A comparison between Mavic Mini vs Mini 2.
DJI has revolutionized the drone market with the powerful, tiny and affordable Mavic Mini. It was a drone that had to make some serious sacrifices, but for the right user it represents a class of its own. Now DJI has released a brand new version of their tiny drone. The Mavic brand is nowhere to be seen this time around. This new tiny wonder is simply known as the DJI Mini 2.
However, the name is the only place where DJI made concessions. In all other respects, the Mini 2 is an improvement on the original. The big question is whether it’s worth putting these improvements on an upgrade or not.
We’re going to understand why the Mini 2 is a noteworthy drone and take a look at the various ways DJI has upgraded its brave little car compared to their groundbreaking featherweight champion.
Why Buy a Mini at All?
This article is mainly aimed at current Mavic Mini owners who might be wondering if they might not be better off buying a new model. However, if you’re really trying to decide between getting the discounted Mavic Mini or the retail Mini 2, here’s what you need to know.
The Mavic mini drone has one big claim to fame. They both weigh less than 250 grams for drone licensing that exists in many countries. This limitation was introduced to prevent toy drones from requiring registration. DJI seemed to take this as a personal challenge and proudly hung a sticker that said “249g” on the sides of the Mini. Just in case a curious law enforcement officer wants to see your permission.
Since then, legislators have become aware of the latest advances in light drone technology. This means that no matter how light the drone is, the criterion is now whether it has a camera or not. In countries such as the United Kingdom, which introduced this new definition, you will need a Mini license. If you are using your drone commercially, you may need a ground pilot license regardless of the weight of the drone.
As this legal advantage is rapidly fading away, the Mini’s appeal is largely due to its size, ease of use, and phenomenal video quality for its price. It’s still a great product line even if its previous offering was canceled.
A Better Camera
The first big improvement in the Mini 2 is the move to 4K video. The Mavi Mini offered 2.7K video, which produced excellent 1080p footage and allowed for a bit of lossless reformatting. However, using this material in a 4K project felt a little bland.
The Mini 2 solves this problem by offering crisp 4K footage. Although at the same 30 frames per second as the original drone. You also get 4x digital zoom and the ability to take RAW photos. This is a huge step forward for photography. With RAW photos, you can fix and enhance the image without any loss.
Improved Wind Resistance
The Mini 2 has significantly more powerful engines without sacrificing flight times, which are around 31 minutes in calm weather. It can fly at speeds up to 16 meters per second compared to 13 for the Mavic Mini.
It also moved up one category on the DJI wind resistance scale. So the Mini 2 will perform a little better when the weather improves. Instead of flying away like a very expensive balloon.
The Mavic Mini doesn’t slouch when it comes to flying in hectic conditions, but this higher level of performance in the upgrade will keep the drone more secure. It also means you can get to your shooting location faster and track fast-moving subjects such as active sports or SUVs more easily.
When it comes to drone video, having more performance on your wiring is never a bad thing. Although it shouldn’t come at the expense of everything else.
Advanced Wireless Transmission Technology
Wireless connectivity is perhaps the biggest improvement the Mini 2 brings to the list of its predecessors. The Mavic Mini uses plain old Wi-Fi to transfer data between the radio controller and the ship. It is extremely susceptible to interference and has a relatively limited range. We’ve had problems with our own Mavic Mini in urban areas where there are many other Wi-Fi devices or where metal-rich structures interfere with the signal.
While signal interference will do nothing to jeopardize your drone, it means you might be missing out on moments because the drone loses connection at the wrong time.
For many types of videos, it doesn’t matter. This breathtaking waterfall isn’t going anywhere. But if you’re filming something that only happens once, like your friends crashing on a skateboard, the Wi-Fi transmission system may ruin your enjoyment.
The Mini 2 comes with a patented technology called OcuSync (version 2.0). This more than doubles the maximum transmission range, and OcuSync 2.0 is also much more immune to interference. This means that your video stream remains clear and relatively lag-free, and the drone accepts your commands seamlessly.
OcuSync has been reserved for the Mavic Pro and (recently) the Mavic Air 2 Drones. Plus other high quality DJI crafts. Having it in the entry-level Mini 2 is a big improvement.
Mavic Mini Vs Mini 2
You have several options for purchasing both of these drones. As always, DJI offers drones on its own or as part of the Fly More Combo. Your budget should be your guideline, but we highly recommend that you always choose the Fly More Combo if you can afford it.
Buying everything you need in combination separately is always much more expensive, and all these are useful things. The Mavic Mini retails for $ 399 ($ ​​499 per combo), while the Mini 2 will set you back $ 449 ($ 599 per combo).
Should You Upgrade to the Mini 2?
There are two answers to this question, and it all depends on what exactly you are using the drone for. If you use the Mini as a personal drone to entertain and capture footage to share on social media and for personal projects, then there is no urgent need to buy this new version. The footage and performance of the original Mini is still amazing. Few have devices with a 4K display, and if your shots aren’t critical, then OcuSync isn’t all that important.
However, we know that there are many people out there who actually use the Mavic Mini for professional purposes. Either because it’s the only drone they can cross the border without requiring a license at their destination, or simply because even something like the Air 2 is too big to carry around all the time. You may be surprised at how much of the Mavic Mini’s material ends up in professional projects. Because it can fly where other, larger drones simply cannot.
For these users, the Mini 2 is practically a must. 4K video is becoming the standard for professional content producers. OcuSync helps you take pictures where there is no way to take a second take. The improved wind resistance and speed also bring the Mini 2 closer to the much more expensive professional drones, while maintaining its size advantage. The Mini 2 will become an essential part of many professional video toolkits, despite not being sold as one.
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A comparison between Mavic Mini vs Mini 2
A comparison between Mavic Mini vs Mini 2