The DJI Mini 2 has flown into our lives only a 12 months after the arrival of the DJI Mavic Mini. It’s stunning to see a successor to DJI’s smallest and most cost-effective drone already, so what new methods has it learnt in simply 12 months?
On the floor, the DJI Mini appears to be like equivalent to the Mavic Mini, with each drones that includes equivalent designs and three-axis gimbals.
There are different similarities, too – each the Mini 2 and Mavic Mini have the identical picture sensor, automated QuickShot modes and DJI Fly companion app.
But DJI has managed so as to add a number of headline upgrades that might tempt present Mavic Mini homeowners to commerce their drones in for the new mannequin.
While the Mini 2 stays an beginner drone that falls wanting providing pro-level flying efficiency or options, it’s the strongest little flying digital camera we have seen at this dimension and worth level.
Here are the 5 principal methods the DJI Mini 2 differs from 2019’s Mavic Mini, which can stay on sale as a good cheaper various…
1. The Mini 2 shoots 4K video
One of our principal criticisms of the DJI Mavic Mini was that it did not file 4K video, as a substitute topping out at a most 2.7K/30p decision. The Mini 2 addresses that with a headline 4K/30p mode, which it may shoot at a bit-rate of 100Mbps.
By comparability, the Mavic Mini might solely shoot at 40Mbps, so the Mini 2’s mixture of decision and bit-rate ought to signify an honest step up in video high quality, notably in case you’re taking pictures footage for the massive display screen.
That mentioned, the DJI Mavic Air 2 affords one other step up with its mixture of a bigger 1/2-inch sensor and 120Mbps bit-rate.
The Mini 2 truly makes use of the identical 1/2.3-inch sensor as the Mavic Mini, and we’re barely disenchanted to see there’s nonetheless no 2.7K/60p mode on the new mannequin. But its 3-axis gimbal means you possibly can anticipate superior total high quality than the most different entry-level drones.
2. Ocusync helps the Mini 2 fly additional
DJI makes use of totally different transmission methods (which is the method the drone and controller talk) for various fashions. Its beginner drones have a tendency to make use of Enhanced Wi-Fi, which is what we noticed on the DJI Mavic Mini. But due to a brand new controller, the Mini 2 has surprisingly has a extra superior proprietary system known as Ocusync 2.0.
What does this imply? You’ll be capable of management and see the Mini 2’s video feed from a lot additional away than on the Mavic Mini. While the latter’s most vary is 4km, its successor guarantees to be controllable through a dependable HD video feed from 6km away (in Europe) or 10km in FCC-compliant international locations like the US and Australia.
This is as a result of Ocusync 2.0, which we additionally noticed lately on the DJI Mavic Air 2, helps each 2.4GHz and 5.8Ghz frequency bands and auto-switches between the two primarily based on sign energy.
It’s price taking into consideration that these distances are maximums – in actuality, you may get someplace between a 3km-6km vary in additional populated areas with a lot of competing alerts. And based on the newest drone legal guidelines, you may additionally must preserve your drone in the line of sight always anyway.
3. The Mini 2 has extra highly effective motors
We’ll have to attend to see precisely how a lot of an impression this has on the Mini 2, however DJI says it has upgraded motors in comparison with the Mavic Mini. This has a number of comparatively useful however comparatively minor impacts on its flying efficiency.
Firstly, the Mini 2 has barely sooner acceleration than its older sibling, managing to ascend at 5m/s in its quickest ‘Sport’ mode, in comparison with 4m/s on the Mavic Mini. The new drone additionally has increased high pace of 16m/s in comparison with 13m/s on its predecessor.
Importantly for a small drone that tends to wrestle in breezy circumstances, the Mini 2 also can apparently stand up to barely stronger 24mph winds. Although this once more is not an enormous improve on the Mavic Mini, and it is truthful to say neither drone is appropriate for flying in actually gusty circumstances.
Still, the new motors apparently additionally contribute to the Mini 2’s barely longer 31-minute flight time, which is a minute longer than the Mavic Mini.
4. You can shoot uncooked photographs on the Mini 2
A little bit further deal with for photographers on the Mini 2 is the potential to shoot DNG uncooked photographs, one thing that is not accessible on the JPEG-only Mavic Mini.
Raw photographs offer you larger modifying flexibility than JPEGs, which implies you possibly can fine-tune the outcomes a bit extra to your liking in packages like PhotoShop.
Sadly, there is no equal for video on the Mini 2, with no choice for D-log or some other image profiles, so on this sense it is nonetheless very a lot a flying companion for newbies and hobbyists.
More superior aerial videographers searching for a small drone with extra versatile footage ought to take a look at the DJI Mavic Air 2, which shoots in the D-Cinelike profile, or the DJI Mavic 2 Pro.
5. The Mini 2 is pricier than the Mavic Mini
The addition of those further options to the DJI Mini 2 hasn’t come with out some added price – in actual fact, the new drone has had a 14% worth hike in comparison with the launch worth of the Mavic Mini.
You should purchase the Mini 2 in its primary bundle for $449 / £419 / AU$749, or with its Fly More Combo pack (which incorporates further batteries, a charging hub and a carry case) for $599 / £549 / AU$949.
This takes the Mini 2’s worth that little bit nearer to the DJI Mavic Air 2, which begins at $799 / £769 / AU$1,499, although it is nonetheless (on paper) by far the most succesful drone in its worth and weight class. We’ll convey you a full assessment to let you already know whether or not that is certainly the case very quickly.