DJI Mini

Last updated

Mini
2024 Dron DJI Mini 4 Pro (18).jpg
DJI Mini 4 Pro
General information
Type Unmanned aerial vehicle
National originChina
Manufacturer DJI
Cogito Tech
StatusIn production
History
Manufactured2019–present
Introduction dateNovember 2019
Developed from DJI Mavic

The DJI Mini, originally marketed as the DJI Mavic Mini, is a series of teleoperated compact quadcopter drones for personal and commercial aerial photography and videography use, released by the Chinese technology company DJI. The Mini is a miniaturized version of the DJI Mavic designed to bypass drone registration requirements in most countries, with all variants weighing under 250 grams (0.55 lb) in normal configuration. A licensed version is produced in Malaysia by Cogito Tech as the Specta Mini.

Contents

Design and development

Partially unfolded Mavic Mini DJI Mavic Mini waving.jpg
Partially unfolded Mavic Mini

DJI announced the Mavic Mini on 30 October 2019 as a replacement for the DJI Spark as DJI's beginner camera drone, with sales commencing on 11 November. [1] [2] A miniaturized derivative of the DJI Mavic, the Mavic Mini was designed to bypass drone registration requirements in most countries, with the "general version" weighing only 249 g (0.549 lb). [3] [4] It has a 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS camera capable of 2.7K video at 30 FPS and a battery capacity of 2400 mAh, giving the drone a maximum flight time of 30 minutes. [4] To minimize weight, the Mavic Mini does not include an obstacle avoidance system, though it does include geofencing technology and AeroScope Remote ID. [3] A "JP version" was also built for the Japanese market, where drones weighing at least 200 g (7.1 oz) must be registered, [5] with a lighter 1100 mAh battery reducing the total weight to 199 g (0.439 lb) and flight time to 18 minutes. [4] The Mavic Mini uses an Enhanced Wi-Fi transmission system, giving it a range of 4 km (2.5 mi). [4]

The Mini SE (the Mavic branding was dropped with the Mini 2) was released mid-2021, being basically the original Mavic Mini built in the Mini 2 shell. [6] Compared to the Mavic Mini, the Mini SE has improved wind resistance and a smaller battery capacity of 2250 mAh, but still has a maximum flight time of 30 minutes. [6] [7] The Mini SE retains the 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS camera and Enhanced Wi-Fi transmission system of the Mavic Mini. [7]

Mini 2 series

The successor to the Mavic Mini was released November 2020 as the Mini 2, dropping the Mavic name. [8] Compared to the Mavic Mini, the Mini 2 has a reduced battery capacity of 2250 mAh, though flight time was slightly increased to 31 minutes. [9] The camera was improved with the ability to record 4K footage, and wind resistance was increased to 24 mph (39 km/h); up from the Mavic Mini's 18 mph (29 km/h). [9] The Enhanced Wi-Fi transmission system of the Mavic Mini was replaced with OcuSync 2.0, giving it a max transmission range of 10 km. [8] [9]

DJI released the Mini 2 SE in February 2023 as a successor to the Mini SE. [10] The Mini 2 SE differs from the Mini 2 in that it has a maximum resolution of 2.7K, and is slightly lighter at 246 g (0.542 lb). [10] [11] Although it did not initially support Remote ID, a firmware update in June 2024 added support after several countries began to require it. [12]

The Mini 4K was announced in April 2024. [13] It is nearly identical to the Mini 2 SE, differing in that it re-added the 4K camera. [14] [15]

Mini 3 series

DJI Mini 3 Pro DJI Mini 3 Pro.jpg
DJI Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro was made available on 10 May 2022. [16] Unlike previous Mini variants, the Mini 3 Pro has a full 3-axis obstacle avoidance system. [17] The Mini 3 Pro features a new 48MP 1/1.3" CMOS camera capable of capturing 4K video at up to 60FPS and is equipped with an with O3 transmission system, allowing transmission of live 1080p video at 30 frames per second (FPS). [18] [19] The standard Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 2453 mAh, giving the drone a maximum flight time of 34 minutes. Alternatively, the drone could be fitted with a 3850 mAh Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, increasing flight time to 47 minutes at the cost of exceeding the 250 g (0.55 lb) weight limit for unregistered drones. [19]

On 9 December 2022, DJI released the Mini 3 as a cheaper version of the Mini 3 Pro. [20] The primary differences between the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro include the removal of the obstacle avoidance sensors and limited intelligent camera modes. [21] [22] The transmission system was also downgraded to OcuSync 2.0 instead of the O3 used in the DJI Mini 3 Pro. [20] Total weight was slightly reduced to 248 g (0.547 lb) with the Intelligent Flight Battery, while maximum flight time was increased to 38 minutes (51 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus). [23]

Mini 4 series

The Mini 4 Pro was released on 25 September 2023. [24] The Mini 4 Pro introduced the Omnidirectional Vision Sensing collision avoidance system, which uses four fisheye and two downward binocular vision sensors and a time-of-flight sensor. [25] The drone also features an O4 transmission system transmitting 1080p footage up to 20 km away. [26] The Mini 4 Pro's camera is an improved version of the one found on the Mini 3 Pro, with the added capability to capture slow motion 4K video at 100FPS. The gimbal can also rotate 90 degrees to shoot vertical video. [27]

