DJI is one of the best brands you can go to when it comes to drones. Their successful lineup of the “Mavic Mini” has garnered a lot of positive attention and reviews from enthusiasts worldwide. Now in its second iteration, we will be taking a closer look with our DJI Mini 2 review to see if this model lives up to its well-known predecessors.
Piloting a drone can be lots of fun for anyone. Whether you’re using it for work or for leisure, you can’t deny that controlling a flying device with a remote control does bring back fond childhood memories. And when it comes to drones, DJI is one of the most go-to brands in the market.
When the original DJI Mavic Mini was first introduced to the public, DJI’s intentions were clear. They wanted to offer the public a lightweight and compact drone that has a decent camera quality and that weighed under 250 grams. This way, you won’t have to go through the process of registering it to the FAA.
Fast forward to their latest iteration of the Mavic Mini, the DJI Mini 2 has retained all the same qualities we came to know and love about the original model. But with significant upgrades that make the DJI Mini 2 so much more fun to fly with the second time around.
With a camera that now has the ability to shoot videos at 4k and more powerful motors that upgrades its overall speed and performance, let’s dive into our DJI Mini 2 review.
Despite the success of the original Mavic Mini, DJI did not stop there and gave us the Mini 2. Just when you think their compact drones can’t get any better, it just did. To put it simply, the DJI Mini 2 and its impressive upgrades are just the icings on top of an already really delicious cake.
Just like its predecessor, the DJI Mini 2 ensures optimum portability by allowing you to fold the unit up along with its remote controller. By doing so, taking the drone anywhere with you is completely fuss-free and easy to carry around. In fact, I think this is probably DJI’s lightest and smallest drone yet.
In addition to that, the DJI Mini 2 also weighs in at only 8.8 ounces, making it just below the threshold of 250 grams. So if you’re flying in the USA, that means going through an FAA registration is not at all necessary.
So what makes the DJI Mini 2 so great?
One of the best parts about the DJI Mini 2 that makes it stand out from the rest of your average drones in the market is that it can remain airborne and fly for up to 31 minutes on a single charge. This easily makes it one of the longest-lasting drones you can fly around. It’ll last even longer if you have an extra set of batteries.
So if you’re using this for work, you will definitely have lots of time to capture a ton of videos and stills that you may need. If this is purely for leisure, then that just means more playtime with the drone.
In case you’re unaware, it’s actually not very common for drones to stay up in the air that long. On average, most models or units I found can only fly for up 10-20 minutes. Sometimes, even less depending on the brand and the overall quality and battery power.
So having more than 30 minutes of flight time should be more than enough for most users.
The DJI Mini 2 also features a 4k camera, which means you can now shoot a 4k video at up to 30 frames per second along with an impressive 4x digital zoom performance. Not to mention, just like with the previous model, you can take 12MP still photographs on the same camera.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 7.44 x 5.2 x 9.92 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: DJI
Item Weight: 249 grams
Battery Life: 31 minutes
Range: 10 km
Max Speed: 35.79 mph
Battery Size: 5200mAh
Battery Type: Lithium Polymer
Compatibility: Works with iOS and Android smartphones and the DJI Fly app.
Camera Resolution: 12mp camera
Video Resolution: 4K video footage with 30 frames per second (fps)
Extra Special Features: Ultralight Foldable Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Camera, 12MP Photos, 31 Mins Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots
What’s In The Box:
Aircraft x 1
Remote Controller x 1
DJI Mavic Mini 2 Intelligent Flight Battery × 3
Spare Propellers (Pair) ×3
Type-C Cable × 1
Gimbal Protector × 1
Micro USB connector – RC Cable ×1
USB-C connector – RC Cable ×1
Lightning connector – RC Cable ×1
Spare Control Sticks (Pair) ×1
Spare Screw × 18
Screwdriver × 1
Propeller Holder × 1
Two-Way Charging Hub ×1
DJI 18W USB Charger ×1
Shoulder Bag × 1
Come check out DJI’s preview of the Mini 2 below to see it in action.
