The DJI Mini 2 SE is yet another entry-level drone from the widely recognized DJI Company. It is suitable even for hobbyists, new drone owners, and professionals looking for a light-capable device. This drone has a fair amount of features at an affordable price enabling the users to take quality aerial shots and have fun flying without spending much on larger drones. The same case with DJI which keeps creating better and more advanced compact drones and the Mini 2 SE is an outstanding balance between effectiveness, strength, and cost.
This article will explore all the necessary aspects of the DJI Mini 2 SE drone including the most important specifications, battery, camera, and drone performance. Its flight duration, SD cards, and applications are also described. After reading this review, you will understand how it stands against other models like the DJI Mini 2 and drones of different manufacturers. For the ones who haven’t used drones before, this commentary will analyze why the DJI Mini 2 SE is among the most suitable drones in its class.
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At the same time, the DJI Mini 2 SE is one of the company’s most affordable drones, making it ideal for starter users and drone lovers. Despite its affordability, it still boasts impressive features such as a 12MP camera, 2.7K video recording, and a 25-minute maximum flight time.
If you’re looking for advanced features like 4K video quality, obstacle avoidance, or smart flight modes like ActiveTrack, consider higher-end models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro. These models offer better performance and extra features for serious photography and videography.
The DJI Mini 2 SE has great features that work well for most users, but if you need more advanced options, it’s worth looking into DJI’s premium models.
PROS
Portable and lightweight: Easily fits into a bag and doesn’t require registration in most regions.
High-quality camera: 12MP photos and 2.7K video are excellent for the price range.
Long battery life: 25 minutes per battery ensures prolonged flight times.
Great range and connection stability: 10 km range with OcuSync 2.0 technology.
User-friendly app: The DJI Fly app is easy to navigate for beginners.
CONS
No 4K video: Lacks the ultra-HD video capabilities of some higher-end models.
No Follow Me mode: Lacks advanced tracking, a common feature in higher-tier drones.
Limited sensors: Only has downward-facing sensors, which restricts obstacle avoidance.
DJI MINI 2 SE SPECS
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a compact, lightweight drone designed for beginners and lovers. Below is a detailed overview of its specifications:
General:
| Weight | 249 grams | |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 138×81×58 mm | |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 245×289×56 mm | |
| Max Flight Time | 25 minutes | |
| Max Wind Resistance | Level 5 (up to 38 kph) | |
| Max Speed | 16 m/s (S Mode) |
Camera:
| Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | |
| Effective Pixels | 12 MP | |
| Lens | 24mm equivalent focal length, f/2.8 aperture | |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 (photo and video) | |
| Shutter Speed | 4-1/8000 s | |
| Max Image Size | 4000×3000 pixels | |
| Photo Modes | Single shot, Interval | |
| Video Resolution | 2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30fps; FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps | |
| Max Video Bitrate | 40 Mbps | |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) | |
| Video Format | MP4 (H.264) | |
| Transmission | ||
| Video Transmission System | DJI O2 | |
| Max Transmission Distance | 10 km (FCC), 6 km (CE) | |
| Live View Quality | 720p @ 30fps | |
| Latency | Approx. 200 ms |
Gimbal:
| Stabilization | 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan) | |
| Controllable Range | Tilt: -90° to 0° (default), -90° to +20° (extended) |
Battery:
| Capacity | 2250 mAh | |
| Voltage | 7.7 V | |
| Type | Li-ion | |
| Energy | 17.32 Wh | |
| Charging Temperature Range | 5° to 40°C |
Remote Controller:
| Model | DJI RC-N1 | |
| Operating Frequency | 2.400-2.4835 GHz; 5.725-5.850 GHz | |
| Max Transmission Distance | 10 km (FCC), 6 km (CE) | |
| Battery Life | Approx. 6 hours (without charging mobile device) | |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
Storage:
| Supported microSD Cards | Up to 256 GB; UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above recommended |
Makes Regulatory Weight
Considering less than 249 grams, the DJI Mini 2 SE drone is probably one of the lightest in the market. This is essential since, in most countries, the U.S. included, drones that are less than 250 grams and used solely for recreational purposes do not require registration. Owing to its lightweight design, the Mini 2 SE can be flown with fewer restrictions making it an ideal option for those who want to fly without restrictions, beginners and hobbyists included.
