Back in October 2019, DJI launched the DJI Mavic Mini. It’s a small fun to fly drone and worked well for its weight and size. Weight is a big deal as it comes in at 249 g, which allows the drone to be used without a license. All drones that weigh 250 g and up require it to be registered. Today DJI releases an updated version with a new simpler name.
Knowing flight time is a commodity with drones, DJI put together a nice Fly More Combo Kit for the Mini 2. The kit includes three batteries and a three dock charger: a few extra blades and a travel bag.
Main Upgrades
The new Mini 2 incorporates several key upgrades, including the following.
- 249-gram weight, tiny folding frame size
- 4K 30p @100 Mbps previously 2.7k 30p @40Mbps
- Ocusync 2.0 high-grade transmission tech compared to the Wifi transmission technology
- Improved motors for 31 minutes of flight time, withstand winds up to 24mph
- 4X zoom @1080p, 3X zoom @ 2.7K, 2X zoom @4k
- Jpeg + RAW
- Comfortable grip with a long battery life of 240 minutes
Battery Life
DJI states the Mini 2 has a 31-minute fly time battery. That’s 1-min longer than the Mavic Mini rating. A full charge takes about two hours. Press the button on the battery once to check the
The included three bay charger is compact and holds the battery securely. One downside with the charger is it only charges one battery. It takes two hours to fully charge one battery, which comes to 6 hours for three fully charged batteries.
DJI Mini 2
- DJI Mini 2
- Remote Controller
- Intelligent Flight Battery
- Pair of Extra Propellers
- USB Type-C Cable
- Gimbal Protector
- Micro-USB RC Cable
- USB Type-C RC Cable
- Lightning RC Cable
- Pair of Extra Control Sticks
- 6 x Spare Screw
- Screwdriver
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo
- DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo
- Remote Controller
- 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery
- 3 x Pair of Extra Propellers
- USB Type-C Cable
- Gimbal Protector
- Micro-USB RC Cable
- USB Type-C RC Cable
- Lightning RC Cable
- Pair of Extra Control Sticks
- 18 x Spare Screw
- Screwdriver
- Propeller Holder
- Two-Way Charging Hub
- 18W USB Charger
- Shoulder Bag
Controller
The controller is similar to the Mavic Air 2 as opposed to the Mavic Mini. It’s a little bulkier but feels good in the hand, plus the monitor is now on top as opposed to in the center on the controller. It does feel solid and holds your smartphone securely in the clamp.
OcuSync 2.0
DJI’s proprietary OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology delivers a reliable HD video feed from the drone at a max distance of 10km. OcuSync 2.0 supports both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands and uses an auto-switching feature to move between the two based on signal strength, while anti-interference technology blocks unwanted signals to keep the video feed clear.
Improved Photo & Video Quality
The DJI Mini 2 uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor that is capable of capturing 12-megapixel images and a maximum video resolution of 4K/30fps @100 Mbps. While the sensor didn’t get an upgrade it did get a nice bump in resolution from the Mavic Mini’s 40 Mbps. Additionally, images can be saved in standard JPEG as well as RAW. While recording in 1080p resolution, pilots can get closer to their subject without actually having to move the drone thanks to the 4X Zoom (2X lossless in quality) option.
- Pre-programmed Intelligent Modes – Make your content stand out with just a tap thanks to these pre-set modes including:
- QuickShots: Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang
- Panoramas: Sphere, 180°, Wide-angle
- Image modes: AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) Triple Shot, Timed Shots
- Easy Sharing and Editing – Sharing is caring, and the DJI Fly app and DJI Mini 2 have a ton of enhancements that make sharing immediately on social media easy and intuitive.
- QuickTransfer: allows users to connect the smartphone directly with DJI Mini 2 for high-speed download at a rate of 20 MB/s
- Enhanced Photo: uses local tone mapping tech and automatically enhances photos directly in the app
- Trimmed Download: allows users to select parts of the video they prefer and download only the desired clips
Flight Time
31-min Flight Time – DJI Mini 2’s weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer drones on the market. Fly for up to 31 minutes with a fully-charged battery.
Accessories
- 360° Propeller Guard: highly recommended for beginners or anyone who flies indoors or near people.
- DJI Mini bag+: colorful, fashionable, and enlarged based on the Mavic Mini Bag, compatible with Mavic Mini and DJI Mini 2.
- DJI charging display base: upgraded from the previous version, compatible with Mavic Mini and DJI Mini 2.
