Thanks for trying out my article on which DJI Mini drone is best for you, the Mini 2 SE or the Mini 2.
With each Mini drones being so related, it would initially be exhausting to pinpoint what truly makes them totally different sufficient to decide on one over the opposite, together with which higher fits you and your wants.
On this article, we’ll go over the various similarities and the 2 huge variations between the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2, in addition to why I imagine the DJI Mini 2 SE is the fitting drone to decide on between the 2 DJI Mini 2 fashions.
Overview
DJI Mini 2 SE
Launched fairly a number of years after the Mini 2, in February 2023, the Mini 2 SE is the most recent addition to the Mini 2 line.
Whereas each the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE are beneath 250 g and excellent for these new to drones to choose up and study to fly, the Mini 2 SE is less complicated on the pockets, opening accessibility that rather more.
Though a budget-friendly DJI Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE has a number of superior options that elevate it above competing, non-DJI mini drone producers.
- OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system, for six.2 miles (10 km) most transmission distance
- 3-axis gimbal for clean and jitter-free video footage
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite tv for pc positioning for exact hovering and home-point locking
- Shoots photographs concurrently in each the JPG and RAW picture format, including the pliability wanted for post-photo enhancing
» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Good for Inexperienced persons? (Palms-on Assessment)
DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 has had fairly the run. It was launched 4 years in the past and remains to be at the moment supported by DJI.
Continued DJI help is in fact excellent news for individuals who already personal Mini 2s.
The Mini 2 remains to be a extremely popular drone within the DJI Mini drone area, even with there being 4 newer minis since its launch:
Its longevity speaks to DJI’s correct mixture of type and performance. Like among the bigger, dearer DJI client drones, the Mini 2 advantages from:
- 4k 30 fps (body per second) for filming in in the present day’s customary video decision
- DJI’s modern 3-axis gimbal gives cinematic and clean video footage
- Downward imaginative and prescient sensors for exact touchdown
- RAW (DNG) picture format that provides flexibility for artistic imaginative and prescient
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 Assessment
Fast Verdict
Though the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 share virtually all the things, from {hardware} to software program, I’d have to present a nod to the Mini 2 SE as my advice on this occasion.
Each drones are so related, so why is the Mini 2 SE the advice?
Merely put, for a few hundred {dollars} lower than the Mini 2, you get virtually the entire identical options in a cheaper and acquainted package deal.
In all honesty, there is just one obvious distinction between the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2. That will be the video capabilities of the Mini 2, which we’ll contact on shortly.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Spark (Right here’s My Alternative)
What are the Similarities?
By way of similarities, each the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2 look virtually an identical.
By way of construct high quality, each Mini 2 fashions initially really feel, nicely, low-cost. That is comprehensible, as DJI used extraordinarily light-weight plastic to assemble the Mini 2 and a pair of SE.
For a drone to remain beneath the 250 g candy spot, light-weight supplies are a should. Fortunately, these two Minis aren’t truly low-cost and even poorly constructed.
When in hand, each Minis are well-built and stable. DJI did an incredible job with the construct high quality and has continued to take action with subsequent iterations within the Mini collection.
The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 additionally share the identical motors, propellers, gimbal, digicam, and batteries. Due to this, the technical specs are practically an identical:
| Mini 2 SE | Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Horizontal Velocity | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) | 16 m/s (35.7 mph) |
| Max Ascent Velocity* | 5 m/s | 5 m/s* |
| Max Descent Velocity* | 3.5 m/s | 3.5 m/s* |
| Battery/Flight time | 31 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Transmission Distance | FCC 10 km CE 6 km | FCC 10 km CE 6 km |
| Digital camera | 1/2.3” CMOS Efficient Pixels: 12 MP 35 mm format equal: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8 | 1/2.3” CMOS Efficient Pixels: 12 MP 35 mm format equal: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8 |
| Images modes | Single Shot Interval Auto Publicity Bracketing Panorama: Sphere, 180°, and Broad-angle | Single Shot Interval Auto Publicity Bracketing Panorama: Sphere, 180°, and Broad-angle |
| QuickShot Modes | Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang | Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang |
Under is a breakdown of the similarities between the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 that could be thought-about CONS to these seeking to buy both Mini drone:
❌ Lack of Impediment Avoidance: Each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 have no impediment avoidance. This disqualifies them from having any type of Lively Monitor modes or “observe me” perform, that are so common nowadays.
Lively Monitor depends on impediment avoidance to maintain the drone safer throughout autonomous flight. The shortage of an impediment avoidance system additionally means new flyers need to be extraordinarily alert and cautious typically when flying.
❌ Lack of inside reminiscence: To maintain the prices down, DJI has opted to omit inside reminiscence, even within the newer and dearer Mini 3. Non-Professional variations of the Mini line all endure from this.
