DJI Mini 2 Review

When we think about a consumer drone under 0.55lbs (250g), the first product that comes to mind at the moment is the DJI Mini 2. Since the launch of the Mavic Mini, the Chinese manufacturer has been improving its flagship drone in this category. Their latest product was released in 2020 and instantly became a best-seller in specialized retailers.

**The DJI Mini 2 is the perfect drone for travelers thanks to its light weight and great portability. Its creative competencies, together with an ample array of interesting features, make it a capable professional drone for certain jobs, such as delivering stunning 4K video in good light conditions or taking real estate HDR images where certain urban restrictions may apply. **

Even though its CMOS sensor is too small to compete with those installed in professional-grade drone cameras, and despite the fact that it lacks an obstacle avoidance system, the latest mini drone by the company that started it all still gives you the best value for the money.

Key specificationsWhat’s new? Key DJI Mini 2 takeawaysHow the Mini 2 compares with the Mavic MiniDJI Mini 2 vs. the competitionInitial impressions of the Mini 2Mini 2 photo capabilitiesMini 2 video capabilitiesDJI Mini 2 video features vs the competitionDJI Fly app and the Mini 2ConclusionsDJI Mini 2 Full Specifications

Key specifications #

Weight
<250 g / <0.55lbs (International version)

Max Speed
Sport mode: 57.6 km/h (35.4 mph)Normal mode: 36 km/h (22.3 mph)Cine mode: 5.4 km/h (3.3 mph)

Maximum service ceiling (above sea level)
4,000 m (13,123 ft)

Max flight time
31 mins

Maximum Wind Resistance
36 km/h (22.3 mph)

Operating Temperature
0° to 40°

Sensor
1/2.3” CMOS

Effective Pixels
12 MP

Max Image Size
4:3: 4000×300016:9: 4000×2250

Video Resolution
4K: 3840×2160 24/25/30p2.7K: 2720×1530 24/25/30/48/50/60pFHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60p

Supported File Formats
FAT32 (<32 GB)exFAT (>32 GB)

Photo Format
JPEG/DNG (RAW)

Video Format
MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC)

Max Transmission Distance (common scenarios)
Strong interference (e.g., city center) approx. 3 km (1.9 miles)Moderate interference (small towns) approx. 6 km (3.7 miles)No interference (rural areas) approx. 10 km (6.2 miles)

Live View Quality
720p@30fps

Device App
DJI FlyRequired: Android 6.0 or later / iOS v11 or later

What’s new?  #

Even though the Mini 2 looks on the outside almost completely the same as its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, appearances can be deceiving. This is a perfect example because the Mini 2 improves nearly every feature in relation to the former <250g flagship drone manufactured by DJI. 

Mavic Mini users longed for the possibility of recording in 4K with a mini drone, and finally, that is now a reality thanks to the Mini 2. The enhanced transmission stability, safer flight performance, a new fly app, and more intelligent functions are the key improvements made by DJI. 

Key DJI Mini 2 takeaways #

Let us now focus on the key aspects that have made this aircraft the king of the market, and we will compare it to its predecessor to see which one is a better purchase for your needs.   

Bringing 4K video to mini drones #

If there was something that pilots wished for in the Mavic Mini it was being able to shoot at 4K, the standard for drone video footage today. The Mini 2 includes an improved camera, allowing us not only to record at a higher resolution, but also to use a 4x digital zoom, and shoot images both in JPEG and DNG.

Taking pictures in RAW makes a huge difference for drone pilots who, for example, use this drone for real estate photography, for those to whom postprocessing images is a part of their day-to-day work, and for holiday goers that want to have high-quality memories of their vacation. 

Improved transmission stability #

One of the biggest improvements that the Mini 2 comes with is the new OcuSync 2.0. This technology extends the aircraft transmission range and adds a layer of resistance against interference. The old Mavic Mini employed a Wi-Fi-based transmission system, offering a maximum 2.5 mile (4km) range.Thanks to OcuSync 2.0, the Mini 2 can automatically switch between two frequencies, extending the operational range to up to 6.2 miles (10 km) (under certain conditions). 

Better flight performance #

It is of great importance that your drone stays in the air flawlessly. That is why the increase in wind resistance, from level 4 to level 5, is a nice advancement. 

