Searching for your first drone and torn between the assorted fashions out there? I need to introduce you to 2 viable drones: the DJI Air 2S and the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Whereas their variations could also be throughout the spectrum (one low-cost and one costly, completely different weight classifications, and considerably completely different sensor sizes), you’ll find your self torn between the 2.
So which one must you get?
The DJI Air 2S is the higher selection for the best photograph and video high quality, clever flight modes, security options, and flight efficiency. The DJI Mini 2 SE is a viable selection for those who’re on a finances and like portability and a drone that may obtain the naked minimal with out breaking the financial institution.
High Drone Programs
Preserve studying to be taught extra about which drone might be nice for you!
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, Underneath 249 g, Return to Residence, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digital camera for Newcomers.
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08/11/2023 01:01 am GMT
Launched in February 2023, the DJI Mini 2 SE is solely the Mini 2 with out the 4K digital camera and diminished clever flight modes.
As a substitute, it shoots in 2.7K because of the 1/2.3-inch sensor, and the bitrate has been diminished from 100 Mbps to 40 Mbps.
Whereas not as highly effective because the more moderen drones, 8-bit SDR coloration functionality permits the Mini 2 SE to document very easy 2.7K movies at 30fps or 24fps.
The three-axis gimbal additionally ensures steady footage, making this drone usable for a variety of functions.
The design, weight, dimension, lack of impediment avoidance, and propellers and batteries look just like the unique Mini 2.
As such, it’s one of many cheaper drones to contemplate for those who don’t need to register with the FAA. The 30-minute flight time can also be fairly spectacular for a drone of its dimension.
Beneath is a quick overview of the Mini 2 SE and an indication of the way it works.
✅ Execs
- Very inexpensive
- Simple to make use of
- Light-weight and simply transportable
- Lengthy flight time
❌ Cons
- The digital camera is a bit of underpowered
- It might use extra clever options
- Lacks security options like impediment avoidance
DJI Air 2S Overview
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digital camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
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08/11/2023 11:36 pm GMT
Launched in November 2021 as an improve to the DJI Air 2, the Air 2S is among the most inexpensive digital camera drones you should use for content material creation {and professional} work.
It contains a significantly bigger sensor (1-inch CMOS) than the Mini 2 SE, and it additionally has extra clever flight modes and offers you extra choices for what to do with a drone.
The Air 2S can shoot 20MP nonetheless pictures and movies in 5.4K at 30 fps. The three-axis digital gimbal stabilization ensures extremely steady footage whatever the nature of the flight.
Different options that make the Air 2S stand out embody the next;
- DJI OcuSync 3.0 – That is DJI’s transmission system that permits the drone to ship a 1080p dwell transmission from as much as 7.5 miles away.
- Clever flight modes – The Air 2S has modes like ActiveTrack, Highlight, Level of Curiosity, Hyperlapse, Quickshots, and Mastershots. These mean you can create cinematic footage in a really brief time.
- Impediment avoidance – The Air 2S has four-way impediment avoidance (prime, entrance, down, and again).
- Higher coloration scheme – The Air 2S can shoot in regular or in 10-bit D-Log. Whereas regular taking pictures means that you can edit rapidly, D-Log offers you a extra complete vary of flexibility throughout post-processing.
- HDR (Hyper Dynamic Vary) functionality – This enables the drone to supply detailed footage in comparison with a drone with the identical options missing HDR.
Even with all these options, the Air 2S nonetheless maintains a lightweight and transportable design because it weighs round 595 grams and is foldable.
Beneath is a overview of the DJI Air 2S from unboxing to taking the primary flight.
✅ Execs
- Prolonged flight time
- A wider vary of flight modes
- Highly effective imaging capabilities
- Superior gimbal stabilization
- Very transportable
- Impediment avoidance
❌ Cons
- It’s costlier
- It’s bulkier and heavier than the two SE
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S – Which choice is healthier?
The Air 2S is a transparent winner in a number of features, as I’ll share on this article, however primarily based on the transient overview of each drones, it’s evident that they each have their strengths and weaknesses.