Here is a breakdown of the features we love about the DJI Mini 2.
Terrific Portability
Aside from not having to go through the process of an FAA registration, the DJI Mini 2’s weight and portability make it so much easier to carry around especially if you’re going to fly it around in farther locations. In fact, it’s so compact that it can comfortably fit in the palm of your hands.
4K Video Footage
As someone who aspires and is a huge fan of filmmaking, having a drone that can shoot video footage at 4k is more than just a dream come true. The extra pixels are also really helpful (and truly appreciated) when it comes to viewing your clips and shots on a Full HD TV.
All I can say is that the 4k quality of the videos you’ll get from the DJI Mini 2 is more than enough to impress even the most demanding reviewers and enthusiasts in the industry.
Robust Battery Life
As I have already mentioned previously, the DJI Mini 2’s beefy battery life is one of the things that truly make it stand out from the rest of the mid-range drones in the market. With more than 30 minutes of flight time, you can really let yourself enjoy using the Mini 2 without having to worry about needing to charge it so soon.
More Powerful Motors
Another significant upgrade the Mini 2 has is that it is now equipped with much more powerful motors that greatly enhances its speed and overall performance. So if you’re concerned if the Mini 2 can handle some windy weather, then it’s safe to say you will have no problem at all.
Our Least Favorite Thing About The DJI Mini 2
Lack Of Anti-Collision Features
While there’s a lot of things to love about the DJI Mini 2 that we simply can’t stop hyping about, its Achilles heel seems to be its lack of anti-collision features. Though to be fair, this also seems to be a running theme with most DJI drones.
For a drone at this price range, not having features that allow the device to avoid obstacles can be quite disappointing. Especially if you think about the potential crashes it might get into and the cost of repairs to get it replaced or fixed.
So be wary of this if your mind is set on the DJI Mini 2. Be careful when flying this around on a location that has a lot of obstacles as this is definitely something that might be a dealbreaker to some of you.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have given you a breakdown of the things we loved and particularly didn’t like about the DJI Mini 2, here is a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with the Mini 2.
Pros
Lightweight and portable.
Robust battery life.
Can shoot videos at 4k and has a 12MP camera for still photography.
Can fly at a great distance.
Cons
Expensive.
Doesn’t have anti-collision sensors or features that prevent it from running into obstacles.
Final Verdict
Overall, the DJI Mini 2 is a really solid drone that has everything you can ask for. The Mini 2 has one of the most impressive features on a drone packed in a lightweight and compact frame. It ticks all the boxes in our criteria with the exception of the lack of anti-collision features.
This may or may not be a big deal to some of you but for beginners, this is something you should keep in mind. But aside from that, the DJI Mini 2 is simply one of the best mid-range priced drones you can get your hands on right now. It’s easy and safe to use while being fun to fly around.
It also has a 4k camera for your video footage needs and beefy battery life to make sure that you have more than enough time to enjoy its amazing qualities.
Already own the DJI Mini 2? How was your experience with it? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights or suggestions to share in our DJI Mini 2 review. I would love to hear your thoughts!
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Having a drone on hand can be pretty handy when you’re a content creator. These sorts of devices can really help elevate your film’s production value or next vlogs as it adds an overall unique angle to how your viewers can see you. So if you’re looking to invest in your first drone, here are our top picks of the best drones for beginners in 2021.
From budget-friendly finds to more premium designs, you’ll certainly find a drone that will suit your needs perfectly!
What Is A Drone And Why Should I Get One?
As we get into our top recommendations of the best drones for beginners, let’s tackle first some questions you might have in regards to investing in a drone.
Ever wondered how people in the film industry shoot those amazing aerial shots we see throughout movies and shows? Or how a wedding can afford to take videos of their reception from high angles? Well, the answer is pretty easy. It’s through the use of drones that people now have access to beautiful panoramic shots taken from above.
With drones, the sky is the limit. Literally.
Before technology’s impressive advancements today, when you’re planning to take aerial shots of your video content or film projects, the only way of doing it is through manual means. Some even go as far as renting their own helicopters just to get a single aerial shot. To put it simply, it takes a lot of work and effort.
