DJI Mavic Mini
Its always a pleasure to cover a drone on {Tech} for Travel when possible, but most new models are too big or expensive for the average traveller. The new DJI Mavic Mini drone, however, could be about to change all of that!
Designed with size, and weight, in mind the latest offering from DJI could help travellers record their trips like never before.
Features
Drones are packed full of technology and sensitive sensors, so can often be just a bit too big or heavy for most travellers. Then there is the price tag!
DJI has focused on, not only reducing the overall size of the Mini but also the cost, resulting in one of its most affordable drones to date.
Distilling top-of-the-line features into a palm-of-your-hand drone is the culmination of years of work, and we are ecstatic to bring a new class of drone to the DJI lineup.
DJI
Size is Everything
At under 250g it’s light enough to stay with you in transit and folds down to a unit that fits in the palm of your hand.
⚬ News: BentoStack PowerHub – Apple Owners New Best Friend?
Even in the compact carry-case (additional purchase needed), the Mini and accessories pack neatly into a small bundle that would fit inside a backpack.
But with a reduction in space, has DJI compromised on the technology within? Luckily, the answer is no.
Affordable DJI Power
The 12 MP camera is suspended at the front by a three-axis motorized gimbal and captures HD video in 2.7k. Along with the pan, tilt and swivel movements, the Mini has some preset modes to make the most of your footage.
There are Dronie, Rocket, Circle and Helix, four QuickShot Modes that promise to transform an average video into a cinematic masterpiece, hopefully!
Control & Edit from your Smartphone
A remote control unit is included in the price and is more like a control pad accessory for your smartphone. The new DJI FLY app supports Android and Apple devices with Lightning, Micro-USB and USB-C ports.
With the app running and your smartphone attached, the controller Live-streams back to your device and can do so with the Mini flying up to 4km away!
Don’t worry about the size of your handset as the DJI Controller arms are adjustable to fit most devices.
⚬ News: Stay Powered with the Zendure SuperTank Power Bank
DJI is claiming the Mini is a drone for everyone, with easier control handling for beginners with enough power and options for more advanced users.
A few months back I spent a few days in the Scottish Highlands testing the Mini’s bigger sibling, the Mavic Pro. I posted the below Tweet about it at the time having used a 2-year-old Motorola Z2 Force to control, record, edit and post the footage.
Last week I was lucky enough to test a @DJIGlobal Mavic Pro in @VisitScotland. I can’t decide which one I loved more! #tech #travel #djimavic #djimavicpro
— {Tech} For Travel (@TechforTravelUK) June 8, 2019
It was my first time using a drone of this power and it was running the older GO app. The controls were easy to learn after only a few hours of practice and was arguably the best tech field test I got to do in 2019.
Remember Local Laws
Before you jump in and purchase a Mavic Mini be sure to read up on drone laws for where you live or will be travelling too. Everywhere has different restrictions and guidelines, and they should never be used near an airfield or airport.
Specifications
DJI has achieved an incredible feat of, what is now, the entry-level unit, being feature-rich whilst maintaining a more reasonable price point for those new to owning and flying a drone.
Due to just how complex the DJI Mavic Mini, and drones in general are, a full specification list is available on at dji.com.
- Dimensions –
- Folded // 140 x 82 x 57mm
- Unfolded // 245 x 290 x 55mm
- Weight – 249g
- 3,000ft Maximum Height
- 30 Minute Flight Time per Charge
- 12MP with 83º Field of View Camera
- 2,600mAh Battery Pack
- 3 Axis Stabilization
How Much Does the DJI Mavic Mini Drone Cost?
The DJI Mavic Mini Drone is on sale for $399/£369/€399 direct from DJI.
If you are a Prime member you can shop on Amazon for the same price but could benefit from faster shipping.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever flown, or considered travelling with, a drone before? Do you capture video of your travels to share with friends and family?
Are you a travel blogger? If so, could the DJI Mavic Mini be a travel drone to improve your content?
Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter.
For the full range of drones and accessories visit dji.com.
I’m actually recommending people not get this drone. It has zero obstacle avoidance tech onboard, which is a serious omission for a beginner drone. Especially when you think of the ways in which people are likely to use this thing. Besides, the image sensor is out of the older drones. I had the Mavic Pro and have the Mavic 2 Pro now and the difference in image quality is unreal! Personally, I nearly always travel with my Mavic 2 Pro and never have issues fitting it into my gear bag. My telephoto lens, on the other hand, is a completely different story!