Licensed version

Hong Kong-based Cogito Tech produces a licensed version of the Mini 2 SE as the Specta Mini. [28] Though Cogito denied any connection to DJI, The Hill reported the Specta Mini and Specta Air (the company's version of the DJI Air 3) are virtually identical to their Chinese counterparts, including performance and software, and likely use DJI's proprietary OcuSync video transmission system. [29] Despite this, the Specta Mini is not a carbon copy of the Mini 2 SE as it has a 4K camera. [30]

Variants

Mavic Mini

Mavic Mini
Company designation Model MT1SS5. [31] Miniaturized Mavic with a 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS camera, Enhanced Wi-Fi transmission system, and a 2400 mAh battery giving it 30 minutes of flight time. [3] [4] Introduced in November 2019. [1]
Mavic Mini (JP version)
Version for the Japanese market with a 1100 mAh battery giving it 18 minutes of flight time and reducing total weight by 50 g (0.11 lb). [4]
Mini SE
Company designation Model MT2SS5. [32] Budget model with Mavic Mini internals in a Mini 2 shell, improved wind resistance, and a 2250 mAh battery giving it 30 minutes of flight time. [6] [7] Introduced in mid-2021. [6]

Mini 2

Mini 2
Company designation Model MT2WD. [33] Improved Mavic Mini with a 4K camera, improved wind resistance, OcuSync 2.0 transmission system, and a 2250 mAh battery giving it 31 minutes of flight time. [8] [9] Introduced in November 2020. [8]
Mini 2 SE
Company designation Model MT2SD. [34] Budget model with a 2.7K camera and a slightly reduced total weight. [10] [11] Introduced in February 2023. [10]
Mini 4K
Company designation Model MT2PD. [35] As Mini 2 SE but with a 4K camera. [14] Introduced in April 2024. [13]
Specta Mini
Company designation Model TQFDUB1. [36] Licensed derivative of the Mini 2 SE built in Malaysia by Cogito Tech with a 4K camera. [28] [29] [30]

Mini 3

Mini 3 Pro
Company designations Model MT3M3VD, MT3M3VDB, and MT3M3VZ. [37] [38] [39] Improved Mini 2 with a 48MP 1/1.3" CMOS camera, O3 transmission system, 3-axis obstacle avoidance, and a 2453 mAh battery giving it 34 minutes of flight time. [17] [18] An optional 3850 mAh battery increases flight time to 47 minutes, but increases total weight by about 40 g (0.088 lb). [19] Introduced in May 2022. [16] The Mini 3 Pro was assigned three different model numbers for certification and sales purposes, with the three models being identical. [39]
Mini 3
Company designation Model MT3PD. [40] Downgraded Mini 3 Pro with obstacle avoidance sensors removed and an OcuSync 2.0 transmission system. Flight time was increased to 38 minutes with a 2453 mAh battery or 51 minutes with an optional 3850 mAh battery. [21] [22] [23] Introduced in December 2022. [20]

Mini 4

Mini 4 Pro
Company designation Model MT4MFVD. [41] Improved Mini 3 Pro with an Omnidirectional Vision Sensing collision avoidance system, O4 transmission system, 4K slow motion capabilities, and a 2590 mAh battery giving it a flight time of 34 minutes. An optional 3850 mAh battery increases flight time to 45 minutes, but increases total weight by about 40 g (0.088 lb). [25] [26] Introduced in September 2023. [24]

Accidents and incidents

On 9 January 2025, a DJI Mini 3 collided with a Canadair CL-415 that was fighting the wildfires in Southern California. [42] [43] The collision created a hole in the left wing of the CL-415, forcing the aircraft to be grounded for repairs. [44] The drone was violating a temporary flight restriction (TFR) put in place to protect firefighting aircraft. [44] [45] According to Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation planned to deploy "aerial armor" to prevent drones from entering the restricted airspace. [45]

Specifications (Mini 4 Pro)

Data from DJI Mini 4 Pro user manual [46]

General characteristics

  • Intelligent Flight Battery: 2590 mAh
  • Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: 3850 mAh