If we look at the Beaufort Wind Scale chart (below), created by Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805, we can see the wind speed for each wind resistance level. According to this table, the Mavic Mini can withstand those winds encountered in a moderate breeze, such as those that create 1 to 4 ft waves, usually ranging from around 12 to 18 mph (19 to 28 km/h).

The Mini 2, on the other hand, can fly in a fresh breeze, or said in other words, winds that produce waves that are between 4 to 8 ft tall. There is a considerable increase in wind resistance from levels 4 to 5, so the Mini 2 can fly against wind speeds of up to 19 to 24 mph (30 to 38 km/h). This is quite impressive, considering how light this aircraft is. 

It should be pointed out, that this is what the manufacturer recommends, but you can find some YouTube videos where pilots push the limits of this drone to fight greater wind speeds. Keep in mind, however, that if you crash your drone flying in these weather conditions, the warranty will not cover the repairs, as you would have surpassed the recommended limits. 

Force

Wind******(Knots)**

WMO****Classification

Appearance of Wind Effects On the Water
Appearance of Wind Effects on Land

---

Less than 1
Calm
Sea surface smooth and mirror-like
Calm, smoke rises vertically

1
1-3
Light Air
Scaly ripples, no foam crests
Smoke drift indicates wind direction, still wind vanes

2
4-6
Light Breeze
Small wavelets, crests glassy, no breaking
Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, vanes begin to move

3
7-10
Gentle Breeze
Large wavelets, crests begin to break, scattered whitecaps
Leaves and small twigs constantly moving, light flags extended

4
11-16
Moderate Breeze
Small waves 1-4 ft. becoming longer, numerous whitecaps
Dust, leaves, and loose paper lifted; small tree branches move

5
17-21
Fresh Breeze
Moderate waves 4-8 ft taking longer form, many whitecaps, some spray
Small trees in leaf begin to sway

Data credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Intelligent functions #

Next, in our list of key takeaways of the DJI Mini 2, I’ll list out for you the new intelligent functions. 

The Mini 2 uses DJI Fly to control some of the aircraft’s functions through your device (more on this later). Even though the Mavic Mini already supported intelligent flight modes such as Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket, DJI added Boomerang to the list in the Mini 2. Furthermore, it enhanced the user experience with three additional intelligent functions; Sphere, 180°, and wide-angle.

In Panorama is where we can choose any of these shooting modes. All of them take beautiful wide photographs, my personal favorite being the Sphere photo. In this sub-mode, the aircraft will automatically take pictures and create a spheric 360° image.

This kind of image has become a must-have memory of all the locations I shoot at. Varying the altitude at which the pictures are taken can change the perception of the area completely. 

Editing on the Fly #

Now it is possible to edit your images on your phone thanks to DJI Fly. Simply take some photos with your Mini 2, edit them, and now you can also send them wirelessly to other devices using QuickTransfer. This is not as fast as doing it with a USB cable, but it is great to have options, and very useful in certain cases.  

How the Mini 2 compares with the Mavic Mini #

The DJI Mini 2 improves all the features found in the Mavic Mini, but that does not necessarily mean that it is the perfect drone for you. Perhaps you have a pro drone for work, such as the Mavic 2 Pro, and you are only looking for a traveling aircraft to take a few shots of your holidays, so the Mavic Mini would be a good option.

Maybe you want 4K video in the most portable option in the market, and the Mini 2 is perfect for that. Whatever your personal or professional needs are, we are going to compare the two main DJI mini drones, so you can see which one is the best for you. 

DJI Mini 2
DJI Mavic Mini

Price
$449
$299

Flight Time
31 minutes
30 minutes

Range
10 km
4 km

Transmission System
OcuSync 2.0
Enhanced Wi-Fi

Weight
0.55lbs (249 g)
0.55lbs (249 g)

Max Speed
35 mph
29 mph

Obstacle Avoidance
Down only
Down only

Video Resolution
4K @ 30 FPS
2.7 K @ 30 FPS

Video Format
MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC)
MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC)