DJI mini 2 se follow me
The DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have a built-in Follow Me mode or the ActiveTrack feature, which you’ll find in DJI’s more expensive drones. It was designed to be affordable and compact, so it skips some of these advanced features to stay lightweight.
But if you still want the drone to follow you, there’s a workaround! You can use an app like Litchi, which has a Follow mode that makes the drone track the GPS signal from your phone. This way, the drone can follow your movements. Remember, though, that this method depends on your phone’s GPS accuracy and doesn’t include obstacle avoidance, so it’s best used in open spaces.
If you’re looking for a drone with built-in tracking and obstacle avoidance for a smoother and safer experience, it might be worth looking at higher-end DJI models like the Mini 3 Pro or Air series. These models include Follow Me and ActiveTrack features straight out of the box.
DJI Mini 2 SE Flight Experience and Safety Features
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a great choice for beginners and casual users because it’s easy to fly and control. It’s lightweight but still strong enough to handle some wind, keeping footage steady even when flying high. With a maximum flight time of 25 minutes, you can capture a lot without needing to land and recharge often. The controls are smooth, and the DJI Fly app includes features like QuickShot modes (such as Dronie and Circle) that help you create cool shots without needing a lot of flying experience.
For safety, the Mini 2 SE has useful features to protect the drone and make pilots feel more confident. The Return-to-Home (RTH) function automatically brings the drone back to its starting point if the battery gets low or the signal is lost, helping prevent it from flying away. GPS and altitude sensors keep it steady in the air and reduce accidental drifting. However, the Mini 2 SE doesn’t have obstacle sensors, so you’ll need to be careful around objects or in tight spaces. Despite this, its basic safety features and DJI’s reliable connection make it a safe and user-friendly choice for new drone fans.
The best app for DJI mini 2 se
The DJI Fly app is the best choice for flying the DJI Mini 2 SE drone. Made for DJI’s beginner-friendly drones, it has an easy-to-use design that helps you control the drone, adjust camera settings, and try out cool flying modes. You can see what the drone’s camera sees in real-time, and it offers fun features like QuickShot modes (such as “Dronie” and “Circle”) to capture creative shots. The app also includes safety features like Return-to-Home (RTH) and battery level alerts. Plus, it has simple editing tools, so you can quickly polish and share your videos on social media. Compatible with both iOS and Android, the DJI Fly app makes flying and filming with the Mini drones smooth and enjoyable.
2.7K Camera With SDR Color
A 2.7K Camera with SDR Color is a camera that records video in 2.7K resolution (2720×1530 pixels), which gives clear, high-quality video without creating very large files. It uses Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) color, which produces natural colors and is ideal for everyday uses, like in drones or small cameras. This combination makes it great for capturing sharp video without taking up too much storage space.
Understanding 2.7K Resolution:
Definition: 2.7K resolution offers video quality better than Full HD (1080p) but a bit less sharp than 4K Ultra HD. It captures more detail and clarity, making it great for sharper visuals without creating the large file sizes of 4K.
Applications: This resolution is often chosen for devices that need a good mix of video quality and storage efficiency. For example, the DJI Mini 2 SE drone has a camera that captures clear 2.7K video at 30 or 24 frames per second in standard color quality (8-bit SDR). This provides sharp, high-quality footage that’s versatile for different types of use.
Understanding SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) Color:
Definition: SDR stands for Standard Dynamic Range. It describes the usual brightness and color range that most traditional cameras and screens can show. Compared to High Dynamic Range (HDR), SDR has a narrower range of brightness and colors, which means it can show less contrast and fewer details in color.
Implications: While SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) might not show as many colors and brightness levels as HDR (High Dynamic Range), it is still commonly used because it works with most screens and provides steady and dependable image quality.
