DJI Mini 2 or Mini SE? To you the choice!

The DJI Mini SE is now available in Italy, having been launched in other parts of the world last year.

The ultralight drone is the latest model in this incredibly popular series, following the Mavic Mini and the updated Mini 2.

So, with three DJI Mini drones now in the mix, which one should you choose?

In short, the Mini SE has mostly the same features as the original Mavic Mini, but comes in the body of the Mini 2. It is also the cheapest in the series and does not require a license.

It means - in a nutshell - that the Mini SE has improved flight performance over the Mavic Mini, but its 2.7K video capabilities lag behind the Mini 2's 4K video. The Mini 2 also features a RAW photo mode.

The importance of this difference in video quality is a matter of personal preference, but with the Mini SE packing plenty of it in its incredibly small bezel and at a significantly reduced price point compared to the Mini 2, the Mini SE definitely stands out as a drone. from budget to everyone, particularly suitable for beginners. It is also worth noting that some operators use DJI Mini drones for commercial work, such as basic and real estate inspection work.

To help you make an informed decision, read our in-depth comparison guide between Mini SE, Mini 2 and Mavic Mini.

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Overview of the main features

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Design

The three Mini drones are very similar in design.

They are all under 250g - they weigh about the same as an average smartphone - which places them in the safest category of drones. In fact, the Mavic Mini is listed as 249g, while the Mini 2 and Mini SE are under 249g, so there is a slight difference, but not much.

Their tiny bezels, along with the iconic DJI Mavic foldable design, make this trio extremely portable, perfect for capturing content on the go.

The Mini 2 and Mini SE feature the latest and most robust style props - which help with improved flight performance - which are distinguished by orange tips.

The Mini 2 comes with a clickable aircraft status indicator, but the other two don't.

The table below provides an overview of some of the drone design differences.

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Camera

Perhaps the biggest differences between these three drones are the capabilities of the camera.

The main thing is that the Mini 2 can shoot 4K / 30fps video, while the Mini SE and Mavic Mini are limited to 2.7K Quad HD video (2.7K / 30fps).

Make no mistake, 4K on the Mini 2 produces beautiful footage, but whether you actually need that quality is up to each operator. After all, 1080p is more than enough for YouTube and for posting videos on social networks like Facebook and Instagram.

The Mini 2 also has a higher bit rate (100 Mbps, compared to the 40 Mbps of the Mini SE and Mavic Mini) along with better frame rate options (e.g. it can do 2.7K at 60 fps), as well as having capabilities zoom - a missing feature on the Mini SE and Mavic Mini.

Mini 2 operators can also use JPEG or RAW photo modes; the Mini SE and the original Mavic Mini do not have RAW photo mode.

On the photographic front, all three capture 12 MP images and have the same 1 / 2.3 ″ CMOS sensor.

In what are subtle differences, the Mini 2 and Mini SE have an ISO range of 100-3200 in auto photo mode, while the Mavic Mini is limited to 100-1600. When shooting in JPEG, the Mini 2 and Mini SE have a single shooting interval of up to 60 seconds, while the Mavic Mini comes in at 30 seconds.

Interestingly, while Mini drones make great beginner UAVs, the cameras are good enough to be used by some commercial operators for jobs like basic roof inspection and real estate. Their weight of less than 250g is also an advantage, as it means that no special license is required to operate them.

The table below provides an overview of the camera specifications for all three drones.

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Shooting mode

All three Mini drones are equipped with a range of intelligent shooting modes, known as QuickShots, to capture engaging content quickly and easily.

The trio can use Dronie, Circle, Helix and Rocket, however, the Mini 2 provides users with the additional Boomerang feature.

So what do these QuickShot modes bring to the table and what are Mini SE and Mavic Mini drivers missing out on by not having Boomerangs?

Dronie : The plane flies back and climbs, with the camera fixed on the subject.
Circle : the plane turns around the subject.
Propeller : The plane rises and spirals around the subject.
Rocket : The plane climbs with the camera facing down.
Boomerang : The plane flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting points and descending as it flies back.
In addition to the additional QuickShot mode, the Mini 2 has a dedicated Panorama function, with Sphere, 180 ° and Wide angle functionality.

Mini 2 also includes Enhanced Photo, which allows content creators to automatically download enhanced photos directly into the DJI Fly app for instant sharing on social media.

In this regard, the Mavic Mini and Mini SE also use the app DJI Fly : An app that generates great videos with a simple tap. Even beginners with no editing experience can turn any moment into a social media hit.

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Performance

The drones in the DJI Mini range are reliable and powerful, especially considering their small footprint.

We mentioned earlier that the Mini SE comes in the frame of the Mini 2 and this is evident in its flight performance, particularly its wind resistance.

It might not seem like a big thing, but the improved robustness goes a long way. for a drone the size of the Mini,

Both the Mini SE and the Mini 2 have wind speed resistance of 8.5-10.5m / s (Level 5), compared to 8m / s on the Mavic Mini (Level 4), and the difference is noticeable when the wind picks up: When the Mavic Mini struggles, the Mini SE and Mini 2 get along well.

However, one of the Mini SE's biggest disappointments is its transmission distance and strength. The Mini SE and Mavic Mini use enhanced Wi-Fi, while the Mini 2 benefits from OcuSync, which extends its transmission range with increased resistance against signal interference and automatic adjustments between two frequencies.

It means that the Mini 2 has a transmission range of 6km, compared to the 2km of the Mini SE and Mavic Mini. Please note that these transmission distances apply to CE versions. FCC models offer extended transmission ranges for all three drones, but the Mini 2 still has the advantage.

In other areas of performance, the Mini 2 is slightly faster than the Mini SE and Mavic Mini, while all three have a maximum flight time of around 30 minutes, which is pretty impressive for drones of their size.

The table below provides an overview of their performance specifications.

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Controller

There is a difference in controller type between Mini 2 and Mini SE and Mavic Mini.

The Mini 2 features a more robust controller, with clamps that rise from the top to hold the smartphone in place. It means the phone as a monitor, when connected, sits at the top of the device, which means less eye strain when piloting.

By contrast, the Mini SE and Mavic Mini controllers look simpler, with antennas at the top and foldable arms under the joypad to hold the phone. It means the phone's live view screen is under the foldable antenna and body.

It is also worth noting that the Mini 2 can be used in conjunction with the DJI Smart Controller.

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Price

Price can be an important factor in a purchase decision, and the Mini SE is the most affordable of the three, as the table below shows.

Remember, the Mini 2 comes with advanced features, especially in terms of 4K video, so it's understandable that it's more expensive. It means that anyone who wants that little bit extra from their drone can do it for a slightly higher investment. And let's face it, the DJI Mini 2 is pretty impressive, so you're getting a lot of money for your money.

That said, the Mini SE offers incredibly good value for money. And if you don't mind sacrificing a bit on the video front (and a few other features like a lack of RAW images and a slightly slower flight speed), then it's one of the best budget drones available, especially for beginners, offering a great balance between price and performance.

For the record, the standard versions of each drone are more than enough to get you started, such as the drone, controller, battery, spare propellers and accessories, but the Fly More Combo comes with extra batteries, more of additional props and also accessories such as the two-way charging hub and carrying bag. Buying the Combo is cheaper than buying the standard package and retrofitting these key accessories (two-way charging hub, extra housing and batteries, etc.).

DJI Mini SE vs Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini - Summary

The innovative DJI Mini series has proved to be a favorite since launch and the fact that there are now three drones in this family testifies to its popularity.

The original Mavic Mini was groundbreaking, and the Mini 2 built on this solid foundation to deliver an extremely impressive upgrade. The recently released Mini SE is a combination of the two, essentially housing the features of the Mavic Mini within the body of the Mini 2.

The result is an extremely capable ultralight drone, which has good content creation capabilities with greater stability in the air.

Camera and transmission range are perhaps the most significant performance factors to consider, especially when deciding between the Mini 2 and the Mini SE. After all, it doesn't really make sense to pick the original Mavic Mini with the Mini SE now on the scene.

For content creators who want a little more with their footage, Mini 2 is the way to go especially for semi-professional uses.

But with its 2.7K video capture capability - which is more than ideal for YouTube and social sites - the Mini SE is definitely worth a look, especially when you add its lower price tag into the mix. As for budget drones, the Mini SE is a big hit.

Source: dji-store.it