Max FPS @1080p Resolution
60 FPS
60 FPS

Max bitrate
100 Mbps
40 Mbps

Image Size
4:3: 4000×3000/16:9 4000×2250
4:3: 4000×3000/16:9 4000×2250

Image Format
JPEG/DNG (RAW)
JPEG

Megapixels
12 MP
12 MP

Photo Sphere
Yes
No

Panorama 180°
Yes
No

Wide Angle Photo
Yes
No

Camera Zoom
2x to 4x, digital
No

Internal Storage
No
No

Crucial Differences between Mini 2 and the Mavic Mini #

The Mavic Mini and the Mini 2 are quite similar on the outside, but the newest model of DJI’s mini aircraft packs many improved features in comparison to its older brother. Let us take a look at what the crucial differences are between them:

• Price: The Mavic Mini is cheaper than the Mini 2. The reason is clear; the quality of its features is one step down. Is it worth paying $149 more for the Mini 2? Maybe it is for you, or maybe not. You will need to consider your needs and your budget. 
• Range: Thanks to OcuSync 2.0, DJI has more than doubled the range of the Mini 2 compared to its predecessor. The maximum range of 6.2 miles (10 km) is more than enough for the vast majority of operations, so the little drone has nothing to envy in its bigger brothers. 
• Speed: The change in speed is not great, but the 6-mph difference can be important in certain scenarios.
• Video Resolution: This is one of the biggest reasons to get the Mini 2 instead of the Mavic Mini. Recording video at 4K/30 FPS is today’s standard in the drone audiovisual industry, so if you are planning to use your mini drone for professional video recordings, the Mini 2 is for sure the best option. 
• Bitrate: As bitrate indicates the amount of data that can be transferred at any given moment, the higher the number, the better the quality at which the video is being stored. The Mini 2 offers a 100 Mbps bitrate, while the Mavic Mini won’t go beyond 40 Mbps. 
• RAW format: If you intend to post-process your images, only the Mini 2 has the option of storing them in DNG format. Saving your pictures in RAW (uncompressed) expands your editing possibilities, a feature that every professional benefits from. 
• Panoramas: In the same way as before, the Mini 2 alone gives us the chance to shoot panorama photos. There are three modes in this category; sphere, 180°, and wide. 
• Zoom: Another feature only found in the Mini 2. You can use a 2x or 4x zoom while controlling this aircraft, although only the 2x zoom is lossless. 
• Remote Controller: The remote controller included with the Mini 2 increases the range of the aircraft to up to 6.2 miles (10 km). Compared to the 2.5-mile (4 km) range of the Mavic Mini, the new RC-N1 doubles the range that we can enjoy in the first DJI mini drone, and it is also more ergonomic. 
• Wind resistance: Perhaps this is not such an important feature to compare, as we have seen videos that prove that the wind resistance is greater than what the manufacturer states. However, once again, the Mini 2 can withstand the wind speeds encountered in level 5, while the Mavic Mini resists those in level 4. 

DJI Mini 2 vs. the competition #

Until recently, the mini drones manufactured by DJI were difficult aircraft to draw a comparison to, simply because they created a category by themselves. As other manufacturers realized the potential this class had, they started building their products to compete with the unquestionable top dog. 

Although DJI’s Mini 2 remains the market leader and the most well-reviewed, there is no denying that the competition is making great efforts to catch up. Sooner or later, the customers will benefit from this war, something that we, as pilots and consumers, should be very thankful for. 

The Mini 2 offers the best value to the buyer. The starting price of $449 is just one of many reasons to select it as your preferred drone for this category. There are other cheaper aircraft that come with some improved features, but the Mini 2 remains the best all-around mini drone. However, we hope that DJI is paying close attention to its competitors for designing their next product, as in certain cases they have managed to get ahead of them.  

Flight times are very similar in all mini drones, with the Hubsan Zino Mini leading this feature with a maximum operational flight of 40 minutes. The 10-minute difference is huge, meaning that the Hubsan product promises a 25% longer flight.

Considering that the DJI Mini 2 is on its way to becoming a two-year-old product (it will be in November 2022), it is no surprise that newer aircraft, such as the Hubsan Zino Mini and the Autel Nano, include better image transmission systems. 

The winner in this class is the Autel Nano, offering a transmission resolution of 2.7 K @ 30 FPS when the aircraft is less than 1 km away from the controlling device, and 1080p @ 30 FPS when it is farther away. It is necessary to point out that, when using a phone, a 720p transmission seems to be more than enough. However, when we control the drone with a tablet, the improvement in image quality seen in the Autel Nano should be noticeable.

