DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced M2EA / 4 months later and DJI response

[@zipperbluez]

Wow. What an incredible number of non-answers from DJI. Thank you so much for this information. Still stunned at how many ways this drone shoots itself in the foot.

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's so close to being awesome. Close but no cigar.

[@ambiguousworld]

Great video, I have M2EA for tracking animals in Australia, so disappointed that it didn't have active tracking capabilities. Do you know if this is going to be on a firmware upgrade in the future?

[@WhirlyBloke]

Unlikely now the M30T is out.

[@jaybillups2063]

Did you say you can control the P4P and Inspire with the smart controller?

[@WhirlyBloke]

P4P and I2. Not the I1 though.

[@jaybillups2063]

@@WhirlyBloke Fantastic - thanks!

[@guttergrabber]

How are you creating 3D models with the drone?

[@1997rwalsh]

I am currently in the market for a drone with thermal capabilities for commercial roof inspections and had been thinking about the M2EA. I would be using the drone primarily for images and some videos. All of the Matrice are out of my price range. Do you think that the M2EA would suffice or do you recommend another drone. If so, what?

[@WhirlyBloke]

The M2EA is good but falls sorry in so many ways.. have a look at the Autel EVO 2 640T. There's a new enterprise package with a smart controller and all the accessories. Their thermal image application looks Perry good.

[@amidgetonamoped8637]

I'll sell you mine with RTK unit (M2EA). 90% of retail price and full price of rtk module (new in box, never used or opened). Never crashed, 3 batteries and smart controller. Flown probably 2 dozen times at most. Mainly short flights scoping out wild life.

[@SpaceJunkies]

Do you know if the R-JPEG files will open in FLIR Thermal Studio? I'd rather use that than the DJI software. Thanks

[@WhirlyBloke]

No. That's the big problem.

[@SpaceJunkies]

@@WhirlyBloke just so you know. I've tested this and it does work. Maybe they've changed something recently?

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@SpaceJunkies I'd be interested to know how you've done this. The latest Thermal Studio does view the M2EA R-JPEG images the radiometric values are all over the place.

[@matangistation]

Have you seen the new evo v2 enterprise package?. I like dji and your informative review has me on the fence for my next drone. If I’m reading it correctly it appears the evo doesn’t lock out any software features across all versions/ combinations and now their enterprise package appears to match m2ea for accessories but without the limitations, what are your thoughts? Thankyou

[@WhirlyBloke]

The EVO 640T is a good option. The desktop tools for image/report delivery is much better than the DJI rubbish. About the same price, but no smart controller. And it's not geo locked. Still not an easy decision.

[@matangistation]

@@WhirlyBloke thanks , this was the package I was referring too. It only showed up a few days ago so you may not have seen it yet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGe0Z6Cai52orK8

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@matangistation Ah yes, I'd missed that/ Looks interesting.

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@matangistation That does look good, but no prices and availability yet. Maybe this will spur DJI into improving the M2EA.

[@krish9586]

Sorry, I commented on the previous video and then saw this one.. Do you or has anyone else commented on if this issue also occurs with the H20T? Not saving what is seen on the controller screen is... troubling...

[@rhenriques11]

Hi Whirly. I've acquired a M2EA for thermal surveys 4 months ago. After initial struggling with the RTK module and the lack of documentation for the custom DJI R-JPEG format, I have most problems solved now. This small aircraft now matches what I can do with the M300 and the much more expensive H20T camera. To solve problems with the RTK module, DJI sent me a beta version of the pilot App that deals with a more broad set of RCTM protocols. Ntrip is now stable and the Exif data is embedded in the photos for more accurate survey (no post processes is possible thought). Considering Thermal images, I have now a workflow to convert the images to a compatible R-JPEG FLIR format that can be processed in Agisoft Metashape (preview version) and build orthomosaics with absolute temperature values in º C. I'm now doing extensive comparisons with temperature values measured in the ground to check accuracy. However It's noticeable that data is perfectly on pair with what can be obtained from the much more expensive M300/H20T pair. Best Regards

[@WhirlyBloke]

That's is fantastic work. Are you willing to share? I knew about the beta version of the Pikot app, but I'm particularly interested in the file conversion. DM me on [e-mail]

[@matthewsequoyah2665]

That would be great information to share . . . 😬

[@skycammediaaustralia1797]

Hi What is your workflow to convert the images to rjpeg flir format and process in metashape. ?

