When we think about a consumer drone under 0.55lbs (250g), the first product that comes to mind at the moment is the DJI Mini 2. Since the launch of the Mavic Mini, the Chinese manufacturer has been improving its flagship drone in this category. Their latest product was released in 2020 and instantly became a best-seller in specialized retailers.
The DJI Mini 2 is the perfect drone for travelers thanks to its light weight and great portability. Its creative competencies, together with an ample array of interesting features, make it a capable professional drone for certain jobs, such as delivering stunning 4K video in good light conditions or taking real estate HDR images where certain urban restrictions may apply.
Even though its CMOS sensor is too small to compete with those installed in professional-grade drone cameras, and despite the fact that it lacks an obstacle avoidance system, the latest mini drone by the company that started it all still gives you the best value for the money.
Key specifications
What’s new?
Key DJI Mini 2 takeaways
How the Mini 2 compares with the Mavic Mini
DJI Mini 2 vs. the competition
Initial impressions of the Mini 2
Mini 2 photo capabilities
Mini 2 video capabilities
DJI Mini 2 video features vs the competition
DJI Fly app and the Mini 2
Conclusions
DJI Mini 2 Full Specifications
Key specifications
Weight | <250 g / <0.55lbs (International version) |
Max Speed | Sport mode: 57.6 km/h (35.4 mph) Normal mode: 36 km/h (22.3 mph) Cine mode: 5.4 km/h (3.3 mph) |
Maximum service ceiling (above sea level) | 4,000 m (13,123 ft) |
Max flight time | 31 mins |
Maximum Wind Resistance | 36 km/h (22.3 mph) |
Operating Temperature | 0° to 40° |
Sensor | 1/2.3” CMOS |
Effective Pixels | 12 MP |
Max Image Size | 4:3: 4000×3000 16:9: 4000×2250 |
Video Resolution | 4K: 3840×2160 24/25/30p 2.7K: 2720×1530 24/25/30/48/50/60p FHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60p |
Supported File Formats | FAT32 (<32 GB) exFAT (>32 GB) |
Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
Video Format | MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) |
Max Transmission Distance (common scenarios) | Strong interference (e.g., city center) approx. 3 km (1.9 miles) Moderate interference (small towns) approx. 6 km (3.7 miles) No interference (rural areas) approx. 10 km (6.2 miles) |
Live View Quality | 720p@30fps |
Device App | DJI Fly Required: Android 6.0 or later / iOS v11 or later |
What’s new?
Even though the Mini 2 looks on the outside almost completely the same as its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, appearances can be deceiving. This is a perfect example because the Mini 2 improves nearly every feature in relation to the former <250g flagship drone manufactured by DJI.
Mavic Mini users longed for the possibility of recording in 4K with a mini drone, and finally, that is now a reality thanks to the Mini 2. The enhanced transmission stability, safer flight performance, a new fly app, and more intelligent functions are the key improvements made by DJI.
Key DJI Mini 2 takeaways
Let us now focus on the key aspects that have made this aircraft the king of the market, and we will compare it to its predecessor to see which one is a better purchase for your needs.
Bringing 4K video to mini drones
If there was something that pilots wished for in the Mavic Mini it was being able to shoot at 4K, the standard for drone video footage today. The Mini 2 includes an improved camera, allowing us not only to record at a higher resolution, but also to use a 4x digital zoom, and shoot images both in JPEG and DNG.
Taking pictures in RAW makes a huge difference for drone pilots who, for example, use this drone for real estate photography, for those to whom postprocessing images is a part of their day-to-day work, and for holiday goers that want to have high-quality memories of their vacation.
Improved transmission stability
One of the biggest improvements that the Mini 2 comes with is the new OcuSync 2.0. This technology extends the aircraft transmission range and adds a layer of resistance against interference. The old Mavic Mini employed a Wi-Fi-based transmission system, offering a maximum 2.5 mile (4km) range.
Thanks to OcuSync 2.0, the Mini 2 can automatically switch between two frequencies, extending the operational range to up to 6.2 miles (10 km) (under certain conditions).
Better flight performance
It is of great importance that your drone stays in the air flawlessly. That is why the increase in wind resistance, from level 4 to level 5, is a nice advancement.
