DJI Mini 2 review: Similar compact measurement, extra confidence flying
MSRP $449.00
“Do not let its small measurement idiot you as a result of the DJI Mini 2 flies confidently and options 4K video recording.”
Execs
- Correct 4K video seize
- Handles windy circumstances
- Steady reference to OcuSync 2.0
- Ridiculously compact measurement
Cons
- Lacks impediment avoidance sensors
- Horrible low-light efficiency
I assumed DJI was completed with bulletins for the 12 months. After the launch of the DJI Mavic Air 2 and Pocket 2, it appeared unlikely that we might hear anything from the drone maker for 2020, but it surely seems that it has one final thrilling product for customers earlier than the vacations. And sure, it’s one other drone!
Drones don’t usually obtain yearly refreshes, which is strictly why the DJI Mini 2’s announcement comes as a shock. The light-weight drone continues to fly beneath the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) radar due to its 249-gram weight, making it supreme for first timers as a result of it doesn’t require registration. Extra importantly, although, it squarely addresses a few of the shortcomings of its predecessor.
Extra elbow room with 4K video
In an age the place 4K video recording is commonplace amongst smartphones and cameras, it was a little bit of a letdown that final 12 months’s Mavic Mini topped out at 2.7K decision. Properly, that’s the primary merchandise on the record addressed by the Mini 2, which boasts correct 4K video seize. Whereas the body fee at 4K tops out at 30 frames per second (FPS), DJI has bumped up the bit fee from 40 Mbps on the Mavic Mini to 100 Mbps for the Mini 2.
John Velasco / Digital Developments
What does all of it imply? I’m notably happy with the additional decision, because it provides some further wiggle room in submit for me — comparable to having the ability to crop out and in of a scene after I export it in 1080p. In the meantime, for individuals who are watching movies and clips on 4K screens, the 4K decision implies that there’s no upscaling vital this time round.
Particulars are expectedly plentiful and crisp, however the very best outcomes are discovered throughout the daytime and afternoon when lighting is plentiful. Colours have an excellent, impartial tone to them — by no means too saturated to work with in submit. Nevertheless, its efficiency crumbles as quickly because the solar goes down, typically showing murky, darkish, and unusable until there are robust sources of sunshine within the scene. That’s partly as a result of there’s no change with the sensor, a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor perched on a 3-axis gimbal.
Dynamic vary efficiency isn’t near the extent I obtained with the Mavic Air 2, however some tweaking in submit can draw out particulars which can be in any other case misplaced within the shadows. Photographers will admire the Mini 2’s still-capture efficiency, however identical to video, it struggles beneath low mild and dynamic vary.
OcuSync 2.0 offers assurance
In the event you’ve ever piloted the Mavic Mini, you understand how video transmission might be prone to interference. It’s annoying for positive, but additionally scary if it’s extended. Fortunately, the DJI Mini 2 eases considerations due to DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology. The controller is a precise facsimile of the Mavic Air 2’s. It’s bigger in measurement, however I like how my smartphone is gripped on high of the controller — versus the underside with the Mavic Mini’s controller.
There’s extra reliability with the connectivity between the drone and controller.
With OcuSync 2.0, there’s extra reliability with the connectivity between the drone and controller. Dwell video, in reality, not often stuttered throughout my flights. And whereas I did handle to push its distance to over 1,000 toes from my location, DJI says that it’s able to reaching a ten kilometer vary (6.2 miles). There’s nothing worse than latency points at any time when I’m piloting a drone, so it’s assuring that OcuSync 2.0 offers me with extra responsive controls on the Mini 2.
John Velasco / Digital Developments
One in all my greatest fears about flying the Mavic Mini is pushing its vary farther away due to the potential of interference with its video transmission. There’s none of that right here with the Mini 2.
Flying in opposition to the wind
Flying beneath windy circumstances is all the time dangerous, but it surely’s extra profound whenever you’re coping with a light-weight drone just like the Mavic Mini. I can’t inform you what number of occasions I’ve aborted flying it due to windy circumstances. There are additionally a number of movies on-line of homeowners reacting to it floating away from their location due to robust winds. Despite the fact that I’m nonetheless cautious, the DJI Mini 2 handles the wind rather a lot higher.