[@KisteBier79]

Hi there! Would you mind sharing your workflow management with us, too? I guess it would be great for everyone to be able to retrace your steps. As for me, I´m planning to get a drone with thermal camera for season 2022 for saving fawns, inspecting photovoltaics systems and so on and thought of getting a M2EA. After Whirly´s videos I´m quite unsure if the M2EA will fit my needs (and others pilots' needs, too). Since the Autel Evo 2 640T Enterprise is not yet available and since I live in Germany I´m quite unsure if Autel will release it soon enough for us to serve in 2022's fawn season. Also, the pricing for Evo 2 Enterprise is rumoured to be about 12300 $, which is by far too much for me. I´d bite the bullet and put 8000 € (which is about 9000 bucks) into a M2EA - if we could achieve to work with it like it´s necessary when you´ve to got to satisfy your customers. Thanks in advance for any hint and have a nice evening! Best regards, René

[@jingzhang6284]

Hi, rhenriques, that is some encouraging info. We are looking at using M2EA for precision agriculture applications. Can you tell me more about how you convert the images to a compatible R-JPEG FLIR format so they can be processed in Agisoft?

[@mikeysmith4909]

do you think the original enterprise dual still a good buy

[@WhirlyBloke]

They are quite cheap now.

[@jacuzzibusguy]

No. The first generation m2 enterprise had a terrible thermal camera that is completely useless. Probably the lease useful of any dji drones, and im a dji fanboy.

[@3DIYOriginal]

You sir, are a Smart Person. Well done !!! Love your videos and tutorial..There is lot to learn. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks. And thanks for watching.

[@ayrow69]

Enjoyed the video. I would be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences on the new Autel Enterprise Dual. Our fire department is in the market for one of these two drones and the only problem I have heard with the Autel is the flight range/distance, or lack thereof.

[@WhirlyBloke]

I haven't flown an Autel ED, but they are similar specs. You can always hire one to check it out. Thanks for watching.

[@whartonoutdoors7493]

Great follow up, thank you. Such a shame, I'm thinking of getting a mavic 2 zoom and worrying about thermal at a later date.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Maybe wait a couple of months to see if they fix the zoom SD storage issue.

[@whartonoutdoors7493]

@@WhirlyBloke lol, what SD storage issue? 😂 It's never simple. I'll def be getting a smart controller too as I have mini2 I'd like to use it with.

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@whartonoutdoors7493 If you watch my first video review I cover it in lots of detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2XVZWaOe5l9sLc

[@whartonoutdoors7493]

@@WhirlyBloke ohhh, no, I mean buy a mavic 2 zoom not an M2AE with a zoom issue.

[@nathanjohnson2948]

Dji just told me today firmware update coming end of march early April but definitely coming 🤞 For zoom etc

[@hudson_orr]

As far as i know you can now get access to the sdk for consumer drones & enterprise, dji have a habbit, like you said of no firmware upgrades, too many restrictions and geolocked zones which really hinder some jobs as my work sites are near an approach for an airport, cant get above 15metres so cant look at roofs etc

[@WhirlyBloke]

You're right. The latest Thermal SDK does support the M2EA RJPEG format.

[@grafdelafergrafdelaf]

Great videos! Do you think it can be used for roof work though?

[@WhirlyBloke]

Depends what type of roof work. A Mini2 is a tenth of the price and works great for roof inspections especially in congested areas.

[@aaron6516]

Great to hear your making cash with it and it's already paid for itself! M300 is outside most price ranges unless like you said you have a good business case for it. Looking at Evo 2 enterprise with 640T however no one has seen or heard of the thermal tool... or how good it is... but batteries and payloads are swappable between all evo 2 models and that's nice!!

[@JHChannel35]

Thank you for helping save me my money!!!!

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's actually a very good drone that does a lot for the money, but there are issues that people need to know. Thanks for watching.

[@AnnieTheBean]

Loved this!