Fast forward to today, you no longer have to deal with the extensive labor people used to go through in order to get those stunning aerial shots. And that’s all thanks to the invention ofunmanned aerial vehicles, or what we commonly know now as drones.
Now, taking wide shots from above can be as easy as controlling a flying device through a remote. If you’re feeling nostalgic, this might even unlock some childhood memories you had when you played with remote-controlled airplanes and helicopters around your backyard.
So if you’re someone who works in the video and photography business, a filmmaker, or a content creator who does vlogs on a regular basis, then getting a drone might just be for you.
What Type Of Drone Is The Best For You?
There are several types of drones in the market and they are usually divided into two categories: commercial and consumer type drones. These types of drones differ in terms of their use and built.
Consumer drones are usually more common for casual flyers. Their price points can range anywhere from $100 to up to $1000 depending on their overall build quality and the quality of footage they can capture for you. The most common type of consumer drone is the multi-rotor drone.
The multi-rotor drone typically uses a varying number of propellers for it to fly. Though usually, most multi-rotor drones are quadcopters. Meaning, they use four propellers to fly.
Quadcopters are generally used for videos and photography. In comparison to other types of drones, they are a lot easier to control and you’ll find them a lot more affordable than the other types you see in the market.
These features help you and your drone from running into obstacles and in the case you lose sight of your flying device, some models offer a “return-to-home” function that will automatically bring back your drone from its launch point.
But overall with beginner drones, they’re fairly easy to use and have a ton of safety features to prevent you from accidents. So if you’re worried about crashing, a lot of the well-built drones can handle a few accidents here and there.
Are Drones Worth It?
Drones can be a great investment in your overall content creations if you’re very serious about them. Not to mention, drones have advanced so much throughout the years that even entry-level models can no longer be seen as merely glorified tech toys.
Over the years, so much has improved and evolved in regards to camera stabilization and so much more.
Not only that, but drones are also sometimes used for different tasks such as an added measure of surveillance, receiving your grocery deliveries, and a lot more. With the current pandemic, contactless delivery is even more high-tech now.
So if you’re interested in using a flying camera for your next videos, then a drone is definitely something to consider. But starting out on your first drone can be quite tricky. After all, not everyone is a pro on their first try.
Beginner drones are built in different shapes and sizes. But it’s recommended to start with these entry-level models so in case you crash these devices, they won’t be too heavy for your pocket. In addition to that, they’re also a lot less confusing in terms of configurations.
Thankfully, there are endless options for you in the market. From really affordable deals to mid-ranged finds, and to more high-end designs. To know which drone is the best for you, I have compiled my very own list below of the best drones for beginners in 2021.
Read on to find out more!
Our Top Picks
1. DJI Mini 2
Overview
Taking the top spot on our list is the DJI Mini 2. Currently, it’s the latest iteration of DJI’s smallest camera drone in their lineup. The original DJI Mavic Mini was already great, but this one just simply knocks everything right out of the park with its impressive features and significant upgrades from its predecessors.
The DJI Mini 2 ensures portability, allowing you to fold the unit up as well as its compact controller so taking it anywhere with you is a breeze. In addition to that, the DJI Mini 2 also weighs in at only 8.8 ounces. If you’re flying in the USA, that means you won’t have to register this drone with the FAA.
One of the best parts about the DJI Mini 2 is that it can remain airborne and fly for up to 31 minutes on a single charge. This makes it one of the longest-lasting drones you can fly in the market. It’s not very common for drones to stay up in the air that long. Usually, most units can only fly for up 10-20 minutes.
The DJI Mini 2 also features a 4k camera, which means you can now shoot a 4k video at up to 30 frames per second along with a solid 4x digital zoom performance. Not to mention, just like with the previous model, you can take 12mp photographs on the same camera.
Extra Special Features: Ultralight Foldable Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Camera, 12MP Photos, 31 Mins Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots
Pros
Lightweight and portable.
