DJI Mini Vs Mini 2: Which One is better For You?

DJI Mini vs Mini 2 Comparision

Design and Features – DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic mini

There is not much difference between the DJI Mavic Mini 2’s predecessor and the Mini2 when it comes to the design. Although some measurements are slightly different from their counterparts by 1mm, the take-off weight (which is 242g for the drone) remains the same. Both devices also use many of the same accessories. This raises the question: “Have they changed the sizes or were they just rounding them?”

An in-depth examination of the airframe reveals some changes. The front light has a new LED that can be used in a variety of colors. The front of the 3-axis Gimbal has a new logo by 4K. There is also a ‘2″ for brag purposes.

The folding process is, in design terms, quite simple and easy to master. The fact that the front legs open first and close last is a constant reminder.

The new DJI version has the same screw-on propellors, which is a shame. However, the centripetal force folding works perfectly and both Minis come with a screwdriver. This argument might also be used to favor a case that has good pockets.

Size and weight

The Mavic Mini 2 and Mavic Mini 1 are both of the perfect size and weight. The Mavic Mini 1 is 249g and the Mini 2 is 238g. This is an extremely important feature and one of the best aspects of these drones.

Drones less than 250g are not required to be registered in most countries. Operators don’t even need a license to fly them. Although there are restrictions on where drones can be flown, they don’t need to be registered. Drone footage is now a standard in documentary, film, and video. Sometimes all you need is a quick drone shot. For many businesses, this footage will suffice.

You can use reflective stickers or ND filters with the DJI Mavic Mini 2’s slightly smaller Gs, but you are still within the limit.

Noise

The Mini2 is 6-8db less loud than the original DJI Mavic Mini 1. Although this may not seem like much, especially outside, it’s a good sign that they are making improvements in the loudness of their drones.

DJI seems to have reduced the drone’s sound with each new release. This is a good sign that their engineers are constantly working on this issue.

Cases

DJI has replaced the Mavic Mini 1’s rigid grey case with a more flexible, sling-style bag. Although the original case gave flyers more confidence when taking their Minis on trips, the new sling bag is much more water-resistant, can hold more accessories, and doesn’t need to be carried around while you work.

Also, if you were worried about the safety of the drone inside of that pouch, DJI has created a new brace for the Mini2 to keep the propellers and arms safe inside your bag.

Controller

The DJI Mavic Mini 2 comes with a new controller similar in style to the Mavic Air 2 remote. The new remote control has a longer battery life and an ergonomic design, which uses OcuSync 2.0 technology to make the grip more comfortable.

The DJI Mavic Mini 2’s user experience is enhanced by integrated antennas and a clamp to attach your smartphone. This makes flying much more enjoyable and smoother.

Flight Performance – Mini  2 vs Mavic mini

Flight transmission range

The Mini 2 has a number of key upgrades when it comes to flight performance.

The DJI Mavic Mini 2’s flight range is another area where the Mavic Mini and Mini 2 differ quite a bit. The Mavic Mini can transmit HD video up to 4km, while the Mini2 can transmit HD video up to 10km. This distance is sufficient to match larger than other DJI drones.

You can fly the drone and capture all the footage you need, without having to move from your current location. OcuSync 2.0 is DJI’s innovative video transmission system that allows the Mini2 to transmit so far.

The 2.4/5.8GHz Dual Frequency system is what the drones have in common. The system automatically switches between the frequencies, cutting through interference to ensure a reliable signal. You don’t need to worry about interference and signal fading if you are flying within the appropriate range. This will ensure that your drone is safe and your flight quality is not compromised.

Flight time

The Mavic Mini features an upgraded power system that is similar to the Mavic Mini. This allows you to fly the drone for as long as 30 minutes and still have a full charge under ideal conditions.

The Mini2 is slightly faster than the older sibling with a flight duration of up to 31 mins. This isn’t a huge difference but it can be enough to capture all the footage you need, without stopping to charge.

The Mini2 and Mavic Mini drones can fly farther and longer than ever before, allowing you to plan, compose, shoot, and edit the perfect shot.

Flight speed

The Mini 2 has a greater maximum flight speed of up 57.6 km/h. This is an incredible improvement on the Mavic Mini 1’s 46.8 km/h maximum speed. You can cover more ground and capture stunning shots with more detail. You will also be able to save valuable time and get the drone to the right place faster, which will allow you to record more footage.

The drones can be controlled in three modes. S, Sport mode is the fastest. N or P is a more suitable option for everyday flying. Cinematography mode drops speed to levels that would suit moviemakers. It is important to note that a faster Sport mode does not mean that your drone will be flying flat out 24/7, but that the motors can do so (which means more powerful motors).

Wind Resistance

A small, lightweight drone is easier to control. However, it can be more difficult to fly in windy conditions that can cause it to lose balance.

The DJI Mavic Mini 2 has an increased wind resistance of up 37.8 kilometers. This is nearly equivalent to the larger Mavic Air 2 and is much more powerful than the 28.4 km/h maximum wind resistance. The Mini2 DJI is more stable in windy conditions than the original Mavic Mini, so you won’t need to worry about safety as much.

Camera Performance

The first big improvement with the Mini 2 is the jump to 4K video. The maximum video resolution is 2.7k which allowed for 1080p footage as well as lossless reframing. The 4K project that was made with this footage did not look as sharp.

