DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Mini 3 (Right here’s My Selection) – Droneblog

 ✅ Professionals

• It’s light-weight and small in dimension.
• It’s underneath 250 grams
• Can movie in 4k at 30 frames per second
• The nonetheless pictures decision is as much as 48 MP
• The DJI Mini 3 has glorious wind resistance
• This drone can fly long-range with out points
• It has a three-axis mechanical gimbal for implausible stabilization when filming or photographing
• This drone can fly for a very long time, particularly with Clever Battery Plus
• It’s suitable with DJI RC, the distant controller with a display
• It’s not very costly

❌ Cons

• It doesn’t have any obstacle-avoidance sensors
• No Lively Observe or follow-me mode
• It’s barely dearer than DJI Mini 2 SE

The DJI Mini 3 was launched in December 2022 and remains to be in manufacturing.

This drone is a implausible selection for learners and vacationers in search of an affordable, light-weight drone.

The filming decision is best than the one present in Mini 2 SE, and if we drop all the way down to 2.7k, we are able to movie at 60 frames per second, which is terrific for slow-motion footage.

If you’re into aerial pictures or in search of a drone for primary industrial work (e.g., actual property pictures), you can’t go improper with the Mini 3.

DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Mini 3 – Which choice is best?

For many drone pilots, the DJI Mini 3 could also be a greater choice due to extra flight time and higher CMOS, which leads to higher-quality movies and pictures.

However that doesn’t imply the Mini 2 SE is dangerous.

With a shallow place to begin, the Mini 2 SE is without doubt one of the most cost-effective DJI drones, with costs across the older model of the Mini 2.

Nevertheless, earlier than leaping to a conclusion, evaluating these two drones in-depth is greatest to see which of them excel at completely different features.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Air 2S (Right here’s My Selection)

Pricing and availability

Abstract: DJI Mini 2 SE is cheaper than DJI Mini 3, and each drones are in manufacturing and on-sale 

The value might differ barely, whereas the Mini 3 is about $120-$140 dearer than the Mini 2 SE. These are low beginning factors in comparison with different drones.

Most drones are between $500 and $1,000.

The Mini 2 SE and Mini 3’s present options make it a superb deal between what these drones can provide and their present value.

» MORE: Finest Newbie Drones Beneath $500

Flight options

Abstract: Each drones profit from Clever Flight Modes and QuickShots, however none has Lively Observe or follow-me mode.

The Mini 2 SE affords a number of QuickShot modes, similar to Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang. Furthermore, you possibly can seize panoramic photos in modes like Large, 180-degree, or Sphere. 

The Mini 2 SE has a return-to-home perform, bringing the drone again and touchdown for you with the contact of a button. It additionally has an automated takeoff perform and may hover with excessive precision.

The utmost takeoff altitude is 4,000 meters.

The Mini 3 advantages from the identical options. 

The one distinction is that Mini 3 has true vertical pictures, permitting you to movie or {photograph} in vertical format for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or different phone-optimized social media platforms.

The service ceiling for this drone can also be 4,000 meters above sea degree, however in case you fly it with the Clever Battery Plus, it could be tougher to take off above 3,000 meters of altitude.

» MORE: Do I Want a License to Fly the DJI Mini 2 SE?

Flight efficiency

Abstract: The general flight efficiency of the DJI Mini 3 is barely higher than the DJI Mini 2 SE. 

Whenever you fly the Mini 3, you’ll really feel the drone’s flight high quality and responsiveness are barely higher than the Mini 2 SE.

As per video transmission latency, each drones have roughly 200ms on the low aspect.

That is common throughout most drones with the O2 video transmission module.

A major benefit the Mini 3 has over the Mini 2 SE is that it could function at a temperature vary between 14° to 104° F (-10° to 40° C).

In distinction, the Mini 2 SE can work solely between 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C), in response to DJI.

This displays the power of the Mini 3 to fly higher in freezing circumstances in the course of the winter.

Each drones additionally profit from the worldwide satellite tv for pc system from GPS + GLONASS + Galileo, which may purchase the identical variety of satellites primarily based on their applied sciences that may assist with RTH and some different features.

Conversely, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 even have Degree-5 wind resistance, which is kind of superior to assist these drones stay secure in excessive winds.

And due to the three-axis mechanical gimbal, the footage taken with any of those drones will stay secure and easy.

» MORE: Find out how to Calibrate a Drone (Final Information)

Digital camera comparability 

Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 digital camera is significantly better than the DJI Mini 2 SE.

The Mini 2 SE has a CMOS of 1/2.3-inch. This digital camera sensor is analogous in dimension to the one within the DJI FPV.

This drone can {photograph} at a decision of 12 MP.

By at the moment’s requirements, 12MP is comparatively low if we’re in search of skilled aerial photos.

Total, the pictures from the Mini 2 SE are usually not dangerous. They’re fairly good if used for Instagram or social media platforms, however if you wish to {photograph} at a better decision, it’s essential to look additional than this drone.

As for filming, the Mini 2 SE can movie in 2.7k at 30 frames per second.