As such, selecting between the Mini 2 S and Air 2S comes right down to your finances, what you propose to make use of the drone for, and the precise options you want in a drone.
With that in thoughts, let’s take into account why you’d select both.
Why select the DJI Mini 2 SE over DJI Air 2S?
DJI Mini 2 SE
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Drone with 2.7K Video, 10km Video Transmission, 31-min Flight Time, Underneath 249 g, Return to Residence, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digital camera for Newcomers.
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
08/11/2023 01:01 am GMT
Beneath are some causes one may go for the Mini 2 SE.
- Affordability – One main benefit of the Mini 2 SE is that it’s very inexpensive in comparison with the Air 2S. Going for at the very least $340 with one battery and fewer than $500 for the combo, it makes an excellent starter drone with out breaking the financial institution.
- Ease of Use – The Mini 2 SE is a really beginner-friendly drone. You solely have to know the fundamentals of flight, and you’ll be good to go. There are actually a number of aperture, ISO, or different footage settings. You may simply take off and begin recording footage you possibly can share in your social media channels.
- Portability and light-weight design – Being a Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE is mild. With one battery, it might simply slot in your pocket. And when you’ve gotten the Fly Extra Combo, you possibly can simply match the entire package deal in your touring bag and never really feel its weight.
- No FAA registration required – Within the US, the FAA doesn’t require pilots to register their drones in the event that they weigh lower than 250 grams and won’t be used for business functions. In case you’re shopping for the drone for private use and don’t need to take care of the registration course of, the Mini 2 SE is a superb selection. Nevertheless, you continue to want to stick to the assorted native and federal drone laws, so you should move the TRUST take a look at and get a certificates.
- Respectable flight time – Regardless of its smaller dimension, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless gives a good flight time of roughly half-hour, offering enough airtime for informal flights and easy aerial pictures periods. Nevertheless, when flying it, you might get about 20 minutes as a result of numerous elements affecting battery consumption in drones, however that’s nonetheless a very long time for a client drone.
- Silky easy 2.7K video – The Mini 2 SE’s digital camera can document easy 2.7K video, providing first rate high quality for many informal content material creation and social media sharing.
- No impediment detection – Without having impediment detection will be seen as a draw back in comparison with the Air 2S, some customers might want a extra handbook flying expertise and are prepared to be cautious throughout low-altitude flights.
Why select the DJI Air 2S over DJI Mini 2 SE?
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digital camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
08/11/2023 11:36 pm GMT
Choosing the DJI Air 2S over the Mini 2 SE has its benefits too. These embody:
- Superior digital camera efficiency: The Air 2S has a 1-inch CMOS sensor, offering considerably higher picture high quality and low-light efficiency than the Mini 2 SE. It may well seize 20-MP nonetheless photographs and document video in 5.4K at 30fps, providing gorgeous visuals appropriate for skilled pictures and videography.
- Clever flight modes: The Air 2S options many clever flight modes, together with ActiveTrack 4.0, Highlight 2.0, and Level of Curiosity 3.0. These modes allow the drone to trace and comply with topics autonomously, opening up inventive prospects for effortlessly capturing complicated pictures.
- Impediment avoidance and security: The Air 2S incorporates four-way impediment avoidance sensors, enhancing security throughout flights and lowering the chance of collisions with obstacles within the drone’s path. This function is very helpful when flying in difficult environments or throughout complicated maneuvers.
- Hyperlapse: The Air 2S introduces the Hyperlapse function, permitting customers to create gorgeous time-lapse movies with automated flight paths. This function provides a inventive dimension to your aerial videography, enabling dynamic and fascinating pictures.
- Prolonged transmission vary: The Air 2S boasts OcuSync 3.0 transmission expertise, offering a steady and dependable connection between the drone and its distant controller. This enables for a seamless dwell video feed as much as roughly 7.5 miles away, offering better flexibility for capturing footage from a distance.
- Skilled-grade construct high quality: The Air 2S contains a extra sturdy and premium construct high quality than the Mini 2 SE, making it better-suited for demanding out of doors use and antagonistic climate circumstances. It’s additionally heavier, permitting it to resist stronger winds than the Mini 2 SE.
