Key Points:
- Apart from the price, which makes the Mini SE seem a better option, the Mini 2’s features and capabilities are superior.
- The Mini SE has a more accommodating controller than the mini 2, which makes it a better option for bloggers, hikers, and video content creators.
- The DJI Mini 2 supports HD video transmission of close to 10km distance, and the DJI Mini SE supports HD video transmission of only a 4km distance.
Are you looking for a drone that is easy to fly, but still delivers the high-quality footage and shots you want? If so, then the DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 are great options.
The two drones are similar in size and weight, so they’re also easy to carry around. Many users report that they can fit their Mini SE in their pocket or backpack without any problems. They even say that it’s easy for them to take the drone on vacation with them because of its small size.
Both drones have a range of up to 1 mile (1 km), which means that they can cover a large area when filming from high altitudes or far away from the camera operator. They both have built-in GPS tracking systems that help keep track of where they’ve been during flight time, so you won’t have any trouble finding your drone again when you need it most!
You may be wondering which drone would be best for your needs, but that depends on what kind of footage you’re looking for and how much money you want to spend on your new toy. If money isn’t an issue, then both models offer great value at their respective prices.
Let’s break them both down below.
DJI Mini SE vs. Mini 2: Full Comparison
The inbound technological setup of the DJI Mini SE distinguishes it from the DJI Mini 2. Apart from the price, which makes the Mini SE seem a better option, the Mini 2’s features and capabilities are superior. The DJI Mini SE’s camera shoots on 2.7k video resolution, while the Mini 2 shoots on 4k, giving the latter the upper hand regarding camera quality.
The DJI Mini SE is an entry-level drone that has a range of up to a mile and can fly up to 30 minutes. It has a camera that is 720p HD quality and can be operated via remote control or by hand. The battery lasts up to 15 minutes on average.
The drone comes with two batteries, so you can fly it twice as long as you normally would before charging again. If you want more power, there are additional batteries available online for purchase separately.
Although the Mini 2’s camera quality reigns superior to the Mini SE, the two drones possess a 1/2.3 in the sensor. Another ability the Mini 2 has over the Mini SE is its ability to shoot RAW images and the presence of its leading OcuSync 2.0 technology.
This quality makes the Mini 2’s transmission range distance greater than the Mini SE, with a range of 10km in contrast to the 4kn range of the Mini SE.
The Mini SE, however, has a more accommodating controller than the mini 2, which makes it a better option for bloggers, hikers, and video content creators. The Mini SE’s controller presents a smaller, more compact pad that can be folded and kept in small places, unlike the Mini 2’s more oversized, defined pad.
DJI Mini SE vs. Mini 2: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| DJI Mini SE | DJI Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479 | $699 |
| Highest Speed | 13m/s | 16m/s |
| Amount of Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams |
| Gimbal | 3-axis Gimbal | 3-axis Gimbal |
| Size | Folded 138 × 81 × 58mm Unfolded 159 × 203 × 56mm | Folded 138 × 81 × 58mm Unfolded 159 × 203 × 56mm |
| RAW Image Capture? | No | Yes |
| Highest Picture Resolution | 12 megapixels (mp) | 12 megapixels (mp) |
| Highest Video Resolution | 2.7k | 4k |
| Highest Flying Time | 30 minutes per full charge | 31 minutes per full charge |
| AI Flight Mode Support? | Yes | Yes |
DJI Mini SE vs. Mini 2: What’s the Difference?
With the introduction of the new DJI Mini SE, it’s essential to review DJI’s earlier mini drone to comprehend how this new drone differs from it.
While the DJI Mini SE has a few upgrades over the DJI Mini 2, its lower pricing is the most attractive feature for potential micro drone purchasers. We’ll go through all the information you require on the DJI Mavic Mini 2, the new Mini SE, and how to choose the best model for you.
Price
The most important difference between the DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 is their purchase amount. The Mini SE comes at a lower price of $479, while the Mini 2 falls on the pricier side of $699.
Though the Mini 2 is priced higher than the Mini SE, it presents more improved features than the Mini SE, thereby making up for its high prices. The Mini SE is more like an option for beginner pilots who want to try out their drone flying skills, which is why it comes at a lower price.
Video and Photo Resolution
Another key point where the Mini 2 beats the Mini SE is in camera quality. The Mini SE’s camera closely resembles the original Mavic Mini, which shoots high-resolution videos at 2.7k at 30 frames per second (FPS) and 60 FPS, if the resolution is changed to 1080p.
The DJI Mini SE can also shoot 12mp pictures in JPG format and uses a focus lens that focuses on either close or far-off subjects. The Mini SE’s camera shoots videos at 40 Mbps bit rate, and it’s also capable of shooting at intervals, thereby enabling you to shoot intervals of 2 seconds up to 60 seconds.
The Mini 2, on the other hand, presents a superior camera quality that shoots ultra HD videos on 4k, reaching 30 FPS. And, just like the DJI Mini SE, the DJI Mini 2 also shoots photos at 12mp resolution in JPG and DNG RAW format.
The DJI Mini 2’s camera has four times (4×) digital zoom strength, giving you a clear view when shooting close-up shots from a certain distance in 1080p resolution. This digital zoom ability is not available in the DJI Mini SE, which makes the Mini 2 a better choice for camera capabilities.
Flight Distance
The flight distance of the two drones is another area where there is a significant difference. The DJI Mini 2 supports HD video transmission of close to 10km distance, and the DJI Mini SE supports HD video transmission of only a 4km distance.
