On the lookout for your first drone and torn between the assorted fashions obtainable? I need to introduce you to 2 viable drones: the DJI Air 2S and the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Whereas their variations could also be throughout the spectrum (one low cost and one costly, completely different weight classifications, and considerably completely different sensor sizes), you could find your self torn between the 2.
So which one must you get?
The DJI Air 2S is the higher selection for the best photograph and video high quality, clever flight modes, security options, and flight efficiency. The DJI Mini 2 SE is a viable selection if you happen to’re on a finances and like portability and a drone that may obtain the naked minimal with out breaking the financial institution.
High Drone Programs
Preserve studying to be taught extra about which drone will probably be nice for you!
DJI Mini 2 SE overview
DJI Mini 2 SE
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Drone with 2.7K Video, 10km Video Transmission, 31-min Flight Time, Beneath 249 g, Return to House, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digicam for Rookies.
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08/11/2023 01:01 am GMT
✅ Execs
- Very inexpensive
- Straightforward to make use of
- Light-weight and simply moveable
- Lengthy flight time
❌ Cons
- The digicam is a bit underpowered
- It may use extra clever options
- Lacks security options like impediment avoidance
Launched in February 2023, the DJI Mini 2 SE is just the Mini 2 with out the 4K digicam and lowered clever flight modes.
As an alternative, it shoots in 2.7K due to the 1/2.3-inch sensor, and the bitrate has been lowered from 100 Mbps to 40 Mbps.
Whereas not as highly effective because the newer drones, 8-bit SDR coloration functionality permits the Mini 2 SE to report very easy 2.7K movies at 30fps or 24fps.
The three-axis gimbal additionally ensures steady footage, making this drone usable for a variety of functions.
The design, weight, measurement, lack of impediment avoidance, and propellers and batteries look much like the unique Mini 2.
As such, it’s one of many cheaper drones to think about if you happen to don’t need to register with the FAA. The 30-minute flight time can also be fairly spectacular for a drone of its measurement.
Beneath is a quick overview of the Mini 2 SE and an illustration of the way it works.
DJI Air 2S Overview
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digital camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
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08/11/2023 11:36 pm GMT
✅ Execs
- Prolonged flight time
- A wider vary of flight modes
- Highly effective imaging capabilities
- Superior gimbal stabilization
- Very moveable
- Impediment avoidance
❌ Cons
- It’s costlier
- It’s bulkier and heavier than the two SE
Launched in November 2021 as an improve to the DJI Air 2, the Air 2S is likely one of the most inexpensive digicam drones you should utilize for content material creation {and professional} work.
It encompasses a significantly bigger sensor (1-inch CMOS) than the Mini 2 SE, and it additionally has extra clever flight modes and offers you extra choices for what to do with a drone.
The Air 2S can shoot 20MP nonetheless photographs and movies in 5.4K at 30 fps. The three-axis digital gimbal stabilization ensures extremely steady footage whatever the nature of the flight.
Different options that make the Air 2S stand out embrace the next;
- DJI OcuSync 3.0 – That is DJI’s transmission system that permits the drone to ship a 1080p reside transmission from as much as 7.5 miles away.
- Clever flight modes – The Air 2S has modes like ActiveTrack, Highlight, Level of Curiosity, Hyperlapse, Quickshots, and Mastershots. These assist you to create cinematic footage in a really quick time.
- Impediment avoidance – The Air 2S has four-way impediment avoidance (high, entrance, down, and again).
- Higher coloration scheme – The Air 2S can shoot in regular or in 10-bit D-Log. Whereas regular taking pictures permits you to edit rapidly, D-Log offers you a extra complete vary of flexibility throughout post-processing.
- HDR (Hyper Dynamic Vary) functionality – This permits the drone to provide detailed footage in comparison with a drone with the identical options missing HDR.
Even with all these options, the Air 2S nonetheless maintains a light-weight and moveable design because it weighs round 595 grams and is foldable.
Beneath is a assessment of the DJI Air 2S from unboxing to taking the primary flight.
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S – Which possibility is healthier?
