The DJI Mini 2 was introduced today – and by all reports, it’s exactly what drone cinematographers have been waiting for.

In the last 14 hours, more than 100 YouTube reviews of the DJI Mini 2 have beeen published.  By far the vast majority are rave reviews: “Best Ever” and “Finally!” feature heavily in the headlines.  With the Mini 2, DJI is continuing to make their drones more powerful, easier to use – and smaller.

Here’s what the reviewers love: It’s wind resistant.  It has an amazing camera.  It has flight endurance.  It weighs about the same as an apple, and – as one YouTube reviewer demonstrates – it could fit inside your sandwich.  It’s easy, and fun to use – the perfect beginner drone for a cinematographer who demands good images. The DJI Mini 2 is loaded with features – combined with the portability and undeniable safety of a micro drone.

“Mavic Mini was a monumental breakthrough for DJI and for drone pilots across the world, as its unprecedented combination of weight, safety, performance, and overall value became the entry point for countless new drone pilots and fans,” said DJI President, Roger Luo. “DJI Mini 2 enhances those key aspects, packing larger drone performance in an approachable, small design in the safest drone category that is perfect for beginners and will also impress more experienced pilots.”

 DJI Mini 2 Features

“Small yet mighty, DJI Mini 2 has impressive upgrades to vital flight performance features compared to the original version,” says DJI’s press release.  “OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology has now been incorporated. OcuSync 2.0 is DJI’s world-renowned transmission technology responsible for ensuring stable, long distance, and reliable connection between the remote controller and the drone. Dual-frequency technology automatically switches between channels to help against interference. DJI Mini 2 has a maximum transmission range of 10 km^[1], which is a 150% increase in range when compared to the original Mavic Mini. Upgraded motors provide 31 minutes of flight time, faster acceleration and speed, along with the ability to withstand winds up to 24mph.” 

The DJI Mini 2 is “made to be fun to fly,” says the press release – and that means easy.

A live feed from the drone’s camera is sent to your mobile phone so that you can see exactly where Mini 2 is and what it sees. Simplified buttons and functions keep things streamlined and easy to understand compared to more advanced drones. Like all DJI drones, high-grade positioning and vision sensors help Mini 2 hover precisely in place. GPS keeps track of where the drone is while the vision sensors on the bottom map out the ground below it and assist automated landing. DJI drones are renowned for their safety features so that both new and experienced pilots can enjoy the flying experience. Some of these features include GEO fencing, which keeps drones 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.

All the Details on Capturing Great Footage

Yes, we’re quoting from the DJI material here – but there are so many features that it doesn’t make sense to try and paraphrase:

Capture those moments in detail with the help of the 1/2.3-inch sensor capable of recording 12-megapixel images and a maximum video resolution of 4K/30fps @100 Mbps. Additionally, images can be saved in standard JPEG as well as RAW for advanced users who want to edit footage further. Shake-free, smooth footage is possible because of the class-leading 3-axis gimbal, which compensates for drone movement, wind, and more. While recording in 1080p resolution, pilots can get closer to their subject without actually having to move the drone thanks to the 4X Zoom (2X lossless in quality) option. Pre-programmed intelligent modes mean the drone does the hard work of capturing beautiful footage with set movements and imaging features. Make your content stand out with just a tap thanks to these pre-set modes including:

• QuickShots: Pre-programmed movements and image capture modes.
  • Dronie: DJI Mini 2 flies backward and upward, with the camera tracking your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
  • Helix: DJI Mini 2 flies upward and away, spiraling around your 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 your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
  • Circle: DJI Mini 2 will circle around your subject at a constant altitude and distance.
  • Boomerang: DJI Mini 2 flies a boomerang-like oval flight path around your subject, starting and stopping video in the same place.
• Panoramas: Capture a wider perspective with select pano modes.
  • Sphere: DJI Mini 2 automatically captures twenty-five images and stitches them together for a crystal-clear image.
  • 180°: Captures eight photos for sweeping landscape images.
  • Wide-Angle: Captures a wide 3×3 image consisting of nine images.
• Image modes: Different photo modes for different scenarios.
  • AEB Triple Shot: Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) takes three images of varying exposure and merges them for a vivid image. This can be edited further to bring out a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image in post-processing.
  • Timed Shots: Give yourself a few extra seconds before taking that photo with timed shots.

Price and Availability

DJI Mini 2 is available for purchase today from store.dji.com and from authorized retail partners. DJI Mini can be purchased in two options. The standard package includes DJI Mini 2, remote controller and one battery for the retail price of $449 USD. The Fly More Combo is also available, which includes three batteries, charging hub, DJI Mini 2, a carrying case and remote controller for the retail price of $599 USD. Additional info here: https://store.dji.com/product/mini-2

[1] DJI Mini 2 has a maximum range of 10 km when unobstructed, free of interference, and FCC-compliant. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience. Always fly your drone within visual line of sight unless otherwise permitted and check local laws and regulations in the region being operated.

Don’t forget –  in the U.S., if you aren’t flying under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you still have to register your new Mini 2!SS