For those who’re trying to create cinematic content material, 2.7k ought to be greater than sufficient, and with 30 frames per second, when you have an ND filter to set the shutter velocity at 1/60 or equal, you can be stunned by the fantastic thing about movies this drone can seize.

This is probably not sufficient for slow-motion filming. On this case, it’s essential to drop the video decision to 1080 to movie in 60 frames per second.

The Mini 3 can movie in sluggish movement at 2.7k, a lot greater than 1080p, however the unique video decision of the Mini 3 is 4k at 30 frames per second.

At an ideal benefit, the Mini 3 sensor is 1/1.3-inch, a lot bigger than the Mini 2 SE.

This may even assist with the dynamic vary of the video and is aimed towards a extra skilled video.

The dynamic vary is the distinction between highlights and shadows, and the bigger the sensor, the higher it handles this distinction (e.g., the solar just isn’t too vibrant, and the shadows are usually not too darkish).

This additionally helps so much with post-processing movies.

Furthermore, the Mini 3 may also movie in HDR (Excessive Dynamic Vary), boosting the video high quality by a big margin, whereas the Mini 2 SE can’t movie in HDR.

The Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 have solely “Regular” Colour Mode, which is a drawback if you wish to color-grade your movies.

You have to a D-CineLike drone, similar to DJI Mini 3 Professional, DJI Air 2S, and so on.

The Mini 3 most video bitrate is 100Mbps. In distinction, the Mini 2 SE advantages solely from a 40Mbps bitrate, so the video high quality from the Mini 3 is much better.

If we’re trying on the picture decision from the Mini 3, it’s both 12 or 48 MP.

You possibly can {photograph} significantly better with the Mini 3, with a better dynamic vary, 4 instances the Mini 2 SE decision, and higher adjustment choices.

Each drones can {photograph} in JPEG + DNG (RAW), permitting you to additional post-process your aerial pictures in Lightroom or related software program.

As talked about, Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 (as with most DJI drones) have a superb three-axis mechanical gimbal that may impressively stabilize your video footage when flying or taking sharp turns, even in excessive winds.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 – Find out how to Regulate Digital camera Settings

Plane and controller

Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 is barely bigger than the Mini 2 SE, however each are underneath 250 grams. As nicely, DJI Mini 3 is suitable with DJI RC.

After we have a look at the shape issue of the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3, we can’t spot many variations apart from the Mini 3 being barely bigger.

Each drones have two airflow inputs going through ahead above the digital camera, a singular design from DJI that may assist the drone calm down when flying.

Additionally, each drones have two antennas going through down from the frontal arms that may act as touchdown gear.

Whereas the design of the drones is kind of related, not many variations may be noticed apart from the Mini 2 SE is a slight modification of the Mini 3 construction.

The aerodynamics of each drones are respectable, which is able to assist with wind resistance, flying long-range, and elevated battery life.

Each the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 are foldable drones. 

When folded, they’re small and may be positioned in a backpack or a big pocket. They’ll actually slot in your palms.

The Mini 2 SE is suitable solely with the normal DJI RC-N1 controller.

With this controller, it’s essential to join a suitable Android or iPhone telephone with the DJI Fly App put in to attach and fly the drone.

The reside view picture in your telephone related to DJI RC-N1 seen out of your drone will likely be 720 pixels at 30 frames per second.

The latency will likely be round 200 milliseconds on the lowest level.

The Mini 3 can also be suitable with the identical DJI RC-N1 distant controller. After a couple of firmware updates, Mini 3 turned suitable with the DJI RC.

The DJI RC-N1, the usual controller with out a display, could have the identical necessities to perform with a telephone with the Mini 3 as with the Mini 2 SE.

If you are going to buy it individually or as a drone equipment, the Mini 3 with the DJI RC could have a couple of benefits.

• The DJI RC has a 5.5-inch full HD display that works at 60 frames per second.
• The display is contact control-enabled, and its brightness is as much as 700 nits, which is implausible for flying a drone in full daylight.
• With DJI RC related to the Mini 3, the transmission vary and energy are barely improved, and the latency could also be narrowly diminished.
• You’ll unlock your cell phone.
• The drone setup time is drastically diminished.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Must Know)

Flight time

Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 flies longer than the DJI Mini 2 SE—additionally, the DJI Mini 3 advantages from two batteries.

The flight time of each these drones is implausible for 2023. 

The Mini 2 SE can fly for about 31 minutes, in response to laboratory exams executed by DJI.

In real-world conditions, it’s best to anticipate to fly your Mini 2 SE for not less than 20 to 25 minutes.

Many elements can have an effect on flight time, similar to wind velocity, distance, altitude, extra equipment, and so on. 

In distinction, the Mini 3 has two batteries:

• The drone can fly for as much as 37 minutes with the Clever Battery
• The Mini 3 can fly for as much as a whopping 51 minutes with the Clever Battery Plus

In actuality, we should always anticipate a flight time of about 30 to 32 minutes and respectively 45 minutes, relying on the battery and different climate circumstances.

Be aware: For those who add the Clever Battery Plus to the DJI Mini 3, this drone will exceed the 250-gram barrier and now not profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines.

The Mini 2 SE battery has a capability of 2250 mAh.

It’s a two-cell Li-ion battery weighing about 82.5 grams and has an vitality output of 17.32 Wh.

The Mini 3 Clever Battery has a capability of 2453 mAh.

This battery can also be a two-cell Li-ion weighing about 80 grams and with an vitality output of 18.1 Wh

In distinction, the Clever Battery Plus capability is 3850 mAh and weighs 121 grams with an influence of 28.4 Wh.

This battery is simply offered individually and doesn’t are available in any DJI Mini 3 equipment.

» MORE: When Drone Flights Go Flawed (What To not Do)

Vary

Abstract: The transmission vary of each drones is analogous, however as a result of DJI Mini 3 can fly longer and is suitable with DJI RC, it might fly farther.

Each drones have the identical DJI O2 transmission system, which is respectable if you wish to fly long-range.

The DJI O2 has the position of receiving radio instructions from the pilot and, on the similar time, transmitting reside photos again to the distant controller display.

Though dearer drones profit from DJI O3 and O3+, the brand new DJI Air 3 is the primary drone with the DJI O4 transmission system.

These could also be a large improve to flying long-range with a drone, however even like this, the DJI O2 doesn’t disappoint.

In response to DJI, each drones have a most transmission distance restricted by the FAA of 6.2 miles, whereas CE (Europe), SRRC (Mainland China), and MIC (Japan) are limiting these areas to a most of three.7 miles of flight distance.

In each conditions, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 can shortly fly past the visible line of sight, which is towards drone laws.

Interference can have an effect on these drones. In these circumstances, Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 will endure from diminished flight vary in case you fly in suburban or city areas.

Nevertheless, we should always anticipate slight enhancements with the Mini 3 and DJI RC when flying in greater interference areas, and due to its flight time, the drone can attain larger distances earlier than it’s worthwhile to return it safely.

For those who’re in search of a long-range drone, each are glorious decisions.

» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information

Why select DJI Mini 2 SE over DJI Mini 3?

The Mini 2 SE over the Mini 3 is a superb selection in case you’re in search of a finances drone to be taught to fly for the primary time or an affordable drone to your travels.

Studying aerial filmmaking and pictures with out investing a lot is greatest.

» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Proper for You? (Right here’s Why It Is)

Why select DJI Mini 3 over DJI Mini 2 SE?

I’d select the Mini 3 over the Mini 2 SE if in search of a drone able to doing the fundamentals in skilled pictures or movies.

The digital camera of the Mini 3 is drastically higher than the Mini 2 SE, making this drone an acceptable selection for several types of work.

Furthermore, if finances permits, I’d select the Mini 3 with DJI RC for simplicity of organising and flying, which is superb for light-weight vacationers.

DJI Mini 3 and Mini 2 SE for industrial work

Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 is best for various industrial actions than the DJI Mini 2 SE due to the improved digital camera.

In order for you industrial work, choose a drone that works nicely to your wants fastidiously.

• Actual Property Images: As a result of the Mini 3 has a greater digital camera, it will likely be extra appropriate for real-estate pictures.
• Roof Inspections: Each drones can be utilized for roof inspections because of secure hovering, however none profit from optical zoom. They each have a most of 4x digital zoom at FHD decision.
• Photogrammetry: The Mini 3 is vastly higher at photogrammetry and mapping as a consequence of greater picture decision.
• Skilled Images and Filming: None of those drones are appropriate for skilled filming and pictures providers, as chances are you’ll want a Mavic 3 drone. Nevertheless, of the 2, the Mini 3 is best.
• Building: Each drones can examine important development, {photograph}, or movie at will. You might want a drone with optical zoom for close-up inspections.
• Emergency Providers: Neither of those drones is appropriate for emergency providers. A Mavic 3 Enterprise or related drone ought to be the answer. You want optical zoom and the power so as to add audio system, lights, infrared cameras, and so on.

» MORE: Change into a Business Drone Pilot in 6 Simple Steps (Newcomers Information)

DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for actions

Neither of those drones excels at numerous actions, however they’re a great begin if you’d like one thing low cost and dependable.

Journey and climbing

As a result of each drones are light-weight, they’re excellent for touring and climbing.

You possibly can pack them in your backpack, and they’ll take up nearly no house. You received’t even really feel their weight.

The flight time of Mini 3 is best, so bringing fewer batteries might prevent some weight whereas flying.

If you wish to seize pictures and movies throughout your travels, the Mini 3 digital camera is best.

» MORE: Finest Compact Drones for Journey

Excessive sports activities

Until you’re filming excessive sports activities, I’d not advocate any of those drones.

The Mini 3 and Mini 2 SE lack follow-me mode. Anticipate these drones to succeed in a most velocity of 35.7 miles per hour.

This is probably not nice if we want high-speed, excessive sports activities.

That’s why I advocate an FPV drone or DJI Mavic 3 Professional, which excels in these conditions.

» MORE: Finest Drones for Excessive Sports activities

Vlogging

Each drones can do nicely to seize B-rolls for various vlogging movies.

The Mini 3 wins right here due to the better-quality digital camera.

QuickShots will help with some primary strikes when vlogging.

» MORE: Finest Drones for Vlogging