Terrific battery life.
Can shoot videos at 4k.
Overall great camera resolution.
Can fly at a great distance.
Cons
Expensive.
Doesn’t have sensors to avoid obstacles so expect some crashing every now and then as you practice with this unit.
If you found the DJI Mini 2 a little too out of reach for your budget, then the Ryze Tech Tello might just be your best bet. This particular unit is one of the best budget-friendly drones that are suited for beginners as the Ryze Tech Tello is an inexpensive model.
That means this model would be a great place to start if this is your first time flying a drone. It won’t be too heavy on the pockets if you crash it and need it to be fixed.
Whether you’re a kid who just wants to have fun playing with a flying device or an adult who wants to start learning how to fly drones seriously for your job or as a hobby, the Ryze Tech Tello offers plenty of features that can help you out.
In addition to its appealing price tag, the Ryze Tech Tello is fairly easy and safe to use for flying. It has great stability for people who are not yet well-adjusted to flying along with having a decent amount of power to fly outside.
The Ryze Tech Tello also offers a great number of preprogrammed flight patterns for you to choose from and gives you up to 13 minutes of flight time per charge. In terms of camera quality, you can’t really expect this to shoot videos at 4k but it’s good enough to provide 720p videos and 5mp photos.
Extra Special Features: 13-Min Flight Time, 100m Flight Distance, 720p HD Transmission, Smart Switch 2 Antennas, DJI Flight Tech, Tello App, and Smartphone VR Headset Compatibility.
Another model from DJI is the Mavic Mini. While the Mini 2 is still your best option if you’re more of a serious drone pilot, the Mavic Mini is the next best thing in DJI’s lineup. That is if you don’t necessarily need to shoot 4k videos. If that’s the case, then this is a solid choice for anyone who wants to start dipping in their toes to flying drones.
Nevertheless, the DJI Mavic Mini still offers a great range of features such as a stable gimbal-mounted camera that allows you to capture stunning 2.7K video footage and pretty sharp 12MP photos.
Just like the Mini 2, you can also fly the Mavic Mini around for up to 30 minutes on a single charge but with a range of 4 kilometers. That’s only 2 kilometers short compared to the Mini 2’s 6km range.
However, keep in mind that like most DJI drones, the Mavic Mini also lacks the sensors that prevent drones from crashing and colliding into obstacles. But overall, it has great value for what it has to offer and is a lot more affordable than the Mini 2.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.15 x 0.39 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: DJI
Item Weight: 0.1 ounces
Range: 4 kilometers
Max Speed: 29 mph
Battery Life: 30 minutes
Battery Type: Lithium Metal batteries
Camera Resolution: 12mp
Video Resolution: 2.7K
Control Type: Remote Control
Colors: White
Accessories: DJI Charging Base, Care Refresh, DIY Creative Kit
Extra Special Features: Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2.7K Camera, 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time, less than 0.55lbs.
Pros
Lightweight.
Pretty decent camera for its price.
Stable video footage.
Terrific battery life.
Almost offers the same quality features the Mini 2 has.
Another solid choice for beginners is the Potensic D58. Not only is this a more affordable option in comparison to the DJI’s premium prices, but it also comes with a decent HD 1080-p camera along with a 120 degrees field of view.
If you’re not too crazy about not having to shoot at 4k, then you might want to give this impressive drone some serious consideration. Though, there is now a D58 variant with a camera that allows you to shoot at 4k.
In addition to that, the Potensic D58 also comes with an integrated dual GPS to provide you with better flight positioning and stability when the drone is up in the air. The Potensic D58 also offers 5G WiFi for video transmission and an upgraded control range along with a few smart flight modes you can choose from.
Flight time lasts for about 18 minutes per charge. While still inferior to the DJI drones’ 30 minutes of flight time, the Potensic D58 should be enough for most drone pilots.
Overall, the Potensic D58 is one of the best quadcopters you can get for the money. This particular model ranks among some of the top drones in the market for providing amazing flying experiences with smarter camera functions that easily meet the demands of some of the most demanding commercial users and professional photographers out there.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.1 x 6.1 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Potensic
Item Weight: 4.19 pounds / 4.44 pounds
Range: 150 meters.
