The Mavic name, which has long been used to identify DJI’s line of compact, foldable quadcopters, is dropped from the second-generation entry-level Mini 2. Although it costs a little more than the original Mavic Mini, it has an improved camera, more potent motors, and a more reliable remote control connection. Although it lacks some of the more sophisticated capabilities found in the Mavic Air 2, it’s a good option if you want to save money and stay out of FAA’s way, earning our Editors’ Choice award. also you will learn our article on DJI Mini 2 review.
DJI Mini 2 review: Design
It’s difficult to overstate how much the modification to the controller improved the Mini 2 package. The Mini 2 design has more weight and is built stronger than the original Mini, which had a plastic, fold-out model with a video game-like appearance and feel. In addition to the toggles, the front face of the device has two tiny function buttons, an RTH/pause button, and a switch for each of the three flight modes. It gives the operator confidence and is neat like the drone itself. The drone is a copy of the Mavic Mini and has fold-out arms. According to DJI, you can fly this model for 31 minutes on a single charge, but in reality, you can only fly for about 23 minutes per battery due to the return to home auto function, which activates when there is only 25% of the battery left. It’s a good reason to purchase the Fly More Combo because it comes with three batteries, giving you well over an hour’s worth of total flight time. Speaking of power, the controller has enough of it thanks to its 5,20000mAh capacity, however charging it takes some time. One more thing: the SD card is accessible because it is located on the drone’s back. Additionally, a USB-C port is present for on-the-go charging. Additionally, keep in mind that despite lacking forward- or backward-moving obstacle avoidance sensors, the Mini 2 does have a few underneath so it can respond to the ground when landing.
Controller and handling
The new DJI Mini 2’s controller is its finest feature. The entire thing has been overhauled, and simplicity is the goal. So yet, the same sophisticated controller is only found on the DJI Mavic Air 2. It makes sense that the DJI Mini 2’s controller would be heavier than the drone itself given its 5,200mAh battery load. The unit’s left and right joysticks are kept in the bottom portion and easily screw onto the appropriate ball-socket element. A connector cable is housed in the cavity of the spring-loaded phone holder, which emerges from the top of the controller. Three connector cables—one each for Lightning, micro USB, and USB-C—are included in the box. There are buttons for landing and power, a mode switch, and a Fn button that is by default set to perform one-press vertical axis pans. Additionally, there is a physical slider that can be used to switch between Cine, Normal, and Sport modes. This is a very useful addition for anyone who doesn’t want to fiddle with a digital interface while in flight. The hollow of the spring-loaded phone holder, which protrudes from the top of the controller, is home to a connecting cable. The kit contains three connector cables: one each for Lightning, micro USB, and USB-C. There are landing and power buttons, a mode switch, and a Fn button that can pan the vertical axis with one press by default. A physical slider that can be used to switch between Cine, Normal, and Sport modes is also available. For anyone who doesn’t want to mess around with a digital interface while in flight, this addition is very helpful.
DJI Mini 2 review: Features
As was already said, DJI excels at offering customers immediate access to complex filmmaking techniques, and the DJI Mini 2 is no exception. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never flown a drone before; the DJI Fly software that comes with it does the majority of the work for you. The DJI Fly app’s ‘Quickshots’ section opens up once you’ve finished the manual controls tutorial, and this is where the real fun starts. The DJI Mini 2 can perform a number of fancy maneuvers listed in the Quickshots menu at the touch of a button, though you do have control over how far the drone can travel while performing these aerial feats. Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang are among the five Quickshot modes available overall. The Mini 2’s Dronie and Rocket features, which propel itself away from a topic at an angle or straight up, respectively, to reveal the surrounding scenery, will likely appeal to the social media addicts among us the most. On the other hand, the three remaining modes will feel much more at home with filmmakers. Circle does exactly what it says on the tin: it slowly circles a subject that has been highlighted until a full circle has been made. While Helix completes its journey at a distance and Boomerang continues the recording as the drone returns to its starting point, Helix and Boomerang are a little fancier, spiraling around a subject as the drone moves further away.
