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 important 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 freshmen and hobbyists alike, an appropriate possibility to start out flying drones. Though the digicam is under the usual of different DJI drones, the Mini 2 SE excels by way of flight vary and time whereas sustaining a low worth.
On this article, we’ll discover each the perks and disadvantages of the DJI Mini 2 SE, the way it performs beneath totally different eventualities, and if this drone may swimsuit you.
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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, Below 249 g, Return to Residence, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digicam for Inexperienced persons.
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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 sequence”.
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 essentially the most performance-strong drone, and it does supply just a few options in comparison with different mini options, however there’s a motive behind that.
At the moment, even being one of many latest drones, the DJI Mini 2 SE can also be formally one of many least expensive DJI drones you should buy, and that’s at present in manufacturing.
However for now, let’s take a look on the Mini 2 SE specs, lets?
✅ Professionals
One of many least expensive DJI drones obtainable
Newer drone mannequin
Wonderful transmission vary
Distinctive wind resistance
3-axis mechanical gimbal for unbelievable video and picture stabilization
Above-average flight time
The drone is comparatively quick
Small in measurement when folded
Sub-250 grams; could profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines within the US and plenty of international locations worldwide.
❌ Cons
Low picture 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 Energetic Monitor with Observe-me mode
Could have tiny firmware points to be solved by DJI
DJI Mini 2 SE for Images
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 picture decision is comparatively low as per 2023 requirements.
On the similar time, the CMOS, which is the images 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 can 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 example, in case 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 can be okay, however the shadows can be too darkish.
That gained’t be a lot of a difficulty as a result of the drone can {photograph} in RAW (DNG) format.
This implies which you can freely post-process the picture throughout the limits of the digicam sensor’s dynamic vary.
You possibly can push the shadows up with little introduction of picture noise, however it will be greater than sufficient for a good picture.
Subsequently, if you’re solely trying to begin out with a drone and be taught aerial images, the DJI Mini 2 SE is, the truth is, a unbelievable selection.
However don’t hope the drone can seize professional-level pictures reminiscent of DJI Mini 3 Professional or DJI Mavic 3 Professional can ship. That’s a protracted approach to go.
Now, speaking concerning the benefit of this drone digicam pertains to the precise worth of the drone.
It might be troublesome to check the digicam’s talents with an identical worth drone digicam as a result of, on this case, the picture digicam excels.
Though another drones with an identical worth vary could seize pictures at the next decision, the CMOS sensor measurement and high quality could also be under what DJI Mini 2 SE provides.
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 pictures.
Now, let’s not overlook 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 comparable 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 ought to be greater than sufficient.
2.7k, on this case, is sensible.
After all, now we have the identical challenge the place the dynamic vary of the video could undergo due to the smaller CMOS.
However the largest draw back is that the DJI Mini 2 SE solely has “Regular Shade Mode” for video. This drone lacks D-Cinelike.
The D-Cinelike is equal to RAW in filming. It’s a unbelievable selection if you’re trying to color-grade your movies.
However as a result of the drone doesn’t have this feature (not less than at the moment), it will 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.
In case you are merely searching for video reminiscences or b-rolls in your YouTube movies, then you may’t go unsuitable with this drone.
However in case you’re trying to create YouTube or social media movies solely from drone pictures, I might suggest you look additional and make investments extra in knowledgeable 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 totally different from the listing.
As an example, it’s certainly an appropriate drone for actual property images 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 may get nearer to the topic (e.g., roof).
The DJI Mini 2 SE will also be used for plain mapping as a result of the photographs are good high quality sufficient, however it might not be one of the best in its class.
Subsequently, certainly, the DJI Mini 2 SE is appropriate for fundamental industrial work however lacks many options costlier drones have that make them excel in some niched industries.
A great various, in case 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 Business Use (Defined)
DJI Mini 2 SE for freshmen
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 sort of low in comparison with many drones, and the present options are far past similar-priced drones, making it a good selection for a lot of new drone pilots.
It might not have impediment avoidance or Energetic Monitor to reap the benefits of these traits.
But when your finances is low and also you need to get into flying drones, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is at present the primary possibility.
This drone can fly for a very long time, has many newbie options and modes that will help you be taught to fly a drone, and the transmission vary is totally unbelievable.
