DJI announced the release of the Mavic Air 2 from DJI, a follow-up to the popular Mavic Air ships with a better camera, more shooting modes, new tracking features, and a longer battery life.

Plus, the Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo variation provides additional accessories for those who want a more all-in-one solution.

Arguably, the Mavic Air 2’s most notable upgrade is its improved camera system. The new setup includes a 1/2″ sensor that can shoot 48MP stills and 4K video at 60 fps—both of which are a significant improvement over the original. When dropped down to 4K/30p, the Mavic Air 2 can record HDR video while a slow-motion mode can max out at 240 fps when shooting at 1080p. DJI has also included a new Hyperlapse feature that will result in 8K video using one of four flight modes: Free Movement, Circle, CourseLock and WayPoints.

Complementing that new system are a bevy of new shooting features, including the latest versions of ActiveTrack, Point of Interest, and Spotlight, as well as a full suite of HDR modes and functions.

The drone can capture 12MP stills with a special 48MP supersampling option that uses the drone’s three-axis gimbal to help compensate for movement in-between frames. A new ‘SmartPhoto’ capture mode will also snap 12MP stills using one of three image capture options that DJI says uses ‘advanced scene analysis and deep learning to automatically choose one of the shooting modes.’

Highlights

• 8K Hyperlapse Time-Lapse Video
• Up to 4K60p Video & 48MP Images
• Up to 34 Minutes of Flight Time
• Remote Controller Included
• 1080p Video Transmission up to 6.2 Miles
• 240 fps Slow Motion at 1080p
• HDR Video & Images
• APAS 3.0 Obstacle Avoidance
• FocusTrack Subject Tracking Modes
• Return to Home & Precision Landing

On top of its enhanced imaging capabilities, the Mavic Air 2 also includes the OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system, which more than doubles its transmission distance from 4 to 10km. OcuSync also increases the max video resolution from 720p to Full HD. Along with the new video transmission system, the Mavic Air 2 also sports APAS 3.0, which, according to DJI, is their most sophisticated obstacle-avoidance system to date.

AirSense technology has also been included, which uses ADS-B aviation technology to help warn drone pilots of other nearby aircraft by displaying messages on the pilot’s screen, making sounds and vibrating with compatible mobile devices. Only Mavic Air 2 units sold in North America will feature the ADS-B transponder; units sold in other regions will be identical in every other regard.

As significant as both the new camera and vision system are, the Mavic Air 2’s dramatic jump in battery life is equally as impressive. Somehow, DJI managed to boost the Mavic Air 2’s flight time up to 34 minutes, which is a massive gain over the original Mavic Air’s 21-minute span. In terms of performance, a 34-minute flight time puts the Mavic Air 2 right at the top of DJI’s product line and makes it one of the longest lasting midsize drones available today. This benchmark is also helped by a more aerodynamic design and lighter weight, with the device weighing just 570g (1.26lbs).

The Mavic Air 2 will be made available in China starting today, while other regions should see the first units hitting store shelves in mid-May for $799. This ‘standard’ kit will include the Mavic Air 2, one battery, the remote controller and all necessary cables. A new Fly More option, which will include everything in the standard version as well as a shoulder bag, ND filters, a charging hub and three additional batteries, will retail for $988. Other optional accessories include propeller guards, protective cases and a tablet holder.