DJI Mavic Mini Quadcopter Review with Key Features

A quadcopter is a great opportunity to see objects and places that are already familiar to the eye from completely different angles, as well as enjoy unusually beautiful natural landscapes.

The drone allows you to get fairly high-quality photos and videos, so this device can be used for unusual aerial filming, including weddings, birthdays and other holidays.

This review is dedicated to a small representative of quadrocopters - DJI Mavic Mini, which weighs only 249 g.

DJI Mavic Mini Review

From the article you will learn the following information:

• what you should pay attention to before buying;
• what is included and how much does the device cost;
• dimensions and materials;
• how the Mavic Mini works;
• battery characteristics;
• camera parameters;
• shooting and speed modes;
• features of the console;
• build quality;
• DJI FLY app;
• the first flight of the drone;
• parameters and characteristics in the table;
• advantages and disadvantages.

What to look out for before buying

Since September 27, 2019, the government of the Russian Federation has approved the Decree on the compulsory registration of household and semi-professional drones in Russia, weighing from 250 g to 30 kg.
Based on the adopted law, it follows that there is no need to register DJI Mavic Mini, since its weight is 249 g.

This information is correct, but it should be noted that the lack of registration does not exclude the need to obtain a flight permit from the local authorities and the Federal Air Transport Agency. Permission should be obtained if one wishes to launch the drone above 150 meters and in crowded places.

Equipment

The Mavic Mini is available in two trim levels: The Everyday FlyCam and Fly More Combo.

The Everyday FlyCam is a $ 399 standard package that includes:

• 1 pair of blades and propellers;
• 1 screwdriver to replace blades;
• 1 Micro-USB cable for charging the remote control;
• 3 cables for connecting a smartphone;
• 1 pair of interchangeable sticks;
• 1 x protective cap for the camera;
• 1 control panel;
• 1 battery;
• user's manual;
• documentation.

The extended set of Fly More Combo at the price of 499 dollars, in addition to the standard items indicated above, consists of the following additions:

• 1 USB hub to charge 3 batteries at the same time, which can also be used as a Power Bank. The USB hub is equipped with a micro USB connector for recharging batteries and a USB connector for recharging a device with a USB output;
• compact and very roomy bag;
• 2 batteries;
• 2 sets of blades;
• 1 Micro-USB cable;
• 1 power adapter;
• 360 degree protection for quadcopter.

Dimensions and materials

DJI has managed to build a very compact yet efficient and reliable quadcopter. The Mavic Mini is foldable. When folded, the dimensions of the Mavic Mini are 14 x 8.2 x 5.7 cm, when unfolded, with propellers - 24.5 x 29 x 5.5 cm.Takeoff weight, as mentioned above, is 249 g.

The drone is available in only one light gray color. The material is plastic.The plastic is very thin: when you press your finger on the device, it bends noticeably, and when you tap it, it may seem that the case is empty inside. Despite its thinness and deflection, the material is of sufficient quality and flexible, which will help to avoid its breakage in a possible collision during flight. The propellers also offer increased flexibility and are made from very thin material.

How the Mavic Mini works

At the back of the case there is a battery compartment, which can be opened by lifting the cover up. Under the compartment there is a Micro-USB connector for recharging the battery in a quadcopter and a MicroSD slot for a memory card with UHS-1 bandwidth. The maximum memory capacity is 256 GB. For correct operation, it is recommended to use a memory card with a capacity of no more than 128 GB. There is no built-in memory in the device.

There are no obstacle sensors, but there are visual sensors at the bottom of the device that are responsible for determining the height and objects under the drone.

The blades are foldable, but not quick-release like in previous models. To unscrew them, you must use the special screwdriver that is included in the kit.

Batteries

The capacity of Li-ion 2S and LiPo 2S batteries is 2,400 and 1,100 mAh, respectively. The maximum charging current is 8.4V and 8.7V, charging power is 24 and 18 W. The weight is 100 and 50 g, the power is 17.28 W / h and 8.36 W / h. The temperature range for charging is 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. The maximum flight time without recharging is 30 minutes, the battery charging time is about 40-60 minutes.

There is no charge indication on the batteries. You can check it in the application on your smartphone, having previously connected the drone to it or by installing the battery in a USB hub, where there is a charge indication.