Benefits of 2.7K Resolution with SDR Color:
Enhanced Detail: A higher resolution than 1080p gives clearer and sharper images, which is great for taking photos and making videos.
Efficient Storage: Compared to 4K videos, 2.7K videos take up less storage space, making them easier to handle for devices with limited storage.
Broad Compatibility: SDR content can be used with many types of screens and editing programs, making it easy to watch and edit without needing special equipment.
Considerations:
Display Requirements: To enjoy the benefits of 2.7K resolution, it’s best to watch it on a screen that can support that resolution.
Editing and Processing: While SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) works with many devices, professionals looking for more color depth for grading and editing often choose HDR (High Dynamic Range) cameras.
In short, a 2.7K camera with SDR color is a good choice for capturing high-quality video that doesn’t take up too much space and works well with many devices. It’s suitable for various consumer electronics, including drones like the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Build and handling
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a great drone for beginners because it’s easy to fly and has stable controls and important safety features. Its small and sturdy design makes it simple to take with you, and the easy-to-use controls, GPS, and vision sensors help new pilots feel confident. Although it doesn’t have advanced obstacle detection, the Mini 2 SE is a reliable and portable choice for anyone wanting a good-performing drone at a reasonable price.
Performance
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a lightweight and powerful drone that offers great performance in a small package. It has a 12MP camera with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, allowing it to take high-quality photos and videos for its size. This drone can fly for about 31 minutes, which is impressive for its price. It has a maximum range of around 10 kilometers (thanks to OcuSync 2.0), making it suitable for beginners and intermediate users. The drone is stable and uses GPS to navigate, so it can handle light winds easily. It also features smart flight modes like QuickShots, which help you capture great shots without needing advanced flying skills.
Video sample
The DJI Mini 2 SE can record videos in 2.7K resolution at 30 frames per second or in 1080p at 60 frames per second, making it a great choice for casual users and social media creators. Although it doesn’t record in 4K, the 2.7K video still looks good with nice detail and clear colors. Some people might notice that videos can be a bit soft in certain lighting because the camera sensor is smaller. It does okay in low light, but you might see some graininess during dusk or in darker areas, which is normal for a drone like this.
Photo samples
Photos taken with the DJI Mini 2 SE look sharp and colorful, especially when there’s plenty of light. Its 12MP camera captures enough detail for everyday photography, whether you’re shooting landscapes, city scenes, or close-ups from the air. You can save images in JPEG or DNG (RAW) formats, which gives you more options for editing later. The camera has a good range of light, but you might need to tweak the shadows and highlights to see more details. In bright sunlight, the photos have nice contrast and vibrant colors, while in low light, they might have some noise but are still good enough for sharing on social media.
Overall Verdict
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a great choice for beginners and casual users who want a reliable and easy-to-use drone for taking photos and videos. It doesn’t have 4K video or advanced features like obstacle detection, but it still offers good image quality, is simple to operate, and flies steadily. If you’re looking for a straightforward and dependable drone to capture nice photos and videos, the Mini 2 SE is a good option that performs well without confusing new pilots with complicated controls. It’s a fantastic way to start exploring the world of drones while enjoying both portability and quality.
The Best Starter Drone
The DJI Mini 2 SE is one of the best beginner drones you can buy today. It’s easy to use, takes great pictures and videos, and is small enough to carry around, making it perfect for newcomers. Setting it up is simple, and the controls are user-friendly, so new pilots can quickly learn to take amazing aerial shots. Since it weighs just under 249 grams, you won’t have to worry about registering it, which is a plus for first-time users.
The Mini 2 SE shoots 2.7K video and 12MP photos, which is great for casual creators who want good quality without spending a lot. It also has a solid battery life of 31 minutes, giving you plenty of time to practice flying without having to stop often. Plus, DJI’s QuickShot modes help you create cool shots, like Dronie and Helix, even if you’re not an expert pilot.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a fantastic mix of quality, affordability, and ease of use, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to start flying drones without losing out on performance.
