DJI Mini 2 flying front

The DJI Mini 2 is the kind of drone we wish we’ve always had. It’s very portable, has a 4K camera, is super light-weight, easy to fly, and has all the best flight features, but costs less than half the price of comparable drones from a few years ago.

From beginner to pro pilot, there’s a good reason to consider putting the Mini 2 in your backpack next time you head outside.

DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini 2
  • 4K camera
  • Very portable
  • Easy to fly
  • 249 grams
MSRP:  
$449.00
The DJI Mini 2 is an updated Mavic Mini, now with a 4K camera, Ocusync 2.0, and updated flight featu

The DJI Mini 2 is a superb update from the Mavic Mini, now offering a 4K camera, Ocusync 2.0 and more power.

We will frequently update this post with new information. Originally published November 2019.

Jonathan Feist, Drone PilotJonathan Feist

Why trust Drone Rush?

I’ve been a fan of flight since a young age; while I’ve had few opportunities at the helm of manned aircraft, the hours on my fleet of drones continue to grow. I enjoy putting cameras into the sky, silky smooth aerial imagery makes me happy. My goal is to help all pilots enjoy flight legally and safely.

 

What is the DJI Mini 2?

The DJI Mini 2 is the next generation of the small, light, extremely portable, capable, reliable, and affordable drone that can shoot good photos and smooth video from the sky.

Just like the first generation Mavic Mini, the Mini 2 weighs in at 249 grams, or 0.548 lbs, so you do not need to register the Mini 2 with the FAA before you fly. Of course, the moment you add the prop guards, or a heavy decorative sticker, it may tick over and require registration. Part 107 operators need to register regardless the weight.

DJI Mini 2 folded bottom

The Mavic Mini managed to exceed our expectations of a drone this size, and we cannot find any way in which the Mini 2 is not the same or better. Make no mistake, however, there are very few outward differences between the drones, the changes are largely internal. If you place the two machines side-by-side, you’ll have to look for the differences.

In the air, however, you’ll appreciate the extra performance, we immediately appreciated the addition of OcuSync 2.0, and the camera output. We also appreciate the upgrade to USB Type-C ports on the drone, remote and the Charging Hub.

DJI Mini 2 performance

The Mini 2 manages to scoot around at over 29 mph, and the little 2,250mAh battery provides up to 31 minutes of flight time. Not bad at all!

Three main flight modes are available, in traditional DJI style: P mode is the standard mode for a balance of speed, but full functionality of flight sensors and modes. CineSmooth mode reduces the max speed and most operations to get the smoothest shots possible. Finally, Sport mode is how you get the top speed out of the drone, just be prepared to possibly see some shaky video and you’ll not have access to all the flight features, such as the Quickshots.

DJI Mini 2 flying angle bushes

The Mini 2 has, so far, overcome all of the video hiccups we identified with the Mavic Mini. The Mavic Mini occasionally jittered when spinning the drone in place, the camera would jerk to re-center as it didn’t quite balance the mechanical and digital stabilization. That was mostly fixed on the Mavic Mini through software updates, but still remained a little. Second, the superior connectivity of OcuSync 2.0 eliminated any signal interference that caused us some erratic drone movements on the Mavic Mini.

DJI Mini 2 camera

In terms of the camera, the Mini 2 has a 1/2.3-inch sensor shoots 12Mp photos and 4K video at 30fps. Pilots can now save photos in JPG and RAW formats. You can also enjoy some zoom for your shots. At 1080p resolution, you can zoom 2X lossless, then up to 4X in lossy digital zoom. When shooting in 4K, you can capture 2X lossy zoom. Here is a simple shot, in completely default automatic mode. (No edits to the image, except to shrink/crop to 1920×1080.)

DJI Mini 2 photo sample

DJI Mini 2 specifications and software

The DJI Mini 2 is the third drone to use the DJI Fly app. This more simplistic experience than the DJI GO 4 app makes it easy for novice pilots to safely fly their drone. You’ll get a map and some drone telemetry, but many of the advanced settings and controls have been stripped away.

