DJI Mini 2 SE Intelligent Functions (All You Need to Know)

We live in an age where all our technology is getting increasingly smarter.

Your fridge can tell you its temperature, your lights can turn on and off from your smartphone, and you can lock the doors even after you leave home.

Drones are smarter, too, with DJI leading the charge. The Mini 2 SE is a sterling example of a drone with intelligent functions, as DJI’s Intelligent Flight Modes are incomparable.

If this is your first foray into the world of those Intelligent Flight Modes, you’re in for something special. I have extensive experience flying the Mini 2 SE, and I’m excited about sharing my expertise with you to help you master this drone’s smart modes.

Let’s get right into it!

Does DJI Mini 2 SE have intelligent functions? #

It sure does! This is a DJI drone, so you should expect nothing less. Its primary Intelligent Flight Mode is called QuickShots; the Mini 2 SE also offers Panorama. Let’s explore both in more detail, shall we?

QuickShots #

A DJI staple, QuickShots enables you to look like a professional drone videographer, even if this is the first time you have ever picked up a drone (which is likely since the Mini 2 SE is geared for beginners).

How do you create cinematic marvels using QuickShots? Choose between five automated flight modes and let the DJI Mini 2 SE do the rest. Here are your options.

1. Boomerang

As the name implies, Boomerang sends the Mini 2 SE on a trajectory like throwing that iconic tool. The drone will move circularly around an object or subject, gradually ascending further into the air. Then, the drone will lower.

The starting point is key here, as the Mini 2 SE will extend its axes on both ends of the starting point. The drone should have 33 feet of space above it and 99 feet around it to ensure Boomerang goes off without a hitch.

2. Helix

Another flight path with a circular trajectory is Helix. The Mini 2 SE will rise into the air and then begin spiraling around an object or subject. The speed is fast enough to be engaging but not to the point of your footage being nausea-inducing. Don’t worry!

3. Dronie

With this QuickShots mode, the Mini 2 SE starts by moving backward and continues to fly upward and backward in a smooth, continuous motion. All along, the drone stays honed in on the target.

4. Rocket

Like a rocket, the Mini 2 SE will ascend dazzlingly into the sky. As it does, its camera maintains its focus below, helping you produce pro-level footage as a drone beginner. This is one of my favorite modes because it’s so dramatic!

5. Circle

As the name does a good job of explaining, Circle mode sends the Mini 2 SE on a circular path around an object or subject.

****» MORE: ****DJI Intelligent Flight Modes (Including QuickShots & MasterShots)

Panorama #

The next Intelligent Flight Mode the Mini 2 SE boasts is Panorama. This is a photography mode for taking wide-angle shots sure to impress your clients and audience. These kinds of photos are also awesome additions to your portfolio.

Just as you can choose between several QuickShots modes, you also have a few options for Panoramas.

• The first is Sphere, which takes a rotational image of your surroundings.
• Next is 180 Degrees, which provides a view at that angle.
• Wide is the most similar option to panoramas on today’s smartphones.

****» MORE: ****DJI Mini 2 SE Camera Quality (With Pictures)

How to use intelligent functions on DJI Mini 2 SE #

Are you ready to explore the Mini 2 SE’s Intelligent Flight Modes? Here’s how to use QuickShots and Panorama.

Step 1 #

Open the DJI Fly app. If you don’t already have an account, create one now. You can do so by following this link to DJI’s website. You will be asked to input your email address and a password, then you’ll have to confirm your password.

After agreeing to DJI’s terms of use and privacy policy and clicking the Submit button, you will receive an email confirmation from DJI. You can then log into your account and access the DJI Fly app.  

****» MORE: ****DJI Mini 3/Mini 3 Pro: How to Create a DJI Account (Video)

Step 2 #

Launch the Mini 2 SE, whether manually or using the auto-button, and ensure it’s hovering 6.6 feet or higher over the ground.

Step 3 #

Click the shooting mode icon within the DJI Fly app. You will see an option for QuickShots; select it. You can then choose between the various QuickShots modes (Dronie, Rocket, etc.).

Below QuickShots is Panorama, abbreviated as Pano. Tapping this option lets you select from the three types of Panoramas DJI offers in the Mini 2 SE.

Step 4 #

Adjust your shooting radius. This is especially important when using QuickShots modes like Boomerang, which requires plenty of space.

