Is DJI Mini 2 SE Proper for You? (Right here’s Why It Is) – Droneblog

DJI has a wealthy historical past of making sub-250-gram drones, often known as the “mini collection”. 

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 probably the most performance-strong drone, and it does supply only some options in comparison with different mini options, however there’s a cause behind that.

Right now, even being one of many latest drones, the DJI Mini 2 SE can be formally one of many least expensive DJI drones you should buy, and that’s presently in manufacturing.

However for now, let’s take a look on the Mini 2 SE specs, lets?

✅ Execs

• One of many least expensive DJI drones out there
• Newer drone mannequin
• Wonderful transmission vary
• Distinctive wind resistance
• 3-axis mechanical gimbal for improbable 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 lots of nations 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
• Might 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, we’ve got a giant 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’ll 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, should 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 will probably be okay, however the shadows will probably be too darkish.

That received’t be a lot of a problem as a result of the drone can {photograph} in RAW (DNG) format. 

This implies that you could freely post-process the picture throughout the limits of the digital camera sensor’s dynamic vary.

You’ll be able to push the shadows up with little introduction of picture noise, however it could be greater than sufficient for a good picture.

Subsequently, in case you are solely trying to begin out with a drone and be taught aerial images, the DJI Mini 2 SE is, in truth, a improbable selection. 

However don’t hope the drone can seize professional-level photographs corresponding to DJI Mini 3 Professional or DJI Mavic 3 Professional can ship. That’s a protracted method to go.

Now, speaking concerning the benefit of this drone digital camera pertains to the precise value of the drone.

It might be troublesome to match the digital camera’s skills with an analogous value drone digital camera as a result of, on this case, the picture digital camera excels.

Though another drones with an identical value vary could seize photographs at the next decision, the CMOS sensor measurement and high quality could also be under what DJI Mini 2 SE affords.

Moreover, do not forget that the DJI Mini 2 SE can {photograph} in DNG format, and with packages like Lightroom or Photoshop, you are able to do wonders for these photographs.

Now, let’s not overlook that DJI Mini 2 SE can also {photograph} in sphere mode, 180 levels, and extensive 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 related costs.

However in my skilled opinion, except you want it for a particular utility, 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 good.

After all, we’ve got the identical concern 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 improbable selection in case you are trying to color-grade your movies.

However as a result of the drone doesn’t have this selection (no less than right now), it could be difficult to acquire professional-grade movies and additional edit them in Remaining Reduce Professional, Adobe Premier Professional, or different professional-level video modifying software program.

In case you are merely searching for video recollections or b-rolls to your YouTube movies, then you possibly can’t go unsuitable with this drone.

However should you’re trying to create YouTube or social media movies solely from drone photographs, I might advocate you look additional and make investments extra in knowledgeable video drone.

Is DJI Mini 2 SE any good for industrial work?

Most drones available on the market that provide respectable flight efficiency are appropriate for industrial work however restricted.

The DJI Mini 2 SE will not be a lot completely different from the listing.

As an example, it’s certainly an acceptable 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 wonderful hovering capabilities and good flying stability, making it one other acceptable selection for varied kinds of inspections the place you will get nearer to the topic (e.g., roof).

The DJI Mini 2 SE may also be used for plain mapping as a result of the photographs are good high quality sufficient, nevertheless it might not be the very best in its class.

Subsequently, certainly, the DJI Mini 2 SE is appropriate for primary industrial work however lacks many options dearer drones have that make them excel in some niched industries.

A great different, should 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 Industrial Use (Defined)

DJI Mini 2 SE for newcomers

Now that is the bread and butter of the DJI Mini 2 SE drone.

I can say this drone is among the greatest newbie drones existent. Why?

First, the beginning value 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 could not have impediment avoidance or Energetic Monitor to make the most of these traits.

But when your price range is low and also you wish to get into flying drones, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is presently the primary possibility.

This drone can fly for a very long time, has many newbie options and modes that can assist you be taught to fly a drone, and the transmission vary is totally improbable.