If we look at the Beaufort Wind Scale chart (below), created by Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805, we can see the wind speed for each wind resistance level. According to this table, the Mavic Mini can withstand those winds encountered in a moderate breeze, such as those that create 1 to 4 ft waves, usually ranging from around 12 to 18 mph (19 to 28 km/h).
The Mini 2, on the other hand, can fly in a fresh breeze, or said in other words, winds that produce waves that are between 4 to 8 ft tall. There is a considerable increase in wind resistance from levels 4 to 5, so the Mini 2 can fly against wind speeds of up to 19 to 24 mph (30 to 38 km/h). This is quite impressive, considering how light this aircraft is.
It should be pointed out, that this is what the manufacturer recommends, but you can find some YouTube videos where pilots push the limits of this drone to fight greater wind speeds. Keep in mind, however, that if you crash your drone flying in these weather conditions, the warranty will not cover the repairs, as you would have surpassed the recommended limits.
Force | Wind (Knots) | WMO Classification | Appearance of Wind Effects On the Water | Appearance of Wind Effects on Land |
0 | Less than 1 | Calm | Sea surface smooth and mirror-like | Calm, smoke rises vertically |
1 | 1-3 | Light Air | Scaly ripples, no foam crests | Smoke drift indicates wind direction, still wind vanes |
2 | 4-6 | Light Breeze | Small wavelets, crests glassy, no breaking | Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, vanes begin to move |
3 | 7-10 | Gentle Breeze | Large wavelets, crests begin to break, scattered whitecaps | Leaves and small twigs constantly moving, light flags extended |
4 | 11-16 | Moderate Breeze | Small waves 1-4 ft. becoming longer, numerous whitecaps | Dust, leaves, and loose paper lifted; small tree branches move |
5 | 17-21 | Fresh Breeze | Moderate waves 4-8 ft taking longer form, many whitecaps, some spray | Small trees in leaf begin to sway |
Intelligent functions
Next, in our list of key takeaways of the DJI Mini 2, I’ll list out for you the new intelligent functions.
The Mini 2 uses DJI Fly to control some of the aircraft’s functions through your device (more on this later). Even though the Mavic Mini already supported intelligent flight modes such as Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket, DJI added Boomerang to the list in the Mini 2. Furthermore, it enhanced the user experience with three additional intelligent functions; Sphere, 180°, and wide-angle.
In Panorama is where we can choose any of these shooting modes. All of them take beautiful wide photographs, my personal favorite being the Sphere photo. In this sub-mode, the aircraft will automatically take pictures and create a spheric 360° image.
This kind of image has become a must-have memory of all the locations I shoot at. Varying the altitude at which the pictures are taken can change the perception of the area completely.
Editing on the Fly
Now it is possible to edit your images on your phone thanks to DJI Fly. Simply take some photos with your Mini 2, edit them, and now you can also send them wirelessly to other devices using QuickTransfer. This is not as fast as doing it with a USB cable, but it is great to have options, and very useful in certain cases.
How the Mini 2 compares with the Mavic Mini
The DJI Mini 2 improves all the features found in the Mavic Mini, but that does not necessarily mean that it is the perfect drone for you. Perhaps you have a pro drone for work, such as the Mavic 2 Pro, and you are only looking for a traveling aircraft to take a few shots of your holidays, so the Mavic Mini would be a good option.
Maybe you want 4K video in the most portable option in the market, and the Mini 2 is perfect for that. Whatever your personal or professional needs are, we are going to compare the two main DJI mini drones, so you can see which one is the best for you.
DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mavic Mini | |
---|---|---|
Price | $449 | $299 |
Flight Time | 31 minutes | 30 minutes |
Range | 10 km | 4 km |
Transmission System | OcuSync 2.0 | Enhanced Wi-Fi |
Weight | 0.55lbs (249 g) | 0.55lbs (249 g) |
Max Speed | 35 mph | 29 mph |
Obstacle Avoidance | Down only | Down only |
Video Resolution | 4K @ 30 FPS | 2.7 K @ 30 FPS |
Video Format | MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) | MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) |
Max FPS @1080p Resolution | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
Max bitrate | 100 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
Image Size | 4:3: 4000×3000/16:9 4000×2250 | 4:3: 4000×3000/16:9 4000×2250 |
Image Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) | JPEG |
Megapixels | 12 MP | 12 MP |
Photo Sphere | Yes | No |
Panorama 180° | Yes | No |
Wide Angle Photo | Yes | No |
Camera Zoom | 2x to 4x, digital | No |
Internal Storage | No | No |
Crucial Differences between Mini 2 and the Mavic Mini
The Mavic Mini and the Mini 2 are quite similar on the outside, but the newest model of DJI’s mini aircraft packs many improved features in comparison to its older brother. Let us take a look at what the crucial differences are between them:
- Price: The Mavic Mini is cheaper than the Mini 2. The reason is clear; the quality of its features is one step down. Is it worth paying $149 more for the Mini 2? Maybe it is for you, or maybe not. You will need to consider your needs and your budget.
- Range: Thanks to OcuSync 2.0, DJI has more than doubled the range of the Mini 2 compared to its predecessor. The maximum range of 6.2 miles (10 km) is more than enough for the vast majority of operations, so the little drone has nothing to envy in its bigger brothers.
- Speed: The change in speed is not great, but the 6-mph difference can be important in certain scenarios.
- Video Resolution: This is one of the biggest reasons to get the Mini 2 instead of the Mavic Mini. Recording video at 4K/30 FPS is today’s standard in the drone audiovisual industry, so if you are planning to use your mini drone for professional video recordings, the Mini 2 is for sure the best option.
- Bitrate: As bitrate indicates the amount of data that can be transferred at any given moment, the higher the number, the better the quality at which the video is being stored. The Mini 2 offers a 100 Mbps bitrate, while the Mavic Mini won’t go beyond 40 Mbps.
- RAW format: If you intend to post-process your images, only the Mini 2 has the option of storing them in DNG format. Saving your pictures in RAW (uncompressed) expands your editing possibilities, a feature that every professional benefits from.
- Panoramas: In the same way as before, the Mini 2 alone gives us the chance to shoot panorama photos. There are three modes in this category; sphere, 180°, and wide.
- Zoom: Another feature only found in the Mini 2. You can use a 2x or 4x zoom while controlling this aircraft, although only the 2x zoom is lossless.
- Remote Controller: The remote controller included with the Mini 2 increases the range of the aircraft to up to 6.2 miles (10 km). Compared to the 2.5-mile (4 km) range of the Mavic Mini, the new RC-N1 doubles the range that we can enjoy in the first DJI mini drone, and it is also more ergonomic.
- Wind resistance: Perhaps this is not such an important feature to compare, as we have seen videos that prove that the wind resistance is greater than what the manufacturer states. However, once again, the Mini 2 can withstand the wind speeds encountered in level 5, while the Mavic Mini resists those in level 4.
DJI Mini 2 vs. the competition
Until recently, the mini drones manufactured by DJI were difficult aircraft to draw a comparison to, simply because they created a category by themselves. As other manufacturers realized the potential this class had, they started building their products to compete with the unquestionable top dog.
Although DJI’s Mini 2 remains the market leader and the most well-reviewed, there is no denying that the competition is making great efforts to catch up. Sooner or later, the customers will benefit from this war, something that we, as pilots and consumers, should be very thankful for.
The Mini 2 offers the best value to the buyer. The starting price of $449 is just one of many reasons to select it as your preferred drone for this category. There are other cheaper aircraft that come with some improved features, but the Mini 2 remains the best all-around mini drone. However, we hope that DJI is paying close attention to its competitors for designing their next product, as in certain cases they have managed to get ahead of them.
Flight times are very similar in all mini drones, with the Hubsan Zino Mini leading this feature with a maximum operational flight of 40 minutes. The 10-minute difference is huge, meaning that the Hubsan product promises a 25% longer flight.
Considering that the DJI Mini 2 is on its way to becoming a two-year-old product (it will be in November 2022), it is no surprise that newer aircraft, such as the Hubsan Zino Mini and the Autel Nano, include better image transmission systems.
