DJI’s Mini 2 SE ultraportable drone takes flight TechCrunch

It’s been a few years since DJI first launched its Mavic Mini, and last year it brought the Mini 3 Pro. It’s utterly confusing why the current drone is called the Mini 2 SE, but either way, it’s the newest flying creature in the hovering menagerie that is DJI’s lineup.

The drone has a 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor that can take 12MP photos and can shoot 2.8K video. I’m not going to lie; it’s a curious choice for video resolution and a rather odd sensor size. The 1/2.3 inch is used in compact mirrorless cameras, but most serious photographers tend to opt for larger sensors for heat dissipation and better depth of field. DJI promises everything makes sense once your palm-sized flying camera is buzzing with capturing footage.

The DJI Mini 2SE is a capable little flying camera, at least on paper. Image credit: DJI

The camera is mounted on an advanced gimbal with a 3-axis mechanical stabilization system that promises smooth footage even in strong winds.

The drone is small. Fantastically small. And it weighs just 249 grams (8.8 ounces), and DJI says it’s exempt from drone regulations in “many parts of the world.”

Aimed primarily at the novice market, DJI’s newest offers one-click take-off and landing, stable hovering, and a “return to home” function for easier flying. The drone supports HD video transmission up to 10 km (6.2 miles) and a maximum flight time of just over half an hour.

DJIs Fly More Combo includes extra batteries, charging cables, and spare rotor wings in case you’re not as good (or lucky) as a pilot as you’d like. Image credit: DJI.

The drone itself is priced competitively, at $369, and there’s a “fly more combo” available for $519 that includes extra batteries, spare rotors, and a few other goodies. The new quadcopter will be available from March 22.