Video quality
Unquestionably, 4K is a welcome improvement. Now that 4K is a normal function on a mid-range phone, the question of whether makers still need it is hardly relevant. It also indicates that the system is currently recording at 100Mbps, which is useful information. The system still just generates.MP4 files, so it’s basically only for those who don’t plan to grade. In keeping with that, DJI has also included digital zoom, which is pretty useful. also you can check our article on DJI Mini 2 review. It means you can work away from the kids for longer distances, and up to two times in 1080P it isn’t even lossy, though two times in 4K is the maximum. You might be appreciative of this if you prefer to get something without cropping in post-production or even just to practice a shot before switching back to shooting in 4K at 1x. Additionally, the drone keeps and expands on the well-liked DJI QuickShot capabilities. These are a group of modes that use the camera to find a suitable subject to record ten seconds of video along a predetermined path. It’s disappointing that the effects only work at 1080P; perhaps the object tracking is using up some processing power. QuickShots can be exported as plain video or as enhanced clips that are ready for social media and include music, timing shots, and the DJI logo. The options menu only offers anti-flicker and auto or manual white balance. Replaying the excellent built-in tutorial is an option in the control menu, as is selecting the color you want the front LED to glow in (possibly as a nod to Philips Hue). Good information.
DJI Mini 2 review: Image quality
The Mini 2 can now accurately represent whatever environment you’re in. For instance, I was able to extract any high-resolution stills photographs from the recordings on two different flying sessions—one on a sunny day and the other on a chilly morning clouded by fog. Both times, the video quality was constant and sharp. With the added resolution comes the ability to 4x zoom while filming, allowing you to get even closer to distant subjects that might be farther away than the previously mentioned 6km limit. Although it’s a nice feature to have, during testing we discovered that operating the drone itself was so enjoyable that we rarely needed to use the zoom function. It’s good news for aspiring photographers that the DJI Mini 2 can now snap photos in RAW in addition to JPEG. This enables far greater editing flexibility, which can greatly enhance the kind of large landscape shots that drones thrive at. If you’re brand-new to drone use, it’s important to note that the DJI Mini 2 doesn’t record audio for obvious reasons. But since a lapel mic can easily solve the issue, it’s not the worst issue in the world.
Flight performance
Think again if you’ve never flown a drone and believe it’s similar to controlling a model helicopter. Drones made by DJI, like this one, are exceedingly simple to fly. The joysticks have a lovely soft springy feel to them, and the normal mode flight parameters are perfectly adjusted to account for the insensitive approach that the majority of beginners exhibit when they fly a remote-controlled aircraft for the first time. The closest analogy we can come up with is that it’s similar to driving a car because everything ramps up very smoothly and gradually thanks to the joysticks’ long range of motion, which is similar to an accelerator pedal in a car. Since a drone of this kind is intended to capture video, blazingly quick performance is the last thing you need.’ Despite this, the little Mini 2 is no slouch when it comes to speed; in normal mode, it can reach 22 mph, and in sport mode, it can hit a respectable 36 mph. The GPS-equipped Mini 2 is surprisingly stable in a strong breeze considering how nimble it is; it will lock onto a number of satellites and simply stay in one place until the pilot plays with the control sticks. For a drone of this size, it can fly for up to 31 minutes at a time, which is impressive. you can read our article on DJI Mini 2 review. Everything the camera captures is transferred to your phone, which is conveniently cradled on the hand controller as is the case with most respectable drones. This drone will continue to send real-time transmission images from up to six miles (10 km) away thanks to DJI’s ground-breaking OcuSync 2.0 technology. This distance is astonishing while being technically prohibited (by law, you are required to always fly within line of sight). Because the Mini 2 lacks obstacle avoidance, just like the original Mavic Mini, you might need to take extra precautions when flying in confined spaces. However, if people use common sense, this reviewer doesn’t believe the lack of obstacle avoidance is a deal-breaker.
DJI Mini 2 review: Price
We believe that the Mini 2’s price of $449 is fairly affordable. In contrast, the $399 original Mavic Mini model is unable to record 4K video. The prices of the company’s most recent models, such the DJI Air 2S, can range from $999 to more than $2000. It is worthwhile to consider purchasing the $599 Fly More Combo. You will also receive two more batteries, a two-way charging hub, and a 360-degree propeller guard in addition to the Mavic Mini 2.
Conclusion
Compared to the Mavic Mini, the DJI Mini 2 is more steady and less susceptible to wind buffeting, making for smoother footage with lots of discernible detail. Additionally, it appears that the connection between the controller and drone is more dependable thanks to the improved transmission technology. Anyone seeking for their first drone or a small, portable drone to take anyplace will find it to be very easy to fly and fun. However, if you want the highest-quality video, you must have a set of magnetic ND filters. The DJI Mini 2 is a fantastic alternative now that the DJI Mini 3 Pro is available, especially if your budget doesn’t allow for the Mini 3 Pro.
