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

 ✅ Execs

• It’s light-weight and small in dimension.
• It’s beneath 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 wonderful 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 appropriate with DJI RC, the distant controller with a display screen
• It’s not very costly

❌ Cons

• It doesn’t have any obstacle-avoidance sensors
• No Energetic Observe or follow-me mode
• It’s barely costlier 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 novices and vacationers on the lookout for an inexpensive, 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 on the lookout for a drone for primary business work (e.g., actual property pictures), you can’t go fallacious with the Mini 3.

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

For a lot of drone pilots, the DJI Mini 3 could also be a greater possibility due to extra flight time and higher CMOS, which leads to higher-quality movies and images.

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

With a shallow start line, 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 finest 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 worth might differ barely, whereas the Mini 3 is about $120-$140 costlier 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 supply and their present price.

» MORE: Finest Newbie Drones Below $500

Flight options

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

The Mini 2 SE provides a number of QuickShot modes, equivalent to Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang. Furthermore, you may seize panoramic pictures in modes like Large, 180-degree, or Sphere. 

The Mini 2 SE has a return-to-home operate, bringing the drone again and touchdown for you with the contact of a button. It additionally has an computerized takeoff operate 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 photographs, 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 be 4,000 meters above sea stage, however when you fly it with the Clever Battery Plus, it might 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. 

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

A big benefit the Mini 3 has over the Mini 2 SE is that it could possibly 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), based on DJI.

This displays the power of the Mini 3 to fly higher in freezing situations 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 sort 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 clean.

» MORE: Easy methods 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 comparable 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 on the lookout for skilled aerial pictures.

General, the photographs from the Mini 2 SE usually are not dangerous. They’re fairly good if used for Instagram or social media platforms, however if you wish to {photograph} at the next 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.

In case you’re trying to create cinematic content material, 2.7k needs to be greater than sufficient, and with 30 frames per second, in case you have an ND filter to set the shutter pace at 1/60 or equal, you may be shocked by the great thing about movies this drone can seize.

This will not be 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 increased than 1080p, however the unique video decision of the Mini 3 is 4k at 30 frames per second.

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

This can 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 brilliant, and the shadows usually are not too darkish).

This additionally helps rather a lot with post-processing movies.

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

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

You will want a D-CineLike drone, equivalent to DJI Mini 3 Professional, DJI Air 2S, and so forth.

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 wanting on the photograph decision from the Mini 3, it’s both 12 or 48 MP. You may {photograph} significantly better with the Mini 3, with the next dynamic vary, 4 occasions 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 comparable 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 – Easy methods to Regulate Digital camera Settings

Plane and controller

Abstract: The DJI Mini 3 is barely bigger than the Mini 2 SE, however each are beneath 250 grams. As effectively, DJI Mini 3 is appropriate with DJI RC.

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

Each drones have two airflow inputs dealing with ahead above the digital camera, a novel design from DJI that may assist the drone settle down when flying.

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

Whereas the design of the drones is sort of comparable, not many variations could be noticed apart from the Mini 2 SE is a slight modification of the Mini 3 construction.

The aerodynamics of each drones are first rate, which can 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 could be positioned in a backpack or a big pocket. They’ll actually slot in your palms.

The Mini 2 SE is appropriate solely with the usual DJI RC-N1 controller.

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

The stay view picture in your cellphone linked to DJI RC-N1 seen out of your drone will probably be 720 pixels at 30 frames per second. The latency will probably be round 200 milliseconds on the lowest level.

The Mini 3 can be appropriate with the identical DJI RC-N1 distant controller. After a number of firmware updates, Mini 3 grew to become appropriate with the DJI RC.

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

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

• The DJI RC has a 5.5-inch full HD display screen that works at 60 frames per second.
• The display screen 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 linked to the Mini 3, the transmission vary and energy are barely improved, and the latency could also be narrowly lowered.
• You’ll release your cell phone.
• The drone setup time is drastically lowered.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Have to 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, based on laboratory checks completed by DJI. In real-world conditions, you need to count on to fly your Mini 2 SE for not less than 20 to 25 minutes.

Many components can have an effect on flight time, equivalent to wind pace, distance, altitude, further equipment, and so forth. 

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 count on a flight time of about 30 to 32 minutes and respectively 45 minutes, relying on the battery and different climate situations.

Be aware: In case you 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 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 bought individually and doesn’t are available in any DJI Mini 3 equipment.

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

Vary

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

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

The DJI O2 has the function of receiving radio instructions from the pilot and, on the identical time, transmitting stay pictures again to the distant controller display screen.

Though costlier 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 an enormous improve to flying long-range with a drone, however even like this, the DJI O2 doesn’t disappoint.

In line with 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 rapidly fly past the visible line of sight, which is in opposition to drone rules.

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

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

In case you’re on the lookout for a long-range drone, each are wonderful selections.

» 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 wonderful selection when you’re on the lookout for a finances drone to be taught to fly for the primary time or an inexpensive drone on your travels.

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

» 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 might select the Mini 3 over the Mini 2 SE if on the lookout for 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 various kinds of work.

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

DJI Mini 3 and Mini 2 SE for business work

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

If you need business work, choose a drone that works effectively on 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 due to 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 because of increased photograph decision.
• Skilled Images and Filming: None of those drones are appropriate for skilled filming and pictures providers, as you could want a Mavic 3 drone. Nevertheless, of the 2, the Mini 3 is best.
• Development: Each drones can examine important development, {photograph}, or movie at will. Chances are you’ll want a drone with optical zoom for close-up inspections.
• Emergency Companies: Neither of those drones is appropriate for emergency providers. A Mavic 3 Enterprise or comparable drone needs to be the answer. You want optical zoom and the power so as to add audio system, lights, infrared cameras, and so forth.

» MORE: Turn into a Industrial Drone Pilot in 6 Straightforward Steps (Freshmen Information)

DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 2 SE for actions

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

Journey and mountaineering

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

You may pack them in your backpack, and they’re going to take up virtually no area. 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 might not suggest any of those drones.

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

This will not be nice if we choose high-speed, excessive sports activities. That’s why I like to recommend 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 effectively to seize B-rolls for various vlogging movies.

The Mini 3 wins right here due to the better-quality digital camera. QuickShots may also help with some primary strikes when vlogging.

» MORE: Finest Drones for Vlogging