Thanks for testing my article on which DJI Mini drone is best for you, the Mini 2 SE or the Mini 2.
With each Mini drones being so comparable, it would initially be exhausting to pinpoint what really makes them completely different sufficient to decide on one over the opposite, together with which higher fits you and your wants.
On this article, we’ll go over the numerous similarities and the 2 massive variations between the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2, in addition to why I imagine the DJI Mini 2 SE is the fitting drone to decide on between the 2 DJI Mini 2 fashions.
Overview
DJI Mini 2 SE
Launched fairly just a few years after the Mini 2, in February 2023, the Mini 2 SE is the most recent addition to the Mini 2 line.
Whereas each the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE are beneath 250 g and ideally suited for these new to drones to choose up and be taught to fly, the Mini 2 SE is simpler on the pockets, opening accessibility that rather more.
Though a budget-friendly DJI Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE has just a few superior options that elevate it above competing, non-DJI mini drone producers.
- OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system, for six.2 miles (10 km) most transmission distance
- 3-axis gimbal for clean and jitter-free video footage
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite tv for pc positioning for exact hovering and home-point locking
- Shoots pictures concurrently in each the JPG and RAW picture format, including the pliability wanted for post-photo modifying
» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Good for Freshmen? (Palms-on Assessment)
DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 has had fairly the run. It was launched 4 years in the past and continues to be at the moment supported by DJI.
Continued DJI help is after all excellent news for many who already personal Mini 2s.
The Mini 2 continues to be a extremely popular drone within the DJI Mini drone house, even with there being 4 newer minis since its launch:
Its longevity speaks to DJI’s correct mixture of type and performance. Like a few of the bigger, dearer DJI client drones, the Mini 2 advantages from:
- 4k 30 fps (body per second) for filming in in the present day’s normal video decision
- DJI’s modern 3-axis gimbal offers cinematic and clean video footage
- Downward imaginative and prescient sensors for exact touchdown
- RAW (DNG) picture format that provides flexibility for inventive imaginative and prescient
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 Assessment
Fast Verdict
Though the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 share nearly every thing, from {hardware} to software program, I’d have to offer a nod to the Mini 2 SE as my advice on this occasion.
Each drones are so comparable, so why is the Mini 2 SE the advice?
Merely put, for a few hundred {dollars} lower than the Mini 2, you get virtually all the identical options in a inexpensive and acquainted bundle.
In all honesty, there is just one evident distinction between the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2. That will be the video capabilities of the Mini 2, which we’ll contact on shortly.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Spark (Right here’s My Alternative)
What are the Similarities?
When it comes to similarities, each the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2 look virtually an identical.
When it comes to construct high quality, each Mini 2 fashions initially really feel, properly, low-cost. That is comprehensible, as DJI used extraordinarily light-weight plastic to assemble the Mini 2 and a couple of SE.
For a drone to remain beneath the 250 g candy spot, light-weight supplies are a should. Fortunately, these two Minis will not be really low-cost and even poorly constructed.
When in hand, each Minis are well-built and strong. DJI did a terrific job with the construct high quality and has continued to take action with subsequent iterations within the Mini sequence.
The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 additionally share the identical motors, propellers, gimbal, digital camera, and batteries. Due to this, the technical specs are almost an identical:
| Mini 2 SE | Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Horizontal Pace | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) |
| Max Ascent Pace* | 5 m/s | 5 m/s* |
| Max Descent Pace* | 3.5 m/s | 3.5 m/s* |
| Battery/Flight time | 31 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Transmission Distance | FCC 10 km CE 6 km |
FCC 10 km CE 6 km |
| Digicam | 1/2.3” CMOS Efficient Pixels: 12 MP 35 mm format equal: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8 |
1/2.3” CMOS Efficient Pixels: 12 MP 35 mm format equal: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8 |
| Pictures modes | Single Shot Interval Auto Publicity Bracketing Panorama: Sphere, 180°, and Broad-angle |
Single Shot Interval Auto Publicity Bracketing Panorama: Sphere, 180°, and Broad-angle |
| QuickShot Modes | Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang | Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang |
Under is a breakdown of the similarities between the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 that could be thought-about CONS to these trying to buy both Mini drone:
❌ Lack of Impediment Avoidance: Each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 have no impediment avoidance. This disqualifies them from having any type of Lively Monitor modes or “observe me” perform, that are so in style today.
Lively Monitor depends on impediment avoidance to maintain the drone safer throughout autonomous flight. The shortage of an impediment avoidance system additionally means new flyers should be extraordinarily alert and cautious normally when flying.
❌ Lack of inner reminiscence: To maintain the prices down, DJI has opted to omit inner reminiscence, even within the newer and dearer Mini 3. Non-Professional variations of the Mini line all endure from this.
