Autel Evo 2 Pro Long Term Review - After One Year

This is my long-term review of the Autel Evo 2 Pro after one year of flights. I have had the pleasure to own and fly both the 8K and the 6K version with one-inch sensor. I really feel at this point the Evo 2 Pro 6K has the best consumer / prosumer camera available on the market. The picture quality is absolutely stunning even when just shoot in 100% Auto. It has great dynamic range and beautiful rich colors. In this video I go over what my user experience has been with the Autel Evo 2 over that last year and what I like best about it..and a few things that are problematic.
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[@DavidOliver_Skier]

really nice to hear your review. Glad Autel has been keeping things updated after early negative comments. I owned an Autel XStar in the past and also found their customer service awesome.

[@venturasurfing]

I have not even finished this video yet, but I had to comment that the lighthouse is an amazing shot. I spend a lot of time photographing with a full frame Canon. This is a quality of shot where people are silent until it is finished... then say Wow!!! Excellent work and excellent drone. I think this video will sell quite a few Evo's to professionals. Shawn, keep up the low key, matter of fact approach to your videos (winners). Liked and subscribed.

[@FlyinFlynnMedia]

Just purchased this drone and am looking forward to flying it and getting some great video and pictures. Nice review!

[@tbjr50thomas]

That review was like a breathe of fresh air. I have the Autel Evo 2 8K and it is a great drone. Excellent video 👍‍‍ 🎥 🚁

[@ChrisDallasDualped]

EXCELLENT review Shawn, yeah these are great drones.

[@sendnoods5035]

Nice to look back. I did learn from experience that DJI simply is better in flight performance.

[@RonaldBrown59]

I totally agree with you that the camera is great on this drone. And most of the early issues have been worked via Firmware updates. And I also agree that most of complaints about it not flying well come from people who have only ever flown DJI drones. I would like to have a better controller, and one that doesn't cost $1199, like their new Smartcontroller.This really has become one of favorite drones. Great video my friend.

[@spades512]

Thanks for doing this review a year later. We definitely need that in the consumer electronics side of youtube. Just ordered the evo 2 pro (first drone) and this review is validating most what I was hoping it would do and the cons others have mentioned on the web don't seem quite as glaring.

[@C0rnern]

Hey! Where did you buy it, how much did you pay? And why did you chose this one instead of for example the air 2s?

[@spades512]

@@C0rnern One of Autel's sellers that's called Advexure. The bundle I got was 2.5k but you can get the drone for 1.8 full price. It's been a while but I think the Air 2S didn't have the same battery life, a screen built into the stock controller, or 360 degree obstacle avoidance. It weighs less so I thought it would get pushed around by the wind more than the evo 2. Also the Evo 2 advertised 6k, not 5.4 like the Air 2S which, perception wise, probably made a difference. Geofencing also was a consideration since I didn't want to be limited. Anyway hope that helps

[@DronesRock]

I really really really enjoy your reviews .... Without a doubt, one of the best out there AND your humility shines through. Keep it going on brother

[@AirPhotography]

Thank you very much it’s always nice to hear when somebody enjoys my videos

[@ResslerMania]

Thanks for the update. I would agree the Evo2 still is an amazing drone and the 6k is a wonderful camera. I have not buyer remorse at all. Have a great day.

[@greekdroner]

This is the most honest review. My friend I admit you say the truth and only the truth. Today I bought the auto evo II pro (6k) and checking videos before my first fly. I already have the magic zoom 2 for more than 2 years.

[@SW-Video]

The Evo 2 platform is really solid. Yes, it does need some tweaks and improvements in the controls to make it smoother to fly but Autel can run with this platform for many years even coming up with a swappable micro 4/3 camera to attach to it. Possibly with the ability to swap lenses. The platform will handle the weight. No need to reinvent the wheel when this wheel is so good.

