Autel EVO II review

With 8K video recording, 48-megapixel camera, long flight time and all-round collision sensors, the Autel EVO II looks to have stolen DJI’s crown

Autel EVO II review (Autel EVO 2)
(Image: © Adam Juniper / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Autel EVO 2 firmly sets its sights on the aging DJI Mavic 2 line, and in many respects surpasses it – not least in resolution and collision sensors. Its looks are not for everyone, but there is no arguing with the video quality. You can fly without your phone which is massively convenient, but there are some esoteric aspects of the design and software.

Pros

  • +

    8K Video

  • +

    4K at 60fps

  • +

    Good flight modes

  • +

    Phone-free operation

Cons

  • -

    Software could be more polished

  • -

    No Panorama mode

  • -

    Mix of USB ports

  • -

    No cables supplied

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The Autel EVO II builds strongly on its predcessor. The original Autel EVO, the company’s first folding camera drone, was an able competitor for DJI’s Mavic Pro series. On the spec sheet, it was arguably the winner, boasting 4K at 60fps. It also included a ground-breaking controller with a built-in color display which meant your phone wasn’t (always) needed. There were some issues though; the orange shell didn’t quite have the finesse of DJI’s consumer styling, the software lacked the emphasis on shareability and usability, and some felt the machine was a bit skittish in the air. The Autel EVO II doesn’t discard the high-vis orange, and it definitely places the emphasis on specs again, but can it beat the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom?

In a word, yes. Just like the Mavic 2 series, the Autel EVO 2 airframe is offered with different cameras. The 8K EVO 2 is the lower priced model while the EVO 2 Pro maxes out at 6K video but from a 1-inch sensor. There is also an EVO Thermal (the 8K camera paired with a 640 x 512 FLIR thermal camera) on offer, for more specialist roles. 

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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook