DJI Mini 2 Review ⚠️ (July 2024)

The DJI Mini 2 is a popular choice for drone enthusiasts looking for a compact and portable drone with excellent image quality. It’s a great option for beginners and experienced pilots alike, offering a balance of features and affordability.

This review will delve into the Mini 2’s strengths and weaknesses, covering its flight performance, camera capabilities, ease of use, and overall value for money. We’ll also compare it to other popular mini drones in the market to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Whether you’re interested in capturing stunning aerial footage, exploring your surroundings from a new perspective, or simply having fun with a high-quality drone, the Mini 2 has a lot to offer.

This comprehensive review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether the DJI Mini 2 is the right drone for you.

Name:	DJI Mini 2
Image:
Price:	$279.00
Rating:	4.5 out of 5 stars
Link:	Amazon

DJI Mini 2: Overview and Key Features

The DJI Mini 2 is a compact and powerful drone designed for both beginners and experienced pilots. It’s a lightweight drone that’s easy to transport and offers excellent image and video quality. The Mini 2 packs a powerful camera that captures stunning aerial footage and boasts a range of features for enhancing your flight experience. Here’s a closer look at the key features of the DJI Mini 2:

Small and Portable Design: The DJI Mini 2 is one of the smallest and lightest drones on the market, weighing just 249 grams. Its compact design allows you to easily carry it in your backpack or a small bag. The foldable arms make it even more portable for travel and storage.

Powerful Camera: The Mini 2 is equipped with a 12MP camera that can shoot 4K video at 30fps. This camera also allows you to take high-resolution photos and record slow-motion videos at 1080p. It offers a 1/2.9-inch CMOS sensor and a wide-angle lens with an 83° field of view.

Smart Features: The DJI Mini 2 features a variety of intelligent flight modes to enhance your aerial experience. These modes include:

• QuickShots: Capture cinematic shots with a single tap, including Dronie, Circle, Rocket, and Helix.
• ActiveTrack 3.0: Follow your subject automatically while you control the drone’s flight.
• Point of Interest: Circle around a selected point of interest while capturing footage.
• Panorama: Create stunning panoramic photos by stitching multiple shots together.

Extended Flight Time: The Mini 2 can stay airborne for up to 31 minutes on a single charge, thanks to its efficient battery and power management system. This gives you ample time to capture all the shots you need.

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OcuSync 2.0 Transmission: The Mini 2 uses DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology, allowing for stable and reliable video streaming at distances of up to 10 kilometers. This technology ensures that you have a clear and responsive connection to your drone, even in challenging environments.

Flight Safety: The Mini 2 is designed with safety in mind, featuring several features to enhance safety. These include:

• GPS and GLONASS positioning: Precise location information for accurate navigation and flight control.
• Return-to-Home: The drone will automatically return to its takeoff point when its battery is low or if the signal is lost.
• Geofencing: The drone will avoid flying into restricted areas.

User-Friendly App: The DJI Fly app is easy to use and provides a comprehensive interface for controlling the drone and managing your footage. It includes features like flight planning, real-time video monitoring, and flight data logging.

Overall, the DJI Mini 2 offers a fantastic combination of portability, image quality, smart features, and safety features. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers, videographers, and anyone looking for a fun and easy-to-use drone.

Design and Build Quality

The DJI Mini 2 retains the familiar and compact design of its predecessor, the Mini, but with a few subtle improvements. It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing under 249 grams, which allows it to be flown in many countries without needing registration. The drone itself feels very solid in hand, with a robust plastic construction that’s designed to withstand minor bumps and drops. The foldable arms lock securely in place, making it easy to pack and transport.

The Mini 2 also boasts a slightly improved camera gimbal, which helps to stabilize the footage and reduce shake. It’s worth noting that the camera is still slightly protruding from the body, which could make it vulnerable to damage if dropped. The drone’s propellers are also designed to be more efficient and quieter than the previous model.

Overall, the DJI Mini 2 feels like a well-built and durable drone that’s designed for portability and ease of use. While it might not be as rugged as some of DJI’s larger drones, the Mini 2’s compact design and lightweight construction make it a great option for casual flyers and enthusiasts who want a drone that’s easy to take on the go.

Image and Video Quality

The DJI Mini 2 boasts impressive image and video quality, exceeding expectations for a drone in its size and price range. It captures stunning aerial footage with crisp details and vibrant colors. Here’s a breakdown:

Image Quality:

• 12MP Camera: The Mini 2 packs a 12MP camera that captures high-resolution photos with excellent detail and color accuracy. It supports JPEG and DNG (RAW) format, giving you flexibility in post-processing.
• Wide-Angle Lens: The drone’s wide-angle lens captures a broad field of view, ideal for expansive landscapes and sweeping shots. This perspective adds a dramatic touch to your aerial photography.
• HDR Mode: The Mini 2 offers HDR mode, which helps enhance contrast and detail in high-contrast scenes, resulting in images with more dynamic range.

Video Quality:

• 2.7K Video Recording: The Mini 2 can shoot video at 2.7K resolution (2720 x 1530) at 30fps. The footage is remarkably smooth and detailed, thanks to the drone’s electronic image stabilization (EIS) system.
• 1080p at 60fps: For smoother, slow-motion effects, the Mini 2 can record 1080p video at 60fps, offering a cinematic touch to your footage.
• Digital Zoom: While not as sharp as optical zoom, the Mini 2’s digital zoom can help you get closer to your subject without having to fly closer physically.

Other Features:

• Slow Motion: The Mini 2 allows you to capture slow-motion videos at 1080p resolution at 120fps, perfect for capturing action-packed moments.
• Time-lapse: Create captivating time-lapses by setting the drone to capture a series of photos at regular intervals, which can be stitched together into a time-lapse video.
• Panorama: The Mini 2 offers three panorama modes: Sphere, 180°, and Wide Angle, allowing you to capture stunning panoramic views.

Overall, the DJI Mini 2 delivers exceptional image and video quality for its size and price. Its camera is capable of producing high-quality footage, making it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers alike. The various shooting modes and features add to its versatility, ensuring you can capture captivating content for any occasion.

Flight Performance and Range

The DJI Mini 2 is a lightweight drone that offers impressive flight performance and range, exceeding expectations for its size. Its compact design and portability make it a great choice for travelers and enthusiasts who want to capture aerial footage on the go. Here’s a breakdown of its key flight characteristics:

Flight Time: The Mini 2 boasts a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, which is quite impressive for a drone in its class. This allows you ample time to capture footage without worrying about constantly needing to recharge. However, factors like wind conditions, temperature, and payload can impact actual flight time.

Range: One of the most notable features of the Mini 2 is its extended range of up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) using the DJI Fly app. This provides a significant area of operation, allowing you to explore vast landscapes and capture breathtaking perspectives.

Transmission: The Mini 2 utilizes the OcuSync 2.0 transmission system for reliable and high-quality video streaming. This technology ensures smooth, lag-free video feed even at long distances, making it ideal for filming dynamic scenes and capturing those wide-angle shots.

Wind Resistance: The Mini 2 is surprisingly wind-resistant, capable of handling wind speeds up to level 5 on the Beaufort scale. This allows for stable flight in moderate wind conditions, although flying in strong winds can still affect stability and maneuverability.

Flight Modes: The Mini 2 features various intelligent flight modes that make flying and capturing footage effortless. These include:

• ActiveTrack: This mode allows the drone to automatically follow a designated subject, offering hands-free tracking for dynamic shots.
• QuickShots: This feature provides pre-programmed flight paths like “Dronie” and “Circle,” enabling you to capture cinematic aerial shots with a single click.
• Point of Interest (POI): This mode allows the drone to orbit around a specific point of interest, providing a unique perspective.

Overall Flight Experience: The Mini 2 provides a smooth and stable flight experience, making it easy to control and maneuver. Its intuitive controls and flight modes allow both beginners and experienced pilots to capture stunning aerial footage.

Important Considerations:

• While the 10km range is impressive, it’s important to note that this is the maximum range under ideal conditions. Obstacles, interference, and regulatory restrictions can limit actual achievable range.
• Always prioritize safety and operate within legal guidelines.
• Ensure your drone is registered in accordance with local regulations.

Battery Life and Charging

The DJI Mini 2 boasts a flight time of up to 31 minutes on a single charge, which is impressive for a drone of its size. This allows for ample time to capture footage and explore different angles without worrying about running out of battery. However, it’s important to note that this flight time is under ideal conditions, and factors like wind and payload can affect it.

Charging the drone’s battery is a straightforward process. The included charging hub can simultaneously charge up to three batteries, which is convenient if you plan on flying for extended periods. Each battery takes about 1 hour to fully charge.

DJI also offers a variety of optional charging accessories, such as a car charger and a power bank, which can be helpful for charging on the go.

Overall, the DJI Mini 2‘s battery life and charging system are well-designed and efficient. The long flight time allows for ample opportunity to capture footage, while the convenient charging options ensure that you’re always ready to take to the skies.

App Features and Controls

The DJI Mini 2‘s app, DJI Fly, is your control center for everything related to the drone. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and is remarkably user-friendly, even for first-time drone pilots.

Flight Controls: The app offers intuitive on-screen controls for taking off, landing, and navigating the Mini 2. You can use your phone’s touchscreen to control the drone’s direction, altitude, and speed. The app also features a virtual joystick for more precise control, particularly when maneuvering in tight spaces or windy conditions.

Camera Control: The app grants you full control over the Mini 2’s camera, including zoom, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. You can even shoot photos and videos in various formats, including RAW for advanced editing. A unique feature is the ability to set up a variety of shooting modes, such as QuickShot, which automatically captures cinematic shots like a Dronie (rising shot with the drone following you) or a Circle (a circular orbit around a subject).

Live View and Video Recording: The app provides a live view of what the drone’s camera sees, letting you preview your shots in real-time. You can record videos in 2.7K or 1080p resolution and capture stunning stills with a 12MP camera. The app also allows you to switch between different recording settings, such as video bitrate and frame rate, to optimize your footage for different purposes.

Flight Planning and Waypoint Navigation: The DJI Fly app offers a feature called “Waypoint Navigation,” which enables you to create pre-programmed flight paths for your drone. This lets you plan out complex shots, like aerial panoramas or cinematic fly-bys, with ease.

Smart Features: The DJI Mini 2‘s app is packed with features designed to simplify your drone experience. The “ActiveTrack” feature allows the drone to automatically follow a moving subject, like a person or a car, while “Point of Interest” lets you set a point on the map for the drone to orbit around.

Sharing and Editing: DJI Fly makes it easy to share your drone footage with others. You can directly upload videos and photos to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can even do some basic editing within the app itself, adding music, text overlays, and more.

Overall, the DJI Fly app is a powerful and user-friendly tool that enhances the capabilities of the Mini 2 drone. It allows for easy control, versatile shooting options, smart features, and even some editing possibilities, making it a comprehensive companion for your aerial adventures.

Safety and Regulations

The DJI Mini 2, like all drones, operates within a framework of safety and regulations. It’s essential to understand these guidelines to fly responsibly and avoid any legal issues.

FAA Regulations in the US:

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has established regulations for drone operation, known as Part 107. Key points to remember include:

• Registration: You must register your drone with the FAA if it weighs over 0.55 pounds (250 grams). The DJI Mini 2 falls under this weight limit, so registration is mandatory. You can register online through the FAA website.
• Remote Pilot Certificate: For commercial drone operation, a Remote Pilot Certificate is required. This involves passing an exam and obtaining a license. The DJI Mini 2 is primarily marketed for recreational use, so a certificate is not needed for casual flying.
• Flying Restrictions: Certain areas are off-limits to drone flights, including airports, military installations, and sensitive locations. The FAA’s “B4UFLY” app can help you identify these restricted areas.
• Visual Line of Sight: You must maintain visual contact with your drone at all times during flight. This means no flying beyond your line of sight or using it for activities that require you to take your eyes off the drone.
• Operating Limits: The FAA sets limits on altitude and other flight parameters for drone operation. The DJI Mini 2 has built-in geofencing technology that helps prevent you from flying in restricted areas.