It wouldn’t be fair to talk about the Autel Nano in connection to the Mini 2 without mentioning that it is the newest and most expensive drone in this class, having been released in January 2022 with a starting price of $649.

That is, it is equipped with the best camera in the mini-drone market, mounting a 1/2” sensor, which allows it to shoot video at 4K / 30 FPS and take 48 MP images. If that were not enough, we can save our video files in MP4 and MOV using either the H. 264 or H. 265 codecs.

Additionally, it can save images in RAW format to edit them properly in postproduction. Did I mention that this is the most expensive mini drone? Yes, I think I did, but it also has the best camera, without a doubt. 

Drone
DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini SE
Hubsan Zino Mini
Autel Nano
Fimi X8 Mini

Price
$449
$299
$549
$649
$399

Flight Time
31 min
30 min
40 min
28 min
31 min

Range
10 km
4 km
10 km
10 Km
8 km

Transmission System
OcuSync 2.0
Enhanced Wi-Fi
Syncleas 3.0
SkyLink
TDMA

Image Transmission
720p @ 30 FPS
720p @ 30 FPS
1080p @ 30 FPS
2.7 K @ 30 FPS (<1 km)1080p @ 30 FPS (>1km)
Not Specified

Weight
237 g
249 g
249 g
249 g
249 g

Max. Speed
35 mph
29 mph
35 mph
33 mph
35 mph

Obstacle Avoidance
None
None
3 directions
3 directions
None

Special Features
DJI Quickshots(Follow me with 3rdparty applications)
DJI Quickshots(Follow me with 3rdparty applications)
Quickshots, Night mode,Follow me
Quickshots, Orbit,Active Track
Quickshots, HDR,Follow me 

Highest Resolution
4K @ 30 FPS
2.7 K @ 30 FPS
4K @ 30 FPS
4K @ 30 FPS
4K @ 30 FPS

Video Formats
MP4 / MPEG-4
MP4 / MPEG-4
MP4
MP4 / MOV
MP4

Video Codec
H. 264
H. 264
H.264 / H.265
H.264 / H.265
H.264 / H.265

Gimbal
3 Axis
3 Axis
3 Axis
3 Axis
3 Axis

Megapixels
12 MP
12 MP
12 MP
48 MP
12 MP

RAW Supported
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes

Sensor Size
1/2.3″
1/2.3″
1/1.3″
1/2″
1/2.6″

Video Bitrate
100 Mbps
40 Mbps
200 Mbps
100 Mbps
100 Mbps

Initial impressions of the Mini 2 #

The first time you get your hands on a Mini 2, you get the impression that you are dealing with a sophisticated toy. It is hard to believe that such a small and light product comes with such a vast array of powerful characteristics. 

To me, the most anticipated of its features was the ability to shoot at 4K. The idea of recording videos of my holidays from a bird’s perspective in that quality was a dream come true. Later on, as I learned more interesting options, such as the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) mode, I started to realize that this drone may look like a toy, but it is far from being one.

At that time, I was still considering whether I should become a pro drone pilot, but the more I flew the Mini 2, the bigger and clearer that idea became (despite the professional limitations of the aircraft in that regard). 

Although I do miss the interface and features of the DJI Go, the new and simplified DJI Fly perfectly accomplishes its purpose. Flying the Mini 2 is an easy experience, even for a kid who just got the drone as a birthday present. The app itself guides you through every process flawlessly, avoiding the typical headaches that some new technology may cause us. 

If you buy the Mini 2 right now, instead of when it came out (like I did), you may get a slightly different impression. The main reason is that DJI included their latest mini drone in the SDK (software development kit) allowing developers around the world to add this aircraft to their applications.

This means that you can now use your Mini 2 to create Waypoint missions, photogrammetry projects, and use features not included in the official fly app, such as Follow-Me and FPV modes. 

Mini 2 photo capabilities #

Even though the mini drone class is growing rapidly, most of these aircraft still pack a camera with a sensor that is too small to be compared with the ones equipped in professional drones (check the image below) A bigger sensor is capable of capturing more light, which translates into more information, and therefore, more quality. The Mini 2 mounts a 1/2.3” CMOS, which is the same that drones such as the Mavic Pro, DJI FPV, or the Phantom 3 SE make use of. 

