DJI Mini 2 SE and DJI Mini 3 are in a decent battle to earn their place as the very best finances mini drone you should purchase.
These two drones are amongst our high suggestions for the worth vary of $300 to $500.
That’s why deciding which drone is healthier is difficult, however we’ll begin with an in-depth comparability {and professional} opinions.
Within the meantime, let me provide you with a fast reply.
DJI Mini 3 has higher specs than DJI Mini 2 SE by way of flight time and digicam high quality however at a barely larger value. The Mini 2 SE is without doubt one of the most cost-effective DJI drones and a incredible possibility to begin flying.
This text is for you if you wish to study these drones and our ultimate suggestions.
DJI Mini 2 SE overview
Nice Starter Drone
DJI Mini 2 SE
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Drone with 2.7K Video, 10km Video Transmission, 31-min Flight Time, Below 249 g, Return to Dwelling, Computerized Professional Shoots, Drone with digicam for Learners.
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08/15/2023 04:06 am GMT
Specs | DJI Mini 2 SE |
---|---|
Measurement | 138×81×58 mm folded, with out propellers |
Weight | 246 g at takeoff |
Max Velocity (S-Mode) | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) |
Flight Time | 31 minutes |
Video Transmission | DJI O2 |
Transmission Distance | FCC: 6.2 mi (10 km); CE, SRRC, MIC: 3.7 mi (6 km) |
Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s Stage 5 wind resistance |
Digital camera | 1/2.3-in CMOS that may {photograph} at a decision of 12 MP and report at 2.7k 30 frames per second |
Gimbal | Three-axis mechanical gimbal |
Sensing System | No anti-collision sensors; solely exact hovering vary downward sensors |
Distant Controller | Suitable with DJI RC-N1 |
✅ Professionals
- Most cost-effective DJI drone in the marketplace and one of many latest
- Improbable drone for newcomers to begin flying
- It’s foldable and light-weight
- It weighs beneath 250 grams and will profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines
- Good flight time
- First rate digicam high quality
- The three-axis mechanical gimbal stabilizes photographs and movies, even in windy circumstances
- Can fly long-range
- Good wind resistance
- A wonderful selection for light-weight travels
❌ Cons
- It doesn’t report in 4k, and even in 2.7k; it solely information at 30 frames per second
- The photograph decision is comparatively low, at simply 12 MP
- No anti-collision sensors
- No Lively Monitor
- It additionally lacks a follow-me mode and a few clever options
The DJI Mini 2 SE was launched in March 2023, which makes it a comparatively new drone.
It’s one of many most cost-effective within the DJI household and a very good budget-friendly possibility if you happen to’re trying to spend money on the pastime however are tight on finances.
The Mini 2 SE might not be the right selection for skilled images or movies, however it will possibly movie in 2.7k at 30 frames per second, greater than sufficient for many makes use of, akin to social media or YouTube filming.
DJI Mini 3 overview
DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC)
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Digital camera Drone with 4K HDR Video, 38-min Flight Time, True Vertical Capturing, and Clever Options.
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08/15/2023 03:36 am GMT
Specs | DJI Mini 3 |
---|---|
Measurement | 148×90×62 mm folded, with out propellers |
Weight | 248 gr at takeoff |
Max Velocity (S-Mode) | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) |
Flight Time | 38 minutes with Clever Battery 51 minutes with Clever Battery Plus |
Video Transmission | DJI O2 |
Transmission Distance | FCC: 6.2 mi (10 km); CE, SRRC, MIC: 3.7 mi (6 km) |
Wind Resistance | Stage 5 Wind Resistance at 10.7 m/s |
Digital camera | 1/1.3-inch CMOS able to photographing at 48 MP decision or filming in 4k at 30 frames per second |
Gimbal | Three-axis mechanical gimbal |
Sensing System | No anti-collision sensors; solely obtain hovering sensors |
Distant Controller | Suitable with DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC |
✅ Professionals
- It’s light-weight and small in dimension.
- It’s beneath 250 grams
- Can movie in 4k at 30 frames per second
- The nonetheless images decision is as much as 48 MP
- The DJI Mini 3 has glorious wind resistance
- This drone can fly long-range with out points
- It has a three-axis mechanical gimbal for incredible stabilization when filming or photographing
- This drone can fly for a very long time, specifically with Clever Battery Plus
- It’s appropriate with DJI RC, the distant controller with a display screen
- It’s not very costly
❌ Cons
- It doesn’t have any obstacle-avoidance sensors
- No Lively Monitor or follow-me mode
- It’s barely costlier than DJI Mini 2 SE
The DJI Mini 3 was launched in December 2022 and continues to be in manufacturing.
This drone is a incredible selection for newcomers and vacationers in search of an inexpensive, light-weight drone.