The winner in this class is the Autel Nano, offering a transmission resolution of 2.7 K @ 30 FPS when the aircraft is less than 1 km away from the controlling device, and 1080p @ 30 FPS when it is farther away. It is necessary to point out that, when using a phone, a 720p transmission seems to be more than enough. However, when we control the drone with a tablet, the improvement in image quality seen in the Autel Nano should be noticeable.
It wouldn’t be fair to talk about the Autel Nano in connection to the Mini 2 without mentioning that it is the newest and most expensive drone in this class, having been released in January 2022 with a starting price of $649.
That is, it is equipped with the best camera in the mini-drone market, mounting a 1/2” sensor, which allows it to shoot video at 4K / 30 FPS and take 48 MP images. If that were not enough, we can save our video files in MP4 and MOV using either the H. 264 or H. 265 codecs.
Additionally, it can save images in RAW format to edit them properly in postproduction. Did I mention that this is the most expensive mini drone? Yes, I think I did, but it also has the best camera, without a doubt.
Drone | DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini SE | Hubsan Zino Mini | Autel Nano | Fimi X8 Mini |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $449 | $299 | $549 | $649 | $399 |
Flight Time | 31 min | 30 min | 40 min | 28 min | 31 min |
Range | 10 km | 4 km | 10 km | 10 Km | 8 km |
Transmission System | OcuSync 2.0 | Enhanced Wi-Fi | Syncleas 3.0 | SkyLink | TDMA |
Image Transmission | 720p @ 30 FPS | 720p @ 30 FPS | 1080p @ 30 FPS | 2.7 K @ 30 FPS (<1 km) 1080p @ 30 FPS (>1km) | Not Specified |
Weight | 237 g | 249 g | 249 g | 249 g | 249 g |
Max. Speed | 35 mph | 29 mph | 35 mph | 33 mph | 35 mph |
Obstacle Avoidance | None | None | 3 directions | 3 directions | None |
Special Features | DJI Quickshots (Follow me with 3rd party applications) | DJI Quickshots (Follow me with 3rd party applications) | Quickshots, Night mode, Follow me | Quickshots, Orbit, Active Track | Quickshots, HDR, Follow me |
Highest Resolution | 4K @ 30 FPS | 2.7 K @ 30 FPS | 4K @ 30 FPS | 4K @ 30 FPS | 4K @ 30 FPS |
Video Formats | MP4 / MPEG-4 | MP4 / MPEG-4 | MP4 | MP4 / MOV | MP4 |
Video Codec | H. 264 | H. 264 | H.264 / H.265 | H.264 / H.265 | H.264 / H.265 |
Gimbal | 3 Axis | 3 Axis | 3 Axis | 3 Axis | 3 Axis |
Megapixels | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP | 12 MP |
RAW Supported | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3″ | 1/2.3″ | 1/1.3″ | 1/2″ | 1/2.6″ |
Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps | 40 Mbps | 200 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Initial impressions of the Mini 2
The first time you get your hands on a Mini 2, you get the impression that you are dealing with a sophisticated toy. It is hard to believe that such a small and light product comes with such a vast array of powerful characteristics.
To me, the most anticipated of its features was the ability to shoot at 4K. The idea of recording videos of my holidays from a bird’s perspective in that quality was a dream come true. Later on, as I learned more interesting options, such as the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) mode, I started to realize that this drone may look like a toy, but it is far from being one.
At that time, I was still considering whether I should become a pro drone pilot, but the more I flew the Mini 2, the bigger and clearer that idea became (despite the professional limitations of the aircraft in that regard).
Although I do miss the interface and features of the DJI Go, the new and simplified DJI Fly perfectly accomplishes its purpose. Flying the Mini 2 is an easy experience, even for a kid who just got the drone as a birthday present. The app itself guides you through every process flawlessly, avoiding the typical headaches that some new technology may cause us.
If you buy the Mini 2 right now, instead of when it came out (like I did), you may get a slightly different impression. The main reason is that DJI included their latest mini drone in the SDK (software development kit) allowing developers around the world to add this aircraft to their applications.
This means that you can now use your Mini 2 to create Waypoint missions, photogrammetry projects, and use features not included in the official fly app, such as Follow-Me and FPV modes.
