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The biggest difference physically between the two is the controller. The Mavic Mini has a much smaller controller with folding arms that hold your phone below; the Mini 2’s controller is at least twice the size, and has an extending arm on the top to hold your smartphone. While there’s something to be said for the smaller size of the original controller, the newer one—the same as the one that comes with the Mavic Air 2—makes it easier to see your phone. DJI Mini 2 review: Performance Unedited footage can look a bit flat and underexposed in overcast scenes; it’s clear DJI processes footage cautiously and with video editors in mind. The clarity is respectable. Digital zooming is limited to about 2x if you’re shooting in 4K, though you can get usable 3x zoom footage at 1080p. As soon as the light drops, though, so too does the Mini 2’s usable zoom range, and indeed usable footage. Vision positioning requires non-reflective, discernable surfaces, and adequate lighting. Available at altitudes from 0.5-30 m. The vertical and horizontal positioning accuracy is within ±0.1 m. To recap, both the Mavic Mini and Mini 2 feature 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors with a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 (or 16:9, 4000 x ×2250).
You can also charge the battery in-drone, via the aircraft's USB-C port. It's located at the rear, next to the microSDXC memory card slot. The Mini 2 doesn't include any internal storage of its own, so don't forget to buy a memory card—I recommend a 16GB card at minimum for 1080p, and 32GB or 64GB if you plan on recording video at 4K. Safety Features Raw images are a bit flatter, color-wise, and retain more data. They're what you'll want to use if you want to fine-tune the look of your images, but it does mean you'll need to take some time to edit them before sharing. As happy as I am to see Raw added for serious photographers, it would be nice to include more tools those who want to add some artistic flair to their aerials when capturing ready-to-share JPGs.Not much has changed when it comes to the overall design of the Mini 2. Its body is compact, its propellers need to be screwed in, the legs are foldable, the battery and MicroSD slots are located in the rear, and the vision positioning sensors are placed on the bottom of the aircraft. If not for the '4K' lettering imprinted on the camera and a 'Mini 2' logo on the top left-hand arm of the vehicle, it would be difficult to tell them apart. Registering the Mini 2 with the FAA, or other regulatory agencies with a similar 250g cut-off isn't required Digital zooming is limited to about 2x if you’re shooting in 4K, though you can get usable 3x footage at 1080p. As soon as the light drops, though, so too does the Mini 2’s usable zoom range.
There are two other significant upgrades to the latest Mini beyond the camera: upgraded motors and the addition of DJI's OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology. DJI decided it was time to do away with the remote from the first Mavic Mini. Replacing it is a remote that replicates the design and functionality of the controller on the Mavic Air 2. This upgrade makes sense for a lot of reasons; it's easier to hold and despite the fact that I still find it challenging at times to clamp my smartphone in, its placement above rather than beneath the remote makes viewing the display screen way more convenient. Also worth noting: the Mini 2's 249g weight doesn't exempt anyone from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) rules and regulations for operating unmanned aircraft. It just means registering a Mavic Mini with the FAA, or regulatory agencies in other countries with a similar 250g cut-off, isn't required.The system still produces just .MP4, so it’s really for people who don’t expect to be grading (and the results do look good enough to share). In that spirit, DJI have also added digital zoom, which can be quite handy. It means you can operate further from the kids, and up to 2x (from a possible 4x) in 1080P it isn’t even lossy, though 2x at 4K is as far as it’ll go. If you prefer to get something without cropping in post, or even just to practice a shot before reverting to shooting in 4K at 1x, you might be grateful for this. Where the app excels for power users is the expanded menu, accessible by hitting the three dots in the top right. This is where max altitude and distance can be set, as well as your Mini 2’s home point. Flight time is measured in a controlled test environment. Specific test conditions are as follows: flying forward at a constant speed of 17 kph in a windless laboratory environment, in photo mode (without photo-taking operation during flight), and from 100% battery level until 0%. DJI upgraded the motors in the Mini 2, so in addition to getting an additional minute of flight time (up to 31 minutes), it can also be flown in winds up to 24 mph, a boost from the 17.9 mph limit of the older model. I was impressed with the original Mavic Mini and am even more delighted with the upgrades that the Mini 2 boasts. The updated motors really make all the difference as far as general noise and acceleration are concerned. Lately, it's been windy where I live, and the drone handled gusts quite well, delivering smooth footage and crisp images.
The Mavic Mini 2 is an excellent drone for hobbyists and beginners alike. One particular line that resonates is that this is 'a drone that grows with you.' The original Mini had its limitations with JPEG-only imagery, 2.7K video footage, and a Wi-Fi signal. DJI took the logical next steps to ensure that anyone purchasing the Mini 2 could accomplish a lot more with their investment. The Mini 2 SE isn't far off from other small folding drones in concept. Its arms collapse in for storage to create a 2.3-by-3.2-by-5.4-inch (HWD) frame. To keep costs low, the drone shares much of its tech with earlier models in the series; its airframe and motors are from the Mini 2, and its camera is from the original Mavic Mini. The app is also where you can tap into the front LED’s RGB spectrum, giving the DJI Mini 2 a gaming laptop vibe. Handy when flying with multiple drones, it makes identifying yours a doddle, and you can switch out the RGB mode across breathing, rainbow, and solid too.
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The DJI Mini 2 design inherits the palm-sized dimensions and foldable arms of the Mavic Mini for a size that’s so small it won’t cause a distraction when you’re flying it through the air. As for the transmission tech, the Mini 2 doesn't rely on Wi-Fi communication. With OcuSync 2.0, dual-frequency transmission automatically alternates between channels to prevent signal interference between the remote and drone. DJI claims connectivity up to 10km (6.21 miles). While that's impressive, it is important to keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times. Piloting the drone is very familiar if you’ve ever flown another DJI aircraft, or indeed any drone with altitude-hold and GPS (some toys have these features). These technologies are designed to make life easier for photographers and enthusiasts, and they work, especially in combination with the choice of Cine, Normal or Sport flight modes. Outside Cine mode you should exercise care though; the drone is responsive but still needs some room to counter its own momentum. It should also be kept in its case in anything beyond a 24mph (force 5) breeze – a definite improvement, but the low weight still has its limits. The best thing about the new DJI Mini 2 is its controller. Revamped in its entirety, simplicity is the name of the game here. Only the DJI Mavic Air 2 has the same advanced controller so far. The original Mavic Mini could only capture up to 2.7K/30p footage at 40 Mbps. The Mini 2 now allows you to record in resolutions up to 4K/30p, 2.7K/30p, and 1080p/60p at 100 Mbps. You can also zoom in on subjects while recording. Both 4K and 2.7K allow up to 2X zooming, and 1080p resolution allows you to hone in on a subject up to 4X, though the quality only remains lossless at 2X zoom.
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