Should you buy the DJI Mini 2 SE?
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a small, easy-to-use drone that works well and doesn’t cost too much. Whether you should buy it depends on what you need, how experienced you are, and what you expect from a drone. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.
| Don’t buy this if | Buy this if |
| You Need 4K Video Quality: The Mini 2 SE records up to 2.7K video, which is great for casual use and social media but doesn’t meet the ultra-high-resolution needs of professional videographers. If 4K is a must, consider alternatives like the DJI Mini 2 or Mini 3 Pro. You Want Advanced Obstacle Avoidance: The Mini 2 SE lacks obstacle sensors, which means it requires careful handling, especially in tight spaces or around obstacles. More advanced drones with obstacle-detection features might suit you better if safety features are a priority. You Plan on Flying in Low-Light Conditions: While the Mini 2 SE performs well in good lighting, its low-light capabilities are limited. For those who plan to shoot at dusk or in lower light, you may want to look at drones with larger sensors or specialized night modes. You Want Professional-Level Features and Controls: The Mini 2 SE is aimed at beginners and casual users. If you’re an experienced pilot or require features like programmable flight paths, ActiveTrack, or advanced customization, consider DJI’s higher-end models. | You’re a Beginner or Casual User: The Mini 2 SE is designed with new users in mind. It’s lightweight, easy to fly, and comes with QuickShot modes to help you capture professional-looking shots with minimal effort. You Want a Portable and Travel-Friendly Drone: Weighing under 249 grams, the Mini 2 SE is ultra-portable and doesn’t need to be registered in many regions. This makes it an ideal companion for travel, hikes, or any spontaneous outings where you want aerial footage. You’re Looking for Great Value: The Mini 2 SE strikes a solid balance between performance and price, offering high-quality 12MP photos and 2.7K video for a budget-friendly cost. It’s a great entry point for anyone looking to experience drone flying without a big investment. You Need Reliable Flight Time and Range: With a 31-minute flight time and a transmission range of up to 10 kilometers, the Mini 2 SE gives you the flexibility to explore and shoot without constant battery changes or range limitations, making it more than capable of general use. |
How to fly Dji mini 2 SE
To operate the DJI Mini 2 SE drone, one should first ensure that both the drone and the controller are charged before proceeding to install the DJI Fly app on an Android phone and connecting it to the remote control. Turn on the drone and controller, then open the software, select the drone, and perform a potential firmware update and calibration of the drone. Understand how to operate the drone; the left stick controls the height and direction of the drone whilst the right stick directs the movement of the drone forward, backward, and laterally. After going to an open space, first, use the app to auto lift off and perform basic movements until confident.
You can also try QuickShot modes in the app for automated shots, like Dronie and Circle, to capture cinematic footage easily. When ready to land, either manually lower the left stick or use the app’s auto-landing button. Always be mindful of battery life, fly in clear weather, and follow local regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience.
DJI Mini 2 SE Remote
The remote controller designed for the DJI Mini SE is very reflexive and user-friendly, which is ideal for people new to flying. It has a well-designed structure and a phone holder at the top part to secure your mobile device. The controller gets connected to the mobile phone via cable so that a person using the DJI Fly app can see what the camera of the drone sees. The principal controls consist of two joysticks, a Return-to-Home (RTH) switch, a power switch, and a wheel for the camera tilting function. The controller uses enhanced Wi-Fi for a strong and reliable connection. Its battery can last about four hours, which is usually enough for several flights, depending on how you use it.
DJI Mini 2 SE Range
Under ideal conditions where one can see the sky and where there is no deterrent, the DJI Mini 2 SE can fly away from the remote controller for approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). In practice, however, the distance may be significantly shorter if there are buildings, barriers in the way, or unfavorable weather conditions. It uses an improved Wi-Fi system that keeps a stable connection within this range, but it’s not as strong as the OcuSync technology used in DJI’s more advanced drones. This range is more than enough for most beginners and casual users, letting them enjoy flying and capture great aerial views while still seeing a clear video feed.
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