Furthermore, with the assistance of Geofencing, you received’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 the benefits of being newbie drone.

You received’t want a Phantom or some other cumbersome drone as your first. You want one thing small, moveable, and low cost.

After which, should you like this passion, in time, you possibly can spend money on dearer tools.

Within the worst-case situation, the place you crash the drone as a newbie or don’t just like the passion, the losses are much less important than with a extra pricey drone.

And finally, flying a less expensive drone received’t be as intimidating as flying DJI Mavic 3 Professional as a newbie, for 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’t use some other drone batteries to perform 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 concerning flight time with its clever battery.

After all, the drone’s flight time will all the time be affected by exterior elements, corresponding to temperature, wind pace, flight vary, and flight fashion.

However we’re all glad the DJI Mini 2 SE can fly for this period of time.

And in case you are searching for an affordable drone with good flight time, you possibly can’t discover something higher than the DJI Mini 2 SE.

Until 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.

Which means the DJI Mini 2 SE is barely left behind concerning 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’re on the globe (geopolitical restrictions).

You in all probability received’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 improbable transmission vary and able to flight long-range.

There aren’t any different related drones to fly that far because the DJI Mini 2 SE for this price. 

And different non-DJI drones throughout the similar value vary can not fly even half of the gap of this drone.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Vary Defined (All the things You Want To Know)

Shopping for the DJI Mini 2 SE for touring

Who doesn’t love slightly little bit of touring?

Wherever you’re touring gentle, by backpack, automotive or practice, and even by airplane, carrying a drone will not be a simple activity.

You should all the time 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 related, are all tiny drones that weigh underneath 250 grams and match even in a pocket.

In case you are touring and wish to spend money on an affordable gentle drone, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is among the greatest decisions.

One other different 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 course of nowhere from a drone, you can’t 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 no less than a further battery or two.

You’ll need these batteries as a result of even with flight time, the juice runs out faster than you anticipate.

And it could be foolish to search out your self backpacking for hours and solely be capable of take a few photographs and video along with your new Mini 2 SE.

That’s except you’ve got an exterior energy financial institution you possibly can cost the battery with, however there could also be higher approaches.

To summarize, the DJI Mini 2 SE is among 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 to your YouTube channel, there are higher decisions than the DJI Mini 2 SE.

The digital camera 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 possibly can carry it wherever.

However probably the most important 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 received’t.

You’ll be able to make the most of some clever features to sweeten the movies you are taking with this drone.

However sadly, I wouldn’t advocate 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 possibly can profit from the follow-me mode and impediment avoidance sensors. 

Nonetheless, 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 function for the drone to observe you round whilst you interact in some sporting actions, or are you merely the pilot on this case?

With the opportunity of the drone reaching 35 miles per hour, it could be appropriate to make use of for many sports activities in case you are the pilot.

However should you’re searching for a drone to observe you round whereas doing sports activities, then once more, the DJI Mini 2 SE wouldn’t be my suggestion.

Now, in case you are strictly into sporting and searching for one thing particular while you’re the drone pilot, I like to recommend you get into FPV and purchase an FPV drone corresponding to DJI Avata or a customized FPV quad.

On this case, with some coaching and apply, the kind of movies you are able to do in sporting is exclusive and might stand out from the whole lot else.

Why the DJI Mini 2 SE could also be an acceptable drone for you

In case you are a newbie searching for an affordable 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 advocate 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 one more reason I might advocate the Mini 2 SE earlier than investing in dearer drones.

Each other benefit of the DJI Mini 2 SE is that you just received’t need to register it and should profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines in lots of components world wide as a result of it’s underneath 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 not 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 not advocate the DJI Mini 2 SE.

Additionally, I might not advocate it for any kind of exercise that can require you to make use of the follow-me function or make the most of anti-collision sensors as a result of this drone lacks these attributes.

The DJI Mini 2 SE might not be the very best suggestion in case you are searching for a drone for industrial work, aside from probably actual property images and roof inspection.

There are different drones on the market that would do higher, however the value will rise accordingly.