DJI officially announced the travel-capable Mini 2 SE drone days after it leaked, and it cements itself as a solid new option for beginners who are happy to shoot 2.7K video instead of 4K.
The Mini 2 SE is a tiny update to the DJI Mini SE, which is their most affordable drone today and is still on sale (for now). The main difference between these two drones is that the Mini 2 SE has a newer controller (the DJI RC-N1) and a better video transmission system called OcuSync 2.0.
This means you can fly the Mini 2 SE much further than the standard Mini SE (subject to the rules in your area). This maximum range is 2,5 km in the USA or 2 km in other areas. By contrast, the range of the Mini SE is XNUMXkm (in the US) or XNUMXkm elsewhere. However, these distances are for areas of low interference: fly the Mini XNUMX SE in an urban area and this range drops to between XNUMXkm and XNUMXkm.
(*two*)
(Image credit: DJI)Other than that improved range and monitor, the DJI Mini 2 SE is identical to its forerunner. That means you get a 1/2,3-inch CMOS sensor that can shoot 2.7K/30p video (or 1080p/60p clips), with your footage stabilized with a 3-axis gimbal. Photographers can also take 12MP photos in raw JPEG or DNG format.
Like each and every model in DJI's Mini series, the Mini 2 SE weighs less than XNUMXg so registration is not required in certain areas (although in the UK you will need an operator ID). . Despite its size and weight, the new drone promises a decent flight time of thirty-one minutes (slightly higher than the DJI Mini SE).
The Mini 2 SE is slightly more expensive than the Mini SE, at €369 / £339 / AU$599 or €519 / £459 / AU$799 for the Fly More Combo Pack. You won't be able to buy it until March 22 in the US and UK, although it looks like it's already on sale in Australia. You can see a full breakdown of how its price compares to the rest of DJI's Mini series below.
DJI Mini 2 SE price and release date
- The DJI Mini 2 SE will cost €369 / €339 / AU$599 (controller included)
- A Fly More Combo package will cost €519 / €459 / AU€799
- It goes on sale from March 22 in the US and UK, but is already available in Australia.
DJI's Mini series is currently a bit confusing as the range now comprises five models. We expect one of these (the DJI Mini SE) to be phased out, though it's currently the cheapest option at $299 / £269 / AU$459.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a bit more expensive at $369 / £339 / AU$599, which is a shame, though understandable given the superior controller and range. You'll also be able to pick up a Fly More Combo kit (including three batteries, a two-way charging hub, bag and other accessories, including spares) for €519 / £459 / AU$799.
Here's how the Mini 2 SE stacks up against the rest of DJI's Mini series - we've omitted the DJI Mini 3 Pro because it's in a completely different category, coming in at $759 / £709 / AU$1,119 when you review it. . same DJI RC-Controller N1.
So which mini drone should you buy? We haven't tested the DJI Mini 2 SE yet, but it might be the best option if you're happy to be limited to 2.7K video resolution and accept lower video quality than the DJI Mini 2.
Slide to scroll horizontallyCurrent DJI Mini Series PricesLine 0 - Cell 0 DJI Mini 2 SEDJI Mini 3DJI Mini 2Drones OnlyN/A€469 / €439 / AU€699N/AWith DJI RC-N Controller €1369 / €339 / AU€599559 / €519 / AUD829AUD449 / AUD419 / AUD749 With DJI RCN/A AUD controller* (*Fly More Plus headset)AUD 559 / €549 / AU euros949That said, the DJI Mini 2 probably offers better value for most people, since it can shoot 4K video and has a higher video bitrate (100 Mbps, compared to 40 Mbps on the Mini 2 SE). . If these factors are important to you, this might be the best option given that it only costs $80 / £80 / AU$150 more.
However, if you want a super affordable DJI drone and don't mind lower flight range and video transmission, it might be worth buying the original DJI Mini SE until you drop. a low level of cost that the DJI Mini series will soon stop offering.