DJI Mini 2 Drone First Look Review – 4K Video, OcuSync 2.0, Same Ultra-Light Body

by Jakub HanNovember 5^th, 2020

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The DJI Mini 2 features the same 249g body with a foldable design as the Mavic Mini. It adds 4K UHD video at up to 30fps with a higher 100Mbps bitrate, RAW photos capture, OcuSync 2.0 transmission system for much longer reach, robust motors, and a variety of pre-programmed movements and modes. The DJI Mini 2 is available now from $449 / €448.

From Mavic Mini to Mini 2

One year ago DJI released the Mavic Mini. For many, it was the entrance into the world of aerial image capture. For a relatively affordable price, the drone offered 3-axis stabilized camera with 12MP stills, 2.7K 30fps video, and 30 minutes flight time – all packed in a foldable 249g body. Check our Mavic Mini review here.

The weight was important as in some countries the Mavic Mini was considered a toy and its pilots could avoid certain paperwork, fees, insurance, etc. There are, however, exceptions, and the fact that the drone has an HD camera also needs to be considered. The legislation changes over time, so please consult your local authorities in order to comply with all the restrictions connected with flying a UAV.

Boring stuff aside, DJI just announced the second generation of the ultra-lightweight drone – DJI Mini 2. What exactly changed aside from the new “Mavic-less” name? Let’s take a look.

DJI Mini 2 – 4K Video, RAW Photos

Let’s start with the drone’s camera. The CMOS image sensor has the same 12MP (4000×3000) resolution and the same 1/2.3″ size as the Mavic Mini. The video resolution was improved – DJI Mini 2 can capture the following framerates and resolutions:

• 4K UHD (3840×2160) at 24/25/30 fps
• 2.7K (2720×1530) at 24/25/30 fps
• FHD (1920×1080) at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps

What also was improved is the video bitrate. The DJI Mini 2 captures video with 100Mbps bitrate (Mavic Mini had only 40Mbps). The codec is H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) in an MP4 container. In addition to compressed JPEG format, DJI Mini 2 can now also capture stills images in RAW.

Just like with Mavic Mini, the lens of the DJI Mini 2 features an f/2.8 aperture with a 24mm focal length (full-frame equivalent) with 83° FOV. While recording in 1080p resolution, there is now a 4X Zoom (2X lossless in quality) available.

OcuSync 2.0

Another great news is the addition of the OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology that can provide a stable and reliable long-distance connection between the remote controller and the drone. Dual-frequency technology automatically switches between channels to help against interference.

In Europe, DJI Mini 2 has a maximum transmission range of 6km (unobstructed, free of interference, and CE-compliant). That is a 200% increase in range when compared to the original Mavic Mini. In the USA (FCC) this extends even to 10km.

Because of the OcuSync 2.0, DJI Mini 2 now comes with the larger remote controller known from the DJI Mavic Air 2.

Smart Pre-Programmed Features

The DJI Mini 2 offers a handful of automatic pre-programmed modes for easier handling. QuickShots are pre-programmed movements and image capture modes:

• Dronie: DJI Mini 2 flies backward and upward, with the camera tracking the subject. It is possible to set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
• Helix: DJI Mini 2 flies upward and away, spiraling around the subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
• Rocket: DJI Mini 2 flies straight up into the air with the camera pointing downward following the subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
• Circle: DJI Mini 2 will circle around the subject at a constant altitude and distance.
• Boomerang: DJI Mini 2 flies a boomerang-like oval flight path around the subject, starting and stopping video in the same place.

Panoramas are designed for stills image capturing. There are three different modes available:

• Sphere: DJI Mini 2 automatically captures twenty-six images and stitches them together.
• 180°: Captures seven photos for a wide landscape image.
• Wide-Angle: Captures a wide image consisting of nine photos (3×3).

Last but not least, there are two photo modes for different scenarios. AEB Triple Shot (Auto Exposure Bracketing) takes three images of varying exposure and merges them into one image. This can be edited further to bring out a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image in post-processing. Timed Shots means that the drone will take a photo with a certain delay.

Same Body, Slightly Longer Flight Time

The body of the drone remained the same as with the Mavic Mini – it features a weight of 249g and a foldable design. According to DJI, the upgraded motors should provide up to 31 minutes of flight time, faster acceleration and speed, along with the ability to withstand winds up to 24mph.

There are again sensors at the bottom of the drone which help with landing. The built-in GPS helps track the drone and it keeps it hover precisely in place.

Like other DJI drones, the Mini 2 also includes safety features like GEO fencing, which keeps it out of sensitive areas like airports, Return to Home, a feature that can be activated so the drone returns to the pilot, and Altitude Lock, an adjustable limit on how high the drone can go.

DJI Fly App Enhancements

The DJI Fly app and DJI Mini 2 introduce enhancements that make sharing on social media easier. The cell phone can now connect directly to the drone without the remote controller, and after capturing the footage, it can download images at a rate of 20 MB/s once landed safely. However, it is missing all obstacle avoidance features still, so if you are a beginner drone pilot, you have to be extra careful not crashing it into something!

Once the images are downloaded to the phone, it is possible to use the dedicated editing tools in the DJI Fly app or use the new Enhanced Photo option, which applies edits automatically. Video footage can also be trimmed before downloading so that it does not take up so much space in the phone.

DJI Mini 2 Add-Ons

New and updated accessories for DJI Mini 2 include DJI Mini Bag+, Charging Display Case (illuminated clear bell jar), DIY Creative Kit (custom or blank stickers to personalize the drone’s body), and the Snap Adapter (snaps on top of the Mini 2 and allows attaching a small LED screen that can display messages).

Price and Availability

DJI Mini 2 is available for purchase starting today. As always, there are two options:

• The standard package includes DJI Mini 2, remote controller and one battery for the retail price of $449 / €448-479 (depending on VAT).
• The Fly More Combo includes three batteries, a charging hub, DJI Mini 2, a carrying case, and a remote controller for the retail price of $599 / €584-629 EUR (depending on VAT).

DJI Care Refresh is, of course, also available. For an additional charge, DJI Care Refresh offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. The 2-year plan provides 3 replacement units in 2 years.

What do you think about the new DJI Mini 2. Did you fly with the original Mavic Mini? Are you planning to upgrade? Let us know in the comments below the article.