With the release of the new DJI Mini SE, it’s time to go back and look at DJI’s previous micro drone in order to understand how this new drone stands apart. While the DJI Mini SE comes with a few improvements from the DJI Mini 2, the most attractive incentive for prospective micro drone buyers is its reduced price tag. We’ll go over everything you need to know about the DJI Mavic Mini 2, the new Mini SE, and how to decide which one is right for you.

PRICE

The biggest difference between the DJI Mini 2 and the DJI Mini SE is the price tag. While the DJI Mini 2 has a higher price tag of $699 for the Fly More Combo, the Mini SE is priced at a much lower $479. This is because the Mini SE was created to be a more affordable option for anyone interested in buying a micro drone as their introduction to the world of drones. While the DJI Mini 2 is the costlier option of the two, it comes with a slightly more powerful camera and extended range that make it more than worth the extra money for those inclined to spend it.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Both the DJI Mini 2 and the Mini SE come at an ultra-lightweight 249 grams, which puts it under the 250-gram weight limit set by Transport Canada. This is good news for anyone looking for an easy DJI drone to get started with, as you won’t have to register or get a license in order to fly it. It’s also good news for anyone who’s not looking forward to lugging around a heavy drone when backpacking into the mountains to film some unforgettable sights.

Both the Mini 2 and the Mini SE come with the same foldable and ultralight design, allowing you to collapse the drone when carrying it to and from the shooting location. The two DJI drones also have the same dimensions, measuring 138x81x58 mm (LxWxH) when folded and 159x203x56 mm (LxWxH) when unfolded. The low weight and smaller dimensions make both of these DJI drones easy to fold and store in a small bag or backpack as you travel far and wide to capture the best sights.

GIMBAL TECHNOLOGY

The best camera in the world won’t capture good footage without the proper stabilization system. Luckily, both the DJI Mavic Mini 2 and the DJI Mini SE use the same 3-axis motorized gimbal to ensure consistent, smooth video in various shooting conditions. This means that even if you’re shooting in a windy climate or high up in the mountains, you can rely on both of these drones to keep your footage from getting choppy and ruining the shot.

IMAGE AND VIDEO RESOLUTION

The camera is another place where the Mini 2 and the Mini SE differ pretty significantly. The Mini SE is similar to the original Mavic Mini in that it can capture high-resolution video up to 2.7K resolution at up to 30 frames per second (60 when the resolution is switched to 1080p), which is pretty astounding for a drone of that size. It can also shoot 12-megapixel photos in jpeg format. The Mini SE uses a fixed focus lens to focus in on subjects both close and far away, while the video is shot at 40 Mbps bitrate. Its camera can even perform interval shooting, giving you the option to shoot from intervals between 2 seconds all the way to 60 seconds.

The Mini 2, however, packs a greater punch with a camera that can shoot 4K Ultra HD video at up to 30 frames per second. It also shoots 12-megapixel photos just like the Mini SE does, although it can shoot them in both JPG as well as DNG RAW formats. This gives you the ability not only to capture professional-looking photographs, but also to easily transfer, store, and edit your data in several different formats.

Both cameras have a 4x digital zoom when shooting in 1080p, which allows you to shoot close-up details from a safe distance. The digital zoom can also help you create stunning transitions between your shots by changing the distance and the composition.

FLIGHT RANGE

Flight range is another area in which the DJI Mavic Mini 2 and the DJI Mini SE differ pretty significantly. While the Mini SE supports up to 4 km HD video transmission, the Mini 2 supports up to 10km HD video transmission. This is long enough to match the larger consumer DJI drones, giving you the ability to fly the drone and capture all of the footage you need without needing to physically change your location. The reason why the Mini 2 is able to transmit at such a great distance is because of OcuSync 2.0, DJI’s revolutionary video transmission system.

One thing that the two drones share in common is their use of the 2.4/5.8GHz Dual Frequency system. This system means that the transmission automatically switches between the two frequencies, cutting through interference and guaranteeing you a reliable signal. As long as you’re flying within the proper range, you won’t have to worry about interference or signal fading endangering the safety of your drone and the quality of your flight.

FLIGHT SPEED

MAX ALTITUDE AND WIND RESISTANCE

The DJI Mini 2 has a higher max altitude than the DJI Mini SE. While the Mini SE can take off from a maximum altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, the Mini 2 can take off from 4000 meters above sea level. The Mini SE more than holds its own when it comes to wind resistance, however, as it matches the Mini 2 in its ability to withstand Level 5 winds of up to 37.8 km/h. This means that whether you’re flying on a windy beach or high up in the hills or mountains, both DJI drones can withstand the elements.