Mini 2 photo capabilities
Even though the mini drone class is growing rapidly, most of these aircraft still pack a camera with a sensor that is too small to be compared with the ones equipped in professional drones (check the image below) A bigger sensor is capable of capturing more light, which translates into more information, and therefore, more quality. The Mini 2 mounts a 1/2.3” CMOS, which is the same that drones such as the Mavic Pro, DJI FPV, or the Phantom 3 SE make use of.
Image Size
As with the Mavic Mini, the Mini 2 has a maximum image size of 4000×3000 in 4:3, and 4000×2250 in 16:9. Its 12 MP camera is sufficient to capture great images of your vacation in environments with good lighting conditions.
It can also be used for some professional work, though it will only shine in certain circumstances. In some others, like in photogrammetry projects, a higher megapixel count makes a huge difference in the flight time required to capture the desired mapping area. Hence, you can still do this kind of job with the Mini 2, but you will require more batteries to do it.
RAW Format
One of the most important features that the Mini 2 brought to the table in this drone category is the possibility of saving your images in DNG (RAW) format. This is essential for professionals who want to make the most out of their images in postproduction, as it stores the stills captured by the CMOS sensor without processing them.
For those who do not need that much quality or simply do not have the space in their flash memories to store such big files, they can always save their pictures in JPEG.
AEB mode
The DNG format is supported not only when shooting in single shots, but also the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) and Panorama modes. In AEB, the drone takes 3 pictures at 2/3 EV (exposure value) steps. In other words, it shoots three images with different exposures so you can create an HDR photo in post-production.
The main feature of HDR images created with AEB mode is their wide dynamic range obtained by the union of several images with different expositions. These photos are usually easy to recognize, as they pop in a specific way.
Interval Mode
Since the Mini 2 was included in the SDK, alternative apps to the DJI Fly allow us to have greater control over this shooting mode. However, it is nice and useful that DJI included this feature officially. In interval mode, we can take photos every 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 seconds in JPEG format, and every 5/7/10/15/20/30/60/ seconds in JPEG+RAW. Interval mode can be employed, for example, to create a hyperlapse.
Panoramas
Panoramas are becoming increasingly popular among drone pilots. In part, this is due to the inclusion of these modes in the DJI Fly app. Thanks to this feature we can capture amazing 180°, wide-angle, and spheric images that are simply stunning. Another great aspect offered by Mini 2.
Photosphere shot with DJI Mini 2 by Daniel Cepeda
Low-light conditions
As I mentioned earlier, the small CMOS sensor equipped in the Mini 2 camera limits the quality of our images in low light conditions. This downside is probably the weakest point of the drone.
The image below was taken at dusk next to a Mavic Air 2S. While DJI’s best value drone captured amazing images with its 1-inch sensor, the Mini 2 struggled, even while in manual mode, to make the most of the situation.
Although I took that photo in RAW format, it was hard to improve it in postproduction, as tweaking the exposure, contrast, etc. would increase the noise considerably, and you can notice it in every pixel of the image when zooming in just a notch.
Mini 2 video capabilities
Similar to before, when recording videos, the Mini 2 sensor will not work in low light conditions as well as those equipped in other drones. However, learning how to shoot in manual mode will boost your results in these environments.
The 4K footage obtained with the Mini 2 in good light is simply amazing. You can select from 3 resolutions; 3840×2160 (4K), 2720×1530 (2.7K), and 1920×1080 (Full HD). Frame rates vary depending on the selected resolution. In 4K, you can choose between 24, 25, and 30 FPS, while in 2.7 K and Full HD the options are 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 FPS.
In regards to frame rate, we could say that the Mini 2 records in what remains the standard 4K / 30 FPS, although many drones support higher frame counts, which help create slow-motion videos. For example, the newest drone by DJI, the Mavic 3, can shoot at 120 FPS.
The Mini 2 has a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps, and stores the videos in MP4 format using the most popular codec to date (H.264). I personally miss being able to employ the H. 265 codec, as it would mean getting the same image quality in a smaller file.
Key video takeaways:
- The 4K video in the right light conditions is very detailed.
- Intelligent flight modes allow you to shoot at maximum resolution.
- Good autofocus.
- Gimbal stabilization is fantastic, even in windy settings.
- The high bitrate of 100 Mbps, is seen in much more expensive drones.