If you wish to save your photographs and video footage, you’ll have to purchase an SD card. Fortunately, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can make the most of SD playing cards as much as 256 GB.
❌ Images associated: The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can solely take 12 MP Images. There are not any choices for 48 MP Quad Bayer photographs discovered on the Professional variations of DJI’s Mini drones.
Each Mini 2s do take first rate photographs if you’re ready to actually dig into photograph enhancing software program to convey the most effective out of stated photographs.
❌ Video associated (8-Bit Coloration Solely): That is no shock to anybody. Being extra reasonably priced choices, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 aren’t anticipated to have superior 10-bit colour profiles just like the Professional variations within the Mini collection.
❌ One distant controller kind: At the moment, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can solely use the DJI RC-N1 and haven’t any entry to any of DJI’s Sensible Controllers in the marketplace.
❌ Outdated Video Transmission System: That is the place the age of the Mini 2 platform exhibits via. The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 run on the older OcuSync 2.0 transmission system.
In comparison with the transmission distance of the brand new OcuSync 4.0, each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 endure from shorter distance flights, with extra sign interference.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Alternative)
What are the Major Variations?
Though the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 do certainly use the identical {hardware}, two very distinct areas set the 2 Mini drones other than each other.
We’ll first have a look at the Mini 2 SE, then the Mini 2.
Mini 2 SE
The most important distinction the place the Mini 2 SE has the benefit over the Mini 2:
- ✅ Worth: The Mini 2 SE is at the moment the least costly and budget-friendly DJI-supported Mini drone out there, even over the Mini 2. Due to its value, the Mini 2 SE is accessible to extra folks seeking to get into the mini drone area than, say, the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional.
Mini 2
The most important distinction the Mini 2 has over the Mini 2 SE is:
- ✅ Video associated: Though sharing the identical sensor-sized digicam, the Mini 2 can shoot movies in 4k decision. The Mini 2 SE is just able to capturing 2.7k movies. The distinction in decision significantly comes into play when video must be zoomed in barely in post-editing video software program. 4k footage tends to retain extra decision when zoomed in than 2.7k.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Holy Stone HS720E (Which One is Greatest)
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE is the budget-friendly model of the favored Mini 2. Being a budget-version drone, the Mini 2 SE lacks among the options that many newer mannequin Mini followers have come to understand.
To maintain prices down, the Mini 2 SE makes use of a lot of the identical {hardware} because the 2020 Mini 2. That is, in fact, to be anticipated from a finances drone.
One of many apparent downgrades from the Mini 2 is seen within the pace of the Mini 2 SE.
Whereas the Mini 2 had various ascent and descent speeds for Cine, Regular, and Sport flight modes, the Mini 2 SE has just one ascent and descent pace throughout these modes.
One other main space the place cutbacks are seen is in video recording. The Mini 2 can document 4k 30fps, the identical because the Mini 3. Nonetheless, the Mini 2 SE is just able to recording 2.7k movies, which is perhaps high quality for some.
» MORE: Is the DJI Mini 2 SE Price It?
One thing I observed with the Mini 2 SE (which may also be seen within the Mini 2) is that when flying in signal-congested areas, I expertise sign loss most of the time.
This sign loss oftentimes happens inside a number of hundred ft of the distant controller. Sign loss is oftentimes skilled when not behind or close to objects.
That is almost certainly attributed to the OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system.
Due to this, newbie pilots might want to correctly set the out there security choices, similar to RTH (return to residence), to keep away from dropping the Mini 2 SE when flying in city areas.
For a budget-focused Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE is a good drone. It takes first rate 12 MP photographs and flies precisely like a DJI drone, which is a good factor.
Our Decide
DJI Mini 2 SE (Fly Extra Combo)
Light-weight Drone with QHD Video, 10km Video Transmission, 3 Batteries for Complete of 93 Minutes Flight Time, Beneath 249 g, Automated Professional Photographs, Digital camera Drone for Inexperienced persons.
We earn a fee in case you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
01/26/2024 09:06 am GMT
DJI Mini 2
Launched in 2020, the Mini 2 has held up fairly nicely. It has been a much-needed and viable successor to the earlier DJI Mavic Mini.
In current discussions with DJI representatives, it was confirmed that, though 4 years outdated, the Mini 2 would proceed to be supported by DJI for the foreseeable future.
Future help is essential, as nobody needs to buy any piece of tech that may “expire” quickly.
What made the DJI Mini 2 a standout mini drone upon its launch was the truth that DJI ditched the WiFi transmission system of the Mavic Mini in favor of the tried and true OcuSync system that was then discovered within the dearer Mavic line.
» MORE: DJI FPV vs. Mini 2 (Right here’s My Alternative)
The upgraded system ensured that the Mini 2 would have the ability to fly additional than any WiFi-based system, with a stronger sign.