[@ddsllc4290]

I completely agree with your review....I also use DJI products, but finding that I am using my EVO II pro more and more on commercial gigs for the same reasons that you state. I have made some updates on the controller (sky fire aerial enhancement/tripltek tablet) that have made a significant improvement to the overall feel of the controller. At times, Amazon offers EVO II batteries at a low cost of $177.00 (US price).

[@seachris]

Good review ! I love it for sure :) I want to get that smart controller indeed ! Thanks for sharing

[@scottmohrman]

That new smart controller is what put this drone at the top of my list to buy.

[@justheart3369]

Great review Shawn keep them coming

[@thomass.johnson8324]

Great to have someone like yourself to be able to reach out to. I'm sure I'm going to have questions. I'm as green as one can be. My 1st drone is the Autel EVO 2 Dual 640T I've had it several months, but haven't flown it yet as I have had some physical issues that have gotten in the way.

[@glennalan]

Great video as usual Shawn! Thank you

[@pierresakr1811]

Thank You For This Useful Report , Well explained .

[@shb7772000if]

Very good video! I had also heard that it doesn't fly well, so it's good you addressed that. I wonder if they will come out with a Evo 3 next year.

[@18830dc]

Your review was spot on. I have EVO2 Pro and the camera (as a photographer) is amazing. I have yet to try a long distance flight (.75 mile so far). I have preordered the EVO Smart Controller and now we wait. I am not a fan of the original controller for all the reasons you mentioned and the smart controller shows a lot of promise. Nice review!

[@7777russ]

what happened to the end of May shipping, I am patiently waiting for the smart controller.

[@18830dc]

@@7777russ Tell me about it..

[@dieselman7453]

Just purchased one through eBay I hope it’s as goid as you say as it’s my first expensive drone I never had a DJI thanks for the reviews buddy cheers 👍

[@gorankobreznin9922]

Greetings from Hamburg Germany. Thank you for detail deep knowledge. It helps a lot.

[@_Meriwether]

I have an Evo Nano+ on pre-order, as I'm just dipping my toes into drone operation. My intention is to train as a commercial operator here in the UK, and Autel just seems like a good fit.

[@ssb73q]

I agree 100% with your review. The Autel EVO ll Pro 6k is the best drone I have ever owned. There are tablet holders available that allow easy use of the controller. I especially like the Mission planning feature of the App to produce 2D & 3D maps using a free mapping software WebODM. Will buy the Autel Smart Controller when available. I have also found Autel customer service to be excellent.

[@cwclarkephotos9551]

I agree with you on the camera. It is amazing.

[@h2oboi531]

Good update, I’ve been trying to look for information and you’ve got it. My questions: -How many camera/gimbles do they have, having that camera/gimble interchangeable options make it a winner -can this be flown at night? Thank you, I’m subscribed

[@user-zg1ub2fe3l]

thank you for your explanation, I am using EVO I I pro 6k, pictures are very good.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good summary of the Drone

[@Stone1108]

Hey Shaun thanks for putting this video out there. I’m late to this video but I’m researching with a view to buying a drone that I can do my own and some semi pro work moving forward. I keep coming back the the Autel(s). I,m a little confused over the difference between cameras between on the evo 2 & pro, I really do want to invest in the best sensor for photography, what would be your suggestion? I note that you ordered both cameras and called it the upgrade? Another straight to it video, really like your content.

[@jimsnider3971]

I still own the older Autel XS Premium and will have to upgrade in the next year or so since that drone has been discontinued and I can't buy replacement batteries. That being said, you are spot on with Autel's customer service. They are outstanding!!! And no geofencing is a huge plus. The LAANC requirements are enough, I can't imagine the pain that geofencing must be like on top of that. I think this Evo 2 Pro will be my next purchase but with the new remote ID requirements coming up I'm wondering if I should just wait until they come equipped with it out the box. Curious what your thoughts are on that!

[@ericb7937]

But this planned obsolescence is so sad to a new drone buyer

[@armyguy91357]

@@ericb7937 i didn't understand your response

[@armyguy91357]

Thank you for assisting my journey in making an educated/opinionated review of the Autel Evo 2 Pro. I took am starting a small aerial video business and currently have a Skydio 2. Really like the autonomous capability and still mastering the skills. What is your opinion on me investing $2K+ U.S. for my start up?

