Evolve 2 or DJI Mavic 3 Cine? Decisions Decisions!
Evolve 2...what have you done to me? Just as I am about to hit the buy button on the DJI Mavic 3 Cine, along comes this beauty from Xdynamics!
In a drone world dominated by DJI, Xdynamics are a relative newcomer. However, building on the success of their original Evolve, the Evolve 2 takes things to a whole new level for aerial cinematographers.
Xdynamics Evolve 2 Specs
Main Specifications
Camera
Astra M4/3
Sensor
Sony IMX299 4/3"
Lens
Interchangeable M43
Video
Pro Res 422/H264/265
Video Resolution
4K 120, 1080 240
Photo Resolution
12mp (4000x3000)
Main Specifications
Camera
Astra M4/3
Sensor
Sony IMX299 4/3"
Lens
Interchangeable M43
Video
Pro Res 422/H264/265
Video Resolution
4K 120, 1080 240
Photo Resolution
12mp (4000x3000)
Evolve 2 vs DJI Mavic 3 Cine
Xdynamics Evolve 2
Product Details
4 .5/ 5
Flight Time
33 Mins
Camera
M43
Upgradeable Camera
Yes
Changeable Lenses
yes
Video Resolution
4k Pro Res
4k Frame Rate
120fps
5.2K?
No
Storage
MicroSD/CFast 2.0
Speed
53mph
Weight
<2KG
Foldable
No
Do I Want One?
Yes
DJI Mavic 3 Cine
Product Details
4 / 5
Flight Time
46 Mins
Camera
M43
Upgradeable Camera
No
Changeable Lenses
No
Video Resolution
5.2K Pro Res
4k Frame Rate
60fps?
5.2K?
yes
Storage
MicroSD/1TB SSD
Speed
N/A
Weight
750G
Foldable
Yes
Do I Want One?
Yes
Thoughts From a Pro Drone Pilot
I've been flying drones commercially for just about 7 years now. I have flown everything from a "toy Hubsan", the DJI Phantom 2, the DJI Inspire 1, Mavic Air 2, Mini 2 and DJI FPV drone. I love them all.
Nothing above matches the image quality from the DJI X5 RAW camera (now discontinued) that I owned which was superb. However, I have been looking forward to, and waiting with baited breath for the release of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and its Pro Res 4k.
Along with everyone else in the drone community.
Just as I had prepared myself for the higher-than-expected-cost of this drone, the Xdynamics Evolve 2 drone gets released. And it's cheaper.
So what makes this more appealing, maybe, than the Mavic 3 Cine?
Camera and Lenses
This is the biggest deciding factor for me by far. Having been spoiled by the DJI X5 RAW along with my pro ground cameras like the Panasonic GH5 and S1H, I have been a little frustrated with the Mavic cameras.
Yes, they produce superb, high quality 4K footage and the stills are pretty good. However, the Micro Four Thirds sensor coupled with some tasty Olympus glass is drawing me in. I imagine the quality, especially using Pro Res, will be comparable to the DJI X5 RAW camera which I loved!
The fact that I still own the Olympus 12mm and 45mm lenses from the Inspire is a huge bonus.
I have yet to see the quality from the DJI Mavic 3 Cine but I am sure it will be amazing. After all, it also has a M43 camera BUT, the lens is nowhere near going to match that of a standalone Olympus M.Zuiko lens.
Robust
Whilst I truly love the portability of the Mavic series drones with their foldable arms, this feature does have its potential problems.
There is more chance of dust and dirt getting in the mechanism, especially if you take off regularly from dusty environments like I do. This also makes the drone a little weaker and susceptible to damage depending on how rough you are with it during opening and closing of the arms.
I like the solid feel of the "fixed" DJI FPV drone which is also quicker and easier to set up right out of the case. With that being said, I also love the Mini 2 as it fits in my pocket and is highly portable for smaller jobs (or for fun).
The Xdynamics Evolve 2 is solid and made of carbon fibre which is:
Ground Station
The Evolve 2 Ground Station really is something else. Compared to the controllers I have used with all my DJI drones to date, this thing knocks them for six! Perhaps a little bulky for some but it leaves nothing on the table...
What's Included?
The Evolve 2 comes with everything you need to get started, including a nice backpack. I would always recommend getting 2 or 3 extra batteries too...and maybe even a portable power pack.
I recently used one of these power packs on a crazy 6 day shoot where I flew all day on 5 batteries by cycling them as soon as they were used.
Here's what you get...
Imperfections
Ok, so before you get too excited, let me just tell you this drone isn't perfect. It has some shortcomings that may put the kybosh on hitting that buy button for many people. Check out the early video review from OriginaldoBo below:
I am hoping that these are things that can be fixed with firmware updates but I'm not so sure. It is so nearly perfect but these problems could be a deal breaker for me.
Of course, I can only verify all this if and when I get my hands on both drones and do a real comparison.
Final Thoughts
I like where Xdynamics are going and am keen to follow their progress. Like I said, I had hoped the Mavic 3 would have a camera set up similar to the Evolve 2/Inspire. Changeable lenses and camera assembly is very exciting and appealing for a drone this size.
I am actually NOT going to buy the DJI Mavic 3 Cine on release as I want to see a true comparison with regards to image quality and flight times in the real world. I would like to see the image quality from the Evolve 2 that has received full updates. Updates that hopefully fix some of the issues above.
For many pilots, the Mavic 3 will more than suffice with its 2 built in cameras including a 7x zoom. However, for drone pilots that are more into filmmaking and need that extra quality coupled with traditional, interchangeable lenses, the Evolve 2 looks like a viable option.
Ugh! I just hope these issues get fixed otherwise it's the Mavic 3 Cine for me.
No matter what, these are exciting times for drone pilots and filmmakers.
Say something...anything...