DJI Mini 2 Se Full Review - What I think Of This Drone As A Professional Photographer 

I have had mine for a couple months and I love it. The cost really isn’t bad to get into some pretty nice videos and pictures. I’m very impressed by the build quality and the way it flies. I went full speed into a chain link fence and not a scratch. Just had to change the blades. For anyone who wants to get a drone to take around with them and have fun get some good shots I recommend this.

For anyone that thinks it takes poor images, just remember that “pro” photographers were shooting with 12mp drones (like the Magic air) just a few years ago and producing great images before the larger sensors were available.

Definitely won’t be registering it. That’s the main selling point for these light drones is not having too. I’m all about my freedom.

Thank you so much because, I’ve been trying to find other videos about the mini 2 se and not so many people own it yet so thank you so much

This is one of the first videos I watched on the Mini 2 SE and one of the videos that positively impacted my decision to buy it. I came across the video again and wanted to comment on a few things: a) this drone is easy and fun to fly, obviously as long as you're careful; b) I can verify that the quick shot functions do not work if there is no memory card - on one of the 2 occasions I forgot to put the card back in, I tried to select a quick shot and it wouldn't let me; interestingly, and somewhat related - it appears the pano shots don't work if you're zoomed in. I was up shooting the sunset yesterday and when I selected the pano or wide shot, it wouldn't let me zoom in - only when I switched back to the regular shooting mode; c) re: charging the battery, I picked up the YX for Mini 2 (name that's printed on the front) charger and I love it. It's about the same dimension as the battery, but about half as thick. It easily snaps right onto the battery and will tell you with a digital readout the current charge, voltage, and amps of the battery. Then you connect it via USB-c plug to a USB outlet and it will charge the battery. I find that with that in my kit, and the ability to charge a battery in the drone, I can reasonably quickly charge 2 of my 3 batteries - keeping me out and flying for longer periods of time; d) just unrelated fyi...yesterday I was downloading video from the drone (I had it flight ready but sitting on my desk since I didn't intend to fly) and though the battery was over half way charged, the rear light was flashing red. I was concerned but realized I still had the camera cover on when I turned the drone on. I don't know for sure if that is what the problem was, but I turned off the drone, removed the cover, and turned it back on. I was relieved to see the light flashing the normal color: e) great suggestion on the canned air - always a good idea to have compressed air to clean it out when necessary - thanks for reminding me that I need to add that to my kit! f) re: registering...I considered registering because when I (rarely) use my propeller guard when flying, they take it above 250g, plus I'm planning to eventually add red and green directional lights, so I just want to be compliant when I increase the weight. I added a strobe to the rear, but according to my scale, I'm still a couple grams under 250. Anyway, from what I've heard and read, when you register the drone (at least in Texas) you will need to put in your RID (Remote ID) number. As of now, Amazon sells a small RID unit that attaches to the drone for around $40 (and others as well), so I'll probably go ahead and do that. It would be nice to have the registration number on the side of the drone and proof of registration in case a law enforcement officer asks to see it - that and the TRUST course completion. Laws in other states may be different - I'm just speaking to the information I've gained regarding Texas. g) re: the quickshots, I recently commented in another one of your videos about the 'follow me' feature that this drone unfortunately doesn't have. I mentioned that I tested the circle quickshot and as soon as it started, I moved to my left and the drone went off course and followed me for about 6-7 seconds. I just downloaded and started reading through the manual (yeah...should have done that a lot sooner) and it states in the quickshots section, DO NOT use quickshots in any of the following situations...and one of the listed situations is "when the subject is moving fast". This insinuates that perhaps as long as the subject is moving slowly and the current quickshot is in operation, the drone will track the subject. Of course, this isn't as functional as the follow me feature, but it might come in handy if you want the drone to follow for a short period of time. I think the longest quickshot is about roughly 25-30 seconds or so, but if the drone does follow, that might be able to be extended if the subjects moves slowly. I will test that soon - it would be cool to be able to use an improvised but functional follow me type movement at times. BUT with the disclaimer you and other videos always state: this drone DOES NOT have obstacle avoidance so if it does end up following someone, the operator had better keep VLOS on the drone...unless they are sure the area is completely lacking obstacles. Sorry for the book...I get a lot of great information and tips from your and your viewers comments, especially when someone discovers something that might not be otherwise widely known. And keep the videos coming - they continue to be an inspiration for us. I haven't found that magical spot here in Houston yet that offers the beauty of your locations, but I'm still looking for it!