[@OliverWolter]

Wow, I liked that lighthouse shot. Beautiful colors, very cine-like. Did you color grade that shot? Did you shoot it in Log or 6K. What do you prefer?

[@petuniascott8788]

I used this drone (v1) with the smart controller for hundreds of hours in 2022. This was my first foray outside of DJI. My buddy was flying Autel Evo II Pro (v2) at the same time. I could fly twice as far away as him...around corners, over hills, etc. I wonder why the version 2 was so different, as far as range, than the v1. Also, I did notice that some close ups were a little fuzzy, even when I tapped the screen for specific focus. The smart controller is fantastic! However, versions 1 and 2 are not interchangeable. Flying does take a little getting used to, especially if you're used to DJI. It's a glitchier flight, but easy to get used to. It doesn't stop when you release the controls like DJI does. Overall, a great drone for the price.

[@bartekkoch]

Customer supports is everything , very good from this manufacture

[@thenatureseekerdudevitaliy97]

I've had mine for almost a year too. My biggest issues is that the connection between the controller and phone almost consistently breaks up. I have used numerous wires and the anker cable seems to be the most stable one. However, the RC and the screen there is always a nice backup when these situations happen. Other than that, the drone is very nice. Quick question: That island/lighthouse you filmed. Mind if I ask where that was?

[@thedarkriver1]

great review👍

[@AirPhotography]

Thank you

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

Great information

[@eugenoprina]

Brilliant review! Small question; is it possible to pan the camera left - right like I do with mavic 2 pro? Thank you for your help 🙏

[@lorageproductions]

Great video. We just got one and I wonder, do you feel that filters are important for this drone? Probably the Polarizer only?

[@michianadroneservicesllc858]

Loved your review. I'm currently looking at the V3 bundle at $2500. Comparing it to the Mavic 3 Enterprise which $3628 today prices. Still not sure which way to go. I have the Phantom 4 pro 2.0 .

[@MALLUTRUCKERDUDE]

I gotta say that's a pretty looking Drone lol.

[@mustachio118]

Thanks fo the review. Looking into other drones but still quite not sure yet with Autel Evo 2 Pro. Still needs a lot of improvement for it to be that expensive. DJI Air 2S might be a better and smarter choice.

[@silverpro8356]

No many people prefer the Autel over the air 2s.

[@C0rnern]

​@@silverpro8356 What does the Autel evo 2 pro have that the Air 2s doesnt have? Thinking of upgrading.

[@jondarinre77]

Great Video. Where is that lighthouse located ?

[@fp_drone]

에보2에 대한 상세한 사용기 와 정보 매우 감사합니다. 사용시 참고가 많이 되겠습니다.

[@rogerhumphrey6622]

Nice review...

[@AirPhotography]

Thank you 🙂

[@Strikeshotz]

That going to be my next drone, make in USA 🇺🇸

[@MythicSuns]

Top wind speed that the DJI Air 2S is slated to handle is 24mph whilst the Evo 2 Pro is slated to handle 38mph winds. Bear in mind that these are _top_ wind speeds so I wouldn't recommend intentionally flying on days when it's that windy but it is nice to know that if there's any sudden gusts you have more of a chance of getting the Evo 2 back. I'm saying this as someone who owns an Air 2S. Chances are I won't be getting this drone because I don't want to suffocate my bank balance however I will be keeping a careful eye on Autel as a potential option for any upgrades I get in the future, especially if they're the kind of company that allows modular cameras on their compact drones.

[@7777russ]

Shawn, you have been cloned, PhillyDroneLife copied your great signature method of presenting a youtube video with his Air 2S Freewell Filter review. Hands on, you still make the best videos!!

[@MrMaximuskodrata]

Great review. About the signal transmission Autel Evo II Pro compare with DJi Mavic 2 Pro, which one has the long range ? Thank you sir.

