DJI (No Longer Mavic) Mini 2 Brings 4K to an Entry-Level Drone

The original DJI Mavic Mini was the first serious drone to shed enough weight to sidestep FAA registration requirements, adding appeal to photographers and fence-sitters who were mulling a drone, but were perhaps a little deterred by the prospect of registering with the government in order to use it (legally).

DJI is back this year with an updated version, the Mini 2. It uses the same 249g airframe, but offers some real upgrades that make it (on paper) a more appealing drone for newbies. Drones that weigh any more, 250g and up, require FAA registration for outdoor flights in the US.

Upgraded Motors, Remote

For one, its motors are more powerful and a bit more efficient. The Mini 2 is rated to fly in stronger winds, up to 24mph (from 17.7mph), and its battery promises 31 minutes of flight time. It still doesn't have any sort of obstacle detection, but the stronger motors make it a bit safer to fly on breezy days.

The connection between remote control and drone is also enhanced. The original Mini's Wi-Fi connection could sputter, even when keeping the drone within visual range.

(DJI Mini 2 Remote)

The Mini 2 uses DJI OcuSync 2.0 for communication, and uses a remote like the one from the pricier Mavic Air 2. The maximum range for the pair is a stunning 6.2 miles, triple that of the first version of the drone. A stronger, more reliable wireless connection is a welcome upgrade.

Camera Improvements Too

The Mini 2 uses the same camera hardware, but there are improvements there too. For one, the video resolution is bumped to 4K with a 30fps frame rate and a digital zoom option. You can enjoy a lossless quality zoom at lower resolutions—the Mini 2 also supports 2.7K and 1080p (2K) recording offered by the original Mavic Mini.

The 12MP still resolution continues, but DJI adds Raw image support. You can still happily snap aerial shots in JPG format, but using Raw offers more room to tone and edit images to taste.

There are some enhancements to make photos and videos easier to edit on your phone, too. The Mini 2 supports faster file transfers to your handset via its remote, and can be set to automatically offload footage upon landing.

Price and Availability

The DJI Mini 2 is priced at $449, a bit of an increase when compared with the $399 Mavic Mini. DJI is also selling a Fly More combo for $599—it includes two additional batteries (for a total of three), a multi-battery charger, and a carrying case. Both kits are available to purchase today.

We're just starting to test the drone, and will report back to see if the upgrades are worth the price of entry—we had mixed feelings about the original Mini, but the Mini 2's upgrades address many of our gripes.

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

Read the latest from Jim Fisher

Read full bio