Max Speed: 50 kph.
Battery Life: 18 minutes
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Video Resolution: HD 1080-P or a 4K variant.
Controller Type: Remote Control
Colors: Black.
Accessories: N/A
Extra Special Features: Different flight modes such as Way Point, Follow Me, Orbit, and Automatic Return Home, Smartphone Precision, and In Unit Camera System.
Pros
Decent camera quality with an option to get the expert upgrade for 4k video footage.
Two battery storage grids that extends the flight time for up to 36 minutes.
Ability to shoot footage from different angles and perspectives.
The Potensic T25 drone is another great choice for beginners and kids. It’s a tad bit cheaper compared to the Potensic D58 but it only allows for 2K video footage. It offers almost the same features that you might recognize from the D58 but with a few compromises here and there.
Unlike the D58, the Potensic T25 doesn’t have 5G but its 2K camera with 120 degrees of FOV and 75 degrees of adjustable wide-angle views help to capture photos quite clearly along with more stability on video footage. The WiFi camera also provides you with faster but clearer image transmission.
This particular unit is great for beginners due to its safety mode features such as Headless Mode, Altitude Mode, and One Key to Take-off/Land functions that offer easier access to kids or newbies.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 10.9 x 6.2 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Potensic
Item Weight: 185 grams
Range: 300 meters.
Max Speed: 25 kph
Battery Life: 8 minutes.
Battery Type: Lithium Metal
Video Resolution: 2k
Controller Type: Remote Control
Colors: White
Accessories: Aluminum carrying case, transmitter, USB Battery Charger, Screwdriver, 2 x Extra Landing Gear, 4 x Extra Propeller Blades, 4 x Extra Protection Guards.
Extra Special Features: Dual GPS, different flight modes such as Headless Mode, Altitude Mode and One Key to Take-off / Land, Customize Flight Path functions, etc.
Pros
Offers GPS.
Has great safety features and flight modes that are beginner and kid-friendly.
Last but certainly not least on our list is the Parrot Anafi FPV drone. This particular model is definitely one of the most expensive drones in the market and is suitable for beginners who are serious about being a pilot and want to take a huge leap right off the bat.
This powerful and compact drone is equipped with a stabilized 4K HDR camera with 3x zoom, providing you with superb images and video footage. The new white balance adjustment feature also allows you to customize the color dominance for different lighting conditions wherever you are.
Aside from its terrific camera quality and features, the Parrot Anafi FPV is also both lightweight and has a solid design that only weighs 310 grams. This model offers 26 minutes of flight time per charge with a maximum distance of 4km.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 15.39 x 9.72 x 5.35 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Parrot
Item Weight: 10.9 ounces
Range: 4km.
Max Speed: 34 mph
Battery Life: 26 minutes.
Battery Type: 2 Lithium Polymer batteries
Video Resolution: 4K
Controller Type: Remote Control
Colors: Black
Accessories: 16GB micro SD card, USB-A/ USB-C cable, 8 additional propellers and a mounting tool.
Extra Special Features: Cameraman mode (automated framing), cineshots (automatic video effects), automatic selfies, panoramic modes (little planets, tunnels, 360°), and total immersion through the goggles (Cockpit glasses3).
Pros
Allows you to shoot at 4K resolution.
Has a ton of amazing features for video footage and flight modes.
Comes in with a backpack that includes everything you need for your drone.
Now that you have an idea of some of the best beginner drones you can get your hands on in the market, here are a few friendly flying tips and reminders to keep in mind before you make a purchase.
Entry-Level Drones Aren’t Always Just For Beginners
Sometimes, even when you’re just starting out on flying drones, the entry-level units in the market just don’t cut it. Even when they offer really tempting budget-friendly prices. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that like most things in life, you get what you pay for.