DJI Mavic Mini review DJI Fly App Dashboard

DJI is shipping a different remote with the Mini 2 as well. We’re pretty sure it’s the exact same remote as for the Mavic Air 2. This includes more controls over the camera and flight modes than the Mavic mini remote, so you can do more without having to dive into the settings in the DJI Fly app.

The combination of camera for the price, and the extremely compact size make this drone a winner. Let’s explore all the specs for the Mini 2.

[specs table loading…]

Who is the Mini 2 made for?

The DJI Mini 2 is a superb machine for new pilots. We plan to do a full side-by-side with the Mavic Mini to evaluate if current Mini owners should upgrade, but Mavic Air 2, or Mavic 2 series pilots should only consider the Mini 2 if they need a drone that practically fits in their pocket.

The Mini 2 is a little more expensive than the Mavic mini, but even at this new price, combined with the minimal take-off weight, the Mini 2 is a fantastic starter drone.

DJI Mini 2 flight modes

As with many DJI drones before it, the Mini 2 enjoys a wide range of flight modes. That includes the familiar DJI Quickshots and more. In the camera, you’ll find a few different Panoramic modes, including Sphere, 180 degree shots and a new Wide-Angle mode, that stiches together a 3×3 grid of images. There is also AEB Triple Shot mode, for HDR shots, and Timed Shots, to give yourself a few seconds to pose for your epic aerial selfie.

DJI Quickshots on the DJI Mini 2 include the Dronie, helix, Rocket, Circle and Boomerang.

DJI Mini 2 parts and accessories

DJI drones have a long list of accessories available to them. Not only does the market catch on and help these popular drones excel, but DJI themselves also put out a great selection of add-ons and replacement parts.

The base DJI Mini 2 for $449 includes:

  • Drone
  • Battery
  • Remote control
  • One pair of spare propellers
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Gimbal cover
  • Micro USB, USB Type-C and Lightning remote control cables
  • Spare joysticks
  • Six spare screws
  • Screwdriver

The DJI Mini 2 Fly More combo for $599 includes all of the above, plus:

  • Two more batteries
  • Battery charging hub that doubles as USB power pack
  • Two more pairs of spare propellers
  • Extra micro USB cable
  • 360 degree propeller guard
  • 18 watt USB charger
  • Carrying bag
  • Twelve more screws

Other available accessories: 

DJI Mini 2 vs DJI Mavic Mini battery charger buttons
  • DJI Mini bag
  • DJI charging display base
  • DJI Mini 2 Creative Kit with stickers
  • DJI Mini 2 snap adapter
  • 360 degree propeller guards

Compatibility with Mavic Mini

DJI Mini 2 vs DJI Mavic Mini size comparison

Do you own a DJI Mavic Mini and think you might upgrade? Good news, some of your parts and accessories are compatible. Kind of.

First off, the two machines use different USB connections, so immediately your micro USB cables from the Mavic Mini are out. USB Type-C is a solid upgrade, thankfully.

Some accessories from the previous version do fit, but due to design changes and component upgrades, not all of them will work with the new DJI Mini 2, or vice versa.

DJI

The propellers are practically the same. Warning: They are not exactly the same! The mounting base of the 4726FM propeller on the Mini 2 is taller and has a wider screw hole. The screws are different, with different thread, so you won’t be able to attach the newer props to the older drone, but you could attach the older props to the newer drone, they would just be a sloppy fit.

The batteries are similar, but not the same. The Mavic Mini battery casing is rounded, the Mini 2 battery is more squared off. You cannot fit the Mini 2 battery into your Mavic Mini, but you can fit the older battery into the newer drone. They use the same connector, and it lines up, however, Warning: The batteries operate at different voltages. The newer battery pumps out a max charge voltage of 8.8V, with a nominal voltage of 7.7V. The older batteries are rated at 8.4V and 7.2V, respectively. Will the Mavic Mini battery power up your Mini 2? Yes, but we cannot say what damage may be caused to the internal components from under-powering them.

Finally, the super fun Display Case from the Mavic Mini fits the Mini 2, kind of. The USB port is not compatible, obviously, and an adapter might be too large to keep things from working, but you can give it a try before buying the newer Mini 2 Display Case.

DJI Mini 2
  • 4K camera
  • Very portable
  • Easy to fly
  • 249 grams
MSRP:  
$449.00

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