Choosing between the Mavic Pro vs Mini 2 is a topic frequently discussed by those looking to buy a drone. DJI, a prominent name in the drone industry, manufactures both drones with different features, capabilities, and prices.
While the Mavic Pro was once considered a high-end drone when it was launched in 2016, the Mini 2 is a newer release that caters to a different market segment with its compact size and affordability. In this comparison, we’ll examine the distinctions between the DJI Mavic Pro and Mini 2, helping you to determine which drone best suits your needs.
DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic Pro: Which drone is better?
The Mavic Pro offers obstacle avoidance and portrait mode, while the Mini 2 is more portable and affordable. Both can capture stabilized 4K videos, making them reliable drones for commercial use.
DJI Mavic Pro vs Mini 2 Specs:
| Specs | DJI Mavic Pro | DJI Mini 2 |
| Max Flight Time | 27 min | 31 min |
| Max Wind Speed Resistance | Scale 5 | Scale 5 |
| Max Transmission Distance | 4.3 mi (7 km) (FCC) | 4.3 mi (10 km) (FCC) |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 1/2.3-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max Video Bitrate | 60 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Video Resolution | 4K/30p | 4K/30p |
| Video Transmission System | OcuSync 1.0 | OcuSync 2.0 |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Forward, Downward Sensors | Not available |
| Weight | 743 grams | <249 grams |
| SD Card | up to 128 Gb | up to 256 Gb |
Features and Performance
The DJI Mavic Pro is a powerful and versatile drone with several standout features that make it popular among drone enthusiasts and professionals. Here are some of its key features:
Precision Hover: The Mavic Pro has an advanced flight control system that allows it to hover in place with extreme precision, even in windy conditions.
TapFly: With TapFly, you can tap on the screen of your mobile device to send the Mavic Pro flying in the direction you want it to go. This feature is especially useful for capturing complex shots.
Terrain Follow: With Terrain Follow, the Mavic Pro can maintain a consistent altitude above the ground, even as the terrain changes. This is particularly useful when flying over hilly or mountainous terrain.
Obstacle Avoidance: The Mavic Pro has several sensors that allow it to detect and avoid obstacles. This feature helps to prevent collisions and ensure safe flying.
Portrait Mode: With Portrait Mode, the Mavic Pro can capture stunning aerial photos and videos in a vertical orientation, making it ideal for social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
On the other hand, the DJI Mini 2 is a more recent release that prioritizes portability and affordability. It weighs less than 249 grams, exempting certain aviation regulations in many countries. Despite its smaller size, it still offers impressive capabilities such as a 4K camera, a 3-axis gimbal, and intelligent modes like Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang, and Panorama. Additionally, the Mini 2 has a precision hover feature that allows it to hover in place with stability and accuracy.
Transmission system
Regarding transmission range and resistance to interference, the Mavic Pro is equipped with OcuSync. It can fly up to 4.3 miles (7 km) with improved resistance to interference and a higher transmission throughput.
On the other hand, the Mini 2 has OcuSync 2.0 that supports up to 10 km of HD video transmission and has excellent anti-interference capabilities, allowing you to fly farther and see clearer. In summary, while the Mavic Pro has a shorter transmission range, the Mini 2 offers a much longer range and better anti-interference capabilities with its OcuSync 2.0 technology.
Camera Sensor and Gimbal
The Mavic Pro and the Mini 2 are popular drones from DJI with impressive camera capabilities. Here’s a comparison of their cameras:
Camera Sensor: The Mavic Pro and Mini 2 have a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor.
Effective Pixels: The Mavic Pro has 12.35 MP, while the Mini 2 has 12 MP effective pixels. Although the difference is small, it might result in slightly better image quality on the Mavic Pro.
Video Capture: Both drones are capable of capturing 4K videos. However, the Mavic Pro can record at 24fps, while the Mini 2 can record at 30fps. This means that the Mini 2 might better capture fast-moving objects, while the Mavic Pro might be better for slow-motion shots.
Video Bit Rate: The Mavic Pro can capture videos with a bit rate of up to 60Mbps, while the Mini 2 can capture videos with a bit rate of up to 100Mbps. This means the Mini 2 can capture more detail in each frame, resulting in better image quality.
Stabilization: Both drones have a three-axis mechanical gimbal, which helps to ensure smooth footage even in windy conditions.
Battery Life
One of the most significant differences between the Mini 2 and the Mavic Pro is their battery capacity and flight time. The Mini 2 has a larger intelligent flight battery capacity of 5200 mAh compared to the Mavic Pro’s 3830 mAh. This means that the Mini 2 can stay in the air for up to 31 minutes, while the Mavic Pro can fly for up to 27 minutes max flight time. Regarding flight time, the Mini 2 has a slight advantage over the Mavic Pro.