The Air 2S is a transparent winner in a number of elements, as I’ll share on this article, however primarily based on the temporary overview of each drones, it’s evident that they each have their strengths and weaknesses.
As such, selecting between the Mini 2 S and Air 2S comes all the way down to your finances, what you plan to make use of the drone for, and the precise options you want in a drone.
With that in thoughts, let’s think about why you’ll select both.
Why select the DJI Mini 2 SE over DJI Air 2S?
DJI Mini 2 SE
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Drone with 2.7K Video, 10km Video Transmission, 31-min Flight Time, Beneath 249 g, Return to House, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digicam for Rookies.
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08/11/2023 01:01 am GMT
Beneath are some causes one would possibly go for the Mini 2 SE.
- Affordability – One main benefit of the Mini 2 SE is that it’s very inexpensive in comparison with the Air 2S. Going for a minimum of $340 with one battery and fewer than $500 for the combo, it makes an excellent starter drone with out breaking the financial institution.
- Ease of Use – The Mini 2 SE is a really beginner-friendly drone. You solely have to know the fundamentals of flight, and you may be good to go. There at the moment are a number of aperture, ISO, or different footage settings. You possibly can simply take off and begin recording footage you may share in your social media channels.
- Portability and light-weight design – Being a Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE is gentle. With one battery, it may simply slot in your pocket. And when you will have the Fly Extra Combo, you may simply match the entire package deal in your touring bag and never really feel its weight.
- No FAA registration required – Within the US, the FAA doesn’t require pilots to register their drones in the event that they weigh lower than 250 grams and won’t be used for industrial functions. For those who’re shopping for the drone for private use and don’t need to cope with the registration course of, the Mini 2 SE is a superb selection. Nonetheless, you continue to want to stick to the assorted native and federal drone rules, so it’s essential to move the TRUST take a look at and get a certificates.
- Respectable flight time – Regardless of its smaller measurement, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless presents a decent flight time of roughly half-hour, offering adequate airtime for informal flights and easy aerial images classes. Nonetheless, when flying it, it’s possible you’ll get about 20 minutes as a result of varied elements affecting battery consumption in drones, however that’s nonetheless a very long time for a client drone.
- Silky easy 2.7K video – The Mini 2 SE’s digicam can report easy 2.7K video, providing first rate high quality for many informal content material creation and social media sharing.
- No impediment detection – Without having impediment detection will be seen as a draw back in comparison with the Air 2S, some customers might want a extra guide flying expertise and are prepared to be cautious throughout low-altitude flights.
Why select the DJI Air 2S over DJI Mini 2 SE?
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digital camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
We earn a fee if you happen to make a purchase order, at no extra price to you.
08/11/2023 11:36 pm GMT
Choosing the DJI Air 2S over the Mini 2 SE has its benefits too. These embrace:
- Superior digicam efficiency: The Air 2S has a 1-inch CMOS sensor, offering considerably higher picture high quality and low-light efficiency than the Mini 2 SE. It could possibly seize 20-MP nonetheless photographs and report video in 5.4K at 30fps, providing gorgeous visuals appropriate for skilled images and videography.
- Clever flight modes: The Air 2S options many clever flight modes, together with ActiveTrack 4.0, Highlight 2.0, and Level of Curiosity 3.0. These modes allow the drone to trace and observe topics autonomously, opening up inventive prospects for effortlessly capturing advanced pictures.
- Impediment avoidance and security: The Air 2S incorporates four-way impediment avoidance sensors, enhancing security throughout flights and lowering the chance of collisions with obstacles within the drone’s path. This function is particularly helpful when flying in difficult environments or throughout advanced maneuvers.
- Hyperlapse: The Air 2S introduces the Hyperlapse function, permitting customers to create gorgeous time-lapse movies with automated flight paths. This function provides a inventive dimension to your aerial videography, enabling dynamic and fascinating pictures.
- Prolonged transmission vary: The Air 2S boasts OcuSync 3.0 transmission know-how, offering a steady and dependable connection between the drone and its distant controller. This permits for a seamless reside video feed as much as roughly 7.5 miles away, offering better flexibility for capturing footage from a distance.