Image Size #

As with the Mavic Mini, the Mini 2 has a maximum image size of 4000×3000 in 4:3, and 4000×2250 in 16:9.  Its 12 MP camera is sufficient to capture great images of your vacation in environments with good lighting conditions.

It can also be used for some professional work, though it will only shine in certain circumstances. In some others, like in photogrammetry projects, a higher megapixel count makes a huge difference in the flight time required to capture the desired mapping area. Hence, you can still do this kind of job with the Mini 2, but you will require more batteries to do it. 

RAW Format #

One of the most important features that the Mini 2 brought to the table in this drone category is the possibility of saving your images in DNG (RAW) format. This is essential for professionals who want to make the most out of their images in postproduction, as it stores the stills captured by the CMOS sensor without processing them.

For those who do not need that much quality or simply do not have the space in their flash memories to store such big files, they can always save their pictures in JPEG. 

AEB mode #

The DNG format is supported not only when shooting in single shots, but also the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) and Panorama modes. In AEB, the drone takes 3 pictures at 2/3 EV (exposure value) steps. In other words, it shoots three images with different exposures so you can create an HDR photo in post-production. 

The main feature of HDR images created with AEB mode is their wide dynamic range obtained by the union of several images with different expositions. These photos are usually easy to recognize, as they pop in a specific way.  

Interval Mode #

Since the Mini 2 was included in the SDK, alternative apps to the DJI Fly allow us to have greater control over this shooting mode. However, it is nice and useful that DJI included this feature officially. In interval mode, we can take photos every 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 seconds in JPEG format, and every 5/7/10/15/20/30/60/ seconds in JPEG+RAW. Interval mode can be employed, for example, to create a hyperlapse.

Panoramas #

Panoramas are becoming increasingly popular among drone pilots. In part, this is due to the inclusion of these modes in the DJI Fly app. Thanks to this feature we can capture amazing 180°, wide-angle, and spheric images that are simply stunning. Another great aspect offered by Mini 2. 

Photosphere shot with DJI Mini 2 by Daniel Cepeda

Low-light conditions #

As I mentioned earlier, the small CMOS sensor equipped in the Mini 2 camera limits the quality of our images in low light conditions. This downside is probably the **weakest point of the drone. **

The image below was taken at dusk next to a Mavic Air 2S. While DJI’s best value drone captured amazing images with its 1-inch sensor, the Mini 2 struggled, even while in manual mode, to make the most of the situation.

Although I took that photo in RAW format, it was hard to improve it in postproduction, as tweaking the exposure, contrast, etc. would increase the noise considerably, and you can notice it in every pixel of the image when zooming in just a notch. 

Mini 2 video capabilities #

Similar to before, when recording videos, the Mini 2 sensor will not work in low light conditions as well as those equipped in other drones. However, learning how to shoot in manual mode will boost your results in these environments.

The 4K footage obtained with the Mini 2 in good light is simply amazing. You can select from 3 resolutions; 3840×2160 (4K), 2720×1530 (2.7K), and 1920×1080 (Full HD). Frame rates vary depending on the selected resolution. In 4K, you can choose between 24, 25, and 30 FPS, while in 2.7 K and Full HD the options are 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 FPS. 

In regards to frame rate, we could say that the Mini 2 records in what remains the standard 4K / 30 FPS, although many drones support higher frame counts, which help create slow-motion videos. For example, the newest drone by DJI, the Mavic 3, can shoot at 120 FPS. 

The Mini 2 has a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps, and stores the videos in MP4 format using the most popular codec to date (H.264). I personally miss being able to employ the H. 265 codec, as it would mean getting the same image quality in a smaller file. 

Key video takeaways: #

• The 4K video in the right light conditions is very detailed. 
• Intelligent flight modes allow you to shoot at maximum resolution.
• Good autofocus.
• Gimbal stabilization is fantastic, even in windy settings. 
• The high bitrate of 100 Mbps, is seen in much more expensive drones. 
• Possibility of shooting at other resolutions; 1080p, 2.7K. 