Another difference between these two drones is their charging options. The Mini 2 can be charged using a power bank with a USB type C cable, making it more convenient and portable when traveling. On the other hand, the Mavic Pro requires a car charger or a power bank with AC output, which may not be as convenient when you’re on the go.
Remote controller and Application
When comparing the Mini 2 and Mavic Pro, one of the main differences is in the remote controller. While the Mavic Pro’s operating frequency is 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz, the Mini 2 has a broader range of frequencies, operating at 2.400-2.4835 GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz. This wider range may provide better connectivity and less interference when flying the Mini 2 in areas with high radio-frequency interference.
In terms of transmission distance, the Mini 2 has a higher maximum range compared to the Mavic Pro, with up to 10 km (FCC) transmission distance in unobstructed and interference-free environments. In contrast, the Mavic Pro’s maximum transmission distance is FCC compliant: 4.3 mi (7 km); CE Compliant: 2.5 mi (4 km); SRRC Compliant: 2.5mi (4 km); and MIC Compliant: 2.5 mi (4 km) in the same conditions.
Another notable difference is the battery capacity of the remote controllers. The Mavic Pro’s remote has a 2970mAh battery capacity, while the Mini 2’s remote controller has a 5200mAh battery capacity. However, the Mini 2’s remote controller has a USB Type-C port for charging and smartphone connection, while the Mavic Pro’s remote uses a micro-USB port.
Finally, the Mini 2 remote is compatible with the DJI Fly App, while the Mavic Pro RC is compatible with the DJI GO 4 App. Both apps offer similar features and functionality, but the DJI Fly app is specifically designed for the Mini 2, while the DJI GO 4 app is designed for a wider range of DJI drones, including the Mavic Pro.
Price comparison
The DJI Mavic Pro is an older model released in 2016 and is no longer sold by DJI. However, it is still available on the secondhand market or through third-party sellers. Today, the price for a used Mavic Pro with the fly more combo package varies depending on the condition, ranging from around $350 to $600.
The Mini 2 is a newer model released in 2020 and is still sold by DJI. The current retail price for the Mavic Mini 2 is around $449 for the standard package, which includes the drone, remote controller, one battery, and other basic accessories.
Overall, the Mavic Mini 2 is less expensive than the older Mavic Pro, even when purchased brand new. However, the price of a used Mavic Pro can be competitive with the Mavic Mini 2, so it may be worth considering both options depending on your budget and needs.
Why Choose DJI Mini 2?
The Mini 2 is a popular drone choice among DJI Mavic mini series (Mini & Mini se) due to its compact size, ability to be charged via a power bank, and 4K stabilized videos. It is also known for its impressive flight performance and long-range transmission capabilities.
Why Choose DJI Mavic Pro?
The Mavic Pro offers several compelling features for consumers. It can capture high-quality, stabilized 4K videos with strong wind resistance and obstacle avoidance technology. It also offers quick shot and portrait modes, making it an ideal option for social media enthusiasts.
Read more: DJI Mavic Pro still worth buying?
Do I need to register my Mini 2?
Unlike the Mavic Pro, the Mini 2 drone does not need FAA registration. However, it’s important to follow local rules and regulations for drone use, such as obtaining permits, flying only in designated areas, and respecting others’ privacy. Being a responsible drone owner ensures safety while enjoying drone technology.
Is the DJI Mavic Pro good enough for commercial use?
The DJI Mavic Pro is still considered a highly capable and reliable drone for commercial use. It offers excellent stability, precision, and control, making it suitable for various applications, including aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspection.
Should I upgrade my Mavic Pro to Mini 3 Pro or Mavic Air 2s?
The DJI Mini 3 Pro offers better portability and affordability, while the DJI Mavic Air 2s offers superior camera features and obstacle avoidance. If you value portability and affordability, the Mini 3 Pro is a great option, but if you prioritize camera quality and safety features, the Air 2s may be a better choice.
The DJI Mini 2 and Mavic Pro can capture high-quality, stabilized 4K videos. However, the Mavic Pro offers additional features such as obstacle avoidance and portrait mode, making it a more versatile option for certain commercial use cases.
On the other hand, the Mini 2 is more portable and affordable, making it an attractive option for those on the go. Ultimately, choosing these two drones depends on personal needs and preferences. It’s recommended to consider factors such as the type of work, location, and budget before deciding.
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