The original DJI Mavic Mini was the first serious drone to shed enough weight to sidestep FAA registration requirements, adding appeal to photographers and fence-sitters who were mulling a drone, but were perhaps a little deterred by the prospect of registering with the government in order to use it (legally).
DJI is back this year with an updated version, the Mini 2. It uses the same 249g airframe, but offers some real upgrades that make it (on paper) a more appealing drone for newbies. Drones that weigh any more, 250g and up, require FAA registration for outdoor flights in the US.
Upgraded Motors, Remote
For one, its motors are more powerful and a bit more efficient. The Mini 2 is rated to fly in stronger winds, up to 24mph (from 17.7mph), and its battery promises 31 minutes of flight time. It still doesn't have any sort of obstacle detection, but the stronger motors make it a bit safer to fly on breezy days.
The connection between remote control and drone is also enhanced. The original Mini's Wi-Fi connection could sputter, even when keeping the drone within visual range.
(DJI Mini 2 Remote)
The Mini 2 uses DJI OcuSync 2.0 for communication, and uses a remote like the one from the pricier Mavic Air 2. The maximum range for the pair is a stunning 6.2 miles, triple that of the first version of the drone. A stronger, more reliable wireless connection is a welcome upgrade.
Camera Improvements Too
The Mini 2 uses the same camera hardware, but there are improvements there too. For one, the video resolution is bumped to 4K with a 30fps frame rate and a digital zoom option. You can enjoy a lossless quality zoom at lower resolutions—the Mini 2 also supports 2.7K and 1080p (2K) recording offered by the original Mavic Mini.
The 12MP still resolution continues, but DJI adds Raw image support. You can still happily snap aerial shots in JPG format, but using Raw offers more room to tone and edit images to taste.
There are some enhancements to make photos and videos easier to edit on your phone, too. The Mini 2 supports faster file transfers to your handset via its remote, and can be set to automatically offload footage upon landing.
Price and Availability
The DJI Mini 2 is priced at $449, a bit of an increase when compared with the $399 Mavic Mini. DJI is also selling a Fly More combo for $599—it includes two additional batteries (for a total of three), a multi-battery charger, and a carrying case. Both kits are available to purchase today.
We're just starting to test the drone, and will report back to see if the upgrades are worth the price of entry—we had mixed feelings about the original Mini, but the Mini 2's upgrades address many of our gripes.
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