DJI Mini 2 SE Review – Is It Worth It?

DJI Mini 2 SE Review Summary

The DJI Mini 2 SE is one of the best sub-250g drones on the market and also one of the most affordable. Its foldable design ensures easy portability and makes it a great travel companion. Equipped with a Downward Vision System and an Infrared Sensing System, it’s capable of hovering and flying with precision, both indoors and outdoors.

The drone comes with a 1/2.3″ sensor camera that is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal. This powerful combo allows you to capture stunning 2.7K videos and 12MP photos with ease. To add a creative flair to your shots, the drone comes with the Intelligent Flight Mode QuickShots, offering five sub-modes that

will allow you to capture short cinematic videos at the push of a button. The Mini 2 SE also leverages DJI’s cutting-edge OcuSync 2.0 technology for long-range transmission. This tech allows for a maximum image transmission range of 6 miles and delivers video quality of up to 720p from the drone to the DJI Fly app on your mobile device.

While it may lack obstacle avoidance or autonomous flight modes, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a versatile drone that strikes a perfect balance between portability, advanced features, and high-quality image capture. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pilot looking for a robust drone, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a fantastic choice.

Key Features

• 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor 
• 12MP images (RAW & JPEG)
• 2.7K videos at 30fps
• Panorama and AEB Photography modes
• Intelligent Quickshots for easy content creation
• Low battery return to home feature
• 31 minutes of flight time
• 10km video transmission range

The DJI Mini 2 SE was released in early 2023; the drone is similar to the Mini SE, Mini 2 and the original Mavic Mini. There are differences between these drones, some are significant, but others are not so much. In this review of the DJI Mini 2 SE, we shall explore its main features, its flight performance, the pros and cons and see whether the DJI Mini 2 SE is worth buying.

DJI Mini 2 SE Review

The DJI Mini 2 SE, is identical to the Mini SE and Mini 2 and slightly different to the Mavic Mini, but that’s only if you look really closely.

The DJI Mini 2 SE showcases a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that marries form and function. Its lightweight frame, constructed from high-quality materials, ensures resilience in various flight conditions. The foldable design enhances portability, making it a breeze to transport the drone to various locations. Additionally, the robust propellers guarantee stability and reliability during flight, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The drone comes with the RC-N1 controller, which I prefer over the smaller controller of the original Mavic Mini and Mini SE. The controller is much bigger and has a much more comfortable grip.

The controller uses DJI’s O2 transmission technology for a maximum range of 10km, and this results in better communication between the drone and controller with reduced latency and improved live video feed.

Like most new DJI drone models, you will need to download the DJI Fly App to access the drone’s advanced features.

Something I must mention is that the app is no longer available on the Google Play Store; I don’t know why this is; it may be due to political reasons; however, it’s still available on the Apple App Store, so that doesn’t make sense to me.

Anyway, you can download the drone from the DJI website, you may get a warning on your smartphone, but the app is perfectly safe.

It’s a very easy app to use and navigate and has some tutorials for beginners, it even has some editing features for your videos, but it’s not the best, and there are far better video editing apps like Lightcut and Capcut.

DJI Mini 2 SE – Camera Features

The DJI Mini 2 SE’s camera shares similarities with that of the Mini SE, but it also brings a few key enhancements to the table that set it apart. Like the Mini SE, the Mini 2 SE comes with an HD camera that is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, and it’s capable of recording 2.7K videos at a rate of 30 frames per second while snapping pictures with a respectable 12-megapixel resolution.

However, the real distinguishing feature between the two models becomes apparent when you delve into the image capture options. Unlike its sibling, the Mini 2 SE offers users the flexibility to shoot images in both RAW and JPEG formats. This extra versatility, particularly the ability to capture in RAW, is a significant draw for photography enthusiasts. This feature means you can retain a lot more image data from the sensor, providing greater flexibility for post-processing and ensuring the highest quality pictures possible.

There are additional photography modes like Panorama and AEB. With the Panorama mode, the drone captures and stitches multiple images to create expansive wide-angle views, perfect for stunning landscapes or cityscapes. The AEB feature, on the other hand, tackles challenging lighting by taking photos at various exposure levels. These images can be combined in post-processing for a perfectly lit shot. These extra features make the Mini 2 SE a better option than the original Mini SE, especially for photographers.

To store all these high-quality photos and videos, the DJI Mini 2 SE uses a microSD card. The drone requires a UHS-I Speed Grade 3 rating or above microSD card for high-resolution video data.

Even without a microSD card inserted, the DJI Mini 2 SE allows users to capture single photos or record 720p standard videos. These files are directly stored on the connected mobile device, ensuring you can still capture moments even if you forget to insert a microSD card.

However, it’s important to note that the drone package does not include a microSD card. You will need to purchase this separately. The DJI Mini 2 SE is compatible with microSD cards ranging from 16GB to 128GB. This wide range provides flexibility for users to choose a card that best suits their storage needs, whether they’re casual users or avid photographers capturing in high-resolution formats.

DJI Mini 2 SE – Other Features

The DJI Mini 2 SE comes equipped with some intelligent features that make it easy to create professional-quality content, regardless of your experience level. These features include QuickShots, Panorama, and Timed Shots, which provide users with an array of creative tools to elevate their aerial photography and videography.

The drone also comes with an advanced return-to-home feature; the drone will automatically return to the place where it took off if you lose connection with the drone for more than a few seconds or if the battery gets low on charge.

You can also use the RTH button on the controller or app to bring it back safely.

I was disappointed with the fact that, like most of the drones in the DJI Mini range, the Mini 2 SE does not come with autonomous flight modes like the Active Track, Waypoint and POI.

The only drone that has these features in the DJI Mini range is the Mini 3 Pro; however, there are third-party apps like Litchi and Dronelink that provide these features. DJI have yet open up the SDK for the DJI Mini 2 SE, so these apps will not be compatible with the drone. 

DJI Mini 2 SE Flight Performance

I put the DJI Mini 2 to the test in various conditions, from calm days to those with moderate wind. The drone’s upgraded propulsion system and improved wind resistance (up to 24 mph) ensure reliable performance even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The Mini 2 SE’s 2.7K camera and 3-axis gimbal deliver stunning, high-resolution images and video that casual flyers and hobbyists.

The drone has an official flight time of 31 minutes; however, most people should get around 28 minutes in good weather; if you fly in windy conditions, the flight time will be reduced.

The Quickshots feature is fun to play around with; you can capture some amazing short videos from different angles at the push of a button.

The camera has a 4x zoom function, which is pretty decent, but it does affect the overall image quality the more you zoom. The return-to-home function is a fantastic feature and helps reduce the risk of losing your drone.

DJI Mini 2 SE Video Quality

Check out these sample images and videos that showcase the Mini 2 SE’s capabilities.

Comparisons to Competitors

The main competitors to the DJI Mini 2 SE are the other DJI drones in the Mini range. I wouldn’t compare this drone to something like the Autel Evo Nano, as those are mid-tier drones for professional photography and are significantly more expensive.

The main difference between the Mini 2 SE and Mini SE is their video transmission range. The Mini SE uses DJI’s older transmission technology for a range of 4km, while the Mini 2 SE uses the DJI O2 tech for a range of 10km.

There are other differences, the Mini 2 SE can capture images in RAW format and has more photography modes such as AEB and Panorama.

The Mini 2 SE also has a slightly longer flight time, but it’s not significant enough to be an issue.

Between the Mini SE and Mini 2 SE, I don’t believe there is much of a difference unless you want to capture images in RAW format, in which case, the Mini 2 SE is the best option.

However, between the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE, there is a significant difference, and that is the camera.

The Mini 2 can capture 4k videos at 30fps at 100Mbps, while the Mini 2 SE can only capture 2.7k videos at 40Mbps.

The Mini 2 is probably the best low-cost 4k camera drone on the market, and I would definitely choose it over any other drone that costs less than $500.

Pricing and Availability

At the time of writing, the DJI Mini 2 SE costs less than $350 in the USA for the base model. It costs just under $500 for the Fly More Combo, which includes additional accessories such as extra batteries and a charging hub. The drone can be purchased through DJI’s official website, major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the DJI Mini 2 SE offers a fantastic combination of features, performance, and portability. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time drone user, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a good choice that will enable you to capture stunning aerial footage with ease and confidence. Its myriad of flight modes, safety features, and optional accessories ensure that the Mini 2 SE is a good choice for any drone enthusiast. I wholeheartedly recommend the DJI Mini 2 SE to anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable, and user-friendly drone.

FAQ’s

Do You Need To Register The DJI Mini 2 SE?

The take-off weight for the DJI Mini 2 SE is slightly less than its predecessors at 246 grams. If you live in the UK and this is your first drone, you will need to obtain a Flyer and Operator ID.

If you live in the USA and only use drones for recreational purposes, there is no need to register the drone. However, you will still need to pass the FAA TRUST exam.

If you live anywhere else, make sure to check your local rules and regulations and comply with them.

Is The DJI Mini 2 SE Worth It?

Yes, the DJI Mini 2 SE is worth it for those looking for a compact, lightweight, and user-friendly drone that offers impressive camera capabilities and reliable performance. With its 2.7K camera, 3-axis gimbal stabilisation, Quickshot modes, and a long flight time of up to 31 minutes, it provides excellent value for its price. While it lacks obstacle avoidance sensors and some advanced features found in higher-end drones, its portability and overall capabilities make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts. The DJI Mini 2 SE offers a great balance of performance and ease of use, making it a great choice for those searching a portable and capable drone with advanced features.

Is The DJI Mini 2 SE Waterproof?

No, the DJI Mini 2 SE is not waterproof; it’s crucial to avoid operating this drone in conditions of precipitation, such as rain or snow. Exposure to wet weather can potentially cause significant damage to the drone’s electronics and impair its performance. Always ensure to fly your DJI Mini 2 SE in dry, clear weather to maintain its optimal functionality and longevity.