Launched in March 2023, the DJI Mini 2 SE is likely one of the latest and, on the similar time, one of many least expensive DJI drones existent.
This makes it an ideal selection as the right drone to start out with.
However general, is DJI Mini 2 SE best for you?
The DJI Mini 2 SE is an ideal drone for rookies and hobbyists alike, an acceptable possibility to start out flying drones. Though the digital camera is beneath the usual of different DJI drones, the Mini 2 SE excels via flight vary and time whereas sustaining a low worth.
On this article, we are going to discover each the perks and drawbacks of the DJI Mini 2 SE, the way it performs below completely different situations, and if this drone might swimsuit you.
High Drone Programs
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 Residence, Computerized Professional Shoots, Drone with digital camera for Rookies.
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08/01/2023 10:06 am GMT
DJI has a wealthy historical past of making sub-250-gram drones, often known as the “mini collection”.
After the preliminary launch of the DJI Mini 3 Professional and DJI Mini 3, the corporate took a step again to resume the beloved DJI Mini 2 with the SE model.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is by far not probably the most performance-strong drone, and it does provide only some options in comparison with different mini alternate options, however there’s a motive behind that.
Presently, even being one of many latest drones, the DJI Mini 2 SE can be formally one of many least expensive DJI drones you should buy, and that’s at the moment in manufacturing.
However for now, let’s take a look on the Mini 2 SE specs, lets?
| Specs | DJI Mini 2 SE |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 138×81×58 mm folded, with out propellers 245×289×56 mm unfolded, with propellers |
| Weight | 246 grams |
| Flight Time | 31 Minutes with 2250 mAh 2-cell clever battery |
| Max Flight Vary | Practically 10 miles (15.7 km) |
| Max Pace | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) |
| Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s Stage 5 Wind Resistance |
| Video Transmission | DJI O2 Transmission System |
| Gimbal | 3-axis Mechanical Gimbal |
| CMOS | 1/2.3-inch CMOS |
| Pictures | Max 12MP decision in JPEG & RAW format. |
| Video Recording | Max 2.7k at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60fps |
| Impediment Avoidance sensors | None, only a precision hovering sensor. |
| Does it have Lively Observe? | No |
| Distant Controller | DJI RC-N1 appropriate. |
| Max SD Card Supported | SanDisk Excessive V30 A2 – 256GB |
✅ Execs
- One of many least expensive DJI drones obtainable
- Newer drone mannequin
- Wonderful transmission vary
- Distinctive wind resistance
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal for incredible video and photograph stabilization
- Above-average flight time
- The drone is comparatively quick
- Small in dimension when folded
- Sub-250 grams; could profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines within the US and lots of nations worldwide.
❌ Cons
- Low photograph decision: solely 12 Megapixels
- Can movie solely in 2.7k at max 30 frames per second
- The CMOS sensor is small in comparison with different mini drones
- It doesn’t have any anti-collision sensors
- No Lively Observe with Observe-me mode
- Might have tiny firmware points to be solved by DJI
DJI Mini 2 SE for Pictures
If you wish to purchase the DJI Mini 2 SE, now we have an enormous draw back and one upside to speak about.
The draw back is that the photograph decision is comparatively low as per 2023 requirements.
On the similar time, the CMOS, which is the pictures and video sensor, is small – smaller than DJI Mini 3 and the identical because the DJI FPV CMOS sensor.
What does this imply?
Sadly, you’ll be restricted with dynamic vary in relation to highlights and shadows in {a photograph}.
With a bigger CMOS sensor, the dynamic vary of a picture is extra expansive.
As an illustration, when you seize a photograph with the drone in full daylight and there are shadows from a forest, the sunshine publicity of the solar and sky shall be okay, however the shadows shall be too darkish.
That gained’t be a lot of a problem as a result of the drone can {photograph} in RAW (DNG) format.
This implies that you would be able to freely post-process the picture throughout the limits of the digital camera sensor’s dynamic vary.
You’ll be able to push the shadows up with little introduction of picture noise, however it could be greater than sufficient for an honest picture.
Subsequently, if you’re solely trying to begin out with a drone and study aerial pictures, the DJI Mini 2 SE is, in reality, a incredible selection.
However don’t hope the drone can seize professional-level photos resembling DJI Mini 3 Professional or DJI Mavic 3 Professional can ship. That’s a protracted method to go.
Now, speaking in regards to the benefit of this drone digital camera pertains to the precise worth of the drone.
It might be tough to match the digital camera’s talents with an identical worth drone digital camera as a result of, on this case, the photograph digital camera excels.
Though another drones with an identical worth vary could seize photos at a better decision, the CMOS sensor dimension and high quality could also be beneath what DJI Mini 2 SE gives.
Moreover, do not forget that the DJI Mini 2 SE can {photograph} in DNG format, and with applications like Lightroom or Photoshop, you are able to do wonders for these photos.
Now, let’s not neglect that DJI Mini 2 SE can also {photograph} in sphere mode, 180 levels, and broad angle.
DJI Mini 2 SE for filming
The utmost video decision from DJI Mini 2 SE is 2.7k at 30 frames per second.
Many drones are able to recording in 4k decision, even drones with related costs.
However in my skilled opinion, until you want it for a particular software, 4K is overrated.
Even for filming and publishing YouTube movies taken with this drone at 1080p, the standard must be greater than sufficient.
2.7k, on this case, is sensible.
In fact, now we have the identical challenge the place the dynamic vary of the video could endure due to the smaller CMOS.
However the largest draw back is that the DJI Mini 2 SE solely has “Regular Coloration Mode” for video. This drone lacks D-Cinelike.
The D-Cinelike is equal to RAW in filming. It’s a incredible selection if you’re trying to color-grade your movies.
However as a result of the drone doesn’t have this selection (a minimum of at the moment), it could be difficult to acquire professional-grade movies and additional edit them in Last Minimize Professional, Adobe Premier Professional, or different professional-level video enhancing software program.
If you’re merely searching for video reminiscences or b-rolls to your YouTube movies, then you may’t go fallacious with this drone.
However when you’re trying to create YouTube or social media movies solely from drone photographs, I’d suggest you look additional and make investments extra in an expert video drone.
Is DJI Mini 2 SE any good for industrial work?
Most drones in the marketplace that provide first rate flight efficiency are appropriate for industrial work however restricted.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is just not a lot completely different from the checklist.
As an illustration, it’s certainly an acceptable drone for actual property pictures as a result of even the decision and the picture high quality ensuing is greater than sufficient for a easy home aerial shot.
Additionally, the drone has glorious hovering capabilities and good flying stability, making it one other acceptable selection for numerous kinds of inspections the place you will get nearer to the topic (e.g., roof).
The DJI Mini 2 SE may also be used for plain mapping as a result of the photographs are good high quality sufficient, nevertheless it is probably not the very best in its class.
Subsequently, certainly, the DJI Mini 2 SE is appropriate for primary industrial work however lacks many options costlier drones have that make them excel in some niched industries.
An excellent various, when you’re searching for a industrial drone with out burning your pocket, can be the DJI Mini 3 Professional.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional for Industrial Use (Defined)
DJI Mini 2 SE for rookies
Now that is the bread and butter of the DJI Mini 2 SE drone.
I can say this drone is likely one of the greatest newbie drones existent. Why?
First, the beginning worth is kind of low in comparison with many drones, and the present options are far past similar-priced drones, making it a sensible choice for a lot of new drone pilots.
It could not have impediment avoidance or Lively Observe to reap the benefits of these traits.
But when your price range is low and also you need to get into flying drones, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is at the moment the primary possibility.
This drone can fly for a very long time, has many newbie options and modes that will help you study to fly a drone, and the transmission vary is completely incredible.
Furthermore, with the assistance of Geofencing, you gained’t have the ability to take off your drone in areas the place drone flying is strictly forbidden, so you shouldn’t get in bother.
The drone’s dimension and weight additionally contribute to the benefits of being an excellent newbie drone.
You gained’t want a Phantom or another cumbersome drone as your first. You want one thing small, transportable, and low cost.
After which, when you like this interest, in time, you may put money into costlier tools.
Within the worst-case situation, the place you crash the drone as a newbie or don’t just like the interest, the losses are much less vital than with a extra expensive drone.
And in the end, flying a less expensive drone gained’t be as intimidating as flying DJI Mavic 3 Professional as a newbie, as an example.
DJI Mini 2 SE flight time
The DJI Mini 2 SE can fly for about 31 minutes with a 2250mAh 2-cell battery.
The battery for this drone is exclusive, and you can not use another drone batteries to perform with the Mini 2 SE.
As a degree of comparability, the DJI Mini 3 can fly for 38 or 51 minutes, relying on its battery, and the Mini 3 Professional for 34 and, respectively, 47 minutes.
The DJI Air 2S can also fly for 31 minutes just like the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Though many costly drones could profit from longer flight time than the DJI Mini 2 SE, similar-priced or cheaper drones are by far beneath the flight time capabilities of this drone.
That makes the DJI Mini 2 SE above-average concerning flight time with its clever battery.
In fact, the drone’s flight time will at all times be affected by exterior elements, resembling temperature, wind pace, flight vary, and flight type.
However we’re all glad the DJI Mini 2 SE can fly for this period of time.
And if you’re searching for an inexpensive drone with good flight time, you may’t discover something higher than the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Until you add one other $120-$150 to improve to the DJI Mini 3.
DJI Mini 2 SE vary
The DJI Mini 2 SE has an older transmission system, the DJI O2.
The DJI Mini 3 Professional has the DJI O3, Mavic 3 Professional, the DJI O3+, and the latest DJI Air 3 has the just-released O4 transmission system.
Which means the DJI Mini 2 SE is barely left behind concerning transmission knowledge, flight vary, bitrate, and response time.
However even with an older system such because the DJI O2, the drone can transmit knowledge for a lot of miles, relying on the territory you might be on the globe (geopolitical restrictions).
You in all probability gained’t have the ability to fly far sufficient to lose a video sign earlier than the battery depletes otherwise you attain visible flight restrictions.
That makes the DJI Mini 2 SE one of many least expensive drones with a incredible transmission vary and able to flight long-range.
There aren’t any different related drones to fly that far because the DJI Mini 2 SE for this value.
And different non-DJI drones throughout the similar worth vary can’t fly even half of the space of this drone.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Vary Defined (The whole lot You Want To Know)
Shopping for the DJI Mini 2 SE for touring
Who doesn’t love somewhat little bit of touring?
Wherever you’re touring mild, by backpack, automobile or prepare, and even by airplane, carrying a drone is just not a straightforward activity.
It’s essential to at all times guarantee there’s greater than sufficient area for the drone, distant controller, and potential equipment.
A “mini drone,” such because the DJI Mini 2 SE, DJI Mini 3/Mini 3 Professional, or related, are all tiny drones that weigh below 250 grams and match even in a pocket.
If you’re touring and need to put money into an inexpensive mild drone, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is likely one of the greatest selections.
One other various can be a Mini 3 or Mini 3 Professional, however each these drones are extra expensive than DJI Mini 2 SE.
If you wish to take some journey aerial pictures or movie a tall waterfall in the midst of nowhere from a drone, you can not go fallacious with the DJI Mini 2 SE.
However if you wish to purchase this drone for touring, I like to recommend getting the fly-more pack or a minimum of an extra battery or two.
You have to these batteries as a result of even with an excellent flight time, the juice runs out faster than you anticipate.
And it could be foolish to seek out your self backpacking for hours and solely have the ability to take a few photographs and video along with your new Mini 2 SE.
That’s until you may have an exterior energy financial institution you may cost the battery with, however there could also be higher approaches.
To summarize, the DJI Mini 2 SE is likely one of the greatest low cost drones you should buy for journey these days.
Is DJI Mini 2 SE good for vlogging?
If you’re into the world of vlogging or creating digital content material to your YouTube channel, there are higher selections than the DJI Mini 2 SE.
The digital camera high quality for video is appropriate for vlogs, capturing some b-rolls, and making the most of the drone’s small dimension the place you may carry it wherever.
However probably the most vital drawback is that the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have Lively Observe with Observe-me mode.
What does this imply?
It’s easy. In case you plan to place the drone into following you whereas vlogging, it gained’t.
You’ll be able to reap the benefits of some clever features to sweeten the movies you’re taking with this drone.
However sadly, I wouldn’t suggest the DJI Mini 2 SE for vlogging because the best choice.
As an alternative, I’d go for the DJI Mini 3 Professional, the place you may profit from the follow-me mode and impediment avoidance sensors.
Nonetheless, that may get expensive.
» MORE: Greatest Drones for Vlogging
DJI Mini 2 SE for sports activities
If you’re searching for a drone for sports activities, there are two methods to method this:
Are you planning to make use of a follow-me function for the drone to observe you round whilst you interact in some sporting actions, or are you merely the pilot on this case?
With the potential of the drone reaching 35 miles per hour, it could be appropriate to make use of for many sports activities if you’re the pilot.
However when you’re searching for a drone to observe you round whereas doing sports activities, then once more, the DJI Mini 2 SE wouldn’t be my advice.
Now, if you’re strictly into sporting and searching for one thing particular when you are the drone pilot, I like to recommend you get into FPV and purchase an FPV drone resembling DJI Avata or a customized FPV quad.
On this case, with some coaching and follow, the kind of movies you are able to do in sporting is exclusive and might stand out from every little thing else.
Why the DJI Mini 2 SE could also be an acceptable drone for you
If you’re a newbie searching for an inexpensive dependable drone to start out flying, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is a superb selection.
If you’re a traveler, I’d strongly suggest getting this drone as a result of it’s small and light-weight.
Studying to {photograph} and seize aerial movies for the primary time is but one more reason I’d suggest the Mini 2 SE earlier than investing in costlier drones.
Each other benefit of the DJI Mini 2 SE is that you just gained’t should register it and should profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines in lots of components all over the world as a result of it’s below 250 grams.
The DJI Mini 2 SE can apply to all kinds of drone pilots, from newbie to superior, to vacationers, studying to fly and seize cinematic content material, and so forth.
It’s a low cost funding you absolutely can’t go fallacious with.
Why DJI Mini 2 SE is probably not what you’re searching for
If you’re searching for a drone to advance professionally in aerial pictures or filmmaking, then I can’t suggest the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Additionally, I’d not suggest it for any kind of exercise that may require you to make use of the follow-me function or reap the benefits of anti-collision sensors as a result of this drone lacks these attributes.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is probably not the very best advice if you’re searching for a drone for industrial work, aside from presumably actual property pictures and roof inspection.
There are different drones on the market that might do higher, however the worth will rise accordingly.