Camera

Photos and videos taken by the quadcopter are of very good quality.

The camera is mounted on a three-axis gimbal, which ensures perfect shooting quality even at wind speeds of 8 meters per second (maximum resistance of the quadcopter). The camera has a plastic cover for travel protection and suspension fixation.

The DJI Mavic Mini camera features a 1 / 2.3 inch CMOS sensor with 12 million effective pixels. The lens with a viewing angle of 80 degrees is expressed by an f / 2.8 aperture. The minimum focal length is 24 mm.
The device supports video recording in FHD resolution (1,920 x 1,530, up to 60 frames per second) and 2.7K (2 720 x 1,530, up to 30 frames per second), the ISO range is from 100 to 3,200.

The maximum photo resolution is 4000 x 3000 pixels. ISO range - from 100 to 1,600 with automatic adjustment, from 100 to 3,200 with manual adjustment.

Shooting modes and speeds

The DJI Mavic Mini supports one intelligent Qip Shot mode that allows you to take automatic short videos. Qip Shot supports 4 sub-modes with the ability to climb from 15 to 40 meters:

1. Droni - taking off with a climb.
2. Rocket - a raid on an object with the camera down.
3. Circle - flying around an object.
4. Spiral - flying in a spiral.

The quadcopter has 3 speed modes:

1. P (Position). In positioning mode, the drone flies at a standard speed of up to 8 meters per second.
2. S (Sport). Sports mode allows you to reach 13 meters per second.
3. C (Cinesmooth). Selecting cinematic mode allows for smooth footage. The speed of the device is 4 meters per second.

Remote controller

In Europe, the console comes with the CE standard. According to the CE standard, the maximum flight range is 2000 meters.

The functionality of the remote control, unlike the previous models, is somewhat simplified, as is the quality of the plastic from which it is made. Despite this, the assembly of the device is done with high quality.

Control is carried out using two plastic sticks. The power button is located on the right side of the remote control, on the left is the return home button, a wheel for tilting the camera and a button for starting and pause video recording - under the index finger of the left hand. There is also a shutter button and a connector for charging and connecting the remote to a smartphone.

Build quality

The quadcopter is made of reliable material and has good build quality.
There are several videos on YouTube where bloggers tested the DJI Mavic Mini. During testing, the quadrocopter fell from a height of 5 meters. After the fall, the device remained intact, without even getting a scratch.

DJI FLY App

A special DJI FLY application is used to control the drone. DJI FLY functionality:

• flight status information (mode, signal strength, distance, altitude, battery charge, flight time);
• flexible camera settings;
• built-in social network Skypixel, where you can share photos, participate in competitions or just enjoy beautiful photos taken with the DJI Mavic Mini;
• built-in editor with many templates, special effects and music options;
• an album for viewing the captured photos, with an instant opportunity to combine them with beautiful transitions and accompanying music (using the editor);
• a map where you can see the recommended flight areas, runways;
• a user manual with a variety of tips and tutorials for beginners;
  compatible with Android and iOS OS.

First drone flight

In order to start the flight, it is necessary (detailed instructions are supplied with the quadcopter):

1. Download the DJI FLY app to your smartphone.
2. Connect your smartphone to the remote control.
3. Unfold the drone knees.
4. Remove the cover from the chamber.
5. Insert the battery.
6. Press the power button on the control panel.
7. Launch the DJI FLY app.
8. Raise the drone using the remote control or smartphone.

Table with parameters and characteristics

DJI Mavic Mini pros and cons

• using a drone without the need for registration;
• standard and extended configuration;
• ultra-compact dimensions;
• flexible and high-quality plastic;
• fast charging;
• three-axis camera stabilization;
• high wind resistance;
• high resolution photo and video filming;
• large battery capacity;
• excellent battery life;
• intelligent mode, 4 speed modes;
• high-quality and convenient control panel;
• functional app DJI FLY.

• lack of charge indication.

Conclusion

In its price niche, the DJI Mavic Mini shows high results in flight speed, wind resistance, build quality, battery life, quality of captured photos and videos, and, of course, incredible compactness.
DJI Mavic Mini is definitely worthy of your attention. Happy flights!