I own two classic DJI drones: the tiny Spark and the original Mavic Pro. They came out within a year of each other, but they’re built for quite different jobs. Here’s how they compare, and when each one makes sense.
The specs side by side
| DJI Spark | DJI Mavic Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Weight | about 300 g | about 734 g |
| Camera | 12 MP, 1/2.3″ sensor | 12 MP, 1/2.3″ sensor |
| Max video | 1080p at 30 fps | 4K at up to 30 fps |
| Gimbal | 2-axis mechanical | 3-axis mechanical |
| Flight time (rated) | up to about 16 minutes | up to about 27 minutes |
| Top speed (Sport mode) | about 50 km/h | about 65 km/h |
| Video link | Wi-Fi | OcuSync |
| Folds up | No (fixed arms) | Yes |
| Party trick | Gesture control | Long range and stability |
DJI Spark: grab and go
The Spark is small enough to throw in any bag. It can take off from your hand and be flown with gestures, and it’s quick to get in the air for a few shots. The trade-offs are the shorter flight time, a Wi-Fi video link with much less range than the Mavic’s, a 2-axis gimbal that’s less smooth on yaw, and video capped at 1080p. It also struggles more in wind, which matters on the Irish coast.
Mavic Pro: the proper camera drone
The original Mavic Pro was the drone that made foldable camera drones normal. It shoots 4K on a 3-axis gimbal, flies for nearly twice as long, and its OcuSync link is far more robust. It also offers D-Log, a flat colour profile that gives more room when grading footage (see editing drone footage). When the footage matters, this is the one to take.
What they have in common
- Both are “legacy” drones under EU rules. They were made before class markings, and both weigh over 250 g, so they fly in the A3 subcategory: well away from people and built-up areas. See what the IAA requires.
- Both work with Litchi for waypoint missions, which makes them far more capable than DJI’s own app.
- Both rely on DJI GO 4, and DJI stopped updating their firmware years ago.
- Both need their batteries looked after. Old LiPo batteries swell and lose capacity, so check them before every flight, and never fly a swollen pack.
Which would I recommend?
If you’re buying one second-hand today, the Mavic Pro is the better all-rounder: better camera, longer flights and a more reliable link. The Spark is a fun, cheap way to start, but its batteries and Wi-Fi link show their age. And if you want a modern drone, a sub-250 g model with a class marking gives you far more freedom under the current rules than either of these.
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