In search of your first drone and torn between the assorted fashions obtainable? I wish to introduce you to 2 viable drones: the DJI Air 2S and the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Whereas their variations could also be throughout the spectrum (one low cost and one costly, totally different weight classifications, and considerably totally different sensor sizes), you could find your self torn between the 2.
So which one must you get?
The DJI Air 2S is the higher selection for the best picture and video high quality, clever flight modes, security options, and flight efficiency. The DJI Mini 2 SE is a viable selection in case you’re on a price range and like portability and a drone that may obtain the naked minimal with out breaking the financial institution.
High Drone Programs
Hold studying to study extra about which drone will probably be nice for you!
DJI Mini 2 SE overview
DJI Mini 2 SE
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Drone with 2.7K Video, 10km Video Transmission, 31-min Flight Time, Below 249 g, Return to House, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digicam for Novices.
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08/11/2023 01:01 am GMT
✅ Execs
- Very reasonably priced
- Simple to make use of
- Light-weight and simply transportable
- Lengthy flight time
❌ Cons
- The digicam is just a little underpowered
- It may use extra clever options
- Lacks security options like impediment avoidance
Launched in February 2023, the DJI Mini 2 SE is just the Mini 2 with out the 4K digicam and diminished clever flight modes.
As a substitute, it shoots in 2.7K because of the 1/2.3-inch sensor, and the bitrate has been diminished from 100 Mbps to 40 Mbps.
Whereas not as highly effective because the more moderen drones, 8-bit SDR colour functionality permits the Mini 2 SE to document very clean 2.7K movies at 30fps or 24fps.
The three-axis gimbal additionally ensures steady footage, making this drone usable for a variety of purposes.
The design, weight, dimension, lack of impediment avoidance, and propellers and batteries look just like the unique Mini 2.
As such, it’s one of many cheaper drones to think about in case you don’t wish to register with the FAA. The 30-minute flight time can be fairly spectacular for a drone of its dimension.
Under is a short overview of the Mini 2 SE and an indication of the way it works.
DJI Air 2S Overview
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digicam, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
We earn a fee in case you make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
08/11/2023 11:36 pm GMT
✅ Execs
- Prolonged flight time
- A wider vary of flight modes
- Highly effective imaging capabilities
- Superior gimbal stabilization
- Very transportable
- Impediment avoidance
❌ Cons
- It’s dearer
- It’s bulkier and heavier than the two SE
Launched in November 2021 as an improve to the DJI Air 2, the Air 2S is among the most reasonably priced digicam drones you need to use for content material creation {and professional} work.
It incorporates a significantly bigger sensor (1-inch CMOS) than the Mini 2 SE, and it additionally has extra clever flight modes and provides you extra choices for what to do with a drone.
The Air 2S can shoot 20MP nonetheless pictures and movies in 5.4K at 30 fps. The three-axis digital gimbal stabilization ensures extremely steady footage whatever the nature of the flight.
Different options that make the Air 2S stand out embody the next;
- DJI OcuSync 3.0 – That is DJI’s transmission system that permits the drone to ship a 1080p reside transmission from as much as 7.5 miles away.
- Clever flight modes – The Air 2S has modes like ActiveTrack, Highlight, Level of Curiosity, Hyperlapse, Quickshots, and Mastershots. These help you create cinematic footage in a really brief time.
- Impediment avoidance – The Air 2S has four-way impediment avoidance (high, entrance, down, and again).
- Higher colour scheme – The Air 2S can shoot in regular or in 10-bit D-Log. Whereas regular taking pictures lets you edit rapidly, D-Log provides you a extra complete vary of flexibility throughout post-processing.
- HDR (Hyper Dynamic Vary) functionality – This permits the drone to provide detailed footage in comparison with a drone with the identical options missing HDR.
Even with all these options, the Air 2S nonetheless maintains a lightweight and transportable design because it weighs round 595 grams and is foldable.
Under is a evaluation of the DJI Air 2S from unboxing to taking the primary flight.
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S – Which possibility is best?
The Air 2S is a transparent winner in a number of facets, as I’ll share on this article, however based mostly on the transient overview of each drones, it’s evident that they each have their strengths and weaknesses.
