DJI’s new Mini II drone is light and cute

The DJI Mini was the best-selling drone ever for DJI, which dominates drone gross sales.

So, what to do for an encore? How about larger decision, as within the means to shoot in 4K video, and a bigger picture sensor.

Like the unique Mini, the brand new Mini II is in regards to the dimension of a smartphone, making it a simple slot in a backpack. Primarily based on an early look, the Mini II is for certain to be one other huge vendor.

One other change from final yr: The next record value, at $449, up $50 from the value of the unique model. DJI says the added value is for the upper decision sensor and 4K video. The Mini was closely discounted in the course of the holidays final yr, to $299.

In our checks on the seashore, in early morning gentle and at sundown, we noticed wealthy colours and even publicity.

One knock: We arrived on the seashore at 5:30 a.m., and the drone would not fly. An error message stated it was simply too darkish. After we tried once more at 7 a.m., as soon as the solar was up, and there have been no points.

A giant subject for a lot of drone flyers is battery life. As soon as within the air, and cruising alongside, these nagging beeps to let you know’re operating low are by no means enjoyable to come across. DJI says the Mini II can keep within the air longer than the unique Mini, at simply over 31 minutes

And pretty much as good as the pictures look, the processing chip of the drone, even whereas bigger, continues to be smaller than the 1/2 inch dimension of the step-up Mavic Air II drone, which sells for $799 and the total 1-inch chip of the Mavic Professional II, which sells for $1,599.

The calling card of the Mini is its dimension. It is so small and lightweight; it feels prefer it weighs virtually nothing. That is nice for slipping right into a backpack and taking in all places with you. And it simply works.

Flip it on, it goes within the air, flies round and comes dwelling. It is laborious to place into phrases what a pleasure that is, however it simply appears extra seamless than among the different drones.

In the event you’re new to drones, or by no means obtained your palms on final yr’s Mini, the brand new Mini can be an awesome place to start out. It will additionally make for nifty present to your child, as a result of low price and ease of use. Simply bear in mind to comply with FAA pointers that do not enable name for not flying larger than 400 ft, in crowded areas, over individuals’s heads or oncoming vehicles.