This is solved by the Mini 2, which shoots in a 4K video at up to 30fps with a much higher bitrate of 100mbps. The DJI Mini 2 captures 30 frames per second, which is the same as the original drone. You also get 4X digital zoom and the option to take RAW photographs. This is a significant step up in still drone photography. You can easily correct or enhance an image with RAW photos without losing any of the original.

The Mini 2 boasts a wide range of shooting modes that will allow you to create high-quality content, in addition to the upgraded camera.

These QuickShots include Dronie, Rocket, Rocket, and Circle. They are similar to the original Mavic Mini.

Boomerang is an additional QuickShots feature on the Mini2. This allows the drone to fly around the subject and start and stop the video at the same time.

The Mini 2 offers new features that are not available on the Mavic Mini, aside from QuickShots.

The Mini 2 can capture panoramic images, such as the following:

• Sphere: Captures 25 images, stitches them together to create a clear image.
• 180deg: Captures four photos for sweeping landscape images.
• Wide: Captures a large 3×3 image that includes nine images.

Mavic Mini 2 also supports 4K Hyperlapse, which is an additional feature not supported by Mavic Mini.

AEB Triple Shot is also available on the Mini2. This allows you to take three images with varying exposures and combine them into one vivid image. It can also be used for timed shots.

Mini2 now includes the all-new Enhanced Photo. You can download automatically enhanced photos from the DJI App, and share them on social media in a matter of seconds.

This content can be easily shared through the DJI Fly App, which has been updated for the Mini2 launch.

You can connect your phone directly to the Mini 2 with no remote controller. Images can also be downloaded at a high-speed rate of 20 Mb/s supported downloading QuickTransfer.

Trimmed Download allows you to easily cut segments from long videos to edit and then download them.

The Mini 2 is a step ahead of the Mavic Mini in terms of output. With DNG and JPEG+DNG modes, it is possible to capture a more dynamic range per single image. You can also use post-processing. JPEG on the Mavic Mini is somewhat restrictive, so photography enthusiasts have only one option. Auto Exposure Bracketing (3 frames with 2/3 EV bias) is better than nothing. The addition of auto-stitched panoramics brings back a feature set from the Spark that didn’t make the Mavic Mini.

Battery Life – DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic mini

The Mavic Mini 2 has a different style of battery from the original Mini 1, and although the new Mini 1 batteries can be used in the Mini 2, you CAN NOT use your Mini 2 batteries in your first Mavic mini.

Many drones come with “intelligent flight batteries”, including DJI’s more expensive models. These have built-in charge meters and are able to take one press. The firm decided to place the meter portion of the Airframe, instead of using this approach for the original Mavic Mini. This approach is retained in the Mini 2 with identical (but not compatible) batteries.

There is a button at the bottom of two drones, along with four LEDs. These are rough histograms or animations for charging the drone’s battery. They are simpler and more affordable than the ones on the battery.

The Mavic mini and DJI Mini 2 can both be charged by the same USB-C connector instead of a micro usb. This connector can connect to your phone charger or any other USB-C device. Although it’s ironic that some phones may soon lose their charging cables, the socket is lighter than a wireless coil so DJI seems to have made the right decision.

The drone can be charged in its own battery to keep costs down and make it easier to transport. It takes less than 2.5 hours to charge. However, if you purchase the Fly More kit, you will get the Charging Hub. This accessory can charge up to three batteries at once straight from the mains, or you can use it as a bower brick for your phone.

Although the hub and batteries look very similar to the Mini2 or Mavic Mini, the 2020 models have a grey and 2,250mAh capacity, which has dropped from 2,400mAh to 2,250mAh. The reason is that the batteries can still be charged with LiPo 2S, but they weigh only 86.2g instead of the 100g 2019 models. They also accept 29W (5W) more.

Safety Features- DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini

Both the Mavic Mini 2 (and Mavic Mini) share an impressive array of smart features that improve safety and ease beginner pilots into flying a drone. Smart Return to Home (RTH), a safety feature shared by both DJI drones, allows you to return the drone to its starting point at any moment. Simply tap the RTH button on your remote or the DJI Fly App and the drone will begin its return flight.

Both drones have precision hovering and automatic takeoff. You can set the drone to launch automatically into the air. This eliminates the need to perform manual actions. You can make your drone hover at a specific height using precision hovering. This allows you to focus on the shot and not on the drone’s piloting.

Price

DJI drones come in all shapes in sizes, from commercial drones used for topographical mapping to consumer drones used for recreational videography. There are a few options for purchasing these drones. DJI has the drones available as a standalone purchase or as part of a package. We recommend that you choose the Fly More Combo regardless of your budget.

The combo is more expensive than buying individual items, but it is still very useful. The Mavic Mini price is $399 (for the combo), and the Mini 2 is $449 ($599 for the combo), as the Mini2 is packed with superior features, it is perhaps no surprise that this new release has a higher price tag than the original version.

Which Is Better?

Although the DJI Mini 2 may be number 2, it isn’t number 2. It is still a very capable drone for its size. The DJI Mini2 would be a great first drone for filmmakers and videographers, while hobbyists will enjoy the increased range and improved camera performance.

This weight class is where I hope DJI is investing the absolute most of its resources for development. The licensing process and ever-changing regulations have kept me from owning a drone. I could see myself adding the DJI Mini 2 to my kit.