As such, selecting between the Mini 2 S and Air 2S comes right down to your price range, what you plan to make use of the drone for, and the precise options you want in a drone.
With that in thoughts, let’s take into account why you’ll select both.
Why select the DJI Mini 2 SE over DJI Air 2S?
DJI Mini 2 SE
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Drone with 2.7K Video, 10km Video Transmission, 31-min Flight Time, Below 249 g, Return to House, Automated Professional Shoots, Drone with digicam for Novices.
We earn a fee in case you make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
08/11/2023 01:01 am GMT
Under are some causes one would possibly go for the Mini 2 SE.
- Affordability – One major benefit of the Mini 2 SE is that it’s very reasonably priced in comparison with the Air 2S. Going for no less than $340 with one battery and fewer than $500 for the combo, it makes an excellent starter drone with out breaking the financial institution.
- Ease of Use – The Mini 2 SE is a really beginner-friendly drone. You solely have to know the fundamentals of flight, and you may be good to go. There are actually a number of aperture, ISO, or different footage settings. You’ll be able to simply take off and begin recording footage you possibly can share in your social media channels.
- Portability and light-weight design – Being a Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE is gentle. With one battery, it may simply slot in your pocket. And when you could have the Fly Extra Combo, you possibly can simply match the entire bundle in your touring bag and never really feel its weight.
- No FAA registration required – Within the US, the FAA doesn’t require pilots to register their drones in the event that they weigh lower than 250 grams and won’t be used for industrial functions. Should you’re shopping for the drone for private use and don’t wish to cope with the registration course of, the Mini 2 SE is a superb selection. Nevertheless, you continue to want to stick to the assorted native and federal drone laws, so you have to go the TRUST check and get a certificates.
- Respectable flight time – Regardless of its smaller dimension, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless affords a decent flight time of roughly half-hour, offering ample airtime for informal flights and easy aerial pictures periods. Nevertheless, when flying it, you might get about 20 minutes as a result of numerous elements affecting battery consumption in drones, however that’s nonetheless a very long time for a client drone.
- Silky clean 2.7K video – The Mini 2 SE’s digicam can document clean 2.7K video, providing respectable high quality for many informal content material creation and social media sharing.
- No impediment detection – Without having impediment detection could be seen as a draw back in comparison with the Air 2S, some customers could choose a extra handbook flying expertise and are keen to be cautious throughout low-altitude flights.
Why select the DJI Air 2S over DJI Mini 2 SE?
DJI Air 2S Fly Extra Combo
Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Digicam, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Instructions of Impediment Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, MasterShots, Grey
We earn a fee in case you make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
08/11/2023 11:36 pm GMT
Choosing the DJI Air 2S over the Mini 2 SE has its benefits too. These embody:
- Superior digicam efficiency: The Air 2S has a 1-inch CMOS sensor, offering considerably higher picture high quality and low-light efficiency than the Mini 2 SE. It will probably seize 20-MP nonetheless photos and document video in 5.4K at 30fps, providing gorgeous visuals appropriate for skilled pictures and videography.
- Clever flight modes: The Air 2S options many clever flight modes, together with ActiveTrack 4.0, Highlight 2.0, and Level of Curiosity 3.0. These modes allow the drone to trace and observe topics autonomously, opening up artistic potentialities for effortlessly capturing complicated pictures.
- Impediment avoidance and security: The Air 2S incorporates four-way impediment avoidance sensors, enhancing security throughout flights and lowering the danger of collisions with obstacles within the drone’s path. This function is particularly useful when flying in difficult environments or throughout complicated maneuvers.
- Hyperlapse: The Air 2S introduces the Hyperlapse function, permitting customers to create gorgeous time-lapse movies with automated flight paths. This function provides a artistic dimension to your aerial videography, enabling dynamic and charming pictures.
- Prolonged transmission vary: The Air 2S boasts OcuSync 3.0 transmission know-how, offering a steady and dependable connection between the drone and its distant controller. This permits for a seamless reside video feed as much as roughly 7.5 miles away, offering larger flexibility for capturing footage from a distance.
