DJI - Mini 2 SE

Not much reason not to pick the mini 2 se fly more combo. Why would you even think about the mini 1 in that case? The phantom 3 pro is ancient.

I have the Mini 2SE which I think is the cheapest drone DJI ever sold. I have used the hell out of it and thought that I was going to upgrade but now I find it's cheapness and discretion are it's best features. Sub 250g gets me out of almost all drone regulations in Canada. I can launch it and recover it from the roof of my car. I just took it with me on a 5000 mile roadtrip to the Labrador Highway and Newfoundland and got some of the best photos of my life. I'm comfortable taking risks with this thing that I may not be with a $1000+ drone. That leads to better photos for me. In Newfoundland, I even flew it out to an island to take photos of a shipwreck and only barely made it back. That being said, I think I'm going to buy an Arvata this winter. More for fun than photography.

In my case, I don't have a M4P. I have a mini 2 se (my first drone), so it's definitely a good upgrade lol For m4p owners, maybe not so much unless you got spare money and you really care about every pixel.

You're 100% right. Unfortunately, those options should be thought of as a last resort. Though many think it's a guaranteed avoidance. Like the ground sensor, yeah, it senses the ground.. but you can still nose smash em into it, lol. I used the Mini 2 SE, and i learned pretty quickly. I have since moved on :).

For me, it's the better camera, prop guards, and some collision-avoidance hardware at substantially less money than a Mini 4 Pro. I also like some of the Neo-inspired features. I'm 107 certified and have a Mini 2 SE, which required me to register it and add RID (which put it over the 250g weight limit). I intend to use the Flip for non-107 flying only. So it seemed like the best fit for me. I might have waited a bit, but the current politics here in the US points toward the likely implementation of tariffs and perhaps a ban on DJI purchases. So I decided to pull the trigger now rather than wait. YMMV

The minis are cool but I would keep that Mavic. Even for work unless you're in a windy place or need thermal, londer flight time they are the way to go. But get the Mini 4 Pro or the Mini 2SE. I have an 2SE that is a beast I can't get rid of it. I have tried it went in the pool a week ago and I thought for sure that was it...nope I flew it this morning. When I got new drones I really put it to the test 😂 it's a good drone

Get the Mini 2 (used) or a Mini 4k. These drones are identical. You won't need obstacles detection or the enhanced transmission range on the beach/sea. This generation is inexpensive and easy to replace. If you feel like you want more you can always upgrade to a Mini 5 Pro next year. Don't get the Mini 2 SE.

So, not saying this to rub it in or anything. But I ordered a refurb mini dji drone from dji in Canada, had it delivered to shipbymail, and they forwarded it to me in the US. I did not pay anything extra to pick it up beyond what ship by mail charged for their service. I am pretty shocked.

Out of those three choices i would suggest the Mini 2 SE Fly more combo. That is the newest drone out of the three. The problem with older drones like the Phantom and Mini is that batteries can go bad it it can be expensive or difficult to find replacements

I got an open box mini 2 SE for really cheap it may have been 250.. It wasn't my first one but once I got that one it changed my thoughts about spending money on drones. I believe 2 days later I purchased the Mini 4 pro brand new and a couple weeks later I think I got Mav 3.. And now I have a bunch of DJI drones new/used and whole bunch that were open boxed drones. They all have the care package on them and started the day I got them. Really a good deal. But I do think it was a mistake for me to keep purchasing drones that were 40 to 230 that were not DJI. Atom and Loheer and maybe Contixo would be okay first drones because you can fly pretty good with those. But nothing like any DJI drones and the photo/video is hands down 100X better with DJI

Similar feedback. I got into rc planes. I started with a simple $75 trainer. You can spend quite a bit of money on a drone, find out it's not your thing and it sits in a closet most of the time. Maybe fine a mini2 or mini2 se on eBay. Spend a lot more when you know how to use it and will continue to do so.

I went from Mini 2 SE to Mavic 4 Pro and honestly the Mavic 4 Pro is so much easier to fly than the Mini 2 SE. M4P just cuts through the air like hot knife to butter while the M2SE gets it done but not in every case. I'm sure you'll have a similar experience with the Air 3S.

