In this comparison of drones for surfing, we will present the main models of drone according to their quality-price ratio and their technical characteristics (autonomy, practicality, reliability, weight, regulations, image quality, functionalities or safety).
In particular, we will address the main points that interest surfers when they want to film their own session or their friends’ session: wind sensitivity, follow-me functionality, slow motion, compactness for trips, ease of use (auto-pilot & return-to-home), powerful batteries and of course image quality and display frequency.
Note : Links are affiliated with Amazon to help us produce more and more quality products. Prices shown are as of 10/03/2021. The gifts have been selected with care, in all subjectivity =).
DJI Mavic Air 2
Price : 799 $ (Drone alone) à 938 $ (Bundle)
Autonomy : 34 min (min. 25 min in dificult conditions)
Dimension and Weight : 7.09 x 3.82 x 3.31 inches and 1.25 pounds
Image quality : video 4K/60fps – photo : 48 MP (CMOS 1/2 pouces sensor)
Return-to-home : YES
Comments : The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a recreational drone released in mid-2020 that replaces its predecessor, the Mavic Air, which was released in 2018, with the stated ambition of becoming the new ultra-compact reference drone accessible to the general public. The new version of the Mavic Air offers an excellent compromise between compactness and performance.
— Design —
The new generation of the Mavic Air is close to the Mavic 2 Pro (build quality, foldable arms, overall proportions, sleek lines on the top of the drone) with a positioning between the DJI Mini 2 and the DJI 2 Pro in terms of size and weight (see the comparison table at the bottom of the page). If the DJI Mavic Air 2 has been able to gain a few pounds on the scale (Air 1: 0.95 pounds – Air 2: 1.25 pounds) this has been to the benefit of the technological portfolio (see: Performance section below). Overall, the DJI Mavic Air 2 has a relatively small footprint (slightly larger than your hand when folded) and is compact enough to fit in a photographer’s bag.
— Piloting —
The Air 2’s remote control has been redesigned by removing the LCD screen and instead adding a smartphone mount that acts as a video feedback. The controller is robust, rather aesthetic with a light grey plastic and particularly functional: on/off button, return-to-home button, programmable Fn button, also a button to change the flight mode and basic drone controls. The Ocusync 2.0 transmission system is particularly safe with a range of up to 6/8 km without interference. If the system is effective in urban environments, it will be even more so in more open environments and will allow you to film your sessions on all types of spots (from a cliff in height, on the beach or even from a dyke as long as the ground remains relatively flat for take-off/landing). On the connectivity side, the controller charges via USB-C and connects to the phone via a small cable (Lightning, Micro-USB or USB-C). Finally, the APAS 3.0 obstacle detection system is particularly efficient (forward, backward and downward) and works even in complex environments (forest) for an additional layer of security particularly appreciable for an amateur drone pilot who wants to get great shots without much piloting knowledge. It should be noted that the noise of the device in flight remains moderate (73 Db at a few meters of distance outside, that is to say the sound level of a normal conversation) but perceptible at several tens of meters, which remains very suitable for a drone but to be avoided on localized spots.
— Performance —
The DJI Fly application will offer you a video feedback or Google Map view, to manage the shots: automated shooting, tracking function very practical to follow the progress of a surfer on a wave (the new Spotlight option allows the camera to be held on a surfer while you manually fly the drone to vary the angles of view). On the image side, the sensor is larger than the DJI Mini 2 and smaller than the Hasselblad 1″ sensor on the DJI 2 Pro. The maximum photo resolution is announced at 48 MP for effective shots relative to the size of the sensor. Video quality is excellent in 4K UHD at up to 60 FPS (or 1080P with a slow motion speed of 240FPS – perfect for filming exploits in the barrel!) The Hyperlapse feature in 8K will also allow you to shoot time-lapse footage on nice days when your spot is In Fire and dropping bomb after bomb. One last interesting feature for the surfer is the Active Track 3.0 lost object prediction which allows you to continue to follow the surfer despite a “temporary disappearance” in the image as for example after a Wipeout.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Price : 1 595 $ (Drone alone) à 1 998 $ (Bundle)
Autonomy : 31 min
Dimension et Weight : 12.6 x 12.2 x 12 inches and 2.01 pounds
Image quality : vidéo 4K/30fps – photo : 10 MP (CMOS 1″ sensor)
Return-to-home : YES
Comments : The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a recreational drone released in 2018 that replaces its predecessor, the Mavic Pro, released in 2016, which revolutionised the segment with its foldable design. The DJI Mavic 2 comes in two versions: the Pro with a 1″ 20 MP CMOS sensor and the Zoom with a 1/2.3″ 12 MP CMOS sensor and x2 zoom. The new version of the Mavic Pro offers excellent value for money for the discerning photographer.