The filming decision is healthier than the one present in Mini 2 SE, and if we drop all the way down to 2.7k, we are able to movie at 60 frames per second, which is terrific for slow-motion footage.
If you’re into aerial images or in search of a drone for fundamental business work (e.g., actual property images), you can not go improper with the Mini 3.
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Mini 3 – Which possibility is healthier?
For many drone pilots, the DJI Mini 3 could also be a greater possibility due to extra flight time and higher CMOS, which leads to higher-quality movies and images.
However that doesn’t imply the Mini 2 SE is unhealthy.
With a shallow start line, the Mini 2 SE is without doubt one of the most cost-effective DJI drones, with costs across the older model of the Mini 2.
Nevertheless, earlier than leaping to a conclusion, evaluating these two drones in-depth is greatest to see which of them excel at totally different features.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S (Right here’s My Selection)
Pricing and availability
Abstract: DJI Mini 2 SE is cheaper than DJI Mini 3, and each drones are in manufacturing and on-sale
The worth could differ barely, whereas the Mini 3 is about $120-$140 costlier than the Mini 2 SE. These are low beginning factors in comparison with different drones.
Most drones are between $500 and $1,000.
The Mini 2 SE and Mini 3’s present options make it a wonderful deal between what these drones can supply and their present value.
» MORE: Greatest Newbie Drones Below $500
Flight options
Abstract: Each drones profit from Clever Flight Modes and QuickShots, however none has Lively Monitor or follow-me mode.
The Mini 2 SE presents a number of QuickShot modes, akin to Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang. Furthermore, you’ll be able to seize panoramic photographs in modes like Extensive, 180-degree, or Sphere.
The Mini 2 SE has a return-to-home operate, bringing the drone again and touchdown for you with the contact of a button. It additionally has an computerized takeoff operate and may hover with excessive precision.
The utmost takeoff altitude is 4,000 meters.
The Mini 3 advantages from the identical options.
The one distinction is that Mini 3 has true vertical photographs, permitting you to movie or {photograph} in vertical format for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or different phone-optimized social media platforms.
The service ceiling for this drone can be 4,000 meters above sea degree, however if you happen to fly it with the Clever Battery Plus, it could be more durable to take off above 3,000 meters of altitude.
» MORE: Do I Want a License to Fly the DJI Mini 2 SE?
Flight efficiency
Abstract: The general flight efficiency of the DJI Mini 3 is barely higher than the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Whenever you fly the Mini 3, you’ll really feel the drone’s flight high quality and responsiveness are barely higher than the Mini 2 SE.
As per video transmission latency, each drones have roughly 200ms on the low facet.
That is common throughout most drones with the O2 video transmission module.
A big benefit the Mini 3 has over the Mini 2 SE is that it will possibly function at a temperature vary between 14° to 104° F (-10° to 40° C).
In distinction, the Mini 2 SE can work solely between 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C), in response to DJI.
This displays the power of the Mini 3 to fly higher in freezing circumstances through the winter.
Each drones additionally profit from the worldwide satellite tv for pc system from GPS + GLONASS + Galileo, which may purchase the identical variety of satellites based mostly on their applied sciences that can assist with RTH and some different features.
Conversely, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 even have Stage-5 wind resistance, which is sort of superior to assist these drones stay steady in excessive winds.
And due to the three-axis mechanical gimbal, the footage taken with any of those drones will stay steady and clean.
» MORE: How one can Calibrate a Drone (Final Information)
Digital camera comparability
Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 digicam is a lot better than the DJI Mini 2 SE.
The Mini 2 SE has a CMOS of 1/2.3-inch. This digicam sensor is analogous in dimension to the one within the DJI FPV.
This drone can {photograph} at a decision of 12 MP.
By immediately’s requirements, 12MP is comparatively low if we’re in search of skilled aerial photographs.
General, the photographs from the Mini 2 SE will not be unhealthy. They’re fairly good if used for Instagram or social media platforms, however if you wish to {photograph} at a better decision, you need to look additional than this drone.
As for filming, the Mini 2 SE can movie in 2.7k at 30 frames per second.
If you happen to’re trying to create cinematic content material, 2.7k must be greater than sufficient, and with 30 frames per second, when you’ve got an ND filter to set the shutter pace at 1/60 or equal, you can be shocked by the great thing about movies this drone can seize.
This might not be sufficient for slow-motion filming. On this case, you need to drop the video decision to 1080 to movie in 60 frames per second.
The Mini 3 can movie in sluggish movement at 2.7k, a lot larger than 1080p, however the authentic video decision of the Mini 3 is 4k at 30 frames per second.
At an ideal benefit, the Mini 3 sensor is 1/1.3-inch, a lot bigger than the Mini 2 SE.
This can even assist with the dynamic vary of the video and is aimed towards a extra skilled video.