Step 5 #

When using QuickShots, you can choose a target subject in one of two ways. You can either place a box over the subject by dragging and dropping or tapping the subject to create a circle around it.

Step 6 #

When you’re ready to use the QuickShot mode of your choice, select Start. The Mini 2 SE will move according to the QuickShots mode selected, recording footage the entire time.

Step 7 #

To stop Intelligent Flight Modes like Panorama and QuickShots, find the X icon in the DJI Fly app and tap it. You can also select the Flight Pause/RTH button.

The Mini 2 SE should hover in one spot when you stop using QuickShots.  

Step 8 #

Click the black triangle in a square icon to see and download your video.

The Mini 2 SE has LightCut support, a free DJI video-editing app that’s perfect for making your QuickShots footage even better. You can use templates and single-tap editing, adding effects and music.

**» MORE: **Smart Features in Drones (Explained for Beginners)

DJI Mini 2 SE and ActiveTrack #

Almost all drone brands today utilize some form of tracking; in DJI drones, it’s called ActiveTrack.

This feature debuted in DJI drones in 2016 with the Phantom 4 and has appeared in almost every drone from the manufacturer since. With ActiveTrack, you can select a subject or object, and the drone will follow it.

There are limitations, of course. The subject has to stay within the drone’s range for it to continuously provide tracking.

****» MORE: ****Follow Me and ActiveTrack on DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)

The Mini 2 SE doesn’t have ActiveTrack in the traditional sense. In other words, you can’t make a box around the subject and track it that way.

However, the QuickShots modes provide tracking in the sense of staying focused on a particular spot, specifically Dronie, Helix, and Circle.

Rocket keeps the camera downward, so it won’t track anyone or anything in particular, and Boomerang focuses more on a starting point than subject tracking.

****» MORE: ****DJI Mini SE – ActiveTrack (Explained)

DJI Mini 2 SE and follow-me mode #

Follow-me is another standard smart feature many drones have. You can impress your family and friends by having your drone follow in your footsteps.

One of the biggest benefits of follow-me mode is how it makes operating a drone more hands-off. You can focus on cinematics or even engage in fun activities like swimming or rock climbing, and the drone will stay on your tail, filming the entire way.

Unfortunately, the Mini 2 SE doesn’t have a follow-me mode. QuickShots don’t operate in a way that the drone will follow you, as the Mini 2 SE will follow a predetermined path every time you set one of the QuickShots modes.

The exclusion shouldn’t necessarily come as a surprise. The Mini 2 also lacked a follow-me mode. The reason for not adding follow-me or ActiveTrack is likely a cost-control measure.

The Mini 2 SE is one of the most inexpensive drones on the DJI roster, so it’s going to have to miss out on a few features here and there to keep its price down.

**» MORE: **Does DJI Mini 2 SE Have Follow Me? (Answered)

Does DJI Mini 2 SE have obstacle avoidance sensors? #

While the Mini 2 SE is not bereft of sensors, those are only for obstacle sensing (it’s a downward infrared system, if you were wondering). This drone has no means of avoiding obstacles.

Why, you ask? Well, obstacle avoidance in Mini drones has always been hit or miss. Usually, the ones that don’t have it are cheaper, and so that was DJI’s logic here, I bet. Plus, the OG Mini 2 didn’t have it, either.

This has always been one of my biggest beefs with what is otherwise an amazing drone in the Mini 2 SE. It’s designed for beginners yet doesn’t offer any safeguards when learning to fly.

Since you’re on your own regarding avoiding obstacles, let me leave you with these tips:

• Only operate the Mini 2 SE when and where you have a strong signal. Even if you’re otherwise flying the drone just fine, it could plummet suddenly from the sky if it loses signal. While the Mini 2 SE does have Failsafe RTH to prevent this, it’s still better to be safe than sorry!
• Plan where you’ll fly the drone carefully. You should never take it through narrow passages like busy cities or tree-lined forests. There’s too great of a risk of crashing into someone or something.
• Always fly the Mini 2 SE where you can see it. I know, this is the law, but keeping your drone within your visual line of sight is also handy for not crashing it.
• Never fly the Mini 2 SE in high winds. This drone might have Level 5 wind resistance, but strong gusts can push and pull on the drone against your will, increasing your risk of an accident.
• Consider drone insurance if you don’t already have it. Sure, it won’t do much for helping the Mini 2 SE avoid obstacles, but it will come in handy if you happen to crash it.

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 2 SE Obstacle Avoidance (Explained)