If you wish to save your pictures and video footage, you’ll have to purchase an SD card. Fortunately, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can make the most of SD playing cards as much as 256 GB.
❌ Pictures associated: The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can solely take 12 MP Pictures. There aren’t any choices for 48 MP Quad Bayer pictures discovered on the Professional variations of DJI’s Mini drones.
Each Mini 2s do take respectable pictures if you’re ready to actually dig into photograph modifying software program to carry one of the best out of stated pictures.
❌ Video associated (8-Bit Shade Solely): That is no shock to anybody. Being extra inexpensive choices, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 will not be anticipated to have superior 10-bit coloration profiles just like the Professional variations within the Mini sequence.
❌ One distant controller sort: Presently, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can solely use the DJI RC-N1 and don’t have any entry to any of DJI’s Good Controllers in the marketplace.
❌ Outdated Video Transmission System: That is the place the age of the Mini 2 platform reveals by means of. The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 run on the older OcuSync 2.0 transmission system.
In comparison with the transmission distance of the brand new OcuSync 4.0, each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 endure from shorter distance flights, with extra sign interference.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Alternative)
What are the Foremost Variations?
Though the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 do certainly use the identical {hardware}, two very distinct areas set the 2 Mini drones aside from each other.
We’ll first take a look at the Mini 2 SE, then the Mini 2.
Mini 2 SE
The key distinction the place the Mini 2 SE has the benefit over the Mini 2:
- ✅ Value: The Mini 2 SE is at the moment the least costly and budget-friendly DJI-supported Mini drone obtainable, even over the Mini 2. Due to its worth, the Mini 2 SE is accessible to extra individuals trying to get into the mini drone house than, say, the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional.
Mini 2
The key distinction the Mini 2 has over the Mini 2 SE is:
- ✅ Video associated: Though sharing the identical sensor-sized digital camera, the Mini 2 can shoot movies in 4k decision. The Mini 2 SE is just able to capturing 2.7k movies. The distinction in decision notably comes into play when video must be zoomed in barely in post-editing video software program. 4k footage tends to retain extra decision when zoomed in than 2.7k.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Holy Stone HS720E (Which One is Finest)
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE is the budget-friendly model of the favored Mini 2. Being a budget-version drone, the Mini 2 SE lacks a few of the options that many newer mannequin Mini followers have come to understand.
To maintain prices down, the Mini 2 SE makes use of a lot of the identical {hardware} because the 2020 Mini 2. That is, after all, to be anticipated from a funds drone.
One of many apparent downgrades from the Mini 2 is seen within the pace of the Mini 2 SE.
Whereas the Mini 2 had various ascent and descent speeds for Cine, Regular, and Sport flight modes, the Mini 2 SE has just one ascent and descent pace throughout these modes.
One other main space the place cutbacks are seen is in video recording. The Mini 2 can file 4k 30fps, the identical because the Mini 3. Nevertheless, the Mini 2 SE is just able to recording 2.7k movies, which could be effective for some.
» MORE: Is the DJI Mini 2 SE Value It?
One thing I observed with the Mini 2 SE (which may also be seen within the Mini 2) is that when flying in signal-congested areas, I expertise sign loss most of the time.
This sign loss oftentimes happens inside just a few hundred toes of the distant controller. Sign loss is oftentimes skilled when not behind or close to objects.
That is almost certainly attributed to the OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system.
Due to this, newbie pilots might want to correctly set the obtainable security choices, akin to RTH (return to dwelling), to keep away from shedding the Mini 2 SE when flying in city areas.
For a budget-focused Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE is a good drone. It takes respectable 12 MP pictures and flies precisely like a DJI drone, which is a good factor.
Our Decide
DJI Mini 2 SE (Fly Extra Combo)
Light-weight Drone with QHD Video, 10km Video Transmission, 3 Batteries for Whole of 93 Minutes Flight Time, Beneath 249 g, Computerized Professional Pictures, Digicam Drone for Freshmen.
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
01/26/2024 09:06 am GMT
DJI Mini 2
Launched in 2020, the Mini 2 has held up fairly properly. It has been a much-needed and viable successor to the earlier DJI Mavic Mini.
In current discussions with DJI representatives, it was confirmed that, though 4 years previous, the Mini 2 would proceed to be supported by DJI for the foreseeable future.
Future help is essential, as nobody needs to buy any piece of tech that may “expire” quickly.
What made the DJI Mini 2 a standout mini drone upon its launch was the truth that DJI ditched the WiFi transmission system of the Mavic Mini in favor of the tried and true OcuSync system that was then discovered within the dearer Mavic line.
» MORE: DJI FPV vs. Mini 2 (Right here’s My Alternative)
The upgraded system ensured that the Mini 2 would have the ability to fly additional than any WiFi-based system, with a stronger sign.
