Overview of the DJI Mavic Mini quadcopter 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 quite 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, whose weight is 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 in the kit and how much does the device cost;
• dimensions and materials;
• how the Mavic Mini works;
• battery characteristics;
• camera settings;
• shooting modes and speeds;
• remote control features;
• build quality;
• DJI FLY app
• first drone flight
• parameters and characteristics in the table;
• advantages and disadvantages.

What to look for before buying

On September 27, 2019, the government of the Russian Federation approved the Decree on the mandatory 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 the DJI Mavic Mini, since its weight is 249 g.

This information is correct, but it is worth paying attention to the fact that the lack of registration does not exclude the need to obtain permission to fly from local authorities and the Federal Air Transport Agency. Permission should be obtained if you want to fly a drone above 150 meters and in crowded places.

Equipment

The Mavic Mini is available in The Everyday FlyCam and Fly More Combo.

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

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

The $499 Fly More Combo Extended Package, in addition to the standard items above, consists of the following extras:

• 1 USB hub for charging 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 produce a very compact and at the same time productive and reliable quadcopter. Mavic Mini is a foldable design. 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. The take-off weight, as mentioned above, is 249 g.

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

How the Mavic Mini works

At the back of the case is the battery compartment, to open which you just need to lift the cover up. Under the compartment is a Micro-USB connector for recharging the battery in the quadrocopter and a MicroSD slot for a UHS-1 memory card. The maximum allowable memory 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 sensors for detecting obstacles, 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 of the device are folding, but not quick-release, as in previous models.To unscrew them, you need to use a special screwdriver, which 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 watts. Weight is 100 and 50 g, power is 17.28 W / h and 8.36 W / h. Temperature range for charging from 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 indicator on the batteries. You can check it in the application on your smartphone, after connecting 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 3-axis gimbal, which ensures perfect image quality even with a wind speed of 8 meters per second (the maximum resistance of a quadcopter). The camera has a plastic cover to protect while traveling and fix the suspension.

The DJI Mavic Mini camera has a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with 12 million effective pixels. An 80-degree lens is expressed by f/2.8 aperture. The minimum focal length is 24 mm.
The device supports shooting video in FHD resolution (1920 x 1530, up to 60 frames per second) and 2.7K (2720 x 1530, up to 30 frames per second), ISO range - from 100 to 3200.

The maximum photo resolution is 4,000 x 3,000 pixels. ISO range - from 100 to 1600 with automatic adjustment, from 100 to 3200 with manual adjustment.

Shooting modes and speeds

DJI Mavic Mini supports one intelligent Qip Shot mode, which 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 - departure with climb.
2. Rocket - a raid on an object with lowering the camera.
3. Circle - flying around the object.
4. Spiral - spiral flight.

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). Sport mode allows you to reach 13 meters per second.
3. C (Cinesmooth). Selecting cinematic mode allows you to take smooth shots. The speed of the device is 4 meters per second.

Remote controller

In Europe, the remote control comes with CE standard. According to the CE standard, the maximum flight range is 2,000 meters.

The functionality of the remote control, unlike 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 of high quality.

Management is carried out using two plastic sticks. The power button is located on the right side of the remote control, on the left - the return home button, the wheel for tilting the camera and the button for starting and pausing 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 control to a smartphone.

Build quality

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

DJI FLY App

The drone is controlled by the DJI FLY app. Features of DJI FLY:

• 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 contests or just enjoy beautiful photos taken with DJI Mavic Mini;
• built-in editor with many templates, special effects and musical 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 areas for flying, runways;
• user manual, with a variety of tips and tutorials for beginners;
  Compatible with Android and iOS OS.

First drone flight

In order to start flying, you need (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's legs.
4. Remove the cover from the camera.
5. Insert battery.
6. Press the power button on the remote control.
7. Launch the DJI FLY app.
8. Raise the drone using the remote control or smartphone.

Table with parameters and characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages of DJI Mavic Mini

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

• no charge indication.

Conclusion

In its price range, the DJI Mavic Mini performs well in terms of flight speed, wind resistance, build quality, battery life, photo and video quality, and, of course, incredible compactness.
DJI Mavic Mini is definitely worth your attention. Successful flights!