Having 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.
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 Weight | 249g (incl. battery) |
Max Ascent Speed | 5m/s (sports mode) |
Max Descent Speed | 3.5m/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 Stabilization | 3-Axis (tilt, roll, pan) |
Camera | 1/2.3" 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 | 100Mbps |
First 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:
Mini 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.
First Flights with DJI Mini 2
When 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 video
Low 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 head
Controller
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 Cons
I 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.
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!
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