Beyond the US:

Regulations vary by country. Before flying your DJI Mini 2, it’s crucial to research and comply with the specific drone laws in your region. The DJI Fly app sometimes provides country-specific information, but it’s best to consult official government sources for the latest guidelines.

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Safety Practices:

Beyond legal regulations, responsible drone operation involves practicing safe flying habits:

• Always Fly Responsibly: Never fly recklessly or endanger others. Maintain a safe distance from people, property, and obstacles.
• Be Aware of Surrounding Environment: Pay attention to weather conditions, air traffic, and other potential hazards.
• Respect Privacy: Don’t fly over private property without permission. Avoid recording or photographing people without their consent.
• Follow Battery Safety Guidelines: Keep batteries charged properly and store them in a safe place.

By staying informed about regulations and practicing safe flying, you can enjoy the benefits of the DJI Mini 2 while minimizing risk and respecting the rules.

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

The DJI Mini 2 is an excellent drone for beginners and experienced pilots alike, offering a fantastic balance of features, portability, and price. However, as with any product, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros:

• Lightweight and Portable: At just 249 grams, the Mini 2 is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around and travel with. Its compact size also allows for convenient storage.
• Excellent Image and Video Quality: The 12MP camera captures stunning photos and 2.7K video at 30fps, with impressive color accuracy and detail. The 4x digital zoom further enhances the camera’s versatility.
• Impressive Flight Performance: The Mini 2 boasts a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, which is impressive for a drone of its size. It’s also capable of reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h, providing a thrilling flight experience.
• User-Friendly App: The DJI Fly app is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners. It provides access to various flight modes, camera settings, and real-time flight information.
• Affordable Price: Compared to other DJI drones, the Mini 2 is relatively affordable, making it a great entry point into the world of aerial photography and videography.

Cons:

• Limited Wind Resistance: The Mini 2’s lightweight design makes it susceptible to wind gusts, which can affect its stability and flight performance.
• No Obstacle Avoidance: Unlike some higher-end DJI drones, the Mini 2 lacks obstacle avoidance technology, requiring pilots to pay extra attention to their surroundings.
• Limited Storage: The internal storage is limited to 8GB, which may not be enough for extended flights or high-resolution video recording.
• No 4K Video: Although the 2.7K video quality is excellent, the lack of 4K recording might be a deal-breaker for some users seeking the highest possible resolution.
• No ActiveTrack: The Mini 2 doesn’t offer the advanced ActiveTrack feature found in larger DJI drones, which automatically follows a subject.

Comparisons with Other Drones

The DJI Mini 2 sits comfortably in the realm of ultra-portable, beginner-friendly drones, making it a popular choice for those new to aerial photography and videography. But how does it stack up against its competition? Let’s delve into some of the key comparisons:

Against the DJI Mavic Mini: The DJI Mini 2 is essentially a successor to the original Mavic Mini, offering several notable upgrades. It boasts a higher resolution camera (12MP vs. 12MP), improved video capabilities (4K at 30fps vs. 2.7K at 30fps), and a slightly longer flight time (31 minutes vs. 30 minutes). However, the Mavic Mini remains a more affordable option, especially if you can find it on sale.

Against the Autel Robotics EVO Nano+: The Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ is another strong contender in the ultra-portable drone category. It boasts a 1/1.28-inch sensor capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps, a longer flight time (30 minutes vs. 28 minutes), and obstacle avoidance features, which the DJI Mini 2 lacks. However, the Nano+ comes at a slightly higher price point.

Against the Parrot Anafi: The Parrot Anafi is another lightweight drone with a 4K camera, but it’s less compact than the Mini 2 and boasts a shorter flight time (25 minutes vs. 31 minutes). It does have a unique folding gimbal, allowing for near-vertical camera angles, which the Mini 2 lacks. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to priorities: portability and flight time vs. unique camera features.