The dynamic vary is the distinction between highlights and shadows, and the bigger the sensor, the higher it handles this distinction (e.g., the solar will not be too vibrant, and the shadows will not be too darkish).
This additionally helps so much with post-processing movies.
Furthermore, the Mini 3 also can movie in HDR (Excessive Dynamic Vary), boosting the video high quality by a big margin, whereas the Mini 2 SE can not movie in HDR.
The Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 have solely “Regular” Shade Mode, which is an obstacle if you wish to color-grade your movies.
You’ll need a D-CineLike drone, akin to DJI Mini 3 Professional, DJI Air 2S, and many others.
The Mini 3 most video bitrate is 100Mbps. In distinction, the Mini 2 SE advantages solely from a 40Mbps bitrate, so the video high quality from the Mini 3 is much better.
If we’re wanting on the photograph decision from the Mini 3, it’s both 12 or 48 MP.
You’ll be able to {photograph} a lot better with the Mini 3, with a better dynamic vary, 4 instances the Mini 2 SE decision, and higher adjustment choices.
Each drones can {photograph} in JPEG + DNG (RAW), permitting you to additional post-process your aerial pictures in Lightroom or related software program.
As talked about, Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 (as with most DJI drones) have a wonderful three-axis mechanical gimbal that can impressively stabilize your video footage when flying or taking sharp turns, even in excessive winds.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 – How one can Regulate Digital camera Settings
Plane and controller
Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 is barely bigger than the Mini 2 SE, however each are beneath 250 grams. As properly, DJI Mini 3 is appropriate with DJI RC.
After we take a look at the shape issue of the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3, we can not spot many variations aside from the Mini 3 being barely bigger.
Each drones have two airflow inputs going through ahead above the digicam, a novel design from DJI that can assist the drone quiet down when flying.
Additionally, each drones have two antennas going through down from the frontal arms that can act as touchdown gear.
Whereas the design of the drones is sort of related, not many variations could be noticed aside from the Mini 2 SE is a slight modification of the Mini 3 construction.
The aerodynamics of each drones are respectable, which can assist with wind resistance, flying long-range, and elevated battery life.
Each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 are foldable drones.
When folded, they’re small and could be positioned in a backpack or a big pocket. They will actually slot in your palms.
The Mini 2 SE is appropriate solely with the normal DJI RC-N1 controller.
With this controller, you need to join a appropriate Android or iPhone telephone with the DJI Fly App put in to attach and fly the drone.
The reside view picture in your telephone related to DJI RC-N1 seen out of your drone can be 720 pixels at 30 frames per second.
The latency can be round 200 milliseconds on the lowest level.
The Mini 3 can be appropriate with the identical DJI RC-N1 distant controller. After just a few firmware updates, Mini 3 grew to become appropriate with the DJI RC.
The DJI RC-N1, the usual controller and not using a display screen, may have the identical necessities to operate with a telephone with the Mini 3 as with the Mini 2 SE.
If you buy it individually or as a drone package, the Mini 3 with the DJI RC may have just a few benefits.
- The DJI RC has a 5.5-inch full HD display screen that works at 60 frames per second.
- The display screen is contact control-enabled, and its brightness is as much as 700 nits, which is incredible for flying a drone in full daylight.
- With DJI RC related to the Mini 3, the transmission vary and energy are barely improved, and the latency could also be narrowly decreased.
- You’ll unencumber your cell phone.
- The drone setup time is drastically decreased.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Must Know)
Flight time
Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 flies longer than the DJI Mini 2 SE—additionally, the DJI Mini 3 advantages from two batteries.
The flight time of each these drones is incredible for 2023.
The Mini 2 SE can fly for about 31 minutes, in response to laboratory checks carried out by DJI.
In real-world conditions, it is best to count on to fly your Mini 2 SE for a minimum of 20 to 25 minutes.
Many components can have an effect on flight time, akin to wind pace, distance, altitude, further equipment, and many others.
In distinction, the Mini 3 has two batteries:
- The drone can fly for as much as 37 minutes with the Clever Battery
- The Mini 3 can fly for as much as a whopping 51 minutes with the Clever Battery Plus
In actuality, we should always count on a flight time of about 30 to 32 minutes and respectively 45 minutes, relying on the battery and different climate circumstances.
Be aware: If you happen to add the Clever Battery Plus to the DJI Mini 3, this drone will exceed the 250-gram barrier and now not profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines.
The Mini 2 SE battery has a capability of 2250 mAh.
It’s a two-cell Li-ion battery weighing about 82.5 grams and has an vitality output of 17.32 Wh.
The Mini 3 Clever Battery has a capability of 2453 mAh.
This battery can be a two-cell Li-ion weighing about 80 grams and with an vitality output of 18.1 Wh
In distinction, the Clever Battery Plus capability is 3850 mAh and weighs 121 grams with an influence of 28.4 Wh.