The DJI Mini 2’s supported distance can compete with other much bigger consumer DJI drones, making it a better option than the Mini SE. This 10km distance from the DJI Mini 2 allows you to cover all the shots you desire without needing to adjust your current physical standpoint.
The DJI Mini 2’s ability to send back data at that 10km distance results from the DJI’s revolutionary OcuSync 2.0 technology.
©S.Galindo/Shutterstock.com
Maximum Flight Speed
When operated in sports mode, the maximum speed capability of the Mini SE and the Mini 2 drones are slightly different. The DJI Mini SE’s maximum flight speed is 13m/s when close to sea level without wind disturbance, while the DJI Mini 2’s maximum flight speed can arrive at 16m/s when placed in the same condition mentioned above.
This Mini 2’s maximum flight speed is similar to Mavic Mini’s. So, if speed is your thing, then the Mini 2 is the better option.
Ability to Withstand Wind and Maximum Altitude
Despite their small size, a distinct feature that both drones have in common is their ability to hold firm in windy situations. The DJI Mini SE and Mini 2 can resist 37.8km/h Level 5 winds, meaning you can fly your drone without fear of the elements.
As for their altitude, the DJI Mini 2 has an increased maximum altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, in contrast to Mini SE, whose maximum altitude above sea level is 3,000 meters.
Flight Time Per Full Charge
As for their flight time, the Mini SE gives you 30 minutes to fly your drone when fully charged, while the Mini 2 gives you one more minute added to the 30 minutes presented to the Mini SE, making it reach 31 minutes of flight time per full charge. This one extra minute available in the Mini 2 may seem small, but it can make a lot of difference in your flying experience.
For instance, you have just one more footage to take, and then your Mini SE’s battery runs out, thereby forcing you to go for a recharge. With the Mini 2, you can quickly wrap up your shoot with the extra 1 minute that might have seemed so small.
Instant Editing and Straight Download
With the DJI Mini 2, editing files won’t be so much hassle. With the Quick Transfer feature, your videos and photos can be automatically downloaded and synced with just you keeping the Mini 2 drone around you. It enables your videos and pictures to be downloaded at the rate of 20MB per second with a 5.8 GHz band network and 60MB per second with a 2.4 GHz band network.
This Quick Transfer feature in the Mini 2 makes you enhance your editing process and save up enough space on your device. The Mini SE, however, does not support this feature, making the Mini 2 a better option for video and photo editing.
Remote Controller
The Mini SE’s remote controller is one of the attributes that makes it a more preferred option for hikers, content creators, vloggers, etc. than the Mini 2. The Mini SE has a more compact-looking size of its remote controller, with removable sticks and a mobile phone holder that can be folded up.
Unlike the Mini 2’s remote controller, it is more defined and bigger than the Mini SE’s remote controller. However, both drones’ remote controllers let you view the image captured by your flying drone, ensuring you get the best out of your shots.
DJI Mini SE vs. Mini 2: Must-Know Facts
- The DJI Mini SE and DJI Mini 2 do not require a license for you to fly them due to their ultra-lightweight of 249 grams.
- Due to the low weight and size of the two drones, storing them in a mini bag is highly possible. This enables you to quickly mobilize either of the drones when going out for short trips.
- The two drones utilize the same motorized 3-axis gimbal which makes the shooting of videos come out smoothly in any weather conditions.
- Another fantastic feature that the two drones share is the Smart Return To Home (RTH) feature. This RTH feature ensures that your drone can locate its way back to its takeoff point with just the click of the RTH button on your remote controller.
Where to Buy
You can find the DJI Mini SE on Amazon here and the DJI Mini 2 on Amazon here.
- Light as a Smartphone - Weighing less than 0 55lbs / 249 grams, DJI Mini SE is roughly the same weight as the smartphone. In the United States and Canada, you can fly this camera drone without the...
- Capture on the Go - The lightweight and powerful DJI Mini SE camera drone is the ideal for creators on the move. The ultra-portable design allows you to effortlessly capture moments in unforgettable...
- More Time in the Sky - DJI Mini SE's weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer drones on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery.
- Capture the Detail - DJI Mini SE supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear ultra-smooth footage.
- Upgraded Wind Resistance - DJI Mini SE can resist 29-38kph winds and take off at a max altitude of 4,000 meters, so your footage is stable even when flying along a windy coastline or high above an...
- PACK LIGHT, FLY FREE: at less than 249 g, it weighs about as much as an apple and fits in the palm of your hand. compact and convenient, this small drone is your ideal travel companion, transforming...
- OCUSYNC 2.0 VIDEO TRANSMISSION: mini 2 supports up to 10km of hd video transmission and has excellent anti-interference capabilities, giving you the ability to fly farther and see clearer
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: with a max battery life of 31 minutes, dji mini 2 grants more than enough time to compose the perfect shot. mini 2 can resist level 5 winds and take off at a max altitude of...
- 4X ZOOM: there’s no need to get so close for your dream shot. 4x digital zoom makes it safer and more convenient when transitioning between shots of varying distance and composition
- QUICKSHOTS: with just a few taps, dji mini 2 automatically records and shoots professional-level videos to share directly on social media. whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced flyer, the...
DJI Mini SE vs. Mini 2: Which One is Better?
Having looked at the distinguishing qualities of the two mini drones, it is without a doubt that the Mini 2 is better than the Mini SE with its superior features.
Although the Mini 2 is priced higher than the Mini SE, its higher flight distance, video resolution, and maximum altitude level make up for its price. The Mini SE, however, is also a good option for beginners wanting to step into drone flying at a reduced price. However, we’d recommend the Mini 2. Even though it is priced a bit higher, it is a better fit overall with more advanced features.
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