DJI is the leading and popular drone manufacturer worldwide. Recently, DJI released a new, improved version of Mavic Mini as version 2 with better specs and features. Both Mavic Mini and Mavic Mini 2 drones are identical design-wise, but the more recent version has a lot more improvements. Let’s compare the DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2, so you can choose one which is right for you.
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DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2 Comparison at Glance:
| DJI Mavic Mini | DJI Mavic Mini 2 | |
| Video Recording | 2.7K: 2720×1530 @25/30fps
FHD: 1920×1080 @25/30/50/60fps @40Mbps bit-rate (Max) |
4K: 3840×2160 @24/25/30fps
2/7K: 2720×1530 @24/25/30fps FHD: 1920×1080 @24/25/30/48/50/60fps @100Mbps bit-rate (Max) |
| Photo Format | JPEG | JPEG + RAW |
| Zoom | Not Supported | 4x Digital Zoom |
| Panorama | Not Supported | Sphere, 180° and Wide-Angle |
| Quick Shot | Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket | Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang |
| Controller Protocol + Range | Wi-Fi (4kms) | OcuSync 2.0 (10kms) |
| Max Flight Speed | 13 m/s (46.8kms) | 16 m/s (57.6kms) |
| Wind Resistance | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| Intelligent Flight Battery | 2400mAh | 2250mAh |
| Flight Time | 30 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Weight | 249g | 242g* (*Aircraft take-off weight includes battery, propellers, and a microSD card) |
| Price | $599 AUD ($399 USD) | $749 AUD ($449 USD) |
DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2 Camera:
DJI Mavic Mini 2 has improved 4K camera that records video at 30fps and able to take RAW photos which is a huge plus. Whereas, Mavic Mini 1 max video recording capacity is 2.7K which is better than many camera drones. DJI also improved recording bit-rate to 100Mbps for Mavic Mini 2 where the older model was able to record at 40Mbps max. However, both models have 3-axis gimbal that helps to shoot steady videos or photos.
Many people using camera drones for family and friends photos or videos shoot. So DJI Mini 2 added 4x digital zoom features that can help shooting safely without flying too close to object. But Mavic Mini 1 does not have a digital zoom feature which is a bit of considerable point.
Apart from the significant difference in the camera, DJI Mavic Mini 2 can capture RAW images which may attract pro photographers. But in compare of Mavic Mini 1 vs Mini 2, Mini 1 can capture the good photos in JPEG format which satisfy the general use of camera drones. And Mavic Mini 1 still records at 2.7K resolution so you won’t regret the picture quality of the first-gen drone.
If you are looking for panorama shot, Mavic Mini 2 has 180° with wide-angle capture capabilities which is something not supported in Mavic Mini 1 version.
DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2 Controller and Transmission Range Comparison:
DJI upgraded controller for Mavic Mini 2 for better range and transmission performance similar to the Mavic Air 2. The new OcuSync 2.0 controller can achieve up to 10kms range so you can fly worry-free. But make sure your country rules allow it to fly beyond a specific range. Here in Australia, you have to keep your drone within visual line-of-sight and cannot fly higher than 120 meters. For more rules and regulation of drones in Australia, please visit casa.gov.au.
On the other side, Mavic Mini 1 has a Wi-Fi controller which can allow you to control your flight up to 4kms radius. I think 4kms range is not bad and enough if you are anyway not allowed to fly out of visual sight. But Wi-Fi controller video transmission to your phone becomes laggy sometimes whereas OcuSync 2.0 controller delivers flawless videos to your device. Because OcuSync 2.0 supports 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz and switch automatically between frequencies to keep robust connectivity.
Image Credit: DJI
DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2 Flight Performance:
DJI upgraded the motors in Mini 2, so you can enjoy the faster speed with better stability and wind resistance. Mavic Mini 2 can fly at 57.6kms speed max with improved motors whereas Mini 1 max speed is 46.8kms. The new upgrades bring level 5 (10.5 m/s or 37.80kms) wind resistance to the Mavic Mini 2 for better performance in windy weather in compare of level 4 (8 m/s or 28.80kms) for Mavic Mini first-gen drone.