- Skilled-grade construct high quality: The Air 2S encompasses a extra strong and premium construct high quality than the Mini 2 SE, making it better-suited for demanding out of doors use and antagonistic climate circumstances. It’s additionally heavier, permitting it to resist stronger winds than the Mini 2 SE.
- Prolonged flight time: Whereas the distinction is minimal, the Air 2S presents a barely longer flight time of roughly 31 minutes, offering just a few additional minutes of flight, all elements thought-about, in comparison with the Mini 2 SE.
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S – A full comparability of options
Pricing and availability
Pricing is likely one of the principal variations between these two drone fashions.
The DJI Mini 2 SE prices $339 if you go for one battery and $489 if you get the Fly Extra Combo that features the drone, three batteries, a charging hub, and a carrying bag.
Since its launch in 2023, the Mini 2 SE remains to be obtainable on DJI’s web site and different e-commerce platforms.
However, the DJI Air 2S prices $999 within the primary package deal, the place you solely get the drone and one battery.
With the Fly Extra Combo, you get two additional batteries, a charging hub, ND filters (ND4, 8, 16, and 32), and a bag to hold it with.
Whereas the Air 2S was launched in 2021, it’s nonetheless obtainable on DJI’s web site and different e-commerce platforms.
Because it has been round for some time, it’s potential to get it at a lower cost from resellers who might need to improve to extra superior drones.
Images and video recording
Relating to images and videography, each the DJI Air 2S and the Mini 2 Se are spectacular in their very own proper, however there are vital variations since they’re focused at completely different markets.
DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S is extra highly effective in images and video recording due to the 1-inch CMOS sensor and state-of-the-art imaging capabilities.
With 20 MP picture high quality, you may seize high-quality photographs that provide you with extra room to edit.
The Air 2S digicam and up to date firmware make it usable for mapping initiatives as a consequence of its excessive decision and compatibility with software program like DroneDeploy.
Relating to movies, the Air 2S can shoot as much as 5.4K at 30 fps, however 4K at 60fps or 30fps is extra frequent amongst most customers.
The upper the decision, the higher footage you get, making it the perfect possibility for skilled videography. The HDR function additionally considerably impacts the footage high quality.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Whereas the Mini 2 SE might not attain the identical stage of efficiency because the Air 2S, it nonetheless presents spectacular images and video recording capabilities, particularly contemplating its budget-friendly value level.
Outfitted with a 2.7K digicam and a three-axis gimbal, the Mini 2 SE can seize movies at 30 fps, delivering glorious footage high quality for its value vary.
For nonetheless images, the Mini 2 SE supplies 12-megapixel photographs in JPG and Uncooked DNG codecs.
Whereas it might not match the Air 2S’s decision, it nonetheless presents first rate photograph high quality appropriate for informal images and social media sharing.
Nonetheless, the Mini 2 SE lacks superior options like HDR mode and Hyperlapse, that are current within the Air 2S.
Moreover, the absence of impediment detection sensors implies that pilots should train warning throughout low-altitude flights to keep away from potential collisions.
Flight options
The Air 2S and the Mini 2 SE include varied flight options to make sure a protected and pleasing flight expertise, however they’ve vital variations too.
DJI Air 2S
As a extra superior and higher-priced drone, the Air 2S has a wide selection of flight options catering to each skilled and fanatic pilots.
I’ve talked extensively concerning the varied options, from impediment avoidance to ActiveTrack, OcuSync, and Hyperlapse.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE, designed as a budget-friendly possibility, presents extra easy flight options than the Air 2S.
Whereas it lacks a number of the superior options present in its higher-end counterpart, it nonetheless delivers a passable flying expertise.
Flight efficiency
The DJI Air 2S excels in flight efficiency, providing larger speeds, higher wind resistance, and extra superior flight maneuvers.
Its responsive controls and steady hovering make it a really perfect selection for skilled aerial images and videography, offering pilots with the instruments they want for exact and inventive pictures.
However, the DJI Mini 2 SE focuses on being light-weight, moveable, and straightforward to fly, making it appropriate for newbies and informal customers.
