The DJI Matrice 200 series drone is a true workhorse, designed and built for heavy duty applications such as utility and infrastructure inspections, search and rescue, precision agriculture, site mapping, and so on. Within the Matrice 200 series there are three models: the M200, the M210, and the M210 RTK. Each of the models within the Matrice 200 series is easily capable of the heavy duty work necessary for a variety of industrial applications, but there are a few important variations which may suit one to your needs above the others. First, let me clear up the major point of difference between the M210 and M210 RTK. The M210 RTK (which stands for Real Time Kinematics), offers more a stable GPS lock in environments with high electromagnetic interference such as around power lines. This ability allows greater precision for data collection in surveying, mapmaking, and photogrammetry, making it the logical choice for industries such as engineering, construction, and mining. For the remainder of this comparison, we will focus on the similarities and differences of the M200 and the M210. At first glance, in terms of size, frame, and function, they are very similar, so we’ll start with the similarities, and move on to the differences shortly.
What’s the Same With M200 and M210?
Aircraft
Both the M200 and the M210 fold up for ease of transport, and gimbal mounts remain attached during transportation, for easy setup on site. Many of the specs of the M200 and M210 are pretty much identical:
- Dimensions (folded): 28.2×8.7×9.3 inch
- Dimensions (unfolded): 34.9×34.6×14.9 inch
- Max takeoff weight: 6.14kg
- Max ascent speed: 16.4 ft/s (5 m/s)
- Max descent speed: Vertical: 9.8 ft/s (3 m/s)
- Max wind resistance: 39.4 ft/s (12 m/s)
- Max Flight Time(No Payload,With TB55): 38min
- Operating temperature range: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
- IP waterproof rating: IP43
A few minor points of difference in the aircraft specs are the weight, and payload capacity. The M210 is slightly heavier than the M200 (4.57kg vs. 4.53kg – with two TB55 batteries). And it has a slightly lower max payload (1.57kg vs. 1.61kg – with two TB55 batteries). However, these differences are slight enough to be negligible for most practical purposes.
Does the Matrice 200 and Matrice 210 Use the Same Batteries?
Both the M200 and M210 models can be powered with TB50 (standard) or TB55 (high capacity) batteries. These are the same batteries used for the Inspire 2.
What DJI Cameras Work with the Matrice 200 Series?
For the Matrice 200 series, these are the compatible camera payloads: Zenmuse X4S, Zenmuse X5S, Zenmuse Z30, Zenmuse XT, and Zenmuse XT2.
Does the Matrice 200 Series have Obstacle Avoidance Sensors?
The Matrice 200 series comes equipped with forward and downward vision systems (the downward vision system can be switched on or off), as well as an upward infrared sensor. These sensor systems are essential for the obstacle avoidance capability of the aircraft.
What’s Different Between the M200 and M210?
Camera Versatility
One of the most important differences between the DJI M200 and the M210 is the placement and number of gimbal options. This is one area where the M210 pulls ahead of the M200 in terms of versatility. Both the M200 and the M210 can be equipped with the standard single downward gimbal mount, the position you see on almost every other standard off-the-shelf quadcopter. The difference arises in that the M210 has two additional gimbal options: a single upward gimbal mount or a dual downward gimbal mount. In other words, two cameras mounted side by side, underneath. This means you can have the Zenmuse Z30 high powered zoom camera alongside the infrared Zenmuse XT2 providing you with ultimate versatility.
Whether you choose the M200 with the standard single downward gimbal, or opt for the M210 with the upward gimbal or the dual downward gimbal will depend primarily on the industry you’re in and the work you need done. Unlike most of DJI’s lower level drone models, you can’t just simply click a button and buy with the Matrice 200 series. You will have to work with an authorized DJI Enterprise dealer such as DSLRPros. DSLRPros will help you work through the process of determining exactly what your needs are and what configuration of infrared camera you need to get the job done. Here are just a couple examples of industry-specific configuration options. For search and rescue work, the M210 is the best option, with its dual camera payload and ability to carry both an aerial zoom camera and a thermal camera. This makes looking for body heat signatures easy and then being able to zoom in for a better look at the situation. For bridge and other infrastructure inspections, the M210 is also the right choice, this time because of the upward gimbal mount to allow a fully vertical view.
Remote Controller
The other main difference between the M200 and the M210 is the controller that comes with the UAV. The M200 comes standard with the Inspire 2 controller which can be used in conjunction with a smartphone or tablet for camera viewing. The M210 on the other hand comes standard with a more sophisticated remote control device developed by DJI called Cendence. One major advantage of the cendence is that it has dials that can be customized by the user. Another important feature of the cendence is that it allows for a master-slave dual user connection, the main function of which is to allow one operator to control the drone while another user with a separate controller operates the camera. The cendence is also compatible with the M200, so it can be added as an upgrade. The cendence also connects to a smartphone or tablet, giving both the M200 and the M210 access to the DJI Go app, with all its vast range of flight planning and smart flight features.