— Design —
The Mavic 2 Pro is the standard-bearer and true progenitor of the Mavic range, whose DNA can be found in the Mavic Air 2 (manufacturing quality, folding arms, overall proportions, sleek lines on the top of the drone) with a positioning at the top of the Mavic range in terms of size and weight (cf: see the comparison table at the bottom of the page). Like the Air 2, the Mavic 2 Pro has gained a few grams on the scale (Pro: 1.64 pounds – Pro 2: 2.01 pounds) in order to improve the safety of its 360° device (see: Performance section below). Overall, the DJI 2 Pro is larger than the Mavic Air 2 (almost 2x larger unfolded and 20% larger folded) and requires a dedicated bag to carry it.
— Piloting —
The Pro 2’s remote control allows the drone to be flown without a smartphone, displaying only flight data and operating status, but smartphone use is still highly recommended for visual feedback. The controls are responsive and similar to the Mavic Air 2 even if the controller seems less ergonomic in use. On the safety side, we find the most important features also present on the Mavic Air 2: the Ocusync 2.0 transmission system is particularly safe with a range of 6/8 km maximum without interference, the APAS obstacle detection system in its first version but more complete than the Mavic Air 2 (forward, backward and downward, up and left and right).
— Performance —
With the DJI Fly application, we find the essential functionalities : automated shooting, very practical tracking function to follow the progress of a surfer on a wave with Active Track 2.0 (particularly effective coupled with the APAS anti-collision system). On the image side, the sensor is significantly larger than the other drones in the Mavic range with a Hasselblad 1″ sensor with a 28mm equivalent fixed focal length lens and variable aperture from f/2.8 to f/11. With improved dynamic range and sensitivity, the Mavic 2 Pro will be more effective in sunny summer sessions or on cloudy winter days. Maximum photo resolution is claimed to be 20MP for shots with slightly better sharpness than the Mavic Air 2. As for video, the quality is very good in 4K at up to 30 FPS, but lags behind the Mavic Air 2 in terms of technology. Hyperlapse is also available.
My opinon : The Mavic Pro 2 is a very good drone for a Content Producer/Surfer who wants to shoot quality videos (4K 30FPS), with a maximum level of safety (Return-to-home, 6/8km Ocusync transmission, 360° APAS obstacle detection, wind resistance (up to 40km/h)), with advanced features particularly useful for surfing (tracking function, Hyperlapse, Active Track 2.0 lost object prediction) and a handling accessible to the general public.
Finally, if the price is about 50% higher than the DJI Mavic Air 2, it remains justified for a photo oriented content creator (ISO range: 100 to 12800) who wants to take advantage of the drone’s advantage over SLR cameras.
DJI Mavic Mini 2
Price : 449 $ (Drone alone) à 599 $ (Bundle)
Autonomy : 31 min
Dimension et Weight : 7.44 x 5.2 x 9.92 inches and 0.53 pounds
Image quality : vidéo 4K/30fps – photo : 12 MP (1/2.3” CMOS sensor)
Return-to-home : YES
Comments : The Mavic mini 2 avoids the restrictive regulations in the United States with the FAA and in France with the new European regulations applicable from 2021. The new version of the Mavic Mini 2 offers unbeatable value for money for the amateur videographer who wants to use his camera in optimal conditions (low wind, few obstacles) for personal videos.
— Design —
The Mini 2 is the most compact drone in the Mavic range (dimensions similar to an iPhone when folded) with a positioning at the base of the Mavic range in terms of size and weight (see comparison table at the bottom of the page). Overall, the DJI Mini 2 is really very compact and can be easily slipped into a bag.
— Piloting —
The Mini 2’s remote control is very similar to the Mavic Air 2 with similar features (see DJI Mavic Air 2). On the safety side, the drone is much safer than the Mavic Mini with the Ocusync 2.0 transmission system (6/8 km maximum range) but does not have the APAS anti-collision system, an important criterion for surfing spots on the edge of the forest, a mixed beach/forest/urban use. The noise level is even better than the Air 2 and remains moderate (65 Db at a few meters distance outdoors, i.e. the noise level of a restaurant). It should also be noted that the drone resists quite well to moderate wind (up to 40kmh) even if it remains less stable than the Air 2.
— Performance —
The Mini 2 benefits from a major upgrade: 4K UHD video, RAW format for photos and an increase in safety with the new radio control with OcuSync 2.0 transmission for a more stable and efficient radio link. On the security side, the Mini 2 replaces the Wifi transmission with the OcuSync 2.0 system but does not have the advanced features of the Air 2 and Pro 2, namely: the tracking function, the anti-collision system or the hyperlapse. On the image side, the sensor is smaller than the other drones in the Mavic range with a 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor and a rather wide FOV (angle of view) of 83°. The maximum photo resolution is announced at 12 MP for images that remain natural and without excessive saturation. As for video, the Mini 2 now has 4K at up to 30 FPS, although you’ll have to go back to 1080P to get the 60 FPS that helps smooth out the image in fast camera movements.
My opinion : the Mavic Mini 2 is an excellent drone for an amateur surfer who wants to take quality videos (4K 30FPS) in optimal conditions (low wind, few obstacles) for personal videos. The drone is particularly compact (fits in a bag without accessories), has an excellent autonomy (30 minutes) and a secure range and link (OcuSync 2.0). In return for its excellent value for money, the Mini 2 does not have the advanced features of the Air 2 and Pro 2 (follow-me, anti-collision system and hyperlapse), but this should suit most people who want to make personal videos in 4K.