- Prolonged flight time: Whereas the distinction is minimal, the Air 2S gives a barely longer flight time of roughly 31 minutes, offering a couple of further minutes of flight, all elements thought-about, in comparison with the Mini 2 SE.
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S – A full comparability of options
Pricing and availability
Pricing is among the major variations between these two drone fashions.
The DJI Mini 2 SE prices $339 whenever you go for one battery and $489 whenever you get the Fly Extra Combo that features the drone, three batteries, a charging hub, and a carrying bag.
Since its launch in 2023, the Mini 2 SE continues to be out there on DJI’s web site and different e-commerce platforms.
Then again, the DJI Air 2S prices $999 within the primary package deal, the place you solely get the drone and one battery.
With the Fly Extra Combo, you get two further batteries, a charging hub, ND filters (ND4, 8, 16, and 32), and a bag to hold it with.
Whereas the Air 2S was launched in 2021, it’s nonetheless out there on DJI’s web site and different e-commerce platforms.
Because it has been round for some time, it’s potential to get it at a cheaper price from resellers who might need to improve to extra superior drones.
Pictures and video recording
Concerning pictures and videography, each the DJI Air 2S and the Mini 2 Se are spectacular in their very own proper, however there are important variations since they’re focused at completely different markets.
DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S is extra highly effective in pictures and video recording because of the 1-inch CMOS sensor and state-of-the-art imaging capabilities.
With 20 MP picture high quality, you possibly can seize high-quality pictures that offer you extra room to edit.
The Air 2S digital camera and up to date firmware make it usable for mapping initiatives attributable to its excessive decision and compatibility with software program like DroneDeploy.
Concerning movies, the Air 2S can shoot as much as 5.4K at 30 fps, however 4K at 60fps or 30fps is extra frequent amongst most customers.
The upper the decision, the higher footage you get, making it the best choice for skilled videography. The HDR function additionally considerably impacts the footage high quality.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Whereas the Mini 2 SE might not attain the identical stage of efficiency because the Air 2S, it nonetheless gives spectacular pictures and video recording capabilities, particularly contemplating its budget-friendly worth level.
Outfitted with a 2.7K digital camera and a three-axis gimbal, the Mini 2 SE can seize movies at 30 fps, delivering wonderful footage high quality for its worth vary.
For nonetheless pictures, the Mini 2 SE supplies 12-megapixel photographs in JPG and Uncooked DNG codecs.
Whereas it could not match the Air 2S’s decision, it nonetheless gives first rate photograph high quality appropriate for informal pictures and social media sharing.
Nevertheless, the Mini 2 SE lacks superior options like HDR mode and Hyperlapse, that are current within the Air 2S.
Moreover, the absence of impediment detection sensors implies that pilots should train warning throughout low-altitude flights to keep away from potential collisions.
Flight options
The Air 2S and the Mini 2 SE include numerous flight options to make sure a secure and fulfilling flight expertise, however they’ve important variations too.
DJI Air 2S
As a extra superior and higher-priced drone, the Air 2S has a wide selection of flight options catering to each skilled and fanatic pilots.
I’ve talked extensively in regards to the numerous options, from impediment avoidance to ActiveTrack, OcuSync, and Hyperlapse.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE, designed as a budget-friendly choice, gives extra simple flight options than the Air 2S.
Whereas it lacks among the superior options present in its higher-end counterpart, it nonetheless delivers a passable flying expertise.
Flight efficiency
The DJI Air 2S excels in flight efficiency, providing increased speeds, higher wind resistance, and extra superior flight maneuvers.
Its responsive controls and steady hovering make it a super selection for skilled aerial pictures and videography, offering pilots with the instruments they want for exact and inventive pictures.
Then again, the DJI Mini 2 SE focuses on being light-weight, transportable, and simple to fly, making it appropriate for rookies and informal customers.
Whereas it could not carry out in addition to the Air 2S, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless gives a satisfying flight expertise with steady flight, average speeds, and first rate wind resistance.