I have a mini 2 se, and im blown away with it as a new drone user Eventually once I become a better pilot and get something brand new it will be my backup drone or used if something is more risky

The DJI Mini series drones are designed for cinematic purposes rather than FPV (first-person view) flying. FPV drones require goggles for piloting. If you're considering an entry-level option for cinematic drones, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a great choice to explore and is a lot cheaper than the Mini 3.

Honestly before even buying a drone, I would just play with the simulator. There's a free DJI simulator on their website that they don't update any more that is pretty good and also there's some drone games on steam like Liftoff I believe. You can get an actual feel how it is flying a drone and their different modes. Secondly, you should narrow what your goals are with the drone. Are you trying to film and take photos? Go with DJI Mini series or the Flip. Do you want to feel more like a pilot and would like to fly it with goggles? Look into DJI drones that give an FPV experience. If you are filming/photos, can you not tell the difference between the different resolutions/quality of shots... Is everything going to be viewed on your phone... Are you posting to social media websites that really compress content? If so then you don't need a latest drone in the series and would be even satisfied with the DJI Mini 2 SE. You also don't want to get too old of a drone because their battery quality may have deteriorated too much (I don't know how legit of a problem this is but I have seen enough posts on here where drones just literally drop from the sky). You really can get into the hobby without spending a whole lot especially if you stalk Facebook marketplace or craiglist, sometimes you can run into people who are just trying to pawn off their drone ASAP (never pay upfront to anyone on these platforms, have the drone be flown in person before buying, in the app check to see battery quality or if there are any errors, have them delink the drone from their account, may want to link before to your DJI account)... honestly typing all that out I think you should just buy new so you don't have to worry about these things and get to have more peace of mind. Now I also was an exact boat as yourself and went with DJI Mini 2 SE. I have had no regrets. Though now that I have a really better understanding about the hobby, there's QoL features that I wish I had and I can now spot/know things about photos/films that if I had a drone with a better camera, my shots would look 100x better, having a battery last longer (less landing/replacing battery), controller where I can keep the sticks in and also drone where I can easily pop up... I'm still not a complete nerd, I generally fly with Auto settings because at the moment I'm focused more on controlling/flying but hopefully soon I can focus more on exposure/frame rate/ND filters. OVERALL, I'm essentially trying to say that I dream of such features but at the absolute same time, besides the camera, these features are absolutely not needed and aren't deal breakers when choosing a drone (things that make it nice but not needed). One thing I never really realized is that drones typically all fly the same (in very general sense) BESIDES when you are in different modes than obviously completely different ball game. I didn't know this so I focused more on the lowest end, beginnerest drone was my thought process but honestly I could had went with something slightly more expensive and been completely fine. I also would prefer to have two drones (not at once in the beginning but obviously buying second down the road). One being less than 249g and one greater than 249g. One drone mainly for FPV and one made for photos/videos mainly in mind. Now photos/videos are more a priority for me but I'd rather have a cheap FPV drone that I could dink around with and spending okayish money on a drone with a good camera and shoots okayish in the dark. So I do wonder if I should had went with something like DJI Neo then went with something like Mini 4 Pro, Air 3/3S, or Mavic 3/4... Or very in-between and go with Neo and Flip. Avata 2 and Mini 4 Pro (obviously not at the same time but you know)... Even the DJI Flip is a really great option between being a basic drone and also having a decent camera (I believe it is the same camera as the Mini 4 Pro). Somethings you really got to think about is where you are flying, how loud do you want the drone to be (from what I have seen on youtube videos is DJI Neo/Avata series are "louder" than Mini series drones (from what I can tell I could be wrong; no idea how loud Flip is)). Hard to explain because I don't really understand the science, but essentially some drones have a higher pitch whine than others (they'll have a lower whine sound). Bringing this up because higher pitch seems louder to humans compared to things with lower pitch are much more doable. How long are you going to fly for? Battery life may or may not matter as much, though I'd suggest getting package with 3 batteries and charging hub that charges multiple at same time (better bang for your buck than buying these things separately). Say you do plan on getting FPV drone and camera drone, you can try to get a controller that works for both (controllers are only compatible with certain drones). So you could get a controller with a screen that works for drone you get now and a drone you want to get later, so that when you get the second drone you don't need to buy another controller if that makes sense. What often happens too is some people under estimate the power and crash pretty early on. What I would do if I were you is obviously fly the simulator (get your TRUST certification (need before flying); 249g+ drones need to be registered with FAA FYI; fly commercially need Part 107) and set flight rules for yourself. Don't fly directly over crowd/ or even people if you are worried. Don't fly in rain/windy conditions. If over water don't go below 10m. Don't attempt to fly when it is too dark. Don't fly near wires or in-between trees with thin branches. Don't ever let battery go below 20% (land and replace); alarm will go off. Fly in open spaces. Don't fly under things (make sure you have the right RTH, return to home). Look up the regulations in your area/where you are going to fly before flying... Obviously when you get more comfortable and understand situations you are in, then you can obviously adjust the rules. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L73w5N0SLbw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPpWdimKmcI I'd say majority of my videos suck and have some gems when filming so take my advice with grain of salt.