While there are definitely entry-level drones that are great for their value, most of them seem to lack essentials sensors and features that will provide you with a better flying experience. Cheaper models might not be as well-built and will be susceptible to stronger gusts of wind. Not to mention, they might get easily broken after one crash.
So if you have the money to spare, try to invest in beginner-friendly mid-range drones that have quality builds and are equipped with GPS and safety features that will ensure you have the best flying experience possible.
Bear in mind that it’s always worth paying more if your drone has certain features like it can return to you when it gets stuck in a jam, knows how to avoid obstacles, hovers in mid-air if you lose control, stable while flying to take your desired footage and plenty more features that might be helpful to you.
Manage Your Expectations In Terms Of A Drone’s Battery Life
Let’s face it. When it comes to drones, their battery life is their biggest weakness. If you’re expecting to fly your drone for hours and hours on end, then you might get a little disappointed with the actual outcome.
It’s quite rare to find a drone that can remain airborne for more than 30 minutes on a single charge. And usually, you’ll find these on more premium models which aren’t for everyone’s budget. Moreover, there are other factors that come into play that affects your drone’s battery life.
Such things can rely on the environment you’re flying in. The stronger the winds are, the faster your drone will drain its battery life if it wants to stay stable mid-air. Other times, the battery life can also depend on how fast you’re using it to fly. Remember that the faster your flying speed is, the more weight you add to your drone.
For the most part, beginner and mid-range drones can last up to a good 10-20 minutes being in mid-air. Another option to make it last longer is to bring a spare set of batteries for your drone if you really need the extra time.
Plan Your Budget Wisely
More often than not, the price of a drone isn’t just what you’ll be expecting to pay for. If you’re planning on some serious flying and want to practice a lot, you might want to consider getting extra propellers and spare batteries for your drone.
As I have just previously mentioned, most drones don’t last a long time and require a lot of charging just to get it back up in the air again. So if you really need to keep using your drones for certain tasks, then I highly recommend stretching your budget just a little bit to get those extra accessories for longer flying times.
Not to mention, you also have to take into account the crashes your drones might receive while you practice with them. So that will be an added extra cost for repairs or replacements.
Just a quick pro-tip, when choosing your desired drone, make sure to do an ample amount of research in regards to its price and availability of replacement parts, batteries, and other accessories. This way, you can prepare your budget and know what to expect in case your drone does get broken.
Mind Everyone’s Privacy
When flying a drone for the very first time, you will have to keep in mind that not everyone around you is comfortable with a flying object floating above their head. A lot of the time they might even suspect you of invading their privacy or spying on them.
This is pretty normal and you can’t really blame people for being cautious. You wouldn’t want the same thing happening to you, either. So when you’re flying your drone in a public space, make sure to be wary of other people and try your best not to get too close in their personal space to avoid any conflicts or confrontations.
Take Note Of Locations Where You Shouldn’t Fly Your Drone
Last but not the least, you should always keep in mind the locations where you are not allowed or shouldn’t fly your drones to avoid getting in trouble. Some places are just generally unsafe and some are just simply no-fly zones.
For example, it is actually illegal to fly drones in national parks in the US. And generally, flying your drones in public locations like most metropolitan areas is not allowed as well. This is understandable because these areas are way too populated with people, cars, and tall buildings which might obstruct your drone from flying around.
So if you want to keep enjoying your drone without worrying about breaking any laws, it’s best that you find an open field that doesn’t have a lot of people around and that is not off-limits.
Depending on where you are residing and planning to fly your drone, there are actually some regulations regarding flying drones in different parts of the world. Each country follows a different set of laws and guidelines and it is best that you read up on them to avoid any future trouble. You may read more about it here.
Conclusion
We have finally reached the conclusion of our Best Drones For Beginners In 2021 article. I hope this list was able to give you some insight and information on the best drones you can find right now in the market.
Whether you’re looking to use your drone for recreational purposes or to add it to your arsenal for your work, don’t forget to have fun and keep in mind the tips above when flying around!
Already own any of the listed drones above? Did your favorite make it to our list? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, experiences, or suggestions to share with us. I would love to hear your thoughts!