[@jansejnost3112]

Excellent review. I have it two months and satisfaction, only the last update slowed down too gimbal..... but they will fix it :-) I have helped myself so far by setting the gimbal to hot button, it goes to put zero degrees and on the second press 90 degrees, the gimbal even at sensitivity 100 does 45 degrees in two minutes approx....How many cycles do you have on the batteries and how is the battery life after a year (how many cycles) of use? Battery in the controller OK too? Thanks for the reply. Jan from Czech Republic :-)

[@MrRaymond1021]

I've always loved that drone, it's just the price of it, and the cost of some accessories. Like you mentioned, each battery is over $250 and I think it's just a little crazy. Thanks for sharing

[@viktorino1980]

Thanks a lot for your review. I've a mini 1 and I want to do an upgrade but I'm not sure if I select air 2s fly more combo or Evo 2 6k with 2 bateries. At the moment the price it's the same aroun 1350€ In Portugal What is you opinion? Thanks

[@Stone1108]

Hi there again Shaun! Do you know if with filters can you slow the shutter speed for stills to get motion blur? Thanks again.

[@targetoz5470]

Thanks for the vid. Can you set up the evo to follow my Jeep from the front going up a trail?

[@TexasDronePilot]

I Love my EVO 2 Pro Autel needs to move from Washington state to a more central location so they can serve their customers better and in a more timely manner. Ground shipping via UPS from Texas to Autel takes a full week. Air shipping cost is more than triple the amount. The first repair took over 6 weeks round trip to replace just an arm. I hate to think of the repair turnaround for someone located on the East Coast. It would be nice if we could purchase parts and repair them ourselves but that does not seem to be an option. So if you are going to use the EVO for any business adventure you better have a few of them just in case something happens. Then comes that chip swap issue. At some date, you will not be able to purchase a new controller for your EVO, or the live deck because they will not work with your current drone. If you purchase those items right now to work with your current drone and need to replace it then none of your items will work with it. The only option I can think of right now is to sell the two EVO 2 Pros and the one controller I currently have to someone else in the future so I can start purchasing everything that has the new chip so it will all work together.

[@danielm7585]

I love mine.

[@Northstar-Media]

It's nice that you can change the camera but not economically feasible with the camera costing more than half price of drone.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

I keep having gimbal issues where it 'forgets' what 'level' is and it will slowly tilt (usually towards the left) if i'm not doing any complex maneuvers....makes sunset/sunrises not as much fun. Customer support was less than helpful. Have sent it in 3 times now, and even after replacing the whole gimbal, it still does it. Yet each time they say "we tested it, it is fine"...but the very first flight i do the tilt shows up again. How did you get the 'not flying straight' thing fixed? i'm constantly having that issue. I have tried calibrating the sticks many times, but still it will drift to one side when i try to fly straight.

[@twobikesandadrone]

Has the controller improved since this video was posted a year ago? Any rumors about a replacement for this drone? I've had their XSP drone 5 years now and it's time to upgrade.......not to mention not being able to get replacement batteries anymore, but I do like this company for their customer service service, which has always been outstanding!

[@karlnz70kg]

Hi Shawn. What SD cards do you use? I have slow write problems recording 1080p 30fps with Sandisk Extreme 32Gb U3 A1 V30. So I bought a Sandisk Extreme Pro 32Gb U3 A1 V30 thinking it might be slightly better quality, but still the same slow write problem. I’ve sent the same question to Autel today. Thanks, Karl

[@Atsf1976]

Are you going to do a comparison between this and the mavic 3?

[@AirPhotography]

Yes indeed I do hope to do that once I receive my Mavic 3

[@MollyBucc]

Nice Peregrine at 7:42

[@brainfreeze1925]

Wow, I'm impressed with your sunset footage. You did nothing to it in post? DJI's geofencing drives me nuts. I've been in locations that have airfields that are either no longer in use or minimally so and I've been stopped from flying. Dumb! I always travel with a local aviation chart so I am aware of my surroundings. I use Litchi with my DJI Mavic Pro and mission planning is important to me. I've just read that Litchi won't work with the Mavic 3...pretty much a deal breaker for me. Thanks for the video.