Furthermore, with the assistance of Geofencing, you gained’t be capable of take off your drone in areas the place drone flying is strictly forbidden, so you shouldn’t get in bother.
The drone’s measurement and weight additionally contribute to some great benefits of being a great newbie drone.
You gained’t want a Phantom or every other cumbersome drone as your first. You want one thing small, moveable, and low cost.
After which, in case you like this passion, in time, you may spend money on costlier tools.
Within the worst-case state of affairs, the place you crash the drone as a newbie or don’t just like the passion, the losses are much less vital than with a extra pricey drone.
And finally, 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 every other drone batteries to operate 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 under the flight time capabilities of this drone.
That makes the DJI Mini 2 SE above-average relating to flight time with its clever battery.
After all, the drone’s flight time will at all times be affected by exterior elements, reminiscent of temperature, wind velocity, flight vary, and flight fashion.
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.
Except 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 most recent DJI Air 3 has the just-released O4 transmission system.
Meaning the DJI Mini 2 SE is barely left behind relating to 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 be capable of 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 unbelievable transmission vary and able to flight long-range.
There are not any different comparable drones to fly that far because the DJI Mini 2 SE for this price.
And different non-DJI drones throughout the similar worth vary can’t fly even half of the gap of this drone.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Vary Defined (All the pieces You Want To Know)
Shopping for the DJI Mini 2 SE for touring
Who doesn’t love a little bit little bit of touring?
Wherever you’re touring mild, by backpack, automotive or prepare, and even by airplane, carrying a drone is just not a simple job.
You should at all times guarantee there’s greater than sufficient house 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 comparable, are all tiny drones that weigh beneath 250 grams and match even in a pocket.
In case you are touring and need to spend money on 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 images or movie a tall waterfall in the midst of nowhere from a drone, you can not go unsuitable 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 not less than an extra battery or two.
You will have these batteries as a result of even with a great flight time, the juice runs out faster than you count on.
And it will be foolish to seek out your self backpacking for hours and solely be capable of take a few pictures and video along with your new Mini 2 SE.
That’s until you might 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?
In case you are into the world of vlogging or creating digital content material in your YouTube channel, there are higher selections than the DJI Mini 2 SE.
The digicam high quality for video is appropriate for vlogs, capturing some b-rolls, and making the most of the drone’s small measurement the place you may carry it wherever.
However essentially the most vital drawback is that the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have Energetic Monitor with Observe-me mode.
What does this imply?
It’s easy. Should you plan to place the drone into following you whereas vlogging, it gained’t.
You possibly can reap the benefits of some clever capabilities to sweeten the movies you are taking with this drone.
However sadly, I wouldn’t suggest the DJI Mini 2 SE for vlogging because the best choice.
As a substitute, I might go for the DJI Mini 3 Professional, the place you may profit from the follow-me mode and impediment avoidance sensors.
Nevertheless, that may get expensive.
» MORE: Finest Drones for Vlogging
DJI Mini 2 SE for sports activities
In case you are searching for a drone for sports activities, there are two methods to method this:
Are you planning to make use of a follow-me characteristic for the drone to comply with you round when you have interaction 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 will be appropriate to make use of for many sports activities if you’re the pilot.
However in case you’re searching for a drone to comply with you round whereas doing sports activities, then once more, the DJI Mini 2 SE wouldn’t be my suggestion.
Now, if you’re strictly into sporting and searching for one thing particular if you are the drone pilot, I like to recommend you get into FPV and purchase an FPV drone reminiscent of 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 may stand out from every part else.
Why the DJI Mini 2 SE could also be an appropriate drone for you
In case you are a newbie searching for an inexpensive dependable drone to start out flying, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is a superb selection.
In case you are a traveler, I might 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 another excuse I might 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 must register it and will profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines in lots of components around the globe as a result of it’s beneath 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 certainly can’t go unsuitable with.
Why DJI Mini 2 SE might not be what you’re searching for
In case you are searching for a drone to advance professionally in aerial images or filmmaking, then I can’t suggest the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Additionally, I might not suggest it for any sort of exercise that can require you to make use of the follow-me characteristic or reap the benefits of anti-collision sensors as a result of this drone lacks these attributes.
The DJI Mini 2 SE might not be one of the best suggestion if you’re searching for a drone for industrial work, aside from presumably actual property images and roof inspection.
There are different drones on the market that might do higher, however the worth will rise accordingly.