Aerial New Releases By Nick / 14th December 2020 Share Tweet Share DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo Drone ReviewHaving used the DJI Inspire 1 with X5/X5 RAW camera for 6 years, how did I get on with the new DJI Mini 2 drone? DJI Mini 2 - Light, Stable, Fun! The DJI Mini 2 drone is the smallest and lightest drone the company has ever made. Weighing just 249 grams (including battery) also means that buyers will not need to register it with the CAA in the UK or the FAA in the United States. It will fit in the palm of your hand and in your pocket which makes flying the drone a pleasure and a breeze! It is also very stable in the sky. Disclaimer: I was sent the DJI Mini 2 by Mark Boyt from the Drone Safe Register for review. This won't however, affect my honesty and true thoughts about this drone, its features, functionality, flyability and image quality. Please check out DSR today if you would like to join the UK's largest network of CAA approved drone hire operators. Table of Contents DJI Mini 2 Specs (Main)First ImpressionsFirst Flights with DJI Mini 2Limited Camera CapabilitiesControllerController Lever HoldersCable StorageSpeaker in ControllerOther Controller FeaturesFly More Combo Pros and ConsConclusion DJI Mini 2 Specs (Main) Let's get the specs out of the way first. They are not as feature-rich as other DJI drones including the Mavic Pro series and above. However, for anyone looking to get started with drones or even starting a business, this is a great place to start.Take Off Weight249g (incl. battery)Max Ascent Speed5m/s (sports mode)Max Descent Speed3.5m/s (sports mode)Max Speed (near sea level)16m/s (sports mode) Flight Time 31 mins (flying at 4.7m/s with no wind) Operating Temp 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) GNSS GPS + GLONASS + GALILEO Gimbal Stabilization3-Axis (tilt, roll, pan) Camera1/2.3" CMOS 12MP, Aperture f/2.8 Video Transmission Up to 10km Lens 35mm Format Equivalent: 24mm ISO 100-3200 Shutter Speed Electronic: 4-1/8000th/sec Video Resolution 4k (24/25/30fps), 2.7k (24/25/30fps) and FHD (24/25/30/48/60fps) Max Video Bitrate 100MbpsFirst Impressions When I first got the DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo through the post, the bag was a reasonable size. I thought "it can't be that small". However, when I opened the Fly More Combo bag I realized that it included:DJI Mini 2 droneCharging unit and 3 batteriesController (larger than the drone)All cables, accessories and paperworkMini 2 Combo in supplied bag First thing I did was to take the drone out and look at it...DJI Mavic Mini 2 Folded and Holded : ) Not only was it incredibly small, it was also a lot lighter than I expected. I barely felt as though I was holding anything and coming from the DJI Inspire 1, that is super cool!I immediately noticed that the drone folded really neatly and was held together by a nifty little "strap". Very easy to take off and put back on. It held the props in place perfectly. The lens also had a plastic cover which if I am being honest, wasn't that great.You had to really tug to get it off. Doing that, and putting it back on again, felt like it was going to break each time. However, after doing this multiple times over the past few weeks, it is still intact. Recommended Micro SD Card for DJI Mini 2SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB microSDXC Memory Card I use this card in the Mini 2 and Go Pro 9 BUY FROM AMAZON First Flights with DJI Mini 2When the Mini 2 arrived, the weather was awful so I couldn't fly...so I did anyway! The wind was so strong I would even question whether to fly the Inspire but what the hell.I took it to a local cove thinking it would be sheltered but the wind was still very strong as you can see in the video. I estimate 24-26mph with gusts over 30mph. However...The DJI Mini 2 more than held its own with its Level 5 Wind Resistance. It was so stable I was blown away and when I saw the footage I was gobsmacked. It is incredible how such a small and light drone could manage in these conditions. As good as the Inspire? Maybe...Limited Camera Capabilities My only gripe is that you cannot move the camera left or right for panning shots. You have to move the entire drone which it tricky to get a smooth movement manually. You can however move it up and down for revealing shots etc. It will also move very slightly left and right to counter harsh turns of the drone which is a nice touch.With that being said, the quality of 4k footage and RAW stills from this thing is superb!Low res screen grab from 4k videoLow res screen grab from 4k video On a less windy day. I took the Mini 2 to a local park and put it through its paces. It didn't take long at all before I was flying the drone with uber confidence. Dare I say it is way easier and more stable than the Inspire when flying low and slow (less updraft)? Filming the Mini 2 with a Go Pro Hero 9 stuck to my headController The controller for the DJI Mini 2 is bigger than its predecessor but I like it. It feels solid, sturdy and fits well in the hands. Where it wins for me, aside from the standard flying capabilities, are these little features:Controller Lever Holders It took me a while to figure this out but what a great idea! The toggle flight levers can be placed in holders on the base of the main controller. Genius.Cable Storage I love the fact that you can store the cable within the controller itself. When you pull out the phone holder, the cable sites nicely inside with both connections embedded in the controller. Simply take out one end, plug it into your Smartphone and away you go. You are supplied with USB-C, iPhone/iPad and Mini USB cables.Speaker in Controller There is a speaker on the back of the controller for good, audible system warnings.Other Controller Features As well as the above, you get all the usual drone controller features.Fly More Combo Pros and ConsI have only flown the DJI Mini 2 for a couple of weeks but I love it. The cons below are to be expected for a drone this size and at this price point Take them with a pinch of salt. Pros Small enough to carry in your pocket Super quick start up and fly time Long 31 min flight time from battery Mega stable in winds Superb image quality from both stills and 4k video Excellent price point for Fly More Combo SOOO easy to fly Cons Tilt only (no pan) camera/gimbal control Difficult for slow, steady panning shots No obstacle avoidance apart from on the base Obviously has limited features at this price point Conclusion This is a superb drone for a wide audience. Beginners will love it for its size, ease of flying, long flight times for practice and excellent image quality. A great starter drone for people looking to break into the aerial video/photo industry.Pros like myself should consider one of these for many reasons. Something to have with you when you don't have your large, pro drone with you (holidays, ground shoots etc). A drone you can "chuck" in the air at very short notice and with zero paperwork or admin to do.In my opinion, the DJI Mini 2 is more than capable of producing quality roof inspection images and video in way less time and effort than larger UAVs.All in all, there is no reason for any filmmaker or photographer to NOT have one if these in their kit. You'll be glad you did. Easy to fly. Great fun. Affordable. Excellent image quality.Update: Before I could get this review out, I had to use the DJI Mini 2 on a huge job as the conditions were way too bad for the Inspire. The agency I shot for accepted the footage for the project which is HUGE. This is a wonderful drone make no mistake! PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW. I'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS Buy from Amazon US Buy from Amazon UK