Video recorded with DJI Mini 2 in 4K / 30 FPS by Daniel Cepeda

DJI Mini 2 video features vs the competition #

Drone
DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini SE
Hubsan Zino Mini
Autel Nano
Fimi X8 Mini

Highest Resolution
4K @ 30 FPS
2.7 K @ 30 FPS
4K @ 30 FPS
4K @ 30 FPS
4K @ 30 FPS

Video Formats
MP4 / MPEG-4
MP4 / MPEG-4
MP4
MP4 / MOV
MP4

Video Codec
H. 264
H. 264
H.264 / H.265
H.264 / H.265
H.264 / H.265

Megapixels
12 MP
12 MP
12 MP
48 MP
12 MP

Sensor Size
1/2.3″
1/2.3″
1/1.3″
1/2″
1/2.6″

Video Bitrate
100 Mbps
40 Mbps
200 Mbps
100 Mbps
100 Mbps

Quickshots #

For beginners, Quickshots are the simplest way of getting the perfect shot effortlessly. In other words, they are short clips made automatically by the aircraft. They are limited though, as there are only five to choose from in the Mini 2. Therefore, they are great to get fast footage in a predefined manner, but you will always have more interesting options flying manually.

These are the five Quickshots included in the Mini 2:

1. Dronie: After selecting a subject, the aircraft will fly backward while recording it. Once done, the drone will fly back to its original position (as in every Quickshot).
2. Rocket: As the name suggests, this QuickShot emulates the lift-off of a rocket. Before pressing start, we will have to select the subject. Then, the aircraft will begin to ascend with the camera pointing down.
3. Circle: Very similar to Point of Interest (POI) in the DJI Go app. After selecting the subject and direction, the aircraft will circle it. 
4. Helix: Similar to circle, but in this mode, the aircraft will spin around the subject while also ascending. 
5. Boomerang: Select the subject and the direction; then the drone will circle it in an oval path.  

DJI Fly app and the Mini 2 #

It looks like DJI is substituting the DJI Go app with DJI Fly. So, even if many prefer the former, the new DJI flying app is here to stay. 

I like the new app, but the problem is that it lacks some great features that we had in DJI Go, such as Tripod Mode. On the other hand, DJI Fly is simple, performs well, and comes with new goodies, such as the option to edit your images. 

These are the features we love:

• Simple design
• Easy-to-use user interface
• Quicktransfer (share your files wirelessly)
• Video streaming
• Tutorials
• Quickshots
• Detailed information in the user profile
• SkyPixel (the place to share your footage with the community)
• A wide array of options to tweak

Conclusions #

Here’s a round-up of what I like and don’t like about the Mini 2.

What We Like
What We Don’t Like

Great 4K videos in good light conditions
Lack of 60 FPS in 4K

The three Panorama photo modes
We miss being able to record slow-motion 120 FPS in 1080p

Awesome tutorials that guide you through everything
No obstacle avoidance system

Social media platform to share our photos and videos
DJI Fly lacks some features presented in 3rd party apps

Supported microSD cards of up to 256 GB
Low light performance needs to be improved in future designs

Simple user interface
 Pricier than predecessor

Improved controller ergonomics
Needs D-Log mode

Long connectivity range
 

Good flight time
 

AEB mode for HDR images
 

Wireless data transfer
 

Easy to carry
 

Quickshots
 

Amazing value for the price
 

Overall conclusion #

There is no denying that the Mini 2 is a fantastic product. Equipped with a camera capable of recording at 4K / 30 FPS, the 249-gram mini drone by DJI achieves its objective of giving the consumer a portable aircraft for both recreational and some professional purposes. 

There are a few things that need to be improved, such as missing features of the DJI Fly app, the small and limiting CMOS sensor, or the absence of an obstacle avoidance system. However, the overall experience of flying this drone is so satisfactory that it always leaves you wanting more. 

If compared to its predecessor, the Mini 2 improves every single aspect and goes even further, adding some interesting options that we could not enjoy in the Mavic Mini, such as the AEB and Panorama modes, being able to store our images in RAW format, or record in 4K. 

Scoring

Compared to…

It feels a little bit bitter comparing the DJI Mini 2 to the drones from the competition. The Mini 2 was released in November 2020, while the rest of the products that we compared it to in this article were set for sale afterward. 

DJI did a great job back in 2020 with its mini drone, even though they increased the price unexpectedly. With the Mini 2 already in the market for a few months, it was time for the competition to make a move, and they did outstandingly, improving some of the aspects that we all wanted to see in better shape. 

