Less than a year after DJI released what was arguably the best beginner drone on the market, the company is back with the Mini SE. This brand-new, ultra-compact flyer weighs about as much as the average smartphone, yet includes several features that far exceed its diminutive frame, including a 1/2.3" CMOS camera capable of shooting 2.7K video and 12MP stills, 30 minutes of flight time, and the ability to transmit HD video from up to 2.5 miles (4km) away.
Where does the Mini SE fit within the pantheon of DJI miniatures? In terms of features and capabilities, it sits a little bit above the original Mavic Mini, and firmly below the Mini 2.
If you compare the specs of the Mavic Mini and Mini SE, you'll notice they are nearly identical. Same camera setup, same video transmission system, same battery life, etc. Where the two differ is the design of the aircraft frame. The Mini SE uses the same body as the Mini 2, which means it's both a little bit lighter than the Mavic Mini and has better wind resistance. Overall, the performance between the Mavic Mini and the Mini SE isn't radically different, but the marginal improvement in the Mini SE's build is what gives it a slight edge.
Now, compared to the Mini 2, it's clear that the Mini SE is not quite as capable as DJI's flagship miniature. Though it features the same body design as the Mini 2, the Mini SE does not shoot 4K, nor does it include Ocusync, which allows the Mini 2 to transmit video twice as far as the Mini SE.
So, if the Mini 2 is more powerful, what's the appeal of the Mini SE? Well, first, it's important to remember that not being as capable a drone as the Mini 2 is not really a negative. Saying a drone isn't as good as the Mini 2 is the same as saying it's not as good as the best miniature drone ever made. Just because a drone isn't the absolute best, doesn't mean it's still not very good. That's definitely true of the Mini SE—at least, on paper. It can travel anywhere, fly for a very long time, and, from what we saw in the original Mavic Mini, it has a perfectly capable camera that's supported by some really cool features like the various QuickShot modes.
On top of being a very capable beginner drone—one that's also great for vlogging, by the way—the Mini SE stands apart as being the most inexpensive of the three miniatures. This means that while the Mini SE might not be the best beginner drone on the market (it's probably second-best), it is the most affordable. And if you or someone you know is looking for a comparatively inexpensive way into becoming a drone pilot, it's hard to imagine a better entry point than the new DJI Mini SE.
For more information about the DJI Mini SE, check out the complete product listing over on B&H. And if you have any questions or comments, be sure to let us know, down below!
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