[@AirPhotography]

Yeah that sunset was just caption at the perfect time it was filmed in Auto settings

[@eaojnr]

I agree with you on the subjective nature of flight characteristics and the subjectivity that comes with it. I think Autel delibrately comes out of the box to deliver a certain experience because of the wiehgt of the unit. I just lost by Evo II Pro, and i love the drone so much it hurts me. I am planning to buy a new one hopefully soon, becasue it's just one of those drones/gadgets you've got to have in your toolbox. It's usefull, it's got great features, and the features are timeless -- along with the design. This is even in August 2022... so you can imagine why am so impressed with the Autel Evo II Platform.

[@anonymouse8205]

Glad I did not keep the ones I bought and returned because of the issues I had, as they are now replacing the V1 with a V2 version.

[@chriswedgworth]

Does autel have a similar to care refresh program

[@OliverWolter]

what is your take on the gimbal characteristics. I liked the soft braking of the DJI. Does Autel offer something similar. I felt it was more abrupt, wich looks unprofessional.

[@ms.7584]

Thanks for fine video. Can you tell me if the Autal have flight modes like DJI ? POI Waypoint and so on. DJI POI is by defald starting POI at a to high speed if you are in small places. I starts moving to fast and it take a a litel time before you can change the speed. How does is works on Autel? Does the Autel have Tripod mode or some like this? Can you adjust the sensivit on the sticks? I have alwas fly DJI but I thinking on baying the Autel Evo 2 Pro when the smartcontroller arrive. But never seen a Autel and ist a jump when you even not have seen it or see the Autel in the air. Best regards from Morten

[@dennispatrick3207]

Great video. Do you have v1 or v2?

[@AirPhotography]

I have the V1

[@viktorino1980]

Hello again, regarding wind resistance, do you have any issue? I saw that air 2s is more capable...do you have the same.opinion? Regards

[@AirPhotography]

Myself I do believe the evil to performs better and High winds

[@russellstevens4618]

Thanks Shawn. I’m just a novice when it comes to photography and I would have thought that an 8k camera would be the best so I’m wondering why you changed it to a 6 k and what’s the advantages and disadvantages

[@AirPhotography]

It is a little confusing it’s kind of a trick the way they get to 8k. It’s not really truly fully 8k video. However the 6K it’s full resolution and it has a larger 1 inch sensor so better quality and dynamic range

[@mtlmkshp9323]

You should check Capitan drone ' s Chanel he gives a great explanation about your question.

[@hounslowparks2469]

Can you swap out the FLIR 620T camera for the 6k pro gimbal camera?

[@richardpetker4337]

Does this drone fly to max height [I believe 7000 meters ]out of the box? would be used over mostly empty northern Canadian forests.

[@garymorris6819]

How would it compare to Mavic 3 cine now?

[@suparmankuat]

hi, what camera does you use in this video?

[@dfilmsme]

Can you land it in a hand like with mavic drones?

[@travismanning798]

Yup, it has its strengths but when I compare flight performance with DJI, results are not too favorable for the Autel

[@88mesmerizer]

Can Evo 1 get the same footage of sunset?

[@jetfu400]

how does the signal compare to occusync of dji?

[@AirPhotography]

It’s comparable however I would say the Ocusync think is slightly better

[@billybobs841]

So if you was goin buy a new drone would u buy autel or dji

[@jessecampbell2135]

Seems Im not the only one who's had serious RC connection issues here. At this point, almost another year after this video, I would say Mavic 3 would be more worth spending on.

[@dazisgud]

How long to charge a battery?

[@ph4live166]

Hello there, I need your help in regards to the live stream either on Facebook or KZbin, can you please shed some light on this topic. Thank you

[@deanrobbins8102]

Is the camera rolling shutter or mechanical?