Some things not present in the Mini 2, like the obstacle avoidance system, were introduced in aircrafts such as the Hubsan Zino Mini and the Autel Nano. Additionally, the Achilles heel of Mini 2, the sensor, is larger in the Autel Nano, giving this drone a better image quality in low light conditions.  

Now the ball is back again in the Chinese giant’s court, needing to climb on top to avoid falling behind in the future, and rumor has it that 2022 will be the year that we will see the Mini 3 on the market. 

 
DJI Mini 2
Hubsan Zino Mini
Autel Nano
Fimi X8 Mini

Release Date
November 2020
October 2021
January 2022
September 2021

Price
$449
$549
$649
$369

Take away #

The Mini 2 is the best mini drone for serious beginners. Its combination of simplicity, together with a wide blend of interesting features and an excellent value, make it the perfect aircraft for those who want to slowly become a professional drone pilot or simply have an amazing tool to capture everlasting memories. 

DJI Mini 2 Full Specifications #

Aircraft
Specs

Takeoff Weight [1]
< 249 g

Dimensions
Folded: 138×81×58 mm (L×W×H)Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm (L×W×H)Unfolded (with propellers): 245×289×56 mm (L×W×H)

Diagonal Distance
213 mm

Max Ascent Speed
5 m/s (S Mode)3 m/s (N Mode)2 m/s (C Mode)

Max Descent Speed
3.5 m/s (S Mode)3 m/s (N Mode)1.5 m/s (C Mode)

Max Speed (near sea level, no wind)
16 m/s (S Mode)10 m/s (N Mode)6 m/s (C Mode)

Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level
4000 m

Max Flight Time
31 mins (measured while flying at 4.7 m/s in windless conditions)

Max Wind Speed Resistance
8.5-10.5 m/s (Scale 5)

Max Tilt Angle
40° (S Mode)25° (N Mode)*25° (C Mode)** Up to 40° under strong winds

Max Angular Velocity (by default)*
130°/s (S Mode)60°/s (N Mode)30°/s (C Mode)* Can be adjusted to 250°/s with the DJI Fly app

Operating Temperature
0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)

Operating Frequency [2]
2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz

Transmitter Power (EIRP)
2.400-2.4835 GHzFCC ≤ 26 dBmCE ≤ 20 dBmSRRC ≤ 20 dBm5.725-5.850 GHzFCC ≤ 26 dBmCE ≤ 14 dBmSRRC ≤ 26 dBm

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO

Hovering Accuracy Range
Vertical: ±0.1 m (with Vision Positioning), ±0.5 m (with GPS Positioning)Horizontal: ±0.3 m (with Vision Positioning), ±1.5 m (with GPS Positioning)

Gimbal
 

Mechanical Range
Tilt: -110° to 35°Roll: -35° to 35°Pan: -20° to 20°

Controllable Range
Tilt: -90° to 0° (default setting) -90° to +20° (extended)

Stabilization
3-axis (tilt, roll, pan)

Max Control Speed (tilt)
100°/s

Angular Vibration Range
±0.01°

Sensing System
 

Downward
Hovering Range: 0.5-10 m

Operating Environment
Non-reflective, discernable surfacesDiffuse reflectivity (> 20%,such as cement pavement)Adequate lighting (lux > 15, Normal exposure environment of indoor fluorescent lamp)

Camera
 

Sensor
1/2.3” CMOSEffective Pixels: 12 MP

Lens
FOV: 83°35 mm format equivalent: 24 mmAperture: f/2.8Focus range: 1 m to ∞

ISO
Video:100-3200 (Auto)100-3200 (Manual)Photos:100-3200 (Auto)100-3200 (Manual)

Shutter Speed
Electronic Shutter: 4-1/8000 s

Max Image Size
4:3: 4000×300016:9: 4000×2250

Still Photography Modes
Single ShotInterval: JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 sJPEG+RAW: 5/7/10/15/20/30/60 sAuto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3 bracketed frames at 2/3 EV BiasPanorama: Sphere, 180°, and Wide-angle

Video Resolution
4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30fps2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fpsFHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps

Max Video Bitrate
100 Mbps

Zoom Range
4K: 2×2.7K: 3xFHD: 4x

QuickShot Modes
Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang

Supported File Formats
FAT32 (≤ 32 GB)exFAT (> 32 GB)