- Skilled-grade construct high quality: The Air 2S incorporates a extra strong and premium construct high quality than the Mini 2 SE, making it better-suited for demanding out of doors use and adversarial climate situations. It’s additionally heavier, permitting it to resist stronger winds than the Mini 2 SE.
- Prolonged flight time: Whereas the distinction is minimal, the Air 2S affords a barely longer flight time of roughly 31 minutes, offering a couple of additional minutes of flight, all elements thought of, in comparison with the Mini 2 SE.
DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S – A full comparability of options
Pricing and availability
Pricing is among the predominant variations between these two drone fashions.
The DJI Mini 2 SE prices $339 whenever you go for one battery and $489 whenever you get the Fly Extra Combo that features the drone, three batteries, a charging hub, and a carrying bag.
Since its launch in 2023, the Mini 2 SE continues to be obtainable on DJI’s web site and different e-commerce platforms.
However, the DJI Air 2S prices $999 within the fundamental bundle, the place you solely get the drone and one battery.
With the Fly Extra Combo, you get two additional batteries, a charging hub, ND filters (ND4, 8, 16, and 32), and a bag to hold it with.
Whereas the Air 2S was launched in 2021, it’s nonetheless obtainable on DJI’s web site and different e-commerce platforms.
Because it has been round for some time, it’s potential to get it at a lower cost from resellers who could wish to improve to extra superior drones.
Pictures and video recording
Concerning pictures and videography, each the DJI Air 2S and the Mini 2 Se are spectacular in their very own proper, however there are vital variations since they’re focused at totally different markets.
DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S is extra highly effective in pictures and video recording because of the 1-inch CMOS sensor and state-of-the-art imaging capabilities.
With 20 MP picture high quality, you possibly can seize high-quality pictures that provide you with extra room to edit.
The Air 2S digicam and up to date firmware make it usable for mapping tasks because of its excessive decision and compatibility with software program like DroneDeploy.
Concerning movies, the Air 2S can shoot as much as 5.4K at 30 fps, however 4K at 60fps or 30fps is extra frequent amongst most customers.
The upper the decision, the higher footage you get, making it the best possibility for skilled videography. The HDR function additionally considerably impacts the footage high quality.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Whereas the Mini 2 SE could not attain the identical degree of efficiency because the Air 2S, it nonetheless affords spectacular pictures and video recording capabilities, particularly contemplating its budget-friendly value level.
Geared up with a 2.7K digicam and a three-axis gimbal, the Mini 2 SE can seize movies at 30 fps, delivering glorious footage high quality for its value vary.
For nonetheless pictures, the Mini 2 SE gives 12-megapixel photos in JPG and Uncooked DNG codecs.
Whereas it might not match the Air 2S’s decision, it nonetheless affords respectable picture high quality appropriate for informal pictures and social media sharing.
Nevertheless, the Mini 2 SE lacks superior options like HDR mode and Hyperlapse, that are current within the Air 2S.
Moreover, the absence of impediment detection sensors implies that pilots should train warning throughout low-altitude flights to keep away from potential collisions.
Flight options
The Air 2S and the Mini 2 SE include numerous flight options to make sure a protected and pleasurable flight expertise, however they’ve vital variations too.
DJI Air 2S
As a extra superior and higher-priced drone, the Air 2S has a wide selection of flight options catering to each skilled and fanatic pilots.
I’ve talked extensively in regards to the numerous options, from impediment avoidance to ActiveTrack, OcuSync, and Hyperlapse.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE, designed as a budget-friendly possibility, affords extra simple flight options than the Air 2S.
Whereas it lacks a number of the superior options present in its higher-end counterpart, it nonetheless delivers a passable flying expertise.
Flight efficiency
The DJI Air 2S excels in flight efficiency, providing increased speeds, higher wind resistance, and extra superior flight maneuvers.
Its responsive controls and steady hovering make it an excellent selection for skilled aerial pictures and videography, offering pilots with the instruments they want for exact and artistic pictures.
However, the DJI Mini 2 SE focuses on being light-weight, transportable, and straightforward to fly, making it appropriate for novices and informal customers.