- Possibility of shooting at other resolutions; 1080p, 2.7K.
Video recorded with DJI Mini 2 in 4K / 30 FPS by Daniel Cepeda
DJI Mini 2 video features vs the competition
Drone | DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini SE | Hubsan Zino Mini | Autel Nano | Fimi X8 Mini |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Resolution | 4K @ 30 FPS | 2.7 K @ 30 FPS | 4K @ 30 FPS | 4K @ 30 FPS | 4K @ 30 FPS |
Video Formats | MP4 / MPEG-4 | MP4 / MPEG-4 | MP4 | MP4 / MOV | MP4 |
Video Codec | H. 264 | H. 264 | H.264 / H.265 | H.264 / H.265 | H.264 / H.265 |
Megapixels | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP | 12 MP |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3″ | 1/2.3″ | 1/1.3″ | 1/2″ | 1/2.6″ |
Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps | 40 Mbps | 200 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Quickshots
For beginners, Quickshots are the simplest way of getting the perfect shot effortlessly. In other words, they are short clips made automatically by the aircraft. They are limited though, as there are only five to choose from in the Mini 2. Therefore, they are great to get fast footage in a predefined manner, but you will always have more interesting options flying manually.
These are the five Quickshots included in the Mini 2:
- Dronie: After selecting a subject, the aircraft will fly backward while recording it. Once done, the drone will fly back to its original position (as in every Quickshot).
- Rocket: As the name suggests, this QuickShot emulates the lift-off of a rocket. Before pressing start, we will have to select the subject. Then, the aircraft will begin to ascend with the camera pointing down.
- Circle: Very similar to Point of Interest (POI) in the DJI Go app. After selecting the subject and direction, the aircraft will circle it.
- Helix: Similar to circle, but in this mode, the aircraft will spin around the subject while also ascending.
- Boomerang: Select the subject and the direction; then the drone will circle it in an oval path.
DJI Fly app and the Mini 2
It looks like DJI is substituting the DJI Go app with DJI Fly. So, even if many prefer the former, the new DJI flying app is here to stay.
I like the new app, but the problem is that it lacks some great features that we had in DJI Go, such as Tripod Mode. On the other hand, DJI Fly is simple, performs well, and comes with new goodies, such as the option to edit your images.
These are the features we love:
- Simple design
- Easy-to-use user interface
- Quicktransfer (share your files wirelessly)
- Video streaming
- Tutorials
- Quickshots
- Detailed information in the user profile
- SkyPixel (the place to share your footage with the community)
- A wide array of options to tweak
Conclusions
Here’s a round-up of what I like and don’t like about the Mini 2.
What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
Great 4K videos in good light conditions | Lack of 60 FPS in 4K |
The three Panorama photo modes | We miss being able to record slow-motion 120 FPS in 1080p |
Awesome tutorials that guide you through everything | No obstacle avoidance system |
Social media platform to share our photos and videos | DJI Fly lacks some features presented in 3rd party apps |
Supported microSD cards of up to 256 GB | Low light performance needs to be improved in future designs |
Simple user interface | Pricier than predecessor |
Improved controller ergonomics | Needs D-Log mode |
Long connectivity range | |
Good flight time | |
AEB mode for HDR images | |
Wireless data transfer | |
Easy to carry | |
Quickshots | |
Amazing value for the price |
Overall conclusion
There is no denying that the Mini 2 is a fantastic product. Equipped with a camera capable of recording at 4K / 30 FPS, the 249-gram mini drone by DJI achieves its objective of giving the consumer a portable aircraft for both recreational and some professional purposes.
There are a few things that need to be improved, such as missing features of the DJI Fly app, the small and limiting CMOS sensor, or the absence of an obstacle avoidance system. However, the overall experience of flying this drone is so satisfactory that it always leaves you wanting more.
If compared to its predecessor, the Mini 2 improves every single aspect and goes even further, adding some interesting options that we could not enjoy in the Mavic Mini, such as the AEB and Panorama modes, being able to store our images in RAW format, or record in 4K.
Scoring
Compared to…
It feels a little bit bitter comparing the DJI Mini 2 to the drones from the competition. The Mini 2 was released in November 2020, while the rest of the products that we compared it to in this article were set for sale afterward.
