DJI (Mavic) Mini 2: OcuSync 2.0 and 4K Video for about 450 Euro
[13:18 Mon,2.November 2020 by Thomas Richter]
Not yet officially introduced, but due to several leaks (among others at Swiss Mediamarkt) and a user who could even buy the new drone in the USA, everything important about the small new Mini 2 drone from DJI is already known: it is the successor model of the Mavic Mini (DJI dropped "Mavic" from the name, though) and has, like this one, four fold-out booms for the (easily exchangeable) propellers - also the design and the weight (249 grams) are identical. This has the advantage that it also falls into the drone class C0 (up to 250g takeoff weight) and can therefore be flown in Germany (and many other countries as well) without the need for a driver&s license or registration.
DJI Mini 2
What are the differences between the DJI Mini 2 and the Mavic Mini? First and foremost, there is probably the possibility to record videos in UltraHD 4K with the mini model (but not at a high frame rate) - the previous model was still limited to 2.7K, but the size of the 12 megapixel sensor remains the same at 1/2.3 inch.
The following video resolutions are now available: 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) at 24/25/30 fps, 2.7K (2,720 x 1,530 pixels) at 24/25/30 fps, and Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) at 24/25/30/48/50 fps. Recording is done on a Micro-SD/SDXC/SDHC memory card - there is still no internal memory. In addition, when taking photos, the DNG format for RAW recordings is now supported in addition to JPG. The ISO value of the camera can be set between 100-3200, the 24 mm (35 mm format equivalent) lens has a field of view (FOV) of 83° and an aperture of f/2.8.
Also pleasing is the upgrade of the live image transmission system from simple WLAN (DJI Mavic Mini) to OcuSync 2.0, which was previously only used by the more expensive Mavic Pro/Air 2 models and has significantly better features. With its help, the range increases considerably from 2 to 10 kilometers.
The flight data have been slightly improved, so the Mini 2&s ascent and total speed is now 5 meters per second and 16 meters per second respectively, the flight time has been increased to 31 minutes (Mavic Mini: 30 minutes) and the maximum altitude has been increased from 3,000 to 4,000 meters (above sea level). However, obstacle sensors are still reserved for the more expensive (and heavier) models.
DJI Mini 2
flight and recording modes The QuickShots modes include automated flight programs with corresponding motif tracking and orientation. -Rocket: The Mini 2 flies quickly into the air with the camera pointing down and following its subject. - Circle: The drone orbits its subject at a constant height and distance. - Dronie: The Mini 2 flies backwards and upwards at the same time, while the camera remains aligned with the motif. - Helix: The drone flies upwards in a spiral and at the same time moves away from the motif.
The DJI Mini 2 will presumably be on the market as early as November 4, rumor has it that the price for the drone including remote control, a pair of replacement propellers and various cables, an Intelligent Flight Battery and a gimbal protection will be around 449 Euros. The Fly More Kit with three batteries, charging station and additional spare parts will of course be more expensive. At the moment, the DJI Mavic Mini is available in the Mavic Mini 2 wind speeds of 8.5 to 10.5 meters per second, (DJI Online Store for about 390 Euro) - so if you are interested, you should consider if the new features like the higher range and resolution are worth 60 Euro extra.
DJI Mini 2 Accessories
When flying the DJI Mini 2 these instructions must also be observed with regard to, among other things, flight weight, insurance, visual distance and altitude. Here our test of the DJI Mavic Mini.