Sweet! Other than the camera, how's the two compare for you?
Oh boy, this is gonna get wordy...but here goes ...
Honestly, I haven't really ran the Mav through the motions too much. I actually still fly the Sparkplug more than the Mav. Now that's not because I have a problem with the Mav or anything like that...
... look, I'll explain later... Just keep reading.
Ok the Mav has way better camera capabilities both video and photos. The 4K is simply awesome. Just way more camera options and available adjustments than the spark.
The Over 2 mile range is definitely better than the Sparkplug's and is easily and quickly obtained at the 42mph top speed in sport mode. Ahh... sport mode, it's like a freaking race car in sport mode and very similar to the Sparkplug's sport mode. Very fast and agile. Turns really fast and stops on a dime.
The front bottom and rear collision detection works fantastic. The
Battery lasts about 16-18 minutes. Much smoother video with the Mavs 3 axis gimble than the Sparkplug's 2 axis.
Using Litchi app you can now fly waypoint missions and it really works smoothly and flawlessly with the Mav. I'm serious, the video is so smooth and perfect doing this.
One thing I've noticed is that accessories are quite a bit more expensive for the Mav.
Batteries range from $80.00 up to $100.00, ND filters are a bit more. Extra props are more. Chargers are more... Hell the whole freakin thing is more expensive! Which is to be expected after all it's a higher end platform. Oh and the folding arms really make this thing collapse down even smaller than the Sparkplug. You literally can hang the Mavic and it's controller in it's supplied carrying case off of one of your belt loops with a carabineer. No lie, I've done it.
Now, here is why I still use my Spark as much as I do...
I'm totally familiar with this thing. I've been flying this thing for 2 years now. It's effortless for me to have it in the air and capturing photos and video in mere minutes. And the interface is simple to use.
Now it only records 1080p... Such a turn off right? Lol. I'm not so sure... You see, most everyone who makes videos with any of these drones, upload to YouTube. YouTube is only 1080p... So what are you really missing out on?
I actually like the wifi between the controller and phone. Really don't care for the fumbling I do trying with the plug on the Mav's controller to the phone and then the phone into the holders in the Mav's controller. The WiFi is quick and easy and relatively trouble free. Yes, I said it, I like the wifi.
Accessories are much cheaper. Prop guards, props, ND filters chargers and
batteries are way cheaper. I bought 3
batteries from Best Buy (giving me a total of 4
batteries) when they were on sale for $50.00 giving me close to an hour's worth almost of continuous flying. When the
battery would run low, I'd bring it back, swap
battery, reconnect and send it back out.
Hand take off and landing is something I haven't used much but came in really handy when I launched off of my friends boat in the middle of Lake Erie some 15miles from shore. I put the side body/finger guards (shown in the pics above) on to prevent any catching/palm landing miss haps. You literally have to catch and grab it when you're on a moving platform like a boat in some choppy water. Trying to land the Mav on the rocking and swaying boat would've been very difficult... Maybe impossible without insodent...
The Sparkplug with it's rigid arms are really strong and can withstand some serious crashes (I'm not so sure about the Mav's foldable arms.).
If you take a close look at the Sparkplug, it is a very strong and hearty little platform.
Now sport mode... if the Mav is like a race car in sport mode... The Sparkplug is like the Tazmanian Devil in sport mode. The Sparkplug can cut, turn, accelerate and stop faster than the Mav. While the Sparkplug may not have the Mav's tops speed, it can definitely out maneuver it.
Another thing is that you can now fly Waypoints with the Spark using the Litchi app too. I have done this with the Spark and it really works awesome ( not as stable as the Mav though). I highly recommend it to every Spark Pilot out there.
So, which do like better? I really don't think I can answer that at this moment... Maybe once I get more familiarized with the Mav and fly it more, I can form a better opinion. One thing I can say is that I'm a little hesitant to put the Mav up and into some of the situations that I put the Spark in (like 15 miles out over Lake Erie) because of how much it cost and my lack of experience flying it. Most of that will probably change overtime, but until then, the Sparkplug will continue to be the workhorse that I'm not afraid to put into harm's way.
Ok... Any questions... Lmao!