inspire 2 is the best choice for those whose priority is getting aerial footage. The camera is a top performer with 20 megapixels and the ability to film 4K at 60fps and 5.2K at 30fps. You will also be able to take advantage of the drone’s intelligent flight modes to help get the best angles.
Of course, it’s not cheap. However, if you’re serious about aerial photography, then it outperforms all the other models.
Best Value For Money
This is obviously the Mavic Pro. It is significantly cheaper than all Inspire models. And for the low price, you’re getting some great features, such as portability, obstacle avoidance, and a long flight time. The only disadvantage is the less powerful camera, when compared to the Inspire 1 Pro and Inspire 2. Still, we reckon it is, hands down, the best value for money.
What About The Rest?
We can’t recommend the Inspire 1 Pro, especially considering its high cost. Just get the Inspire 2 because it is the superior machine and similarly priced.
The Inspire 1 is also pretty dated and overpriced. The Mavic Pro is cheaper and better overall, making it a more worthy purchase.