FLIGHT TIME

The DJI Mini SE has an upgraded power system from the Mavic Mini, allowing you to fly the drone for up to 30 minutes with a full charge when under ideal conditions. The DJI Mini 2 goes slightly further with a flight time of up to 31 minutes, which isn’t considerably longer but can still be enough to help you capture the last of the footage you need without having to stop and charge. Both DJI drones are excellent options for flying longer and farther than ever before as you plan, compose, and shoot the perfect shot.

SAFETY FEATURES

The DJI Mavic Mini 2 and DJI Mini SE both share several smart features that enhance the safety of your flight and help beginner pilots adjust to operating a drone for the first time. Smart Return to Home (RTH) is a useful safety feature that both DJI drones share that allows you to recall the drone back to the starting point at any time. All you have to do is tap the RTH button on the remote or the DJI Fly app and watch as the drone begins its flight home.

Automatic takeoff and precision hovering are two more smart features that both drones share. With automatic takeoff, you can cause the drone to automatically launch itself into the air, freeing you from the complications of having to manually perform this action every time. Precision hovering allows you to make the drone stay at a certain height while it hovers. This means that you can spend all of your time focusing on capturing the shot you need rather than on piloting the drone.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD AND INSTANT EDITING

There are a few features that the Mini 2 has that make downloading and editing files that much easier. With QuickTransfer, you can automatically download and sync photos and videos just by having the Mini 2 close by. This feature allows you to download and sync photos and videos as fast as 20 MB/s when using the 5.8 GHz band and 6 MB/s when using the 2.4 GHz band. The instant editing feature enables you to trim the footage however you like, selecting exactly what you would like to edit and download while deleting the rest. This optimizes storage and can help streamline the editing process.

While the Mini SE lacks these two features, both drones allow you to use the editor suite in the DJI Fly app to edit and apply templates to your photos and videos as you like. They have a variety of interesting templates, sounds, and effects that you can choose from in the app, picking and choosing whatever you like to create the look you’re going for.

QUICKSHOT MODES

Anyone who’s a fan of DJI’s micro drones will be glad to know that both the DJI Mavic Mini 2 and the DJI Mini SE have the same cinematic QuickShot modes that help you perform complicated aerial maneuvers with the tap of a button. These can help you capture stunning footage with eye-opening effects that you can quickly and easily share on social media.

Dronie

Take a selfie using a drone! This feature causes the drone to hover near you before flying back and up while filming a dronie.

Helix

This unique movement involves the drone starting close to you before flying back and rising up while flying around you in a circular helix motion.

Rocket

The Rocket mode points the drone’s camera straight down while it flies up into the sky, slowly revealing the environment around you.

Circle

Boomerang mode begins with the drone close to you before flying backward and then returning to you, giving you a boomerang-like journey that translates particularly well on film. The Mini SE currently does not support Boomerang, however DJI is known to add features via software updates

REMOTE CONTROL

The DJI Mini SE has one unique difference from the DJI Mini 2, which is that it comes with a much more compact remote controller. This remote comes with detachable sticks and a foldable mobile device holder, making it a breeze to travel with. It also has support for most Apple iOS devices and Android devices thanks to its Lightning RC cable and Micro-USB and USB-C RC cables. The remote controls for both the Mini SE and the Mini 2 allow you to see what your drone sees while in flight, helping you film exactly what you want the way you want.

CHOOSING BETWEEN THE MINI SE VS. MINI 2

The DJI Mini 2 and the DJI Mini SE are different enough that buying them should require some consideration. While they are both micro drones with powerful cameras and impressive wind resistance, the Mini 2 does come with an extended flight range and higher video resolution that make it well worth the extra price. However, the Mini SE is hardly a major step down, as most first-time drone-fliers will get more than enough to fulfill their needs.

At the end of the day, the Mini SE provides a great price point to enter the hobby of flying drones, while the Mini 2 is better suited for those looking for an upgraded camera. No matter which of these DJI drones you choose, you’ll be sure to love the fun and flexibility that comes with owning a micro drone. Your photos and videos will be instantly elevated, giving you the power to shoot attention-grabbing shots all for an affordable price.