- DJI Mini 2 DIY Creative Kit (with DIY stickers): same as the Mavic Mini Creative Kit; compatible with Mavic Mini and DJI Mini 2.
- DJI Mini 2 snap adapter: an adapter that snaps onto the top of the DJI Mini 2 that allows for the attachment of a small LED screen that messages can be written on; compatible with Mavic Mini and DJI Mini 2.
QuickShots
Quickshots are preset modes that are easy to use and deliver some cool moves. Simply select your QuickShot you want to use and Mini 2 will execute the motion while recording. You can also share the short video instantly with friends on social media.
Modes Include
- Dronie – DJI Mini 2 flies backward and upward, with the camera tracking your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
- Circle – DJI Mini 2 will circle around your subject at a constant altitude and distance.
- Helix – DJI Mini 2 flies upward and away, spiraling around your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
- Rocket – DJI Mini 2 flies straight up into the air with the camera pointing downward, following your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
- Boomerang – DJI Mini 2 flies a boomerang-like oval flight path around your subject, starting and stopping video in the same place.
To use QuickShot modes from within the app, select the remote control icon at the left of the screen, then select QuickShot. From there, select the specific QuickShot you’d like to perform. Select your subject by tapping on it. Once your subject is illuminated by a green square, the drone will begin the QuickShot mode.
Once completed, it comes back to the original position.
No ActiveTrack
A popular feature with several DJI drones is ActiveTrack. DJI did include it with the now discontinued Spark. This feature is cool. Pick a subject, and the drone and camera will follow it. More features, more money. 😀
ActiveTrack should be added, and hopefully, later on, it will as DJI put it in the new Pocket 2.
Using the Remote Controller
Each DJI Mini 2 comes with a dedicated remote controller and maintains an HD video feed at a distance of up to 10 km.
- Turning the Remote Controller On and Off – Press the Power button once to check the current battery level. Press once, then again and hold to turn on/off the remote controller.
- Charging the Battery – Connect the USB-C power port on the remote controller to a USB charger to charge the battery. It takes slightly less than 2 hours to fully charge the remote controller. Maximum remote controller battery life is approximately 2.5 hours.
- Detachable Control Sticks – The remote controller offers detachable control sticks that can be stored inside the remote controller for added portability. The control sticks are also replaceable should they get lost.
- Linking to Your Mobile Device -The remote connects to any Android or iOS mobile device and displays a live camera feed and touch menu controls via the DJI Fly app. Its spring-loaded clamps allow you to secure your mobile device, and the accessory cord inside the spring clamp connects the devices. Accessory cords for mobile devices with Lightning, Micro USB (type B), and USB-C connection ports are included.
Smart Security Features
Smallest and lightest foldable drone from DJI gets an upgrade with stronger motors, simplified handling, and smart security features like RTH and geofencing, making it one of the safest drones in its weight class.
- GPS & Vision Positioning Sensors (VPS): DJI Mini 2 can accurately hover in place both indoors using the VPS and outdoors with GPS.
- GEO Zones – DJI’s GEO system lets you know where drone flights may raise safety or security concerns, such as near airports or stadiums. This provides the information needed to fly DJI Mini 2 safely and responsibly. Learn more about safe outdoor flight at dji.com/flysafe.
- Return to Home – Like most recent DJI drones, DJI Mini 2 can return to its home point automatically when there is sufficient GPS. Select a home point and enable Return to Home, which can bring your aircraft back in case of an emergency or lost connection.
- Altitude Lock – an adjustable limit on how high the drone can go
- Beginner Mode – it can be activated, which limits the speed and distance the drone can go from the pilot while new users learn basic operation
Final Thoughts
The DJI Mini 2 is an impressive little drone that adds better image quality in a lightweight body. It’s fun and easy to fly with improved video quality that now at 100Mbps. I like the larger controller, and the added Cinema mode makes capturing smoother video better. It’s not designed for professional use; however, I can see it being used for a few broll shots in a promo or commercial. If it’s a compelling shot, nobody will care it what it was shot on.
If you are a Mavic Mini owner, are the upgrades enough to trade up for? Maybe. At $599 for the Fly More, it’s inexpensive compared to the larger, more professional models. Drones tend to get abused somewhat since a small mistake can take your drone out of commission, and preparing them in this price range probably isn’t cost-effective.
The standard package includes DJI Mini 2, remote controller, and one battery for the retail price of $449. The Fly More Combo is also available, including three batteries, a charging hub, DJI Mini 2, a carrying case, and a remote controller for the retail price of $599.
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