Whereas it might not carry out in addition to the Air 2S, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless presents a satisfying flight expertise with steady flight, reasonable speeds, and first rate wind resistance.
Plane and controller
When evaluating the Mini 2 SE and Air 2S relating to plane and controller compatibility, there’s an attention-grabbing distinction to think about which will impression your total expertise, particularly if you happen to worth comfort and an built-in show.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE comes with the DJI RC-N1 distant controller, which requires you to make use of your smartphone because the reside video feed and management interface show.
Whereas the DJI RC-N1 controller supplies bodily management over the drone and enhances the flying expertise, you’ll nonetheless want to connect your smartphone to the controller to entry the reside view and make changes via the DJI Fly app.
DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S initially used the DJI RC-N1 controller, much like the Mini 2 SE, requiring you to make use of a smartphone for reside video feed and controls.
Nonetheless, an replace was launched for the Air 2S. It’s now appropriate with the DJI RC Good Controller, which encompasses a built-in 5.5-inch display, eliminating the necessity for a separate smartphone.
This integration supplies a extra streamlined and hassle-free flying expertise.
Benefits of DJI Good Controller compatibility
The mixing of the DJI RC Good Controller with the Air 2S presents a number of advantages for customers preferring an all-in-one answer:
- Built-in show: The DJI Good Controller options a big display that gives a transparent and handy reside video feed. That is significantly advantageous in vibrant out of doors circumstances the place smartphone screens may be difficult to see.
- Enhanced portability: With the built-in show, you may carry the Air 2S and the Good Controller as a single unit, lowering the variety of units it’s essential to convey throughout your flights.
- Fast setup: The Good Controller simplifies the setup course of, as you received’t want to connect and configure your smartphone earlier than every flight.
If having an built-in show and a extra streamlined flying expertise is crucial, the Air 2S with the DJI Good Controller compatibility may be the popular selection.
Nonetheless, if you happen to’re snug utilizing your smartphone because the management interface and reside view display, each the Mini 2 SE and the Air 2S (with the DJI RC-N1 controller) provide a comparable expertise.
Flight time
Each drones provide good flight occasions that cater to their respective goal audiences.
The Air 2S supplies a barely longer flight time, interesting to professionals and lovers requiring prolonged aerial missions. It’s weight and wind-resistant functionality imply it can additionally last more in antagonistic climate circumstances than the Mini 2 SE.
However, the Mini 2 SE’s flight time is adequate for leisure customers, newbies, and people in search of a compact drone for fast and enjoyable flights in optimum climate circumstances.
Vary
Whereas the Mini 2 SE was launched later than the Air 2S, it makes use of previous tech (OcuSync 2.0), additionally discovered within the Mini 2.
This transmission know-how presents a 1080p reside transmission and a powerful connection between the drone and the controller at as much as 6.2 miles.
However, the Air 2S makes use of a extra upgraded OcuSync 3, which extends the vary to as much as 7.5 miles.
The OcuSync 3.0 additionally presents decrease lag within the footage and higher efficiency, even in areas with some interference.
General, each drones provide a superb vary, particularly for short-range flights, however if you happen to’re in search of a stronger transmission, the Air 2S can be a more sensible choice.
DJI Air 2S and Mini 2 SE for industrial work – which is healthier?
This relies on the character of the undertaking at hand. In case your undertaking wants high-quality imagery, advanced pictures, or superior security options, the DJI Air 2S can be the higher selection.
That is due to the bigger sensor, 5.4K video decision, prolonged vary, impediment avoidance, and an total sturdy construct.
However, if finances constraints are a main consideration, and the industrial duties are comparatively easy or don’t require the best picture high quality, the DJI Mini 2 SE is usually a cost-effective and dependable possibility.
DJI Air 2S vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for actions
For those who’re into varied out of doors actions, beneath is how each drones evaluate for a number of the most typical actions.
Journey and mountain climbing
Each drones can improve your journey experiences and supply a singular perspective of the attractive landscapes you encounter whereas mountain climbing.
When deciding between the Air 2S and Mini 2 SE for journey and mountain climbing, think about the next:
- The Air 2S is the higher selection if you happen to prioritize the best picture and video high quality, inventive options, and superior security measures and are prepared to put money into a extra premium drone.