Against the Ryze Tello: The Ryze Tello is a much more affordable option, specifically designed for beginners and educational purposes. It offers a 5MP camera, 13-minute flight time, and some basic features like obstacle avoidance and basic flight modes. However, its image and video quality are significantly lower than the DJI Mini 2, and it lacks the advanced features like GPS navigation and automated flight modes.

In Conclusion: The DJI Mini 2 stands out as a solid choice for those seeking a balance between portability, performance, and price. While it may not be the absolute top performer in every category, it offers a well-rounded package that’s hard to beat at its price point. When making your decision, consider your specific needs and budget, and weigh the pros and cons of each competitor to find the perfect fit for your aerial adventures.

Verdict: Is the DJI Mini 2 Worth It?

The DJI Mini 2 is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a compact, easy-to-use, and high-quality drone. Its combination of portability, impressive image quality, and user-friendly features makes it a top contender in the sub-250g drone market.

While it may not offer the advanced capabilities of its bigger brother, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 2 remains a solid option for casual users, travel enthusiasts, and aspiring drone photographers and videographers. The drone’s compact size and light weight make it incredibly convenient to carry around, while its 4K video recording and 12MP still photos deliver impressive results. The intuitive controls and user-friendly app further enhance the overall experience, making it easy for beginners to get started and for experienced pilots to enjoy advanced features.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Battery life could be better, and the lack of advanced features like obstacle avoidance and a 3-axis gimbal can be limitations for more demanding users.

Ultimately, the DJI Mini 2‘s value proposition depends on your specific needs and expectations. If you’re looking for a highly portable, user-friendly drone with impressive image quality for capturing stunning aerial footage and photos on your travels or for personal enjoyment, the DJI Mini 2 is definitely worth considering. However, if you need advanced features, longer flight times, or professional-grade performance, you might want to explore more advanced options like the DJI Mini 3 Pro or other drones in the market.

Where to Buy and Price

The DJI Mini 2 is widely available from various retailers both online and in-store. You can find it on DJI’s official website, Amazon, Best Buy, and other electronics stores. The price of the DJI Mini 2 can vary depending on the retailer and any bundles or promotions available. However, the standard package typically retails for around $449.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, DJI also offers a Fly More Combo, which includes additional batteries, a charging hub, and a carrying case. This combo typically costs around $599.

It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase. You can also look for sales and discounts, especially during holiday periods or seasonal events.

Conclusion

The DJI Mini 2 is a fantastic drone for beginners and enthusiasts alike, offering a compelling blend of portability, performance, and ease of use. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient to carry around, while its impressive image quality and flight capabilities provide a satisfying experience. The user-friendly app and intelligent features make it easy to capture stunning photos and videos, even for those new to drone flying. While the battery life could be better, the overall package is hard to beat in this price range. If you’re looking for a reliable and fun drone that delivers excellent value for your money, the DJI Mini 2 is a strong contender.

So, is the DJI Mini 2 worth it? For those seeking a portable, user-friendly drone with impressive image quality, the answer is a resounding yes. Its compact size, long flight time, and excellent camera make it perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a beginner, the Mini 2 offers a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.

However, it’s important to consider the limitations. The Mini 2 lacks advanced features like obstacle avoidance and active tracking found in higher-end models. Its small size also makes it susceptible to wind gusts, potentially impacting flight stability.

Ultimately, the DJI Mini 2 strikes a perfect balance between affordability, portability, and performance. It’s an exceptional choice for casual drone enthusiasts, travel photographers, and anyone looking to elevate their aerial photography game. Its ease of use and impressive capabilities make it a truly compelling option in the crowded drone market.

If you’re looking for a compact and capable drone that packs a punch, the DJI Mini 2 is a fantastic option. Its combination of portability, flight time, and image quality makes it a standout choice for capturing those unforgettable moments from above. While there are limitations to consider, the Mini 2 offers a compelling and enjoyable experience for users of all skill levels.