DJI Mini 2 vs DJI Mini 4 Pro - Is it time to upgrade?

Summary

In this video, the host compares the DJI Mini 2 with the newly released Mini 4 Pro, highlighting key upgrades. The Mini 4 Pro boasts a larger sensor for improved low-light performance, an enhanced gimbal, 360-degree obstacle avoidance, longer flight times with optional high-capacity batteries, and advanced video transmission capabilities. It also introduces true vertical shooting and color profiles like HLG and 10-bit D-Log M. The host advises Mini 2 owners to consider these features and their usage before deciding on an upgrade.

Takeaways

• 🚁 The Mini 2 drone, despite being three years old, remains popular for its performance, transmission, and camera quality.
• 📸 Both the Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro drones can shoot 12-megapixel photos in JPEG and RAW formats, with the Mini 4 Pro offering a 48-megapixel option.
• 🔒 Both drones are under 250 grams, which means they may not require FAA registration depending on the location.
• 🏞️ The Mini 4 Pro features a larger 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor compared to the Mini 2's 1/2.3 inch sensor, improving low-light performance.
• 💻 The gimbal design on the Mini 4 Pro is an upgrade from the Mini 2, addressing issues with camera twitching during certain flight maneuvers.
• 🛑 The Mini 4 Pro introduces 360-degree omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, a feature not present in the Mini 2.
• ⏱️ The Mini 4 Pro offers longer flight times with a standard 34-minute battery and an optional 45-minute high-capacity battery.
• 📡 The Mini 4 Pro uses O3 transmission technology, providing a 20-kilometer range, an improvement over the Mini 2's 10-kilometer range with O2 technology.
• 🎥 The Mini 4 Pro allows for true vertical shooting, enabling 4K vertical video capture, a feature not available on the Mini 2.
• 🎨 The Mini 4 Pro provides additional color profiles, including HLG and 10-bit D-Log, for post-processing flexibility.
• 🤔 Owners of the Mini 2 should consider their specific needs and use cases when deciding whether to upgrade to the Mini 4 Pro or another model.

Q & A

How does the DJI Mini 2 compare to the newer Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro in terms of popularity and updates?

The DJI Mini 2, despite being almost three years old, is still considered a 'rock star' in the drone world, indicating its enduring popularity. However, the script mentions several updates with the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro, suggesting advancements and improvements over the Mini 2.

What is the significance of the 'sub 250' classification for drones?

The 'sub 250' classification refers to drones that weigh less than 250 grams. This is significant because in many locations, drones under this weight limit do not require FAA registration, making them more convenient for casual users.

Do the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro have the same speed capabilities?

Yes, both the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro have similar speed capabilities for ascending, descending, and horizontal flight at sea level.

What are the camera specifications for both the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro?

Both the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro shoot at 12 megapixels, with the Mini 4 Pro offering a 48 megapixel option. They both support JPEG and RAW formats.

How does the size of the DJI Mini 4 Pro compare to the Mini 2?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is slightly larger than the Mini 2, but it is still considered a mini drone due to its portability and ease of travel.

What is the main upgrade in the camera sensor of the Mini 4 Pro compared to the Mini 2?

The Mini 4 Pro has a larger sensor, a 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor, compared to the Mini 2's 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, which should provide better quality in low light conditions.

What is the issue with the gimbal on the DJI Mini 2 that was addressed in the Mini 4 Pro?

The DJI Mini 2 had a 'twitch' issue when the camera was pointed straight down and the drone was flown forward at higher speeds. This issue was resolved in the Mini 4 Pro with a redesigned gimbal configuration.

Does the DJI Mini 2 have obstacle avoidance capabilities?

No, the DJI Mini 2 does not have obstacle avoidance capabilities. It only has landing sensors at the bottom.

What is the difference in flight time between the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro?

The DJI Mini 2 has a battery life rated for 31 minutes, while the Mini 4 Pro offers a standard battery with 34 minutes and an option for a larger capacity battery with 45 minutes.

What is the range of the video transmission for the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 4 Pro?

The DJI Mini 2 uses OcuSync 2.0 technology with a range of about 10 kilometers, while the Mini 4 Pro uses O3 technology, extending the range to about 20 kilometers.

What new feature does the DJI Mini 4 Pro have that allows for true vertical shooting?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro has the ability to rotate the camera from horizontal to vertical, enabling true vertical 4K video shooting, which is not available on the Mini 2.

What are the additional color profiles available on the DJI Mini 4 Pro compared to the Mini 2?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers additional color profiles including HLG and 10-bit D-Log M, which are useful for post-processing, while the Mini 2 is limited to standard or normal mode.