Anafi Parrot
Price : 699 $(Drone alone) à 899 $ (Bundle)
Autonomy : 25 minutes
Dimension et Weight : 9.4 x 6.9 x 2.6 inches and 1,56 pounds
Image quality : vidéo 4K/30fps – photo : 21 MP (1/2.4” CMOS sensor)
Return-to-home : YES
Comments : The Parrot Anafi is the main competitor to the DJI Mavic with an interesting proposition: 4K HDR camera, affordable drone, interesting features and compactness (the 320g of the device nevertheless forces its owner to comply with the regulations in force). The Parrot Anafi offers interesting value for money for the amateur videographer, but remains below the DJI Mavic in our eyes.
— Design —
The Parrot Anafi is rather comparable with the DJI Mavic Mini 2: a foldable, compact and lightweight drone (see the comparison table at the bottom of the page). The drone is more fragile than a Mini 2. Overall, the DJI Mini 2 is really very compact and can be easily slipped into a bag.
— Piloting —
La télécommande du Parrot Anafi est facile à prendre en main et comporte les commandes de pilotage habituelles. Sur la partie sécurité, Parrot annnoce une portée de 4km théorique, mais dans les faits on se retrouve rapidement en difficulté dessus 500m. Tout comme le DJI Mini 2, le drone ne dispose pas du système d’anti-collision, un critère à retenir pour les pilotes amateurs . Le niveau sonore est équivalent au Mavic Air 2 et reste modéré (73 Db à quelques mètres de distance en extérieur soit le niveau sonore d’un restaurant) . Il faut également noter que le drone résiste assez bien au vent modéré (jusqu’à 50kmh théorique mais plutôt 30kmh en conditions réelles). Une bonne surprise de Parrot vient avec la possibilité de piloter le drone en FPV avec le Cockpitglasses 3 pour une immersion totale.
— Performance —
The 1/2.4″ inch 21 MP CMOS sensor offers interesting and natural photo performances, and the same is true for the video part with 4K UHD 60 FPS. I note the x3 zoom function which is quite effective and original compared to the DJI Mavic.
My opinion : the Parrot Anafi is a good drone for an amateur surfer who wants to make quality videos (4K 60FPS) in optimal conditions (low wind, few obstacles) for personal videos. The drone is compact and has a very good autonomy (25 minutes) but a rather limited safety level (no obstacle detection and limited range). Overall, the Parrot Anafi is an efficient drone but it is still below the DJI Mavic and in particular the Mini 2, which is much cheaper for a more complete package (better wind resistance, OcuSync 2.0 transmission system, limited sound volume, superior perceived quality).
To summarise, listed in order of price :
- DJI Mavic Mini 2 : an excellent drone with unbeatable value for money for the amateur videographer who wants to use his camera in optimal conditions (low wind, few obstacles) for personal videos ;
- DJI Mavic Air 2 : reference drone for a surfer and/or content creator who wants to make quality videos while benefiting from first-rate safety with advanced features particularly useful for surfing and a handling accessible to the general public;
- Parrot Anafi : a good drone for an amateur surfer who wants to make quality videos in optimal conditions (low wind, few obstacles) for personal videos. A quality-price ratio below the DJI Mavic ;
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro : remarkable alternative to the more expensive SLR cameras for a photo oriented content creator (ISO range: 100 to 12800) and to make quality videos while benefiting from a maximum level of security with advanced functionalities particularly useful for the practice of Surfing and an accessible handling to the general public.
Tableau comparatif
Drone Comparative for Surfers |  |  |  |  |
Drone | DJI Mavic Mini 2 | DJI Mavic Air 2 | Anafi Parrot | DJI Mavic 2 Pro |
Price (drole only) | 449$ | 799$ | 699$ | 1349$ |
Dimensions | 7.44 x 5.2 x 9.92 inches | 7.09 x 3.82 x 3.31 inches | 9.4 x 6.9 x 2.6 inches | 12.6 x 12.2 x 12 inches |
Weight | 0.53 pounds | 1.25 pounds | 1.56 pounds | 2.01 pounds |
Flight time max. | 31 min | 34 min | 25 min | 31 min |
Sensor | 1/2.3'' CMOS) | 1/2" CMOS | 1/2.4'' CMOS | 1" CMOS |
Video Photo | 4K/30FPS 12MP | 4K/60FPS 48MP | 4K/30FPS 21MP | 4K/30FPS 10MP |
Transmission Distance | 8km | 8km | 4km (500m) | 8km |
Wind | 40kmh | 40kmh + | 30 kmh | 40kmh ++ |
Obstacle Detection | Yes (APAS 3.0) | No | No | Yes (APAS 360°) |
Follow-Me | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Flight Option | / |
|
|
|
Public | Amateur Surfer | Content Creator | Amateur Surfer | Photographer |