This battery is just bought individually and doesn’t are available in any DJI Mini 3 package.
» MORE: When Drone Flights Go Incorrect (What To not Do)
Vary
Abstract: The transmission vary of each drones is analogous, however as a result of DJI Mini 3 can fly longer and is appropriate with DJI RC, it could fly farther.
Each drones have the identical DJI O2 transmission system, which is respectable if you wish to fly long-range.
The DJI O2 has the function of receiving radio instructions from the pilot and, on the similar time, transmitting reside photographs again to the distant controller display screen.
Though costlier drones profit from DJI O3 and O3+, the brand new DJI Air 3 is the primary drone with the DJI O4 transmission system.
These could also be a large improve to flying long-range with a drone, however even like this, the DJI O2 doesn’t disappoint.
In keeping with DJI, each drones have a most transmission distance restricted by the FAA of 6.2 miles, whereas CE (Europe), SRRC (Mainland China), and MIC (Japan) are limiting these areas to a most of three.7 miles of flight distance.
In each conditions, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 can rapidly fly past the visible line of sight, which is towards drone laws.
Interference can have an effect on these drones. In these instances, Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 will endure from decreased flight vary if you happen to fly in suburban or city areas.
Nevertheless, we should always count on slight enhancements with the Mini 3 and DJI RC when flying in larger interference areas, and due to its flight time, the drone can attain higher distances earlier than it’s worthwhile to return it safely.
If you happen to’re in search of a long-range drone, each are glorious decisions.
» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information
Why select DJI Mini 2 SE over DJI Mini 3?
The Mini 2 SE over the Mini 3 is a superb selection if you happen to’re in search of a finances drone to be taught to fly for the primary time or an inexpensive drone in your travels.
Studying aerial filmmaking and images with out investing a lot is greatest.
» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Proper for You? (Right here’s Why It Is)
Why select DJI Mini 3 over DJI Mini 2 SE?
I might select the Mini 3 over the Mini 2 SE if in search of a drone able to doing the fundamentals in skilled images or movies.
The digicam of the Mini 3 is drastically higher than the Mini 2 SE, making this drone an appropriate selection for various kinds of work.
Furthermore, if finances permits, I might select the Mini 3 with DJI RC for simplicity of organising and flying, which is great for light-weight vacationers.
DJI Mini 3 and Mini 2 SE for business work
Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 is healthier for various business actions than the DJI Mini 2 SE due to the improved digicam.
In order for you business work, choose a drone that works properly in your wants rigorously.
- Actual Property Images: As a result of the Mini 3 has a greater digicam, will probably be extra appropriate for real-estate images.
- Roof Inspections: Each drones can be utilized for roof inspections due to steady hovering, however none profit from optical zoom. They each have a most of 4x digital zoom at FHD decision.
- Photogrammetry: The Mini 3 is vastly higher at photogrammetry and mapping resulting from larger photograph decision.
- Skilled Images and Filming: None of those drones are appropriate for skilled filming and images companies, as it’s possible you’ll want a Mavic 3 drone. Nevertheless, of the 2, the Mini 3 is healthier.
- Development: Each drones can examine important development, {photograph}, or movie at will. You might want a drone with optical zoom for close-up inspections.
- Emergency Companies: Neither of those drones is appropriate for emergency companies. A Mavic 3 Enterprise or related drone must be the answer. You want optical zoom and the power so as to add audio system, lights, infrared cameras, and many others.
» MORE: Turn out to be a Business Drone Pilot in 6 Simple Steps (Learners Information)
DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for actions
Neither of those drones excels at varied actions, however they’re an excellent begin if you need one thing low cost and dependable.
Journey and climbing
As a result of each drones are light-weight, they’re excellent for touring and climbing.
You’ll be able to pack them in your backpack, and they’ll take up nearly no area. You gained’t even really feel their weight.
The flight time of Mini 3 is healthier, so bringing fewer batteries could prevent some weight whereas flying.
If you wish to seize pictures and movies throughout your travels, the Mini 3 digicam is healthier.
» MORE: Greatest Compact Drones for Journey
Excessive sports activities
Until you’re filming excessive sports activities, I might not suggest any of those drones.
The Mini 3 and Mini 2 SE lack follow-me mode. Count on these drones to achieve a most pace of 35.7 miles per hour.
This might not be nice if we want high-speed, excessive sports activities.
That’s why I suggest an FPV drone or DJI Mavic 3 Professional, which excels in these conditions.
» MORE: Greatest Drones for Excessive Sports activities
Vlogging
Each drones can do properly to seize B-rolls for various vlogging movies.
The Mini 3 wins right here due to the better-quality digicam.
QuickShots might help with some fundamental strikes when vlogging.
» MORE: Greatest Drones for Vlogging