After all, the restrictions of the OcuSync 2.0 transmission system within the Mini 2 are the identical as talked about within the Mini 2 SE, albeit higher than most mini drones made by different drone producers in the identical class.
The digital camera on the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE is similar measurement as that discovered on the unique Mavic Professional. The digital camera continues to supply respectable photos, just like these discovered on earlier mannequin iPhones and the like.
Movies produced by the Mini 2 are 4k high-definition, working as much as 30 fps (frames-per-second). If trying to do gradual/slower movement captures, a a lot decrease decision would should be chosen.
DJI Mini 2 Fly Extra Combo
DJI Mini 2 Fly Extra Combo – Ultralight Foldable Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Digicam, 12MP Pictures, 31 Minutes Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots, Grey.
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
01/26/2024 04:32 pm GMT
Head-to-Head Comparability
We’ve seen fairly just a few similarities between the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2.
We’ve additionally appeared on the variations between every of the Mini fashions on this article. Subsequent, we’ll look nearer on the differentiating components between them and who’s the clear selection in every class.
Efficiency
Winner: DJI Mini 2
Whereas each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 have the precise same-sized motors, the winner within the efficiency division (by the slightest of margins) could be the Mini 2.
The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can fly at a most horizontal pace of 16 m/s (35.7 mph). The distinction is within the variations of the ascent and descent speeds.
Whereas the Mini 2 SE ascends and descends at a price of three.5 m/s and 5 m/s, in all flight modes (Cine, Regular, and Sport), the Mini 2, alternatively, ascends and descends on the following charges:
| Pace | Cine | Regular | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent Pace | 2 m/s | 3 m/s | 5 m/s |
| Descent Pace | 1.5 m/s | 3 m/s | 3.5 m/s |
At first look, having variations in ascent and descent may not appear that massive a deal. It would even be unnoticeable by most, particularly new drone operators. However having the added possibility is sweet for many who really discover, respect, and depend on it.
Relating to dealing with, each Mini fashions carry out equally. Each Mini 2s deal with properly and are enjoyable to fly, even for learners.
As a result of the DJI fly app is so versatile and option-rich, utilizing the EXP settings in-app permits anybody to tune the dealing with of the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 to their liking.
» MORE: How Quick Can Drones Fly? (An In-Depth Information)
Video Capabilities
Winner: DJI Mini 2
As was beforehand talked about, the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2 share the very same 1/2.3” CMOS sensor digital camera.
Nevertheless, maybe to maintain the fee down or to maintain the Mini 2 SE as an SE model, 4k capabilities are in no way current on the Mini 2 SE. The Mini 2 SE’s highest video decision is capped at 2.7k.
The Mini 2, alternatively, can shoot 4k movies at 30 fps. Which means that the Mini 2 nonetheless stands as much as common-place video requirements.
With the flexibility to shoot high-resolution movies at 30 fps, Mini 2 footage will be slowed down some to clean out video, if on a 23.97 or 24 fps timeline in video modifying software program.
Apart from 4k 30 fps, all different video modes and features are the identical as on the Mini 2 SE.
Value
Winner: DJI Mini 2 SE
That is the one class by which the Mini 2 SE comes out on high. And with good motive.
Because it stands, as of this text’s writing, the Mini 2 SE roughly fluctuates at round $200 cheaper than the Mini 2.
For these new to flying drones or these wanting so as to add a further low-cost choice to an present fleet, the Mini 2 SE matches completely.
At barely lower than $300 (for the non-flymore combo), anybody who purchases a Mini 2 SE can be getting virtually the identical very well-built and feature-rich Mini drone because the dearer Mini 2.
What’s nice at this worth level is that lots of the options discovered on the Mini 2 SE will not be discovered on different producers’ drones in the identical pricing construction.
» MORE: Drone Shopping for Information: Learn This Earlier than Shopping for Your First Drone
Conclusion
These are two very comparable DJI Mini drones. Virtually every thing is an identical, sans worth and 4k video capabilities.
The Mini 2 SE is sort of three years newer than the Mini 2 and near $200 cheaper.
Whenever you issue within the age distinction and the truth that it performs nearly identically to the Mini 2 whereas sharing the identical {hardware}, there isn’t a query that the Mini 2 SE is the higher selection.
In my view, the one motive anybody would contemplate the Mini 2 over the Mini 2 SE could be to shoot in 4k.
Chances are high that many trying to purchase both a Mini 2 or Mini 2 SE are in search of a comparatively cheap Mini drone or are new to flying drones, and may not be remotely enthusiastic about 4k.
Contemplating this, going the least costly route right here is an efficient factor, because the Mini 2 SE is sort of precisely the identical because the Mini 2. Why pay extra?
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Mini 2 (Right here’s My Alternative)