DJI did a great job back in 2020 with its mini drone, even though they increased the price unexpectedly. With the Mini 2 already in the market for a few months, it was time for the competition to make a move, and they did outstandingly, improving some of the aspects that we all wanted to see in better shape.
Some things not present in the Mini 2, like the obstacle avoidance system, were introduced in aircrafts such as the Hubsan Zino Mini and the Autel Nano. Additionally, the Achilles heel of Mini 2, the sensor, is larger in the Autel Nano, giving this drone a better image quality in low light conditions.
Now the ball is back again in the Chinese giant’s court, needing to climb on top to avoid falling behind in the future, and rumor has it that 2022 will be the year that we will see the Mini 3 on the market.
DJI Mini 2 | Hubsan Zino Mini | Autel Nano | Fimi X8 Mini | |
Release Date | November 2020 | October 2021 | January 2022 | September 2021 |
Price | $449 | $549 | $649 | $369 |
Take away
The Mini 2 is the best mini drone for serious beginners. Its combination of simplicity, together with a wide blend of interesting features and an excellent value, make it the perfect aircraft for those who want to slowly become a professional drone pilot or simply have an amazing tool to capture everlasting memories.
DJI Mini 2 Full Specifications
Aircraft | Specs |
Takeoff Weight [1] | < 249 g |
Dimensions | Folded: 138×81×58 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with propellers): 245×289×56 mm (L×W×H) |
Diagonal Distance | 213 mm |
Max Ascent Speed | 5 m/s (S Mode) 3 m/s (N Mode) 2 m/s (C Mode) |
Max Descent Speed | 3.5 m/s (S Mode) 3 m/s (N Mode) 1.5 m/s (C Mode) |
Max Speed (near sea level, no wind) | 16 m/s (S Mode) 10 m/s (N Mode) 6 m/s (C Mode) |
Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level | 4000 m |
Max Flight Time | 31 mins (measured while flying at 4.7 m/s in windless conditions) |
Max Wind Speed Resistance | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Scale 5) |
Max Tilt Angle | 40° (S Mode) 25° (N Mode)* 25° (C Mode)* * Up to 40° under strong winds |
Max Angular Velocity (by default)* | 130°/s (S Mode) 60°/s (N Mode) 30°/s (C Mode) * Can be adjusted to 250°/s with the DJI Fly app |
Operating Temperature | 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) |
Operating Frequency [2] | 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz |
Transmitter Power (EIRP) | 2.400-2.4835 GHz FCC ≤ 26 dBm CE ≤ 20 dBm SRRC ≤ 20 dBm 5.725-5.850 GHz FCC ≤ 26 dBm CE ≤ 14 dBm SRRC ≤ 26 dBm |
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) | GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO |
Hovering Accuracy Range | Vertical: ±0.1 m (with Vision Positioning), ±0.5 m (with GPS Positioning) Horizontal: ±0.3 m (with Vision Positioning), ±1.5 m (with GPS Positioning) |
Gimbal | |
Mechanical Range | Tilt: -110° to 35° Roll: -35° to 35° Pan: -20° to 20° |
Controllable Range | Tilt: -90° to 0° (default setting) -90° to +20° (extended) |
Stabilization | 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan) |
Max Control Speed (tilt) | 100°/s |
Angular Vibration Range | ±0.01° |
Sensing System | |
Downward | Hovering Range: 0.5-10 m |
Operating Environment | Non-reflective, discernable surfaces Diffuse reflectivity (> 20%,such as cement pavement) Adequate lighting (lux > 15, Normal exposure environment of indoor fluorescent lamp) |
Camera | |
Sensor | 1/2.3” CMOS Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
Lens | FOV: 83° 35 mm format equivalent: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus range: 1 m to ∞ |
ISO | Video: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual) Photos: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual) |
Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter: 4-1/8000 s |
Max Image Size | 4:3: 4000×3000 16:9: 4000×2250 |
Still Photography Modes | Single Shot Interval: JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s JPEG+RAW: 5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3 bracketed frames at 2/3 EV Bias Panorama: Sphere, 180°, and Wide-angle |
Video Resolution | 4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30fps 2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps |
Max Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps |
Zoom Range | 4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x |
QuickShot Modes | Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang |
Supported File Formats | FAT32 (≤ 32 GB) exFAT (> 32 GB) |
Photo Formats | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
