So that you desire a drone however your price range is $500? I can do you one higher, recommending the most effective drone beneath $400. That title goes to the DJI Mini 2 SE, which DJI introduced at this time.
The drone comes simply two months after DJI introduced its DJI Mini 3 drone, which is a stripped down model of the DJI Mini 3 Professional. The DJI Mini 3 drone prices $559, or an even-cheaper $469 for simply the drone, no controller.
However that solely matches into the “drones beneath $500 threshold” should you choose out of the controller (which is unlikely for newbies to the drone world, which is basically who it’s focused at. It’s positively not beneath the $400 threshold. And so for folk in search of a drone that prices lower than $400, right here it lastly is: the DJI Mini 2 SE.
The DJI Mini 2 SE takes lots of the options that have been revolutionary when the DJI Mini 2 launched in November 2021. That features a 1/2.3” CMOS and 12 MP images. It’s additionally far cheaper. Whereas the Mini 2 is $449, the DJI Mini 2 SE prices simply $369.
And maybe most significantly for folk is the truth that it weighs 249 grams. Drones beneath 250 grams are an enormous deal as a result of many forms of federal drone rules don’t apply to drones of that measurement (within the U.S., drones beneath 250 grams don’t have to be registered with the FAA for leisure operations and don’t have to be Distant ID compliant).
Contemplate it probably the most moveable and, let’s assume, “regulation-friendly” drone you’ll discover on the market. It’s completely suited to novices, people who find themselves on an ultra-tight price range, or maybe even skilled pilots who desire a spare drone as a backup or for conditions like journey, the place they need one thing much less cumbersome to again that they possible gained’t must register or get licensed.
Listed here are among the standout specs of the DJI Mini 2 SE:
- Weighs lower than 249 grams.
- DJI O2 Transmission expertise: This delivers a most video transmission vary of 10 km with minimal interference.
- 31 minute most flight time
- One-tap takeoff and touchdown, hovering, and return to dwelling
- Stage 5 wind resistance (can deal with wind speeds of 10.7 m/s whereas nonetheless hovering and retaining photos secure)
Most people are getting a drone for the digicam, and right here’s what it’s essential to know concerning the digicam on the DJI Mini 2 SE:
- 3-axis gimbal: That is essential to that silky-smooth aesthetic that appears similar to a chook’s eye when flying. Some drones obtain the identical look by digital stabilization, however the bodily gimbal is mostly seen as higher.
- 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor: Of us in search of absolutely the highest-quality images would possibly desire a bigger sensor, however this delivers impeccable picture high quality for smaller prints or photos posted to social media.
- 12MP images: Equally talking, 12MP is adequate for social media. Although, should you actually need one thing larger, many comparatively low-cost DJI drones provide as much as 48 MP.
- 2.7K HD video: That is the bottom video decision you’ll discover amongst DJI drones. It’s completely positive for folk seeking to take Instagram movies, however this isn’t a drone for severe cinematography.
- 4X digital zoom: Transition between photographs of various distance and composition when capturing HD movies.
That set, this drone is tremendous sensible and may fly in cinema-quality flight paths, enabling the drone to shoot that completely straight panorama so that you don’t must develop the flying expertise to do it your self.
And all of it prices simply $369. Should you go for the Fly Extra Combo, which incorporates further equipment or backup gear together with bonus batteries, propellers and a carrying case, you’ll pay $519. Right here’s a glimpse at what you get with the DJI Mini 2 SE Fly Extra Combo:
The massive downfall? This little drone will not be obtainable but. The DJI Mini 2 SE is not going to be obtainable till March 22, 2023.
Upon buying the drone, you even have the choice to buy DJI Care Refresh, which is DJI’s prolonged guarantee plan.
How the DJI Mini 2 SE compares towards different drones
So must you wait and get the DJI Mini 2 SE? Or are different DJI drones higher anyway?
The DJI Mini 2 SE is most intently associated to the DJI Mini 2, but in addition shares plenty of similarities with the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Mini 3 Professional. All 4 drones have a really comparable body/physique, and all weigh lower than 250 grams. The Mini 3 and three Professional have much better cameras with a bigger sensor, in addition to different advantages like longer flight time.
Right here’s how all 4 drones evaluate:
| DJI Mini 2 SE | DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini 3 Professional | |
| Beginning worth (worth contains lowest-price controller) | $369 | $449 | $559 | $759 |
| Takeoff Weight | < 249 g | < 249 g | < 249 g | < 249 g |
| Dimensions | Folded (with out propellers): 138×81×58 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with out propellers): 159×203×56 mm (L×W×H) |
Folded (with out propellers): 138×81×58 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with out propellers): 159×203×56 mm (L×W×H) |
Folded (with out propellers): 148×90×62 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with propellers): 251×362×72 mm (L×W×H) |
Folded (with out propellers): 148×90×62 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with propellers): 251×362×72 mm (L×W×H) |
| Max Flight Time | 31 minutes | 31 minutes | 38 minutes (with Clever Flight Battery) 51 minutes (with Clever Flight Battery Plus *) |
34 minutes (with Clever Flight Battery) 47 minutes (with Clever Flight Battery Plus *) |
| Max Wind Velocity Resistance | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) |
| Picture Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS, Efficient Pixels: 12 MP | 1/2.3-inch CMOS, Efficient Pixels: 12 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Efficient Pixels: 12 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Efficient Pixels: 48 MP |
| Video | 2.7K HD | 4K HD | 4K HDR | 4K HDR |
| Video Transmission System | DJI O2 Transmission | OcuSync 2.0 | DJI O2 | DJI O3 |
If cash isn’t any object however you prioritize a high-quality, compact drone, then definitely you’ll wish to get the DJI Mini 3 Professional. However at twice the price of the DJI Mini 2 SE, is it value it?
Essentially the most notable distinction between the DJI Mini 2 SE and all the remainder is that 2.7K video, a reasonably severe downgrade from 4K video. Should you movie movies usually, you’ll possible need at the very least the DJI Mini 2. However loads of people solely care about aerial images and don’t take movies. In that case, you would possibly as effectively save the $80 and simply get the DJI Mini 2 SE versus the DJI Mini 2.
Should you’re in search of the evaluate the DJI Mini 3 versus Mini 2, I’ve received a deeper dive right here. It’s with the DJI Mini 3 and three Professional that we begin to see the larger sensor. The Professional model has much more megapixels and higher transmission. Weigh what specs are worthwhile to you. But when worth is most essential, then the DJI Mini 2 SE is a winner.
And should you’re in search of the most effective drone beneath $400, then there’s none higher than the DJI Mini 2 SE.
DJI has been rolling out a gentle stream of budget-friendly drones currently
The DJI Mini 2 SE is the most effective drone beneath $400, however DJI has been main a pattern currently the place it sells comparable (or nearly equivalent) variations of its present merchandise, save for just a few, small reductions in expertise. Final month, we received the DJI Mic Single Transmitter, which is similar because the previous, 2 transmitter Mic other than that one lacking transmitter.
Then — as talked about above — there’s the DJI Mini 3 (which launched in December 2022) is a less expensive model of the older DJI Mini 3 Professional. And in November 2022, DJI launched the Mavic 3 Traditional, which is a less expensive model of the Mavic 3.
Although it’s not obtainable till March 22, 2023, you may pre-order the DJI Mini 2 SE beginning at simply $369 now from:
