Summary
DJI Mavic Mini is one more instance of DJI’s dominance of the drone industry. It is the most desirable, loveliest, small camera-equipped quadcopter ever to take through the air. Nevertheless, we do not think these cons of the device are a huge deal. For other big pros listed in this DJI Mavic Mini drone review, it is certainly worth the small sacrifice.
Pros
- This drone costs under $400. We literally cannot believe how inexpensive this is when compared with other DJI drones that are yet over double the price.
- Similar to its elder brothers, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic Air, Spark, the DJI Mini is entirely foldable for ultra-portability, whether it is inserted in a set of chinos or taken in a little handbag.
- The drone’s low weight and tiny size should also assist it in enduring most falls and crashes. Since its front arms are pretty versatile, it will theoretically survive a collision better than some of its bulkier and bigger counterparts.
- The Mavic Mini DJI weighs only 249 grams fully loaded with 32GB Micro SD card and battery. It means you do not have to register this, pass the online test, pay $5 annually, and paste a pilot identification label in it.
- The cover design of gimbal has changed ever since the Mavic Pro series, and it is simpler to get off and on than all earlier models we have tried.
- 30 minutes of battery life is excellent for a craft this stature. At this stats, the Mini Mavic takes on mere toy-class quads, many of which provide less than 10 minutes of flying time.
- The Mini is the most silent drone we have ever flown. At a particular height, you cannot hear it whatsoever, which clears the entrance to drone hunting.
- DJI Fly app is created for starters, placing all of the essential features within quick reach – none is hidden off behind complicated menus.
Cons
- Apart from the downward-looking sensor, DJI didn’t fit the Mini along with any collision avoidance systems. We do not think it is a deal buster in any means provided its optimum weight limit and size.
- The feather-light props might fall out of the drone’s main body when you use it. You could always get an individual propeller holder.
- This drone shoots stills only in JPG format. There is no Raw. It is not that poor since the RAWs do not offer significant benefits for most expert photographers.
- We noticed the connecting wire to be awkwardly hanging in the controller when not at use. Not an issue, just be prepared to adjust with cables.
Introduction
The Mavic Mini from DJI is probably the first top-quality drone camera to the masses.
Do you need to have something on a jacket pocket which helps you fly 4km aside to take videos and photos from close to 500m in mid-air?
The Mavic Mini is DJI’s solution. It is light, small, capable, extremely portable, affordable, reliable, and no FAA registration.
And, believe it or not, before the DJI Mini released, there were not any well-reviewed choices in the sub-250g premium aircraft market.
We have been testing out the UAV for some time now – thus, does the machine live up to the hype? Or is it lacking a lot of features?
Let us find in our DJI Mavic Mini review the reason why the DJI Mavic Mini drone might be the best choice for under 500 dollars.
Specifications
- Model: DJI Mavic Mini
- Type: RTF
- Style: Folding Drone
- Price Range: $$$
- Weight: 249 g
- Folded Dimensions: 140×82×57 mm
- Unfolded Dimensions: 160×202×55 mm
- Camera: 2.7K / 12MP
- Stabilization: 3-Axis
- Flight Time: 30 Minutes
- Charging Time: 90 Minutes
- Top Speed: 29 MPH
- Range: 2.5 Miles
- Max Service Ceiling: 3000 m
- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 8 m/s (Scale 4)
- Remote Control: Use Standard Controller or Control By Phone
- App: DJI Fly
- Storage: MicroSD card
- Packages: DJI Mavic Mini Base / DJI Mavic Mini Fly More Combo
- Release Date: Nov 2019
- Warranty: Standard DJI Warranty
Packaging – What is in the Box?
The base bundle includes a simple remote control pre-loaded with a mobile phone cradle.
Also, you get a charger, one intelligent flight battery, a set of spare control sticks and props, and a lot of various phone cables to your Android or iPhone device.
However, we shall recommend spending merely a bit extra and buy the Fly More combo that includes four batteries, a herringbone carry case, propeller guards to indoor flight, and a charger to charge four batteries simultaneously.
DJI Mavic Mini Design
Not just is it smaller in reality than any picture can accurately show, it is also much lightweight than you believe – it is robust, after while, to explain naturally how light 8.7 oz (249g) feels.
The Mini, all in its hard plastic, actually seems even portable compared to any smartphone.
We have mixed opinions about the two-piece props. On the one side, it is good that you may replace one blade suppose it breaks, rather than having to change the entire propeller, yet on the flip side, the propellers screw-on, rather than the fast release design we have come to like.
The materials chosen to manufacture the Mini drone are very lighter. They are plastic, but things are incredibly versatile.
Rigid frames often snap quicker than twisty and soft frameworks. Simply be cautious with the front side landing gear, you will find antenna inside.
We love the battery exists inner of a trap-style door in the rear. Just slide out the battery out and in, leaving nearly the entire drone’s top as an even surface to attach or decorate things.
The camera floats off the drone’s front, mounted in a three-axis gimbal stabilization.
This camera enclosure itself is more rectangle-shaped compared to the circular Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic Pro offerings.
You will find a micro USB port and a microSD card slot at the rear of the device, too, situated beneath the battery as well just over the sole LED light in the drone.
It provides the exact folding prop arm setup as the Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic 2 Pro, and Mavic Pro.
This has the same remote control design as every other Mavics and smaller drones from DJI.
The shape of the body is identical to the larger machines and Mavic Pro as well.
Camera – Picture and Video Quality is Good
The DJI Mini records 1080p footage at around 60 FPS and super sharp 2.7k at 30 FPS.
The point this does not shoot in complete 4k is in no means a hindrance since 2.7k is plenty sufficient for the typical computer screen and any phone or tablet.
Furthermore, editing 4K video clip can hamper your workflow, like looking to process a bunch of 50MP photos can. In case you are a video person who requires 4k for any purpose, so that be it, head out.
The great thing is, the Mini, with it is 40Mbps data rate plus only 2.7K film recording is generating similar outcomes to more costly drones with bigger and somewhat enhanced cameras.
Videos look sharp as if ND filter is used, detail shot is punchy in good lighting, and has a decent dynamic range.
For people into their aerial photography, the craft’s 1/2.3” CMOS-equipped cam shoots pristine 12MP stills which pop while snapped in ideal lighting circumstances; it is not too bad in low lighting either.
The drone’s small mechanical 3-axis gimbal makes sure that each video remains utterly rock solid plus images crystal clear no matter just how shaky the drone might look while flying, even when it is battling vs a rough breeze.
When it comes to the files, the images are taking at around 9MP (4000×2250 px) for the aspect ratio of 16:9. The files are around 4.5MB each plus saved in JPG format.
For video, we are taking 2.7k at 30 FPS – the precise figures are 2720×1536 px at 29.97 FPS if you want to go technical.
Overall, the Dji Mavic Mini’s video camera is not likely to be a professional filmmaker’s fairy drone camera, yet its picture quality is nonetheless excellent for what is it, and decent enough for relatively seamless inserts along with other casual airborne videography, or drone footage.
Battery Life – 30 Minute Flight Time
Probably the best function of the Mini drone is its projected 30-minute flight time.
That is the same battery life as the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, which costs over double as much, plus 10 minutes more than the DJI Mavic Air model.
Its battery packet weighs about 100 grams too, which means DJI has used that load to great use.
Having 30 mins of flight time means you could explore the sky for longer. Also, with the genuinely incredible max 4km range (direct line-of-sight) and a maximum height of above 1km, this means you shall do much more when airborne.
While in flight, the flying time number of 30 minutes stayed as accurate as all DJI’s battery promises.
We do not have any hesitation that the quadcopter can manage a full 30 minutes of the trip in perfect conditions, we ended up 55 percent battery consumption at an average of 16 minutes on the air.
Just as with previous mini DJI drones, you may charge the batteries of the DJI Mavic Mini using a mini-USB cord.
It means you can make use of whatever portable battery pack charger (similar to the one which you already have to charge the phone) to recharge its battery, which is pretty useful.
The same goes for the controller.
We noticed it is generally on the money, although primarily flying in the Sports option shaves some minutes from the battery life.
We might have liked to have found USB-C charging in the DJI Mini Mavic, yet that is okay.
The Fly More Combo is a more comprehensive deal. For $100 more, you receive two extra batteries, a two-end charging hub (that can serve like a power bank once equipped with battery packs), plus many more replacement parts (accessories) for the drone.
That is about 60 minutes more of additional flight time.
Flight Performance – What It’s Like to Fly the Mini?
Despite its small size, the Mini Mavic is extraordinarily steady in flight, also very agile and fast when turned to Sports mode.
Reality is we anticipated it to toil in the wind, but its dependable GPS lock made sure it stayed stationary for as much as our hands were from the sticks.
After taking off, it will hover in position, waiting for our input in the remote control.
Gentle tugs in the sticks were all it required to have the aircraft to fly in any way we wanted.
In the standard P mode, the drone got close to 18.1 MPH. In the CineSmooth option, your maximum speed is nearer to 9 MPH, and the Sport option is how you attain 29 MPH.
The remarkable 4km distance is also useful if you do not bother about taking pics and just need to do bare flights, but be careful that footage transmission is not the exact as their control transmission.
You would be happy to obtain 50 meters in the real-time FPV feed in a signal-crowded area.
You should be a little more mindful piloting the Mavic Mini than other DJI drones.
The flying machine has obstacle-avoidance sensors, yet they are only downward and forward-facing.
Controller – Familiar Easy to Use Design
On the controller’s left side is a Micro USB port to charge and connect it with your phone.
Also, the drone comes with USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning cables, so no matter what smartphone you own, given its program works with the Mini Mavic’s Fly application, you are catered.
Unlike a few other drone transmitters, the Mavic Mini does not include a display; instead, it opens up to hold an iOS or Android smartphone.
Covered away in the build are screw-on sticks so that if it is collapsed, the remote control has a level profile, and if opened, it provides a conventional feel.
Buttons of significance include L trigger that starts video shooting, and R trigger, that takes a picture-perfect if you are operating the aircraft when wearing gloves.
Based on our viewpoint, the feel is about as excellent as we can hope for while using the transmitter.
The remote control’s jog-dial in the top rotates the cam vertically via 90 degrees, hence it could look forward throughout to down.
In contrast to the Parrot Anafi drone, it cannot look up, that might have been a bonus, yet its communication distance is typical for most drones.
Using DJI’s new fly app
The brand-new DJI Fly application is custom designed for the DJI Mavic Mini.
Its user interface is simple to get an understanding of, and it is not flooded with too many submenus.
Also, it paired very quickly with the multirotor and finished an update with no glitch.
Although the application does not provide any customized video profile configurations, the standard video and picture settings are adequate for most consumers, and you may always go for manual to more advanced options such as ISO and shutter speed.
Also, the app enables you to modify flight parameters such as maximum distance and altitude, a minimum elevation for return to home, and smoothness to the gimbal and pitch speed.
On the autonomous flight mode end, it provides a small range of ‘Quick Shots’, which includes rocket, dronie, helix, and circle, but no follow me mode.
We discovered it interesting switching in between flight modes all is in the software now, rather than the physical buttons we have found on other dji drones.
Be cautious what switches you touch, else you might end up on the top-speed Sports mode all of a sudden.
You will find links to DJI’s Fly Spots and Recommended Zones tools inside the app.
Open it to skin through a map view of your location that displays the zones where your drone should automatically get restricted in operation.
Those are typically no-fly zones across airports and prisons.
Fly Spots is a whole different chapter; such are crowd-sourced concepts for places to capture excellent videos and photos from the air.
It is map access of where these pictures were taken, which were loaded to the DJI social platform called SkyPixel.
Overall, the application does plenty to handle your craft.