- Suppose portability, ease of use, and affordability are extra essential to your journey and mountain climbing wants, and you continue to need to take pleasure in first rate digicam capabilities. In that case, the Mini 2 SE is a superb possibility that received’t compromise your capacity to seize memorable aerial footage throughout your adventures.
Excessive sports activities
Let’s discover how every drone performs on this context.
DJI Air 2S for excessive sports activities
- Superior digicam efficiency: The Air 2S’s 1-inch CMOS sensor and 5.4K video decision ship distinctive picture high quality and detailed footage, making it a superb selection for capturing fast-paced and action-packed moments in excessive sports activities.
- Quick autofocus and monitoring: The Air 2S options superior autofocus capabilities and clever flight modes like ActiveTrack 4.0, which might successfully observe and observe fast-moving topics, guaranteeing your pictures stay sharp and targeted even throughout high-speed actions.
- Security: With its four-way impediment avoidance sensors, the Air 2S can navigate difficult environments throughout excessive sports activities with out the chance of collisions, offering extra security and peace of thoughts throughout your flights.
- Skilled-grade footage: If you wish to create professional-level content material showcasing excessive sports activities actions, the Air 2S’s high-quality footage and inventive options will elevate your movies to a cinematic stage.
DJI Mini 2 SE for excessive sports activities
- Portability and light-weight design: The Mini 2 SE’s compact and light-weight design permits for simple portability, making it a handy drone to hold round whereas participating in excessive sports activities with out including vital weight to your gear.
- Ease of use: The Mini 2 SE is simple to fly, making it appropriate for customers of all expertise ranges, together with these new to drones. Its user-friendly interface allows you to deal with capturing the motion with out worrying about advanced drone piloting.
- Affordability: The Mini 2 SE is extra budget-friendly than the Air 2S, making it enticing for excessive sports activities lovers who need to add aerial footage to their adventures with out splurging on a premium drone.
- No FAA registration required: Because the Mini 2 SE falls beneath the burden threshold for FAA registration, you may rapidly begin flying throughout excessive sports activities with out coping with extra paperwork or rules except you do it commercially.
Vlogging
Relating to vlogging, the selection between the Mini 2 SE and the Air 2S hinges in your particular vlogging wants, the extent of video high quality you need, and the comfort you’re searching for for content material creation on the go.
DJI Mini 2 SE
- Compact and moveable: The Mini 2 SE’s light-weight design and compact measurement make it extremely moveable, ideally suited for vloggers who’re at all times transferring and want an easy-to-carry drone.
- 2.7K video: Whereas not as superior because the Air 2S, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless presents crisp 2.7K video recording at 30 frames per second. This decision is appropriate for many vlogging situations, clearly capturing your experiences.
- Primary video options: The Mini 2 SE supplies important video recording options, making it appropriate for capturing vlogs. Nonetheless, it lacks some superior options like HDR and 4K recording that the Air 2S presents.
- Simplified operation: The Mini 2 SE’s user-friendly interface and easy controls make it accessible for vloggers of all ranges, guaranteeing a hassle-free filming expertise.
DJI Air 2S:
- Superior video capabilities: The Air 2S shines when it comes to video high quality. Its 5.4K video recording at 30 frames per second delivers gorgeous footage with distinctive element and readability, excellent for creating high-quality vlogs.
- HDR and 4K recording: The Air 2S helps HDR video recording and presents 4K video at as much as 60 frames per second, offering extra flexibility in modifying and reaching dynamic visuals.
- Better dynamic vary: The Air 2S’s bigger sensor and superior video options contribute to a broader dynamic vary, permitting you to seize extra element in difficult lighting circumstances.
- Enhanced stabilization: Each drones function three-axis gimbal stabilization, however the Air 2S’s superior stabilization algorithms additional cut back shake and improve the smoothness of your footage.
- Superior flight options: The Air 2S’s impediment avoidance and superior monitoring options enable for extra inventive and dynamic vlogging pictures, supplying you with better versatility in your content material.