Whereas it might not carry out in addition to the Air 2S, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless affords a satisfying flight expertise with steady flight, reasonable speeds, and respectable wind resistance.
Plane and controller
When evaluating the Mini 2 SE and Air 2S concerning plane and controller compatibility, there’s an attention-grabbing distinction to think about that will impression your general expertise, particularly in case you worth comfort and an built-in show.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE comes with the DJI RC-N1 distant controller, which requires you to make use of your smartphone because the reside video feed and management interface show.
Whereas the DJI RC-N1 controller gives bodily management over the drone and enhances the flying expertise, you’ll nonetheless want to connect your smartphone to the controller to entry the reside view and make changes by way of the DJI Fly app.
DJI Air 2S
The Air 2S initially used the DJI RC-N1 controller, just like the Mini 2 SE, requiring you to make use of a smartphone for reside video feed and controls.
Nevertheless, an replace was launched for the Air 2S. It’s now suitable with the DJI RC Sensible Controller, which incorporates a built-in 5.5-inch display screen, eliminating the necessity for a separate smartphone.
This integration gives a extra streamlined and hassle-free flying expertise.
Benefits of DJI Sensible Controller compatibility
The combination of the DJI RC Sensible Controller with the Air 2S affords a number of advantages for customers preferring an all-in-one answer:
- Built-in show: The DJI Sensible Controller options a big display screen that gives a transparent and handy reside video feed. That is notably advantageous in vivid out of doors situations the place smartphone screens could be difficult to see.
- Enhanced portability: With the built-in show, you possibly can carry the Air 2S and the Sensible Controller as a single unit, lowering the variety of gadgets you have to carry throughout your flights.
- Fast setup: The Sensible Controller simplifies the setup course of, as you gained’t want to connect and configure your smartphone earlier than every flight.
If having an built-in show and a extra streamlined flying expertise is important, the Air 2S with the DJI Sensible Controller compatibility could be the popular selection.
Nevertheless, in case you’re comfy utilizing your smartphone because the management interface and reside view display screen, each the Mini 2 SE and the Air 2S (with the DJI RC-N1 controller) supply a comparable expertise.
Flight time
Each drones supply good flight instances that cater to their respective goal audiences.
The Air 2S gives a barely longer flight time, interesting to professionals and fanatics requiring prolonged aerial missions. It’s weight and wind-resistant functionality imply it’s going to additionally last more in adversarial climate situations than the Mini 2 SE.
However, the Mini 2 SE’s flight time is ample for leisure customers, novices, and people on the lookout for a compact drone for fast and enjoyable flights in optimum climate situations.
Vary
Whereas the Mini 2 SE was launched later than the Air 2S, it makes use of outdated tech (OcuSync 2.0), additionally discovered within the Mini 2.
This transmission know-how affords a 1080p reside transmission and a powerful connection between the drone and the controller at as much as 6.2 miles.
However, the Air 2S makes use of a extra upgraded OcuSync 3, which extends the vary to as much as 7.5 miles.
The OcuSync 3.0 additionally affords decrease lag within the footage and higher efficiency, even in areas with some interference.
Total, each drones supply a superb vary, particularly for short-range flights, however in case you’re on the lookout for a stronger transmission, the Air 2S could be a more sensible choice.
DJI Air 2S and Mini 2 SE for industrial work – which is best?
This relies on the character of the undertaking at hand. In case your undertaking wants high-quality imagery, complicated pictures, or superior security options, the DJI Air 2S could be the higher selection.
That is because of the bigger sensor, 5.4K video decision, prolonged vary, impediment avoidance, and an general sturdy construct.
However, if price range constraints are a major consideration, and the industrial duties are comparatively simple or don’t require the best picture high quality, the DJI Mini 2 SE could be a cost-effective and dependable possibility.
DJI Air 2S vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for actions
Should you’re into numerous out of doors actions, beneath is how each drones evaluate for a number of the commonest actions.
Journey and mountaineering
Each drones can improve your journey experiences and supply a singular perspective of the attractive landscapes you encounter whereas mountaineering.
When deciding between the Air 2S and Mini 2 SE for journey and mountaineering, take into account the next:
- The Air 2S is the higher selection in case you prioritize the best picture and video high quality, artistic options, and superior security measures and are keen to spend money on a extra premium drone.