Plane and controller
When evaluating the Mini 2 SE and Air 2S relating to plane and controller compatibility, there’s an attention-grabbing distinction to contemplate which will impression your general expertise, particularly for those who worth comfort and an built-in show.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE comes with the DJI RC-N1 distant controller, which requires you to make use of your smartphone because the dwell video feed and management interface show.
Whereas the DJI RC-N1 controller supplies bodily management over the drone and enhances the flying expertise, you’ll nonetheless want to connect your smartphone to the controller to entry the dwell view and make changes via the DJI Fly app.
DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S initially used the DJI RC-N1 controller, just like the Mini 2 SE, requiring you to make use of a smartphone for dwell video feed and controls.
Nevertheless, an replace was launched for the Air 2S. It’s now suitable with the DJI RC Sensible Controller, which contains a built-in 5.5-inch display, eliminating the necessity for a separate smartphone.
This integration supplies a extra streamlined and hassle-free flying expertise.
Benefits of DJI Sensible Controller compatibility
The combination of the DJI RC Sensible Controller with the Air 2S gives a number of advantages for customers preferring an all-in-one answer:
- Built-in show: The DJI Sensible Controller options a big display that gives a transparent and handy dwell video feed. That is significantly advantageous in vibrant out of doors circumstances the place smartphone screens could be difficult to see.
- Enhanced portability: With the built-in show, you possibly can carry the Air 2S and the Sensible Controller as a single unit, lowering the variety of gadgets you should convey throughout your flights.
- Fast setup: The Sensible Controller simplifies the setup course of, as you received’t want to connect and configure your smartphone earlier than every flight.
If having an built-in show and a extra streamlined flying expertise is important, the Air 2S with the DJI Sensible Controller compatibility could be the popular selection.
Nevertheless, for those who’re snug utilizing your smartphone because the management interface and dwell view display, each the Mini 2 SE and the Air 2S (with the DJI RC-N1 controller) supply a comparable expertise.
Flight time
Each drones supply good flight instances that cater to their respective goal audiences.
The Air 2S supplies a barely longer flight time, interesting to professionals and fans requiring prolonged aerial missions. It’s weight and wind-resistant functionality imply it’s going to additionally last more in antagonistic climate circumstances than the Mini 2 SE.
Then again, the Mini 2 SE’s flight time is enough for leisure customers, rookies, and people in search of a compact drone for fast and enjoyable flights in optimum climate circumstances.
Vary
Whereas the Mini 2 SE was launched later than the Air 2S, it makes use of previous tech (OcuSync 2.0), additionally discovered within the Mini 2.
This transmission expertise gives a 1080p dwell transmission and a robust connection between the drone and the controller at as much as 6.2 miles.
Then again, the Air 2S makes use of a extra upgraded OcuSync 3, which extends the vary to as much as 7.5 miles.
The OcuSync 3.0 additionally gives decrease lag within the footage and higher efficiency, even in areas with some interference.
General, each drones supply a wonderful vary, particularly for short-range flights, however for those who’re in search of a stronger transmission, the Air 2S can be a better option.
DJI Air 2S and Mini 2 SE for business work – which is healthier?
This depends upon the character of the mission at hand. In case your mission wants high-quality imagery, complicated pictures, or superior security options, the DJI Air 2S can be the higher selection.
That is because of the bigger sensor, 5.4K video decision, prolonged vary, impediment avoidance, and an general sturdy construct.
Then again, if finances constraints are a main consideration, and the business duties are comparatively simple or don’t require the best picture high quality, the DJI Mini 2 SE generally is a cost-effective and dependable choice.
DJI Air 2S vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for actions
In case you’re into numerous out of doors actions, under is how each drones examine for among the commonest actions.
Journey and mountain climbing
Each drones can improve your journey experiences and supply a novel perspective of the gorgeous landscapes you encounter whereas mountain climbing.
When deciding between the Air 2S and Mini 2 SE for journey and mountain climbing, take into account the next:
- The Air 2S is the higher selection for those who prioritize the best picture and video high quality, inventive options, and superior security measures and are prepared to spend money on a extra premium drone.
