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Following a leak in June, DJI’s sub-250-gram entry-level drone, the DJI Mini SE, is now available in the United States. At $ 300, the Mini SE is DJI’s most affordable drone.
As noted by Drone DJ, the DJI Mini SE is essentially a cheaper version of DJI’s original Mini. In our review of the Mini in 2019, we called it ‘the perfect drone for beginners.’ In 2020, the DJI Mini 2 came out. In our DJI Mini 2 review, we remarked that the Mini 2 built upon the excellent concept of the original Mini and included significant improvements. The Mini 2 launched at $ 450, $ 150 more expensive than the new Mini SE.
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The Mini SE is more a spiritual successor to the original DJI Mini than a replacement for the Mini 2. While the Mini 2 records 4K video, the Mini SE offers the same 2.7K video resolution as the original Mini. That said, the Mini SE uses the same slightly redesigned body as the Mini 2. Speaking of sharing features with the original Mini drone, DJI has delisted it following the release of the Mini SE.
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| The DJI Mini SE weighs only 249 grams, putting it in the lowest weight class of drones. |
At 249 grams (8.8 oz.), the Mini SE is about the same weight as some smartphones. DJI writes, ‘Weighing under 249 grams, DJI Mini SE is almost as light as the average smartphone. This makes it exceptionally portable and places it in the lowest and safest weight class of drones, which may exempt it from certain regulations in many countries.’
When folded, the drone’s dimensions (L x W x H) are 131 x 81 x 58mm. Unfolded with propellers, the drone is 245 x 289 x 56mm. In terms of additional specs, the drone has a maximum ascent speed of 4 meters per second and a max speed (with no wind) of 13 m/s. The Mini SE has a maximum tilt angle of 30° and a maximum angular velocity of 150°/s.
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In our coverage of the Mini SE leak in June, we wondered what remote the Mini SE would ship with, the Mini remote or the improved Mini 2’s remote? As it turns out, it’s the former.
As mentioned, the DJI Mini SE shares its imaging pipeline with the original Mini. The Mini SE drone records 12MP aerial photos and up to 2.7K Quad HD videos using its 1/2.3″ CMOS image sensor. The built-in lens has a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 24mm and an F2.8 aperture. The drone’s ISO range for photo and video is 100-3200. The drone includes a 3-axis motorized gimbal. When flying, the remote maintains an HD video feed at up to 4km (2.5mi). The drone is rated for up to 30 minutes of flying with a fully charged battery.
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The DJI Mini SE comes with numerous ease-of-use features, including QuickShots. With QuickShots, you can set the drone to automatically perform preset motions, including Dronie, Rocket, Circle and Helix. The drone also includes a CineSmooth mode. This slows down the Mini SE’s flight speed and movements for additional precision and stability. It’s a useful mode when flying in tight spaces, too. The Mini SE comes equipped with a 360° Propeller Guard to protect the drone and people in the area. It also has advanced sensors to hover precisely.
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The accompanying DJI Fly app helps users find scenic locations near them. The integrated SkyPixel social media platform lets users share aerial photos and videos with other users.
The DJI Mini SE is available now through DJI and authorized retailers. To learn more about DJI’s new $ 300, 249-gram drone, visit DJI.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)