Two interesting, highly portable and easy to fly drones from the same company come equipped with the same camera sensor – is there then any point to performing a detailed comparison between them? There sure is, because the DJI Mavic Pro and the DJI Spark are not two peas of the same pod, they’re just two drones from the same company.
With one of these drones costing double the other, and different target users in mind, there are some definite differences between the two. That being said, there are some similarities as well, let’s see more in this DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Pro camera shootout.
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Let’s clear up some particulars. For starters, we do not know for certain that the DJI Mavic Pro and the DJI Spark use the same camera sensor. Looking at the spec sheet, however, there is little saying otherwise. That is the extent of the similarities though. With different effective image capture resolutions, different lenses and a very different gimbal system, we do not expect the same results from these two drones.
By the spec sheet, we’re looking at a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor on the Spark and the Mavic Pro. The sensor is rated at 12 MP resolution and can capture 4K video. However, the Spark does not record 4K. We’ll discuss more in a bit.
Even the photo specs are a tad different. DJI says the Mavic camera is a 12.35 MP effective / 12.71 MP total pixels of resolution. Images are saved at 4000 x 3000 pixels. Spark claims a flat 12 MP and saves images at 3968 x 2976 pixels. I’m starting to think that maybe they are different, but then again, we are about to learn that a smaller saved file does not mean the sensor is limited.
Over to video is where things come out different between these two drones. The Mavic Pro is able to capture 4K and even Cinematic 4K at 4096 x 2160 pixels. The DJI Spark should be the same, right? Wrong. Spark captures just one resolution: Full HD, 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Related reading: DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Pro
[aa_editors_tip]
If you are flying for pay, or any other form of compensation, you must operate under a different set of rules and possess a commercial drone license. We call it the Part 107, it’s not too hard to get, but it will take some time to learn all the rules. We want to help you learn the rules and get your commercial license, check out our drone pilot training material.
[/aa_editors_tip]
Stabilization is key
The biggest difference between these drones, aside from size and the fact that one of them folds down for transport, is the camera gimbal. The Mavic Pro has a 3-axis hanging gimbal that twists, tilts and turns the camera. The Spark gimbal twists and tilts, but does not turn.
Shock mounting on both drones helps improve image stability, but the ability for the gimbal to move is the real magic to quality aerial video. Without the ability to turn, Spark plays a software trick to keep things smooth, we call it digital stabilization.
Related reading: DJI Quickshot – autonomous flying modes
The actual recorded pixels on the DJI Spark are a floating 1920 x 1080 dots within the 4000 x 3000 grid of the 4K sensor. Think of the recording area as being held in place, centered, by rubber bands. When you turn the drone, the recording area bounces to the side until the bands can compensate and re-center the recording area on the sensor.
This stabilization method works quite well, especially when there is this large of a sensor to play with. The recorded area can move a lot to maintain a stable shot.
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The drones
Instead of continuing to explain each drone in detail here, we should mention that we’ve handled full individual reviews of the camera on each drone already. If you would like to learn more, hit one of the links below:
DJI Spark camera review
For all the details of the camera on the DJI Spark, please visit our full DJI Spark camera review.
DJI Mavic Pro Camera review
For all the details of the camera on the DJI Mavic Pro, please visit our full DJI Mavic Pro camera review.
[aa_editors_tip]
If you are flying for pay, or any other form of compensation, you must operate under a different set of rules and possess a commercial drone license. We call it the Part 107, it’s not too hard to get, but it will take some time to learn all the rules. We want to help you learn the rules and get your commercial license, check out our drone pilot training material.
[/aa_editors_tip]
Photo comparisons
Below you will find a small assortment of sample shots from each drone. As always with these reviews, we shoot in full auto mode, we know that better overall images can be produced from these machines, but we try to represent what the average user will experience. So, no editing, no color correction, just compress the images down to a size that better suites this post. Enjoy.
Spark photos
Mavic Pro photos
Video
For one last added comparison, here is a collection of side-by-side video capture samples from each drone. All footage from the DJI Spark and Mavic Pro were shot in full automatic mode, as comes default from the box. We did not edit or touch up the colors in any way.
The only thing of note, we recorded the Mavic Pro footage in 4K, the Spark is limited to 1080p maximum output.
Spark video
Mavic Pro video
DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Pro camera wrap-up
This is what it all comes down to for most of us, at half the price, did is the DJI Spark better than half the quality of the Mavic Pro? We’ve explored the overall value of each in our full DJI Spark VS DJI Mavic Pro comparison, but in terms of the camera output, I’d say DJI did well here.
The DJI Spark manages more than adequate image quality, certainly better than half as good as the Mavic Pro. Flight capabilities are another story, but in terms of image output, we couldn’t really tell you to buy one drone over the other. The lack of 4K video on the Spark is an obvious barrier, which may or may not matter to you.
Boiling it down, the DJI Spark will cost you $499 for the drone alone, bump up to the DJI Spark Fly More combo for $699. You’ll need this combo, or the optional remote control to get the most out of the Spark.
The DJI Mavic Pro sells for $799 for just the drone, the DJI Mavic Pro Fly More combo is $929 today.
What do you say, is the extra price for the Mavic Pro worth it over the Spark?
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