Performance

Avionics

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. 1 2 O'Kane, Sean (30 October 2019). "The Mavic Mini is DJI's first drone that doesn't need FAA registration". The Verge. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
  2. ↑ Chavers, Marcus (30 October 2019). "DJI Mavic Mini is the Gateway Drug of Camera Drones". News Ledge. Archived from the original on 5 November 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Murison, Malek (30 October 2019). "DJI's Mavic Mini is So Small You Don't Have to Register It With the FAA". DRONELIFE. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mavic Mini User Manual v1.0 (PDF). DJI. November 2019. pp. 41–44.
  5. ↑ "Civil Aviation Bureau: Japan's safety rules on Unmanned Aircraft (UA)/Drones" . Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Singh, Ishveena (17 January 2022). "DJI's new wallet-friendly beginner's drone finally lands in UK, Europe". DroneDJ. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 "Support for DJI Mini SE". DJI. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Sean Hollister (4 November 2020). "DJI's palm-sized Mini 2 drone flies further and shoots 4K for $449". The Verge. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Support for DJI Mini 2". DJI. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Singh, Ishveena (9 February 2023). "DJI releases new Mini 2 SE drone: price, features, shipping". DroneDJ. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  11. 1 2 Andreola, Francesco (10 February 2023). "DJI Mini 2 SE Announced – Sub-249g Beginner Drone with 2.7K Video Capabilities". CineD. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  12. ↑ Singh, Ishveena (4 June 2024). "New DJI Mini 2 SE firmware adds Remote ID support". DroneDJ. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  13. 1 2 Singh, Ishveena (25 April 2024). "New DJI Mini 4K camera drone arrives on April 29". DroneDJ. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  14. 1 2 Timothy Coleman (2 October 2024). "DJI Mini 4K review: your best first drone". TechRadar. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  15. ↑ "A Beginner's Guide to DJI Mini 2 SE & DJI Mini 4K". support.dji.com. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  16. 1 2 Burgett, Gannon (10 May 2022). "DJI unveils its new Mini 3 Pro drone with 4K/60 video, 48MP stills, obstacle avoidance sensors and more". DPReview . Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  17. 1 2 Pavic, Vjeran (10 May 2022). "DJI officially announces Mini 3 Pro after weeks of leaks". The Verge. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  18. 1 2 Murphy, Kara (10 May 2022). "DJI Mini 3 Pro review: DJI's most compact model finally goes 'pro'". DPReview . Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  19. 1 2 3 "Support for DJI Mini 3 Pro". DJI. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  20. 1 2 3 "DJI Mini 3 In-Depth Review: A $469 Drone!". DC Rainmaker. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  21. 1 2 James Abbott (10 February 2023). "DJI Mini 3 Review". TechRadar. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  22. 1 2 Martin, Jim (9 December 2022). "DJI launches the Mini 3: a cheaper version of the Mini 3 Pro". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  23. 1 2 DJI Mini 3 User Manual v1.0 (PDF). DJI. December 2022. pp. 57–62.
  24. 1 2 "Unlock Creativity with DJI Mini 4 Pro's All-in-One Aerial Solution - DJI". DJI Official. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  25. 1 2 James Abbott (25 September 2023). "DJI Mini 4 Pro review: minor update or serious upgrade?". TechRadar. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  26. 1 2 "DJI Mini 4 Pro - Specs - DJI". DJI Official. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  27. ↑ Kieldsen, Sam (23 March 2024). "The DJI Mini 4 Pro Is a Small Drone With Huge Appeal". WIRED. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  28. 1 2 Kurkowski, Seth (20 June 2024). "DJI ban loophole? Meet the SPECTA and SPECTA Mini". DroneDJ. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  29. 1 2 Dress, Brad (12 June 2024). "China's dominant drone industry is a step ahead of Congress". The Hill. Archived from the original on 18 December 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  30. 1 2 "First look at SPECTA drones and Cogito Techs Ltd". 28 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  31. ↑ DJI Mavic Mini FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  32. ↑ DJI Mini SE FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  33. ↑ DJI Mini 2 FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  34. ↑ DJI Mini 2 SE FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  35. ↑ Camera Drone Quick Start Guide V1.0 (PDF). DJI. July 2020.
  36. ↑ "Specta Mini FCC label" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  37. ↑ DJI Mini 3 Pro (MT3M3VD) FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  38. ↑ DJI Mini 3 Pro (MT3M3VZ) FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  39. 1 2 DJI Paladin. "Differences in Mini 3 Pro models". DJI Forum . Retrieved 27 November 2024. There is no difference between the three models of Mini 3 Pro: MT3M3VD, MT3M3VDB, and MT3M3VZ. We only added the two versions MT3M3VZ and MT3M3VDB due to certification and sales purposes. This version of the Mini 3 pro has been discontinued in 2023 and no longer supports application for C0 certification. According to regulations, the Mini 3 Pro model MT3M3VD can fly compliantly in the A1/A3 environment.
  40. ↑ DJI Mini 3 FCC label (PDF). [[Federal Communications Commission].
  41. ↑ DJI Mini 4 Pro FCC label (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  42. ↑ Kurkowski, Seth (20 January 2025). "The Buzz: DJI drops No-Fly-Zones, Red Cat under scrutiny, more". DroneDJ. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
  43. ↑ Muntean, Pete; McCleary, Kelly; Legge, James (10 January 2025). "Canadian 'Super Scooper' plane grounded after hitting civilian drone over Los Angeles wildfires". CNN. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  44. 1 2 Singh, Ishveena (13 January 2025). "Update: FBI unveils DJI drone that hit LA firefighting plane". DroneDJ. Archived from the original on 15 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  45. 1 2 Castleman, Terry; Toohey, Grace (10 January 2025). "Drone collides with firefighting aircraft over Palisades fire, FAA says". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  46. ↑ DJI Mini 4 Pro User Manual v1.0 (PDF). September 2023. pp. 102–108.
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