On the primary day of flying the Mini 2, the Jersey Shore was being blasted by 17 mph winds. Fortunately, DJI upgraded the motors within the Mini 2 to higher face up to winds as much as 24 mph. I’ve all the time aborted flights with the Mavic Mini previously at any time when winds reached 12 mph. Within the air, it’s clear that the Mini 2 was working onerous to keep up stability, and whereas it seemed prefer it was rattling round, the video footage remained buttery clean.
John Velasco / Digital Developments
In really testing out its efficiency, I made a decision to see the way it handles flying in opposition to the wind. Shockingly sufficient, it carried out like a champ — even in regular mode. Switching over to sport mode will increase the facility, which allowed it to chop by way of the wind with ease. Its high pace nonetheless peaks at about 14 mph, however the acceleration from a hovering place is obvious that the motors are stronger.
Are you anxious that these upgraded motors will yield a shorter flight time? You don’t want to fret as a result of its battery life has been elevated to 31 minutes, which is a minute higher than its predecessor. Sadly, the Mini 2 makes use of a special form of battery, so that you received’t be capable of use current packs you could have from the Mavic Mini.
Some issues that might be higher
I’ve to admit that I’ve been spoiled by the Mavic Air 2, particularly its enhanced HDR seize, 4K 60 FPS seize, 8K hyperlapse, and asteroid quickshot mode. To be truthful, the Mini 2 does provide some neat cinematic pictures that autonomously pilots the drone for me — like dronie, boomerang, and circle quickshot modes. Nevertheless, the only space that’s nonetheless tremendously missing with the Mini 2 is impediment avoidance. The Mavic Air 2 options numerous sensors on its physique to detect obstacles, so it will possibly cease midflight and attempt to keep away from them. You get none of that with the Mini 2, which implies that I have to be cognizant of my environment always — plus that required line of sight distance.
It’s the perfect starter drone.
There’s additionally no automated monitoring mode that might permit the Mini 2 to observe me, so handbook piloting with the controller remains to be the primary manner of capturing footage. It’s not a horrible factor, however whenever you’ve been spoiled by the Mavic Air 2’s Energetic Observe 3.0 system, it’s one thing I wouldn’t thoughts having to observe me whereas biking round a lake, with out that concern of it colliding with one thing.
Additionally, there have been a few occasions when the DJI Fly app crashed on me whereas flying the drone. I think it’s as a result of it’s not ultimate software program, however fortunately I restarted it and obtained again to the place I left off.
John Velasco / Digital Developments
Our take
There are lots of causes to select up the DJI Mini 2, particularly if you happen to’re a first-time drone flyer or an fanatic. Sporting a price ticket of $449, it’s a straightforward suggestion over the $400 Mavic Mini. I’d advocate choosing up the $599 Fly Extra Combo as an alternative as a result of it comes with a couple of goodies that make it a sound package deal.
Not solely does it include three batteries, a charging hub, and further propellers, however I choose it over the Fly Extra Combo that included final 12 months’s Mavic Mini as a result of it comes with a correct carrying case (shoulder strap included) and a propeller guard that wraps across the drone.
Is the Mini 2 excellent? Not fairly, but it surely’s nonetheless a tremendous, tiny drone that doesn’t require FAA registration due to its 249-gram weight. The addition of 4K recording makes it a reliable participant within the area, however what really makes this providing considerably superior to its predecessor is the arrogance instilled in flying it — due to OcuSync 2.0 and the upgraded motors. Flying with confidence is all the time a superb factor, and the Mini 2 assures me of that with its responsiveness.
How lengthy will it final?
The identical all-plastic development remains to be evident right here, which definitely makes it really feel a bit on the delicate aspect. I don’t anticipate it to deal with crashes all that properly, so flying cautiously is crucial. You’ll additionally need to be additional cautious packing it up for journey due to its fragile really feel.
You should buy a DJI Care Refresh with the Mini 2 at a cos. It offers as much as two alternative items inside one 12 months on account of water injury and collisions.
Is there a greater various?
At this value level? Not likely. However, if you happen to’re keen to spend extra, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is the all-around drone for all ranges due to its security options, superior picture/video efficiency, and superior monitoring system. However you’re paying practically double at $799 to select it up.
Do you have to purchase it?
Sure. It’s a downright cut price given how straightforward it’s to pilot, in addition to the 4K video recording, cinematic quickshot choices, and compact measurement. Not like earlier than, I’ve extra confidence flying it due to OcuSync 2.0 and its upgraded motors. It’s the perfect starter drone for these trying to step up their recreation past flying for enjoyable.
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