I'd pick the Avata 2 for close inspection (within inches), and with head tracking it's easy to look up under the soffits or down a chimney. I was actually doing this yesterday with the Neo, could get right up to there with on the 3rd floor and look in, bumping not a problem because propeller guards. I looked at a previous valet patch repair closely, saw a couple shingles that are possibly starting to slide. Went up the roof, probably with a clearance of 3", and after going over the peak went to the chimney and looked down. Bumped another part of the roof and it crashed in the box gutter, but luckily I could take off again. With DJI Care, replacement for the Neo is only $29, so I don't have to worry much. (Avata would only cost $49, but I've already used 2/4, and would prefer to not be without it for a week.) If you don't want to get close and are okay with being feet away, then a mini is probably okay. Propeller guards might be good for cases where there are nearby trees or cables. Here's an example of getting close, with head tracking, and being able to look up or down, or turn your head while you fly past - https://youtu.be/D2ygkUlsemQ?si=kswV-c1XyN1lYi-h

I have a Mini 4 Pro, RC2 controller, Goggles 3, a Neo, and a Motion Controller 3. I used to have a Mini 2 SE (for about a week. Flew it twice, returned it and bought a Mini 4 Pro. Best decision I ever made. The Neo is for "fun". Zipping around, aerobatics, etc. the M4P is my "go to" when I just want to fly around & have a look, or for photos and video. The drone you need depends completely on what your intentions are. Fun? Something small and zippy. (The Neo with Goggles 3 are SCARY fun!) I fly the M4P much more than the Neo and in my opinion, is one of the best "serious" drone contenders, just because of its versatility.

In selling my mini 2 se and can't wait to test rth indoors lol. There are high winds in my country righteous about 50kph. I will show my mini 2 se with propeller guards due to the high winds so the new buyers sees it in action.

If you're going with mini series the Mini 3, 4k or the 2 SE (depending on camera quality you want) should be perfectly fine for you over the ocean there isn't much you need obstacle avoidance for imo, just birds which the sensors can't really help with. However, since you're worried about wind, you may find the Air 3s better suited high wind speeds, unfortunately that is also more expensive than the Mini 4 Pro

Not at all. I have been using it with my phone and I like it (if your phone has a good screen). I have been using the drone for almost two years now and I did not regret buying it. If you want the results of non edited photos or videos of the drone send me a DM.

Start with a DJI Mini, you won't regret it

I have a DJI Mini 2se, which is their cheapest model, I believe. It doesn't have the ability to follow a pre-set flight path, but you can definitely get good stills. One consideration is that the field of view is wide enough that you'll see a lot of lean in trees and structures unless you're really high, so if you really want to produce a flat-looking ortho, you'll need pics with a lot of overlap.

Hmmmm .... I have a Mini2 and NEO and thought this was going to be a day 1 purchase, but now I'm thinking I'll skip and save for Mavic 4.

