The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are two of the company’s latest offerings in the consumer drone market. Both drones are small, lightweight, and easy to use, making them perfect for beginners and hobbyists.
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The DJI Mini SE is a newer drone that aims to offer improved features and capabilities over the previous model. At the same time, the Mini 2 is a more advanced version of its popular Mavic Mini drone. Both drones are designed to be portable and easy to transport, with folded dimensions that are small enough to fit in a backpack or purse.
This article will look at the similarities and differences between the DJI Mini SE and the Mini 2 drones, including their design, features, capabilities, and value. We will compare each drone’s camera and flight performance, as well as their additional features and price. With this information, we aim to help you decide which drone is the best for your needs.
Design and Build
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are both designed to be compact and portable, making them easy to take with you on the go. However, there are some differences in their physical dimensions and weight.
The DJI Mini SE measures 140 x 82 x 57 mm when folded and weighs 249g, making it small enough to fit in a purse or backpack. In contrast, the Mini 2 measures 140 x 82 x 58 mm when folded and weighs approximately 249g. So, the two drones have the same size and weight, but the mini 2 is slightly thicker.
Both drones are lightweight and easy to transport, but the Mini 2 may take up more space in your bag. However, this difference in size and weight is minimal and should be a minor factor in your decision-making process.
While the dimensions and weight of the DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are similar, with the Mini 2 being slightly thicker and heavier. The difference must be more significant to significantly affect either drone’s portability and convenience. But the camera on the Mini 2 has additional capabilities.
Camera And Gimbal
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 feature a 12MP camera capable of capturing high-quality photos and video. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, which provides stability and smoothness for your footage, even in windy conditions.
One of the main differences between the camera and gimbal on the two drones is the resolution and video quality. The DJI Mini SE can shoot videos in 1080p at 30fps, while the Mini 2 can shoot in 4K at 30fps. This means the Mini 2 can capture more detail and produce higher-quality videos than the Mini SE. Additionally, the Mini 2 can take photographs in 4:3 and 3:2 aspect ratios, while the Mini SE is limited to square format only.
Another difference is the zoom capabilities of the two drones; the Mini 2 is equipped with 4x zoom, both optical and digital, allowing you to get closer to your subject while keeping it in the frame; this feature is not available on the mini SE.
Regarding photography, both drones have similar capabilities, with a 12MP camera that can shoot in JPEG or DNG RAW format. However, the Mini 2 has some additional features, like Panorama and Hyperlapse, which are unavailable on the Mini SE.
Flight Performance
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 both feature advanced flight performance capabilities that allow for smooth and stable flight. However, the two drones have critical differences in flight time and range.
Flight time: The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 have a maximum flight time of around 31 minutes, which is impressive for drones of their size. This means you can capture significant footage and photos without needing to stop and recharge the drone.
Flight range: The DJI Mini SE has a maximum control range of 2.5 mi (4 km), while the Mini 2 has a complete control range of 6 mi (10 km). The Mini 2 also has OcuSync 2.0 technology, a more advanced communication system between the drone and the controller, which provides a more robust and more stable connection, allowing for a more reliable long-distance flight.
Obstacle avoidance: The Mini SE has obstacle detection sensors on the bottom, which allow it to detect and avoid obstacles during flight. These sensors are not present in the Mini 2.
Intelligent Flight modes: The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 have several intelligent flight modes that easily capture stunning footage and photos. Some of these include ActiveTrack, which allows the drone to follow a subject, and QuickShot, which automatically captures a pre-programmed shot. The Mini 2 also has some additional intelligent flight modes, such as ‘MasterShots,’ which create a professional-looking video with just a tap, ‘Asteroid,’ and ‘Boomerang,’ which makes a specific shot pattern.
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 have similar flight performance capabilities, with a maximum flight time of around 31 minutes and advanced intelligent flight modes. However, the Mini 2 has a more extended control range and an advanced communication system, making it better suited for users who want to fly at longer distances. Additionally, the Mini 2 has additional intelligent flight modes, which can help users to create more creative and professional-looking videos.
Durability and Portability
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are both designed to be durable and portable, making them easy to take with you on the go.
Durability: Both drones are made with high-quality materials and are built to withstand some level of wear and tear. They are both rated wind-resistant, allowing them to fly smoothly even in windy conditions. The gimbal and camera are also protected by a guard ring which can absorb some impact in case of accidental collision. However, like any other electronic device, they are not entirely indestructible. They should be treated with care to ensure their longevity.