[@matthewsequoyah2665]

I’ve come to find out that the M2EA and the Autel EVO II Dual 640T use an identical non-FLIR, chinese made sensor which doesn’t have the capability of producing data rich R-JPEGs. The newest Autel EVO II Dual Enterprise does use a genuine FLIR Boson R sensor that does produce R-JPEGs. Also the RGB/Photo camera does produce true zoomed in images with the 4x lossless zoom. Also, all the fun/cool autonomous functions are available just as on a regular EVO II Pro or 8K version. The enterprise bundle comes with ALL the accessories, 3 batts, multi charger, V2 smart controller, etc. The downside is that it costs 2X the price of an M2EA or a 640T ! ! But it’s still way cheaper that a Matrice 300 & Zenmuse X2T.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Good info. I've been taking close look at the Autel EVO Enterprise and it does do a lot more, a lot better than the M2EA. The thermal tools are better and it's cheaper than a full M300 package. Can't get one in the UK at the moment, but maybe, just maybe it'll spur DJI into action.🤣

[@matthewsequoyah2665]

@@WhirlyBloke : And one more thing with the EVO; the icing on the cake: No GeoFencing ! !

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@matthewsequoyah2665 Absolutely

[@Titanykus]

Thanks to this review I would be directing my purchase to another model or company. Very informative, just what I needed to know to not buy it.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Yes, it's not terrible, it's just not quite what you might be expecting.

[@Titanykus]

@@WhirlyBloke Knowing what you know about it now, would you still purchase this drone?

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@Titanykus It's not a simple yes or no answer, cos it depends what you want to use it for.

[@ZED-PV]

I honestly think you're nitpicking. As with your first video you made assumptions which were wrong and were never claimed by DJI. The problem we have in the drone market is there are no other companies who even come close to DJIs capabilities and ecosystem integration. I'm not denying DJI does some shady stuff by releasing half baked products and then using the customers as their beta testers. I experienced this with the Phantom 4 RTK when it was first released. Until someone comes close to achieving what DJI does with their drones, there is no rush for DJI to clean up their act.

[@BenDenHelder]

I have an email stating that the zoom/save option will come in the next update, at the end of 2021! I could share the email if you can provide a mail address.

[@WhirlyBloke]

[e-mail]

[@BenDenHelder]

@@WhirlyBloke I send you the email

[@Well-Put]

@@BenDenHelder Im curious what the status on this is?? Did they release an update? it's 12/30/2021 lol

[@BenDenHelder]

@@Well-Put ill hook up my m2ea in the morning and see

[@Well-Put]

@@BenDenHelder Thank you!

[@m118lr]

Dang, looks like they gave you some ‘canned’ answers. You WOULD THINK that they “actually” cared about the marketplace that they SHARE, IF NOT LEAD in. To me..as they continued to ‘answer’ your questions, the tone became more of a condescending one. Here I I’ve been seriously considering a DJI product (as there’s so much to like)..and THEN see this.

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's not all bad, it's just the M2EA has huge potential spoilt by the things I've covered. I suspect we'll never see a firmware update for this.

[@billmcdonald4335]

This is why I prefer to avoid proprietary tech if I can. Open source kit is where innovation resides. Always been that way.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Totally agree.

[@MrSurvivalexpert]

Yeah I guess I'm glade I didn't buy a m2ea. I've been on the fence but nobody has much good to say about it or the mavic3

[@jacuzzibusguy]

MAVIC 3, while a bit rough at its release, is by far the best folding drone on the market today. They’ve released a couple recent firmware updates that addressed the most serious issues. That 4/3 sensor is amazing and the zoom is something I utilize way more often than anticipated.

[@hoss6981]

They are telling you to buy a more expensive drone for your purposes even though this drone is capable of what you want to do.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Exactly

[@johngriffin618]

Yeah, this is on par for DJI. I'm not a pro user and I don't do jt for money, I have a mini 2 and I have been waiting a year for them to release thr sdk for the mini 2 so I can use it for mapping and models.

[@WhirlyBloke]

More competition is needed and Autel are starting to make an impact now. The EVO II Enterprise Package is looking better than the M2EA for the same sort of price.