Product test
The DJI Mavic Mini doesn't look so old against the DJI Mavic Pro 2
by David Lee
The DJI Mavic Mini is also good in low light
31.1.2020
Translation: machine translated
After the fair weather test, now comes the endurance test: Shooting in low light. The small DJI drone also masters this challenge.
Photographer and drone specialist Cemil Erkoç tested the DJI Mavic Mini for us and compared it with the large Mavic 2. The quality of the photos and videos is impressive over long distances.
However, these are fair-weather shots in good lighting conditions. We now want to know whether the Mavic Mini can also take usable photos in the dark. Cemil therefore undertakes a few more test flights.
Maximum exposure time
In order to take successful photos in low light, the drone should be able to stay still in the air. This allows you to take longer exposures without blurring the shot.
With an exposure time of one second, most shots remain sharp. With a bit of luck, even two-second exposures are possible. This depends on whether there are gusts of wind or not.
The speed of the lens is f/2.8. 1 second makes it possible to take pictures with low ISO values even in low light. In each of these three shots, the exposure time was one second.
The drone basically flies quite smoothly. However, it has been confirmed that the connection does not reach as far as with the Mavic 2 Pro. In addition, the drone flew backwards once during take-off and then forwards shortly afterwards, which led to crashes. The reason is not entirely clear, presumably also connection problems. This has never happened to Cemil with the Mavic 2 Pro.
Quality at high ISO
The second important point for shooting in low light is the image noise at high ISO sensitivity. The higher this can be set, the shorter exposure times are possible and the lower the probability that the image will be blurred. Noise behaviour is also important for videos, as the individual images cannot be exposed for a long time.
You shouldn't expect miracles from the small 1/2.3-inch sensor of the Mavic Mini in terms of image noise. But the results are positive. Cemil finds the quality at 400 ISO good, 800 ISO still usable. With the Mavic 1, he never went beyond 200 ISO. In my opinion, even 3200 ISO is still usable, provided the image is reduced to Instagram size. In the hundred per cent view, however, there are clear differences.
But see for yourself.
Crop of the top right corner. The two-second shot is in focus here, the one-second shot is slightly blurred. However, this is rather unusual - normally it's the other way round.
Conclusion
In calm wind conditions, there is a good chance of taking a sharp photo at two seconds. In combination with the still usable 800 ISO, good pictures are possible even in very low light. This is very positive, you can't expect more from a drone with such a small photo sensor.
Of course, the Mini doesn't come close to the Mavic 2 Pro. Simply because the Mavic 2 Pro also delivers images in raw data format. This means that material that is too dark can be brightened up better. The Mavic 2 Pro also has a much better camera - it has a 1-inch sensor that produces less noise. And the connection is more stable.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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