Portability: The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are both designed to be portable, with folded dimensions that are small enough to fit in a purse or backpack. They also have a similar weight of around 249g, making them easy to carry and transport. The compact size and lightweight design of both drones make them an ideal choice for users who want to take them with them on trips, vacations, and other adventures.
Both drones also have a carrying case that can protect the drone during transport and make it easier to transport. Additionally, the drones are easy to set up and take down, which allows you to get into the air quickly and start capturing footage and photos.
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are durable and portable, making them an ideal choice for users who want to take them on trips, vacations, and other adventures. They are wind-resistant and have similar dimensions and weight, making them easy to transport. The carrying case that comes with the drones provide extra protection and ease of transport.
Features and Capabilities
Remote Control Options
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 both have remote control options that allow you to easily control the drone and capture footage and photos. However, there are some differences between the two drones regarding their remote control options.
They both use the same DJI app as well.
The DJI Mini SE has a remote control that can be used with a smartphone. This means you will need to use your smartphone as the display and the remote control to navigate the drone. The remote control for the mini SE has a maximum control range of 2.5 mi (4 km), meaning that you can fly the drone up to 2.5 mi (4 km) away from the remote control.
The Mini 2, on the other hand, comes with a dedicated remote control with a built-in display, allowing you to see the live feed from the drone’s camera. This means you don’t have to use your smartphone as a display. This remote control also has a maximum control range of 6 mi (10 km), double the Mini SE remote control range.
Additionally, the Mini 2’s remote control uses OcuSync 2.0 technology, a more advanced communication system between the drone and the remote control, providing a more robust and more stable connection for more extended distance flight.
GPS And Return-To-Home Functionality
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 both feature advanced GPS and return-to-home functionality, allowing for stable and precise flight and safe and easy landing. However, there are some differences between the two drones regarding their GPS and return-to-home functionality.
GPS: Both the DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 feature advanced GPS systems that provide stable and precise flight. This allows the drone to maintain a steady hover, even in windy conditions, and to fly in an exact location. The GPS also helps the drone to return to its takeoff location in case of low battery or loss of signal.
Return-to-home functionality: The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 have a return-to-home functionality that allows the drone to automatically fly back to its takeoff location when the battery is low or when the connection to the remote control is lost. This feature helps to prevent the drone from getting lost or flown away, providing peace of mind for the pilot. Additionally, the Mini 2 has advanced return-to-home functionality that allows flying back to the home point even in low visibility or GPS signal loss, ensuring the drone can safely return.
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 also have an automatic landing feature that allows the drone to land safely at the takeoff point with a button tap. This feature helps to prevent accidents and makes landing the drone easy and safe.
Price And Value
Regarding price and value, the DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are two different drones offering different features and capabilities at various price points.
As the Mini SE is priced lower than the Mini 2, it is expected to have fewer features and capabilities. The main differences between the two drones are the video resolution, 4x Zoom, and advanced intelligent flight modes, which the Mini 2 offers while the mini SE doesn’t. Additionally, the Mini 2 has an advanced remote control, built-in display, and OcuSync 2.0 technology, providing a more robust and stable connection for more extended distance flights unavailable on the Mini SE.
The DJI Mini SE offers good value for its price, providing users with a high-quality drone that is easy to fly and can capture stunning footage and photos. The Mini 2, on the other hand, offers more advanced features and capabilities, including 4K video resolution, 4x Zoom, advanced intelligent flight modes, advanced remote control, and OcuSync 2.0 technology. However, the Mini 2 is also a more expensive option and might not be the best choice for users who are on a tight budget.
Both offer excellent DJI accessories as well.
Conclusion
The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are high-quality drones offering different features and capabilities at various price points. The DJI Mini SE is an entry-level drone that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists, offering 1080p video resolution, a 2.5mi (4km) range, and a range of intelligent flight modes at an affordable price.
The Mini 2 is a more advanced drone that offers 4K video resolution, 4x Zoom, advanced intelligent flight modes, advanced remote control, and OcuSync 2.0 technology, which make it better suited for users who want to capture high-quality footage and photos, and have more power and communication options.
When choosing between the two drones, you must consider your specific needs and what features are most important to you. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option and are not particularly interested in capturing high-quality footage, then the DJI Mini SE may be the best choice. However, if you are looking for a more advanced drone with additional features and capabilities, then the DJI Mini 2 may be the better option.