DJI Mavic Mini has 3000m max takeoff altitude limit, but the Mini 2 range has extended to 4000m from the sea level. So you can shoot beautiful ranges and high-rise areas if permitted by your local governments.
Improved motors with lower battery capacity than Mavic Mini 1 allow Mavic Mini 2 to fly 1 minute extra. The total flight time for Mavic Mini 2 is 31 minutes, whereas Mavic Mini 1 can fly for 30 minutes which is a minor difference.
Both drones weights 249g or less, which is legal requirements in some countries for unregistered drones. So DJI Mavic Mini 1 and Mavic Mini 2 both fit into the specific rules to fly without registering your drone and save some money for you.
DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2 Features:
Mavic Mini 2 has many exciting features like Boomerang QuickShots, Panorama and QuickTransfer. But Mavic Mini has some standard features like Dronie, Circle, Helix and Rocket QuickShots mode that is great fun for any level of drone pilots.
Apart from the Quick Shots, DJI Mavic Mini 2 can capture the Panoramas photos with various modes like Sphere, 180° and Wide-Angle shots.
A Sphere mode can capture the multiple images at once and stitch them for a crystal clear picture. The 180-degree mode captures the numerous photos and stitches it together for an ultra-wide shot. And Wide-Angle mode can capture the multiple images to stitch it together to make one landscape image.
The QuickTransfer feature allows Mavic Mini 2 data to be downloaded at the speed of 20Mbps to your device when it’s nearby. Also, Trimmed Download is an impressive feature that can edit a video and download it to your Smartphone. These features allow users to edit, download and share content via DJI Fly App for convenience.
Another improved feature in Mavic Mini 2 is USB-C port which helps for faster charging that lacks in Mavic Mini 1. And they have new GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO support for better positioning and flight performance.
Some common features:
The new DJI Mavic Mini 2 has lots of improvements, but still, they have some similarities in features.
Both, DJI Mavic Mini and Mini 2 support the MicroSD card for storage up to 256GB capacity. The live viewing quality is 720p @30fps for both DJI Mavic Mini and Mavic Mini 2 drones.
Also, both models use downward sensors for positioning and landing or take-offs. The operating range of downward sensors is 0.5 meter to 10 meters which helps even to hover steady. The 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan) gimbal supports Mavic Mini and Mini 2 to shoot better videos and photos.
DJI Mavic Mini vs Mavic Mini 2 Price:
The price of DJI Mavic Mini 2 in Australia is $749 whereas you can buy “Fly More Combo” at the price tag of $949. Similarly, Mavic Mini 1 price is $599 and $799 for “Fly More Combo” in Australia.
In the United States, DJI Mavic Mini cost is $399 (USD) and Mavic Mini 2 selling at $449 (USD). However, if you need to buy “Fly More Combo”, it will cost $499 (USD) and $599 (USD) respectively in the United States.
However, if you buying a new drone and made your mind for any of Mavic Mini model, $150 difference in price is worth for such great features.
Conclusion:
DJI is a great company and always keeps improving products to meet the expectation of its users. Therefore, various models of drones by DJI can satisfy the requirement of basic to pro-user. They have some simple model to meet the family and recreational needs as well as an advance model of drones for professional video and photographers.
DJI improved lots of features like upgraded motors, extended range controller and wind resistance level in Mavic Mini 2. These upgrades make flight performance better and stable in unfortunate weather conditions so you can enjoy the ride. Also, the price difference is only $150 between both Mavic Mini and Mini 2 models, so it’s still affordable drone.
Mavic Mini 2 is a great drone that weights under 249g so you can fly it without registration in many countries. And 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal is excellent in various shooting mode so you can make memories of your family and friends.
If you are looking for an upgrade and you need a pro-drone than Mavic Mini 2 is the right choice for you as a budget drone. But if you are a casual flyer and don’t shoot much, Mavic Mini 1 is still the better drone as per its performance and features.