[@Liam.caliber]

YO!!!! has anyone been able to find FPV Goggles for this drone? I bought the Fat Shark Scout goggles thinking it would be able to pair with the drone... Nope. Does *anyone* know what goggles will work with the Autel Evo II? Please and thank you guys!

[@mohammadalhamoud5092]

My evo 2 pro has an exposure issue in it. Photos look really bright on the right side and some of the top. I don't know what to do about it. Could you please help?

[@18830dc]

That sounds like a sensor issue. I would contact customer service and explain your problem to them. They may replace it.

[@mohammadalhamoud5092]

@@18830dc They are asking $1000 to replace the whole camera and gimbal assembly because I don't have my original receipt from when I bought it, although they could have just looked at the serial number and found out when I bought, but they refused to. I only had my drone for 4 months now, and I saw a lot of other people experiencing the same issue. So it seems like a hardware issue that needs to be fixed, but they are not taking responsibility to fix it.

[@EdWilburn-sr6xe]

Will drone fly good distance with no interference

[@hokhanhvlogs5522]

It's so beautiful I want to buy it but I don't have money, can I pay in installments in Vietnam?

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Lmao

[@EdWilburn-sr6xe]

Is controller with phone as good as new controller

[@keithmiam]

Does it have a 360 mode where it follows you and avoids trees?

[@AirPhotography]

Yes during active tracking obstacle avoidance is enabled you still have to use some caution

[@OliverWolter]

The wind resistance is not so good, when compared to other models and brands. There is a clip somewhere on this channel, where they compare it directly. EVO II came out the worst in the wind. It would make zero headway, while others would go ahead. I am wondering, though whether the Enterprise with the lager rotors and the bigger motors can make a difference.

[@OliverWolter]

Notably the 2S was the best. But that platform with a fixed aperture is a no go for me.

[@JudasBytes]

will the TriplTek 8 works on that controller?

[@AirPhotography]

It is compatible however you will need a different type of tablet mount to hold it. It won’t fit in the phone cradle

[@TheVISUALCINEMATIC]

Does it have geofencing?

[@kaizen5023]

How quiet are they with the "low noise propeller"?

[@AirPhotography]

It’s actually pretty quiet in comparison to a size. No complaints on my end

[@qasimbaloch8171]

I like atol evo 2

[@speedball10169]

How often are people actually adjusting the aperture? Most people I know just keep it at 2.8 and use ND filters

[@Adrenaline89Junky]

If you're a photographer you know that you're always having to adjust the settings if you're moving around a lot on location and also if you're spending hours on location.. with a drone this definitely comes in handy if it's brighter or darker in certain locations and also if you're wanting to create depth or blur the background from your main subject then this would come in handy a lot

[@speedball10169]

@@Adrenaline89Junky On a SLR/Mirrorless type camera, yes. On a drone with a fixed aperture of 2.8 or whatever it is, all you’re adjusting is the shutter speed. The ND filters act as your aperture priority. There’s really not a huge need for adjustable aperture on a drone, especially when you need a waiver to fly in anything beyond dusk.

[@stanvisualseychelles932]

Enjoy it while it last. After 2 years no spare parts for it. This is Autels trend ;-) . Disappointed Evo 1 owner

[@wolfesam]

I have to disagree about their customer service. I purchased a refurbished Evo II Pro directly from Autel because the new ones were 'sold out'. It took more than a week to get here to SC. Once it gets here I tried to see about getting 'Care' for it, only to find out from Autel four days after it got here that you can't get care on a refurb. That would have been useful information before I bought it. Then I tried to bind the drone to my Autel account and it's already bound to the previous owner's email address. I sent an email, tried calling and tried the online chat, and (again) four days later I finally got a response that it was unbound and I could attach it to my email. Apparently not, as it STILL says it's attached to the previous owner's email. I'm really regretting buying from company. DJI's customer service blows Autel's out of the water in my opinion.

[@AirPhotography]

Thank you for sharing your experience others may find this information useful as well

[@indiana146]

Could u not nip into usa to get cheaper batteries or get someone to send u one