The DJI Mini 2: a tiny drone with an improved connection
5.11.2020
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
The Chinese manufacturer is launching a new mini drone. The Mini 2 eliminates the previous model's biggest weakness: its rather unstable connection.
High time to update the flyweight drone champion. Just like the Mavic Mini, the DJI Mini 2 comes in at under 250 grams and is designed as a relatively inexpensive entry-level drone. There are once again two versions: the «Fly More Combo» contains three batteries instead of just one, three spare propeller pairs instead of one, a charger and a shoulder bag. (The DJI Mini 2 can also be charged with a standard USB charger, so there's none included in the delivery.)
A vital new feature: the new Mini 2 features OcuSync 2.0, while its predecessor used a standard direct Wi-Fi connection.
OcuSync, and why it's better
OcuSync 2.0 is a transmission protocol that ensures stable and smooth communication between the remote control and drone. This includes drone controls as well as the transmission of photos and live videos to your smartphone. Without OcuSync, connections become unstable even at relatively short distances, the live image begins to falter and the drone becomes uncontrollable. The Mini 2 appears to have fixed this problem.
Thanks to the extremely shaky cam, it was impossible to make out anything with the previous version as well. OcuSync 2.0 does better. Although the videos have a reduced resolution (max. 720p at 30 fps), they're so smooth that they can even be used as a substitute for actual cameras.
This usually occurs when you need to record without a memory card. After all, just like the Mavic Mini, the Mini 2 has no built-in memory, just a map slot.
What else?
If you do equip a memory card, the Mini 2 can record 4K videos at a maximum of 30 fps. With Full HD, higher frame rates (48, 50 and 60 fps) are also possible. Picture resolution is 12 megapixels. Aside from JPEG, DNG is also newly available as a format. The lens has a speed of f/2.8 and an 83-degree viewing angle, which corresponds to a focal length of 24 mm in a 35mm format. The sensor is 1/2.3 inches in size.
The Mini 2 most likely won't possess HDR like the DJI Mavic Air 2 does. The resolution's just tool. Even if you just want obstacle detection, you'll still have to resort to the larger and more expensive Mavic Air 2.
The DJI Mini 2 can stay airborne for around 31 minutes in calm and slow winds. Previous batteries will fit into the new drone. However, DJI does point out this puts the drone over 250 grams. In regulatory terms this doesn't really matter, but the performance may decline as a result.
New drone regulations
New private drone laws, which have been announced several times before being postponed again and again, have been causing confusion for some time. Thankfully, you won't have to worry about any of that with the Mini 2. Firstly, these new laws won't come into force any time soon. They've already been postponed twice and are currently being renegotiated in parliament. Secondly, there will be a transitional period of two years after the law comes into force during which drones can continue to be used normally. And thirdly, after this transitional period, drones weighing less than 250 grams will be significantly less restricted than those over 250 grams.
Check out the current drone laws here.
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.