We highly suggest that you pilot using a mobile phone linked, as the original controller for the Mini quadcopter is the minimal feature-packed controller DJI has designed to date.
If you would love to learn more, famous YouTuber Casey Neistat also unboxed the DJI Mavic Mini quad in below video:
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, let us dive into the commonly asked questions about the Mini Mavic drone.
Can the Mini Mavic fly on high winds?
The Mavic Mini maximum wind speed level of resistance is 28.8 km/h (17.9 mph).
It’s equal to the scale 4 of Beaufort, that relates wind velocity to observed circumstances on land or at sea.
Do I need to register my Mavic mini drone?
The 249 grams weight puts the DJI Mavic Mini on the safest and lowest weight drones class, which in most countries might exempt it off specific rules.
It means in the US; you can pilot it without needing to legally register the drone with the FAA.
Does Mavic Mini contain obstacle avoidance systems?
The DJI Mini quadcopter has no sensor technology to identify and prevent obstacles. It includes a vision program, which, together with GPS, is applied for precise hovering.
You will find Mavic Mini 360-degree propeller guards accessible to order as a choice. These will safeguard the props and enhance flight safety.
Does the Mavic Mini aircraft have internal storage?
No. A MicroSD card is needed to store video footage and images.
Does the DJI goggles works with mini?
Unfortunately, the DJI’s Goggles will not work with Mavic Mini.
Does this everyday FlyCam facilitate WiFi control?
This drone uses improved WiFi to hook up the quad with the controller, which has your phone attached.
Is the DJI Mavic mini easy to fly?
This device is seriously simple to fly.
After you have been through the customary but inevitable firmware update, you are ready to get going – simply fold the Mini’s small arms, switch the drone and the remote on, and all the things pairs in some seconds.
Is the Mavic Mini waterproof?
It is not water-resistant.
You will find waterproof drones out there, but this thing isn’t waterproof.
Is it simple to update the Mavic Mini’s firmware?
Yes. As all the top drones, firmware updates are released to include new functionalities to your drone or perhaps to fix little issues or bugs.
The update procedure is straightforward and looks up to the user manual to further instructions and tutorials.
Who is Mavic Mini for?
In case you have an under $500 budget, and you wish the best camera experience one can get their hands in, yes, the Mini Mavic is the aircraft for you.
It is also a portable drone to experienced pilots who want something smaller.
What size phone fits in the controller?
Mavic Mini’s remote control supports the majority of smartphones out there, but compatibility might be affected by larger phone cases.
What app does the Mini use to fly?
It can be used only with the all-new DJI Fly application but not Litchi or any other external apps.
You can download the DJI Fly software on the DJI site, or in the app store.
How much does DJI Mavic mini weigh?
Its take-off weight is 8.78 ounces (249 grams).
This UAV folds up nicely and is exceptionally tiny in size.
How long van the Mini fly for?
Fully charged, the Mini quad has a max 30 minutes flight time, without wind, and in a constant 14 km/h (8.7 mph) in calm weather.
How fast can the Mavic Mini fly?
46.8 km/h (29 mph) soaring in Sports option near to sea range without the breeze.
The speed differs for the various flight modes.
How much does a DJI Mavic Mini cost?
Its base kit is available for $399, upgrade to Fly More Combo for 499 dollars to receive the extra components.
Note: All the prices are at the time of publishing.
Conclusion
The DJI Mavic Mini is one more excellent inclusion to the brand’s drone series, and whether you are searching for a hobby drone, a selfie drone, a travel drone – it’s the go-to option.
DJI opted for such a competitive price point, that will hopefully dispirit the rest of the low-quality copycats from creating their crappy models.
Sure, it comes with its drawbacks, but those are so irrelevant when you got such a small device that can fly for this long.
We believe you loved our comprehensive DJI Mavic Mini Review. Stay tuned to more updates, yet please express your opinions on this drone quadcopter, will you be getting the DJI Mini today?
Additional Resource:
DJI Mavic Mini Review for Photographers