- Suppose portability, ease of use, and affordability are extra essential to your journey and mountain climbing wants, and you continue to need to take pleasure in first rate digital camera capabilities. In that case, the Mini 2 SE is a superb choice that received’t compromise your skill to seize memorable aerial footage throughout your adventures.
Excessive sports activities
Let’s discover how every drone performs on this context.
DJI Air 2S for excessive sports activities
- Superior digital camera efficiency: The Air 2S’s 1-inch CMOS sensor and 5.4K video decision ship distinctive picture high quality and detailed footage, making it a wonderful selection for capturing fast-paced and action-packed moments in excessive sports activities.
- Quick autofocus and monitoring: The Air 2S options superior autofocus capabilities and clever flight modes like ActiveTrack 4.0, which may successfully observe and comply with fast-moving topics, making certain your pictures stay sharp and centered even throughout high-speed actions.
- Security: With its four-way impediment avoidance sensors, the Air 2S can navigate difficult environments throughout excessive sports activities with out the chance of collisions, offering extra security and peace of thoughts throughout your flights.
- Skilled-grade footage: If you wish to create professional-level content material showcasing excessive sports activities actions, the Air 2S’s high-quality footage and inventive options will elevate your movies to a cinematic stage.
DJI Mini 2 SE for excessive sports activities
- Portability and light-weight design: The Mini 2 SE’s compact and light-weight design permits for straightforward portability, making it a handy drone to hold round whereas partaking in excessive sports activities with out including important weight to your gear.
- Ease of use: The Mini 2 SE is simple to fly, making it appropriate for customers of all expertise ranges, together with these new to drones. Its user-friendly interface permits you to deal with capturing the motion with out worrying about complicated drone piloting.
- Affordability: The Mini 2 SE is extra budget-friendly than the Air 2S, making it engaging for excessive sports activities fans who need to add aerial footage to their adventures with out splurging on a premium drone.
- No FAA registration required: Because the Mini 2 SE falls under the load threshold for FAA registration, you possibly can rapidly begin flying throughout excessive sports activities with out coping with further paperwork or laws until you do it commercially.
Vlogging
Concerning vlogging, the selection between the Mini 2 SE and the Air 2S hinges in your particular vlogging wants, the extent of video high quality you want, and the comfort you’re in search of for content material creation on the go.
DJI Mini 2 SE
- Compact and transportable: The Mini 2 SE’s light-weight design and compact dimension make it extremely transportable, very best for vloggers who’re all the time shifting and wish an easy-to-carry drone.
- 2.7K video: Whereas not as superior because the Air 2S, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless gives crisp 2.7K video recording at 30 frames per second. This decision is appropriate for many vlogging eventualities, clearly capturing your experiences.
- Primary video options: The Mini 2 SE supplies important video recording options, making it appropriate for capturing vlogs. Nevertheless, it lacks some superior options like HDR and 4K recording that the Air 2S gives.
- Simplified operation: The Mini 2 SE’s user-friendly interface and simple controls make it accessible for vloggers of all ranges, making certain a hassle-free filming expertise.
DJI Air 2S:
- Superior video capabilities: The Air 2S shines by way of video high quality. Its 5.4K video recording at 30 frames per second delivers gorgeous footage with distinctive element and readability, good for creating high-quality vlogs.
- HDR and 4K recording: The Air 2S helps HDR video recording and gives 4K video at as much as 60 frames per second, offering extra flexibility in enhancing and reaching dynamic visuals.
- Larger dynamic vary: The Air 2S’s bigger sensor and superior video options contribute to a broader dynamic vary, permitting you to seize extra element in difficult lighting circumstances.
- Enhanced stabilization: Each drones function three-axis gimbal stabilization, however the Air 2S’s superior stabilization algorithms additional scale back shake and improve the smoothness of your footage.
- Superior flight options: The Air 2S’s impediment avoidance and superior monitoring options enable for extra inventive and dynamic vlogging pictures, providing you with better versatility in your content material.