The mistake here is that everyone will suggest you to look into the newer models of DJI. Get a used DJI mini 2 SE or even a Mini 3 on marketplace for a couple of hundreds. You'll have great controls, great stabilisation, great video and great range. Then, when you're tired of it, you can sell it for almost the same price you paid. Cheap drones aren't worth much when used

I have DJI Mini SE 2, and I use a "Lekufee" brand case I got on Amazon. I have the 25 L Watershed bag, and the dry box fits in there nicely.

That's a really good plan. I went Mini 2 SE to Mavic 4 Pro and felt like it was a great transition. Crazy though how much easier it is to fly M4P compared to M2SE. You'd think it would be harder since it is bigger but complete opposite. Its like a hot knife to butter. Things would be impossible or make the shot totally crap is easy, peasey with M4P. Dipping your toes in before yoloing is a good idea. I'd even recommend that before even flying anything is to play the simulator! Can learn a lot.

Not much reason not to pick the mini 2 se fly more combo. Why would you even think about the mini 1 in that case? The phantom 3 pro is ancient.

It depends where you are coming from. Own three DJI drones which each have a unique purpose. If had none, would probably decide between the Flip and Mini. But for those who already have a DJI there's no real selling point to get this

I disagree, I fly both and I don't think they are bored. I started with a mini 2se and it taught me alot and I still fly it sometimes as well as flying my 5 inch and 2 inch fpv drones

Until you've flown a DJI...you haven't flown. Get a Mini. Any generation. That's where you start.

I hear you but not even my mini 2 se works well on high winds. You just have to use common sense. Check your wind app before taking your drone out. At the end of the day any mini even struggles with minor winds too.

In my case, I don't have a M4P. I have a mini 2 se (my first drone), so it's definitely a good upgrade lol For m4p owners, maybe not so much unless you got spare money and you really care about every pixel.

Can't go wrong with Mini 2 SE or Mini 4k imo. Though once you get hooked you'll want to spend some money on drone with an even better camera.

DJI mini "whatever is in the budget".

My initial purchase was a DJI mini 2 SE. After that I looked into FPV and got a Baby ape V2 and Crux35. I also got a Nazgul 5 inch I want to try out soon. What you get depends on budget? Is it mainly for video or fun? A bit of both maybe? Personally If I would do it all over again I would get an DJI Avata 2 good camera, fast enough and full FPV capabilities that can be learned in a gradual manner. Still love my little Mini 2 SE though. Video and range is very impressive only complaint is the speed and zoning.

Also one thing I could say I have experience with a drone. I had a DJI mini 2 se until I sold it but I would want to get into fpv flying as you can fly more freely and the goggles as well lol I don't know if it helps with it or anything

You're 100% right. Unfortunately, those options should be thought of as a last resort. Though many think it's a guaranteed avoidance. Like the ground sensor, yeah, it senses the ground.. but you can still nose smash em into it, lol. I used the Mini 2 SE, and i learned pretty quickly. I have since moved on :).

For this use you should be fine with the mini 2 se. It's pretty descent, simple and cheap. Also for a beginner it's very good.

Honestly, I have used a DJI 2 SE / DJI Mini 4K to map a friend's plot. Stitched together with ODM. Results were very accurate (within an inch). ODM (open drone map) is free, drone can be found for < $300 for sure. If you have a computer already you're set!

Honestly, to the eyes of the public, the Mavic isn't much more impressive than the mini. If you want to look serious, you need an Inspire or an M300. But that's 500% overkill for OP's use cases.

In Canada you need the $15 Basic Operator, which is an open book exam with 60% correct answers and every two years you need to selfattest some paperwork, just have it ready. You can then fly anything up to 25kg. The little time spent on the exam is actually good to learn some basics. There's a way more advanced version to fly in restricted air space, higher passing grade and with real practice, nothing too crazy but still. Many cities have a lot of that restricted airspace due to city airports, e.g. large parts of downtown Toronto due to Billy Bishop . As a business, you need to give the customer the impression they get something for their money, and a drone that looks like the Mini 2SE their nephew got for Christmas four years ago won't deliver. Also, get a sturdy suitcase for equipment, ND filters, extra battery, maybe don't run the app on the phone you call your customers etc. Put on a show.