- Suppose portability, ease of use, and affordability are extra vital to your journey and mountaineering wants, and you continue to wish to take pleasure in respectable digicam capabilities. In that case, the Mini 2 SE is a superb possibility that gained’t compromise your means to seize memorable aerial footage throughout your adventures.
Excessive sports activities
Let’s discover how every drone performs on this context.
DJI Air 2S for excessive sports activities
- Superior digicam efficiency: The Air 2S’s 1-inch CMOS sensor and 5.4K video decision ship distinctive picture high quality and detailed footage, making it a superb selection for capturing fast-paced and action-packed moments in excessive sports activities.
- Quick autofocus and monitoring: The Air 2S options superior autofocus capabilities and clever flight modes like ActiveTrack 4.0, which may successfully monitor and observe fast-moving topics, guaranteeing your pictures stay sharp and centered even throughout high-speed actions.
- Security: With its four-way impediment avoidance sensors, the Air 2S can navigate difficult environments throughout excessive sports activities with out the danger of collisions, offering extra security and peace of thoughts throughout your flights.
- Skilled-grade footage: If you wish to create professional-level content material showcasing excessive sports activities actions, the Air 2S’s high-quality footage and artistic options will elevate your movies to a cinematic degree.
DJI Mini 2 SE for excessive sports activities
- Portability and light-weight design: The Mini 2 SE’s compact and light-weight design permits for simple portability, making it a handy drone to hold round whereas participating in excessive sports activities with out including vital weight to your gear.
- Ease of use: The Mini 2 SE is easy to fly, making it appropriate for customers of all expertise ranges, together with these new to drones. Its user-friendly interface enables you to deal with capturing the motion with out worrying about complicated drone piloting.
- Affordability: The Mini 2 SE is extra budget-friendly than the Air 2S, making it enticing for excessive sports activities fanatics who wish to add aerial footage to their adventures with out splurging on a premium drone.
- No FAA registration required: Because the Mini 2 SE falls beneath the burden threshold for FAA registration, you possibly can rapidly begin flying throughout excessive sports activities with out coping with extra paperwork or laws until you do it commercially.
Vlogging
Concerning vlogging, the selection between the Mini 2 SE and the Air 2S hinges in your particular vlogging wants, the extent of video high quality you want, and the comfort you’re looking for for content material creation on the go.
DJI Mini 2 SE
- Compact and transportable: The Mini 2 SE’s light-weight design and compact dimension make it extremely transportable, ultimate for vloggers who’re all the time shifting and want an easy-to-carry drone.
- 2.7K video: Whereas not as superior because the Air 2S, the Mini 2 SE nonetheless affords crisp 2.7K video recording at 30 frames per second. This decision is appropriate for many vlogging situations, clearly capturing your experiences.
- Fundamental video options: The Mini 2 SE gives important video recording options, making it appropriate for capturing vlogs. Nevertheless, it lacks some superior options like HDR and 4K recording that the Air 2S affords.
- Simplified operation: The Mini 2 SE’s user-friendly interface and simple controls make it accessible for vloggers of all ranges, guaranteeing a hassle-free filming expertise.
DJI Air 2S:
- Superior video capabilities: The Air 2S shines by way of video high quality. Its 5.4K video recording at 30 frames per second delivers gorgeous footage with distinctive element and readability, good for creating high-quality vlogs.
- HDR and 4K recording: The Air 2S helps HDR video recording and affords 4K video at as much as 60 frames per second, offering extra flexibility in enhancing and attaining dynamic visuals.
- Larger dynamic vary: The Air 2S’s bigger sensor and superior video options contribute to a broader dynamic vary, permitting you to seize extra element in difficult lighting situations.
- Enhanced stabilization: Each drones function three-axis gimbal stabilization, however the Air 2S’s superior stabilization algorithms additional cut back shake and improve the smoothness of your footage.
- Superior flight options: The Air 2S’s impediment avoidance and superior monitoring options permit for extra artistic and dynamic vlogging pictures, supplying you with larger versatility in your content material.