In fact, the constraints of the OcuSync 2.0 transmission system within the Mini 2 are the identical as talked about within the Mini 2 SE, albeit higher than most mini drones made by different drone producers in the identical class.
The digicam on the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE is identical dimension as that discovered on the unique Mavic Professional. The digicam continues to provide first rate photos, much like these discovered on earlier mannequin iPhones and the like.
Movies produced by the Mini 2 are 4k high-definition, operating as much as 30 fps (frames-per-second). If seeking to do gradual/slower movement captures, a a lot decrease decision would should be chosen.
DJI Mini 2 Fly Extra Combo
DJI Mini 2 Fly Extra Combo – Ultralight Foldable Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Digital camera, 12MP Images, 31 Minutes Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots, Grey.
We earn a fee in case you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
01/26/2024 04:32 pm GMT
Head-to-Head Comparability
We’ve seen fairly a number of similarities between the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2.
We’ve additionally appeared on the variations between every of the Mini fashions on this article. Subsequent, we’ll look nearer on the differentiating elements between them and who’s the clear alternative in every class.
Efficiency
Winner: DJI Mini 2
Whereas each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 have the precise same-sized motors, the winner within the efficiency division (by the slightest of margins) can be the Mini 2.
The Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 can fly at a most horizontal pace of 16 m/s (35.7 mph). The distinction is within the variations of the ascent and descent speeds.
Whereas the Mini 2 SE ascends and descends at a price of three.5 m/s and 5 m/s, in all flight modes (Cine, Regular, and Sport), the Mini 2, alternatively, ascends and descends on the following charges:
| Velocity | Cine | Regular | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent Velocity | 2 m/s | 3 m/s | 5 m/s |
| Descent Velocity | 1.5 m/s | 3 m/s | 3.5 m/s |
At first look, having variations in ascent and descent may not appear that huge a deal. It’d even be unnoticeable by most, particularly new drone operators. However having the added possibility is sweet for individuals who truly discover, recognize, and depend on it.
With regards to dealing with, each Mini fashions carry out equally. Each Mini 2s deal with nicely and are enjoyable to fly, even for freshmen.
As a result of the DJI fly app is so versatile and option-rich, utilizing the EXP settings in-app permits anybody to tune the dealing with of the Mini 2 SE and Mini 2 to their liking.
» MORE: How Quick Can Drones Fly? (An In-Depth Information)
Video Capabilities
Winner: DJI Mini 2
As was beforehand talked about, the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 2 share the very same 1/2.3” CMOS sensor digicam.
Nonetheless, maybe to maintain the price down or to maintain the Mini 2 SE as an SE model, 4k capabilities are in no way current on the Mini 2 SE. The Mini 2 SE’s highest video decision is capped at 2.7k.
The Mini 2, alternatively, can shoot 4k movies at 30 fps. Which means that the Mini 2 nonetheless stands as much as common-place video requirements.
With the flexibility to shoot high-resolution movies at 30 fps, Mini 2 footage may be slowed down some to clean out video, if on a 23.97 or 24 fps timeline in video enhancing software program.
Except for 4k 30 fps, all different video modes and features are the identical as on the Mini 2 SE.
Worth
Winner: DJI Mini 2 SE
That is the one class through which the Mini 2 SE comes out on prime. And with good motive.
Because it stands, as of this text’s writing, the Mini 2 SE kind of fluctuates at round $200 cheaper than the Mini 2.
For these new to flying drones or these wanting so as to add a further low-cost choice to an current fleet, the Mini 2 SE suits completely.
At barely lower than $300 (for the non-flymore combo), anybody who purchases a Mini 2 SE might be getting virtually the identical very well-built and feature-rich Mini drone because the dearer Mini 2.
What’s nice at this value level is that lots of the options discovered on the Mini 2 SE aren’t discovered on different producers’ drones in the identical pricing construction.
» MORE: Drone Shopping for Information: Learn This Earlier than Shopping for Your First Drone
Conclusion
These are two very related DJI Mini drones. Nearly all the things is an identical, sans value and 4k video capabilities.
The Mini 2 SE is nearly three years newer than the Mini 2 and near $200 cheaper.
If you issue within the age distinction and the truth that it performs virtually identically to the Mini 2 whereas sharing the identical {hardware}, there isn’t any query that the Mini 2 SE is the higher alternative.
For my part, the one motive anybody would contemplate the Mini 2 over the Mini 2 SE can be to shoot in 4k.
Chances are high that many seeking to purchase both a Mini 2 or Mini 2 SE are searching for a comparatively cheap Mini drone or are new to flying drones, and may not be remotely occupied with 4k.
Contemplating this, going the least costly route right here is an efficient factor, because the Mini 2 SE is nearly precisely the identical because the Mini 2. Why pay extra?
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Mini 2 (Right here’s My Alternative)