DJI's original compact folding drone — 4K video with 3-axis gimbal in a truly portable form factor.
The DJI Mavic Air (2018 original — distinct from the 2020 Mavic Air 2) was released in January 2018 as a compact foldable drone featuring a 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor on a 3-axis stabilised gimbal. 4K/30fps video at 100 Mbps; 1080p slow motion at up to 120fps. Maximum flight time 21 minutes. Weight 430g. 3-directional obstacle sensing — forward, backward, and downward; no lateral sensing.
12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor on a 3-axis gimbal (pitch, roll, yaw). 4K/30fps at 100 Mbps; 2.7K/60fps; 1080p up to 120fps. 3-directional obstacle avoidance (forward, backward, downward — 7 sensors). Maximum flight time 21 minutes (2375 mAh battery). Weight 430g. Maximum speed 68.4 km/h. Foldable form factor. Sports, Follow Me, and other Intelligent Flight Modes.
The original Mavic Air positioned itself between the Mavic Pro and the smaller Mavic Mini at launch: 4K video and 3-axis gimbal from the Mavic Pro's feature set in a significantly smaller, lighter body. The 21-minute flight time reflects the compact battery. The 3-directional obstacle sensing (missing lateral sensing) was a cost reduction versus the Mavic Pro's 5-directional system — the Mavic Air 2 (2020) substantially improved this.
On the used market the DJI Mavic Air (2018 original) is affordable as a vintage compact drone. Condition checks: battery health and cycle count (2375 mAh Mavic Air battery — not shared with Air 2), gimbal operation and condition, obstacle sensor calibration, and propeller condition. Confirm this is the original Mavic Air, not the 2020 Mavic Air 2. No interchangeable mount.