DJI Thermal Camera – A New Mavic 2 Enterprise Model is Available
December 26, 2018DJI teased us a little bit with their cryptic tweet earlier this month, see my DJI Rumors – Another DJI Enterprise Announcement post for more information. Based on the tweet’s content and associated image, we were expecting a thermal camera attachment for the existing Mavic 2 Enterprise model.
Well, we were right about a thermal camera but we were wrong about it being an attachment. A new Mavic 2 Enterprise Model is available. It’s called the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual and it’s pretty sweet. Let’s check it out…
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Why a Whole New Model?
This one is tough to answer but I can speculate. There are many possible reasons why DJI would create a whole new model vs just releasing an attachment:
- Offering it as a new model vs an attachment means those who have the other model but want these new features will have to buy the whole bird again to get them – More money.
- There might be limitations with the current model’s design or accessory port that makes creating or using a thermal camera accessory difficult.
- Having the features built-in vs attaching an accessory makes the unit that much more portable and quicker to deploy.
- Leaving the accessory port open for other modules makes the aircraft that much more versatile.
I’m sure there are more reasons but those are the ones that come to mind.
What’s So Special About It?
In a nutshell, the dual camera. This new model boasts both optical and thermal cameras in a single, compact solution. This bird can now produce visual stills, 4K video and thermal imaging all in one package. It even has the ability to display and record temperatures.
You can select from various options including; Spot Meter, to display the average temperature of an object; Area Measurement, to display the average, lowest and highest temperatures and their corresponding locations; and even Isotherm, which allows you to select temperature ranges and use a custom color palette for increased contrast and visibility.
Who is This Model Ideally For?
First, off the top of my head, is search and rescue. Imagine having thermal imaging available when looking for a lost hiker in a forested area or at night. It would be much easier to pick up a thermal signature than finding the proverbial needle in a haystack.
Another great use for such a feature would be for pipeline inspections. Now you can see hot spots and other potential risks with ease and from a safe location.
The thermal camera really does add a new feature set that can be used in many different environments and industries.
If your main purpose is to get the best optical images, I’d steer clear of this model. You’re better off with the Mavic 2 Pro. The Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual is designed more for enterprise and government use, but I can still see some benefits for the private pilot. If you’re looking for versatility (maybe thinking of using the drone for hunting – I can see the thermal camera being of use there), it may not be a bad option.
Will a Thermal Attachment Option Become Available for the Mavic 2 Enterprise Version?
I sure hope so. For those of us who don’t need a dual camera but would like a thermal option to meet an occasional need, I can see the benefit of offering a thermal camera attachment solution. I am not familiar enough with thermal imaging and the options available but, I’d like to think, offering one or more solutions as an attachment would open up a new world for the drone pilot/photographer/videographer.
Conclusion
Once again, my prediction was partly correct but not quite on par. I can definitely see this new model being of great value to the right people but don’t think it’s for the majority of users at this time. Now, that a new Mavic 2 Enterprise model is available, what are your thoughts on it? Do you see value in a model that contains a DJI thermal camera? What uses would you have for it? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
Check out DroneDJ’s DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual test flight with Romeo Durscher post to see it in action.
Thank you,
Scott Hinkle
MavicManiacs.com
