The best thing about the new DJI Mini 2 is its controller. Revamped in its entirety, simplicity is the name of the game here. Only the DJI Mavic Air 2 has the same advanced controller so far.

CE: UK, Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Macau, New Zealand, UAE, and other regions; The bump in video resolution from 2.7K to 4K is welcome. Sure, technically, there’s no reason we can think of that 4K capture wasn’t built into last year's model, but in well-lit scenes, the extra recorded pixels mean more scope for zooms and crops. The DJI Mini 2 design inherits the palm-sized dimensions and foldable arms of the Mavic Mini for a size that’s so small it won’t cause a distraction when you’re flying it through the air.Finally, the app opens up manual photo shooting with an optional shutter speed of up to four seconds for photos and 1/60 seconds for video, and a max ISO of 3200 across both modes. DJI Mini 2 review: features and performance Tested with a production model DJI Mini 2 SE in a controlled environment. Actual experience may vary depending on the environment, usage, and firmware version.

Unobstructed, free of interference, and when FCC-compliant. Maximum flight range specification is a proxy for radio link strength and resilience. It only refers to the maximum, one-way flight distance without considering Return to Home. Always follow local rules and regulations and fly your drone within your visual line of sight unless otherwise permitted. Apart from its larger size compared to the controller that came with the Mavic Mini, the Mini 2’s controller communicates with the drone using DJI’s Occusync 2.0 transmission technology, rather than Wi-Fi. This more than doubles the maximum effective range of the Mini 2 from 2.4 miles to 6.1 miles. Given that you should always keep your drone in sight, this range is more theoretical than anything. DJI Mini 2: Photo and video quality DJI’s reliable stabilization has become as synonymous with the brand as the shades of grey that adorn all its consumer products, and we’re here for all of it.The Mavic Mini 2 is an excellent drone for hobbyists and beginners alike. One particular line that resonates is that this is 'a drone that grows with you.' The original Mini had its limitations with JPEG-only imagery, 2.7K video footage, and a Wi-Fi signal. DJI took the logical next steps to ensure that anyone purchasing the Mini 2 could accomplish a lot more with their investment. As you'd expect with such a small sensor, this isn't a drone for shooting in gloomy conditions. The Mini 2's video struggles when the sun drops, though its photos bear up a bit better. Its propensity to underexpose slightly also compounds middling performance in dimly lit scenes. In turn, we’d recommend keeping flights to bright and beautiful days when possible. DJI decided it was time to do away with the remote from the first Mavic Mini. Replacing it is a remote that replicates the design and functionality of the controller on the Mavic Air 2. This upgrade makes sense for a lot of reasons; it's easier to hold and despite the fact that I still find it challenging at times to clamp my smartphone in, its placement above rather than beneath the remote makes viewing the display screen way more convenient. The Mini 2 SE isn't far off from other small folding drones in concept. Its arms collapse in for storage to create a 2.3-by-3.2-by-5.4-inch (HWD) frame. To keep costs low, the drone shares much of its tech with earlier models in the series; its airframe and motors are from the Mini 2, and its camera is from the original Mavic Mini. For those not familiar with the Mavic Mini and looking at a Mini 2 for the first time, you'll be impressed with the 3-axis gimbal DJI managed to place on such a tiny machine that easily fits in the palm of your hand. The footage captured is typically smooth and stable. DJI also claims this particular drone can withstand wind speeds up to 24mph, thanks in part to upgraded motors. For those looking at a miniature drone for the first time, you'll be impressed with the 3-axis gimbal

For stills, the Mini 2 SE supports JPG and Raw DNG capture with 8MP (16:9) or 12MP (4:3) output. The JPG color profile matches the standard look, while DNG pictures save more data so you can edit them to your heart's content in software like Adobe Lightroom Classic or a different Raw converter. Overall, picture quality is in line with mid-range smartphones; we again point to the Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro as a step-up option for more demanding creators, as their larger Type-1/1.3 Quad Bayer cameras are more in line with those on premium compact cameras and flagship smartphones.Piloting the drone is very familiar if you’ve ever flown another DJI aircraft, or indeed any drone with altitude-hold and GPS (some toys have these features). These technologies are designed to make life easier for photographers and enthusiasts, and they work, especially in combination with the choice of Cine, Normal or Sport flight modes. Outside Cine mode you should exercise care though; the drone is responsive but still needs some room to counter its own momentum. It should also be kept in its case in anything beyond a 24mph (force 5) breeze – a definite improvement, but the low weight still has its limits. The Mini 2’s 83-degree (24mm equivalent) field of view means the drone’s framing isn’t dissimilar to that of a human eye, if slightly wider. Meanwhile, the f/2.8 aperture fixed-focus lens is wide open, but still narrow enough to keep skies from blowing out too easily.