Photo Formats
JPEG/DNG (RAW)

Video Formats
MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC）

Remote Controller & Video Transmission
 

Operating Frequency
2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz

Max Transmission Distance (unobstructed, free of interference) [3]
10 km (FCC)6 km (CE)6 km (SRRC)6 km (MIC)

Signal Transmission Ranges (FCC) [4]
Strong Interference (urban landscape, limited line of sight, manycompeting signals): Approx. 3 kmMedium Interference (suburban landscape, open line of sight, some competing signals): Approx. 6 kmLow Interference (open landscape abundant line of sight, few competing signals): Approx. 10 km

Operating Temperature
-10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F)

Transmission Power (EIRP)
2.400-2.4835 GHzFCC ≤ 26 dBmCE ≤ 20 dBmSRRC ≤ 20 dBmMIC ≤ 20 dBm5.725-5.850 GHzFCC ≤ 26 dBmCE ≤ 14 dBmSRRC ≤ 26 dBm

Battery Capacity
5200 mAh

Voltage
1200 mA 3.6 V (Android)700 mA 3.6 V (iOS)

Supported Mobile Device Size
180×86×10 mm (Height × Width × Thickness)

Supported USB Port Types
Lightning Micro USB (Type-B) USB-C

Video Transmission System
When used with different aircraft hardware configurations, both remote controllers will automatically select the corresponding firmware version for updating and support the following transmission technologies enabled by the hardware performance of the linked aircraft models: a. DJI Mini 2/ DJI Mavic Air 2: O2b. DJI Air 2S: O3c. DJI Mavic 3: O3+

Live View Quality
Remote Controller: 720p/30fps

Max Bitrate
8 Mbps

Latency (depending on environmental conditions and mobile device)
About 200 ms

Charger
 

Input
100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 A

Output
12V 1.5 A / 9V 2A / 5V 3A

Rated Power
18 W

Intelligent Flight Battery
 

Battery Capacity
2250 mAh

Voltage
7.7 V

Charging Voltage Limit
8.8 V

Battery Type
LiPo 2S

Energy
17.32 Wh

Weight
86.2 g

Charging Temperature
5° to 40°C (41° to 104°F)

Max Charging Power
29 W

App
 

Name
DJI Fly

Required Operating System
iOS v10.0 or later Android v6.0 or later

Supported SD Cards
 

Supported SD Cards
UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required. A list of recommended microSD cards can be found below.

Recommended microSD Cards
16 GB: SanDisk Extreme32 GB: Samsung Pro Endurance, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Industrial,SanDisk Extreme V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, SanDisk ExtremePro V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme Pro V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667×64 GB: Samsung Pro Endurance, Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk ExtremeV30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x, Lexar 1000x, Lexar High Endurance,Toshiba EXCERIA M303 V30 A1, Netac Pro V30 A1128 GB: Samsung Evo Plus, SanDisk Extreme V30 A2, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A1, SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2, Lexar 633x, Lexar 667x, Lexar 1000x, Lexar High Endurance, Toshiba EXCERIA M303 V30 A1, Netac Pro V30 A1256 GB: SanDisk Extreme V30 A2

Footnotes
 

Footnotes

1. The standard weight of the aircraft (including battery, propellers, and a microSD card) is 242 grams. Actual product weight may vary. Registration is not required in some countries and regions. Check local rules and regulations before use. These specifications have been determined through tests conducted with the latest firmware. Firmware updates can enhance performance, so updating to the latest firmware is highly recommended.2. Due to local policy and regulation restrictions, the 5.8 GHz frequency band is currently banned in certain countries, including but not limited to Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Please use the 2.4 GHz frequency band when operating in these locations. Always check local rules and regulations before use, as they may change over time.3. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience, not aircraft battery capability. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance. Data was measured in an open environment without interference. Please pay attention to the return prompt on the DJI Fly app during the actual flight. Refer to the following applicable standard in different countries and regions:FCC: United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and other regions;SRRC: Mainland China;CE: UK, Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Macau, New Zealand, UAE, and other regions;MIC: Japan.4. Data is tested under different standards in open areas free of interference. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance without considering Return to Home. Please pay attention to RTH prompts in the DJI Fly app during the actual flight.