DJI Mini 2, Ultralight Foldable Drone Quadcopter, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Camera, 12MP, 31 Mins Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots, Drone for Beginners, Gray

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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. Steady flight, a strong 720p video stream to your phone via DJI's O2 protocol, and excellent wind resistance contribute to a largely safe flight experience, though we do have one reservation. The Mini 2 SE omits obstacle detection sensors, so you need to take care when flying it low to the ground. Sliding the battery in and out is a little fiddly, thanks to the sprung plastic clip, but better that than having it lose connection mid-air. The new 2,250mAh battery weighs less, just 86.2g, though it’s very frustrating if you were considering upgrading and had a supply of spare Mavic Mini batteries. EU rules about ‘all-up’ weight no doubt benefit, and the newer batteries can accept more charge so this is progress for all but upgraders. There are two other significant upgrades to the latest Mini beyond the camera: upgraded motors and the addition of DJI's OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology.

The step up to 4K is unarguably welcome. Whether creators need 4K is hardly the point anymore –it’s a standard feature on a mid-range phone. It also means the system is now capturing 100Mbps, which is good to know (though between that and Raw you might want a slightly bigger MicroSD card). Casual drone flyers won’t need to venture beyond the main interface. There’s a take-off and land button (which is also on the controller), a map shortcut in the bottom left, a shutter release button on the right as well as a mode switcher, gallery shortcut and a toggle between manual photo and video.This sample reel from the Mini 2 includes 4K, 2.7K and 1080 footage, as well as 2x and 4x zoom shots. You can also charge the battery in-drone, via the aircraft's USB-C port. It's located at the rear, next to the microSDXC memory card slot. The Mini 2 doesn't include any internal storage of its own, so don't forget to buy a memory card—I recommend a 16GB card at minimum for 1080p, and 32GB or 64GB if you plan on recording video at 4K. Safety Features 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.

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 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. 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 original Mavic Mini could only capture up to 2.7K/30p footage at 40 Mbps. The Mini 2 now allows you to record in resolutions up to 4K/30p, 2.7K/30p, and 1080p/60p at 100 Mbps. You can also zoom in on subjects while recording. Both 4K and 2.7K allow up to 2X zooming, and 1080p resolution allows you to hone in on a subject up to 4X, though the quality only remains lossless at 2X zoom. The DJI Fly app is a well-balanced combination of simple to use, but powerful enough to offer depth to more experienced fliers. 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.Also worth noting: the Mini 2's 249g weight doesn't exempt anyone from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) rules and regulations for operating unmanned aircraft. It just means registering a Mavic Mini with the FAA, or regulatory agencies in other countries with a similar 250g cut-off, isn't required. 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. Digital zooming is limited to about 2x if you’re shooting in 4K, though you can get usable 3x footage at 1080p. As soon as the light drops, though, so too does the Mini 2’s usable zoom range. FCC: United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and other regions;