DJI Mavic Mini
An ultra–small, ultra–light affordable drone.
DJI’s latest addition to its fleet is aimed at bringing drones to the masses, thanks to a lower price and a tiny weight of 0.5lb.
That weight includes the battery and microSD card (32GB included). Like bigger Mavic drones, it’s foldable, so it becomes dinky enough to carry around with ease at just 6.3 inches long, eight inches wide and 2.2 inches tall.
The Mavic Mini shoots 1080p video at up to 60fps and super– crisp 2.7K at up to 30fps. The fact that it doesn’t shoot in full 4K is no real hindrance since this drone isn’t aimed at pro video work – what it takes looks fantastic on a tablet or phone.
For those who are into aerial photography, the drone’s camera shoots immaculate 12MP stills that really “pop” when snapped in good lighting conditions. It isn’t too shabby in low light either.
Despite its diminutive dimensions, the Mavic Mini is extraordinarily stable in flight and very fast and nimble when switched to Sport mode, while a reliable GPS lock keeps it stationary when it’s not moving. On the automative flight mode front it offers a small variety of “Quick Shots” including dronie, rocket, circle and helix, but no follow–me mode.
Unlike some other drone controllers, the DJI Mavic Mini’s doesn’t include a screen; instead it unfolds to hold an Android or iOS smartphone. Tucked away in its body are screw-on joysticks, so that when it’s collapsed the controller has a flat profile, and when opened out it delivers a traditional feel.
On the left side of the controller is a micro USB port for charging and connecting it to your phone. The drone also ships with Lightning, micro USB, and USB-C cables, so whatever smartphone you have, provided its software is compatible with the DJI Mavic Mini’s Fly app, you’re catered for.
The controller’s jog-dial at the top pivots the camera vertically through 90 degrees, so it can look forward through to down. Unlike the Anafi, it can’t look up, which would have been a bonus, but its range is typical of most drones. Buttons of note include the L trigger, which starts video recording, and the R trigger, which takes a photo – perfect if you’re operating the drone while wearing gloves.
Nothing else this size does what the Mavic Mini does, and when you look at the competition our wish list is easy to ignore. The Mavic Mini is DJI’s lightest, most affordable drone to date, is an industry leader in terms of portability and performance, it delivers impressive 30-minute battery life, with most sub-250g drones dying after 10-15 minutes.
Incredible value and ultra– compact size. Flies impeccably. Shoots superb video and takes great images. No obstacle avoidance or follow–me mode. Derek Adams + Basil Kronfli