Video Formats | MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) |
Remote Controller & Video Transmission | |
Operating Frequency | 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz |
Max Transmission Distance (unobstructed, free of interference) [3] | 10 km (FCC) 6 km (CE) 6 km (SRRC) 6 km (MIC) |
Signal Transmission Ranges (FCC) [4] | Strong Interference (urban landscape, limited line of sight, many competing signals): Approx. 3 km Medium Interference (suburban landscape, open line of sight, some competing signals): Approx. 6 km Low Interference (open landscape abundant line of sight, few competing signals): Approx. 10 km |
Operating Temperature | -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) |
Transmission Power (EIRP) | 2.400-2.4835 GHz FCC ≤ 26 dBm CE ≤ 20 dBm SRRC ≤ 20 dBm MIC ≤ 20 dBm 5.725-5.850 GHz FCC ≤ 26 dBm CE ≤ 14 dBm SRRC ≤ 26 dBm |
Battery Capacity | 5200 mAh |
Voltage | 1200 mA 3.6 V (Android) 700 mA 3.6 V (iOS) |
Supported Mobile Device Size | 180×86×10 mm (Height × Width × Thickness) |
Supported USB Port Types | Lightning Micro USB (Type-B) USB-C |
Video Transmission System | When used with different aircraft hardware configurations, both remote controllers will automatically select the corresponding firmware version for updating and support the following transmission technologies enabled by the hardware performance of the linked aircraft models: a. DJI Mini 2/ DJI Mavic Air 2: O2 b. DJI Air 2S: O3 c. DJI Mavic 3: O3+ |
Live View Quality | Remote Controller: 720p/30fps |
Max Bitrate | 8 Mbps |
Latency (depending on environmental conditions and mobile device) | About 200 ms |
Charger | |
Input | 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 A |
Output | 12V 1.5 A / 9V 2A / 5V 3A |
Rated Power | 18 W |
Intelligent Flight Battery | |
Battery Capacity | 2250 mAh |
Voltage | 7.7 V |
Charging Voltage Limit | 8.8 V |
Battery Type | LiPo 2S |
Energy | 17.32 Wh |
Weight | 86.2 g |
Charging Temperature | 5° to 40°C (41° to 104°F) |
Max Charging Power | 29 W |
App | |
Name | DJI Fly |
Required Operating System | iOS v10.0 or later Android v6.0 or later |
Supported SD Cards | |
Supported SD Cards | UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required. A list of recommended microSD cards can be found below. |
Recommended microSD Cards | 16 GB: SanDisk Extreme 32 GB: Samsung Pro Endurance, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Industrial, SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x 64 GB: Samsung Pro Endurance, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x, Lexar 1000x, Lexar High Endurance, Toshiba EXCERIA M303 V30 A1, Netac Pro V30 A1 128 GB: Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x, Lexar 1000x, Lexar High Endurance, Toshiba EXCERIA M303 V30 A1, Netac Pro V30 A1 256 GB: SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 |
Footnotes | |
Footnotes | 1. The standard weight of the aircraft (including battery, propellers, and a microSD card) is 242 grams. Actual product weight may vary. Registration is not required in some countries and regions. Check local rules and regulations before use. These specifications have been determined through tests conducted with the latest firmware. Firmware updates can enhance performance, so updating to the latest firmware is highly recommended. 2. Due to local policy and regulation restrictions, the 5.8 GHz frequency band is currently banned in certain countries, including but not limited to Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Please use the 2.4 GHz frequency band when operating in these locations. Always check local rules and regulations before use, as they may change over time. 3. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience, not aircraft battery capability. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance. Data was measured in an open environment without interference. Please pay attention to the return prompt on the DJI Fly app during the actual flight. Refer to the following applicable standard in different countries and regions:FCC: United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and other regions;SRRC: Mainland China;CE: UK, Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Macau, New Zealand, UAE, and other regions;MIC: Japan. 4. Data is tested under different standards in open areas free of interference. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance without considering Return to Home. Please pay attention to RTH prompts in the DJI Fly app during the actual flight. |