Just ordered the fly more combo from B&H Photo. I've been watching a lot of videos on it and yours are the best I've found. This is my first drone and know I'm pretty confident I'll be able to fly it without to much worry. Thanks for taking the time to make these.

Thank you so much for this informative video. I took and passed my Part 107 a month ago. I recently purchased the Mini 2 SE because it was a great budget for the quality that I'm getting and I also really want to get my foot in the door into the aviation business.

A great review. I needed someone like you to convice me to get one. With a photography background, I was keen to use/ get a drone at some point. I have just retired, I live in the beautiful countryside of Scotland and really thought that it would appeal to me. Now, it does, thank you. Increasingly, companies like Real Estate agents (realtors) are asking for stills and videos to sell homes and drones are becoming more and more essential, especially for countryside properties.

Thanks for a great video. I saw this today in the Sam's sale catalog. I have watched at least 6 reviews and yours is the first to answer my main question. Not even the Sam's site mentioned if you need a memory card, so I'm glad you mentioned it.

Thanks! it’s this video which convinced me to get this drone and like you, I have started my channel using this drone. So far I am really impressed with the performance of this drone!

Thanks Drew ... I first came across your channel in a search on the Mini 2SE, and while yes, your review is a bit overdue, it's clear, honest and frankly explains why this is such an excellent device. Well done, as always. I really appreciate the no-gimmicks, or overdone video editing approach to this channel. It doesn't hurt that you live in one of the most beautiful areas in North America by my reckoning ..... we were down three times this year and after more than 30 years of visits, Southern Maine has never lost it's interest for me. BTW -- Sam's Club have slashed their price on the bundle of drone, 2 batteries and carry bag to - get this - $299 USD! Price is good to December 25.

great drone. Fitted gimble shield and stops wind shake. Once you get the right filter is down to the flyer

I just flew mine for the first time today, i love it. Way more confident flying it vs a cheap vivitar i got years ago that is like fighting a bear.

I FINALLY FOUND THE IN DEPTH VIDEO I WAS LOOKING FOR. After what seemed like hundreds lmao, thanks man, I’m saving up to buy this I got some pretty good plans I know will succeed with this thing. 💪🏼🦅

Thanks for the review! I had the original Mini SE which was a great drone but used the old Mini 1 style controller and didn't have as much range as my current Mini 2 with the RC controller and O2. The Mini 2SE, as you have said is a great option with the upgraded controller. My Mini 2 with a lens filter and a ViFly strobe light weights 247 grams. This strobe is a good value at $15, has a long battery life, is FAA compliant and it's one of the lightest options to keep under 250 grams. I also use a Cynova charging hub that will charge 2 of the mini 2SE style batteries at once and can be used as a power bank, for about $20. I know the Mini 4 pro is all the rage now but for about 1/2 the price these older DJI minis are a lot of fun and take great photos and video, especially after a little post production tweaking. I Enjoy your channel!

I found your channel a week or so ago when I was looking for info. about the DJI mini 2 SE that I just purchased. Your vids have been so helpful! I'm in southern NH near Nashua and will probably try out some of the spots that you've flown at like Nubble Light, and Mount Agamenticus! Thanks for what you do!

If it’s perfect for real estate then I think I found the drone! Definitely will be ordering ! Getting my first listing!

This question is for all you photographers out there using this drone: I was trying to take a still pic with my mini DJI 2 SE of a lighted church steeple during dark hours (civil twilight at dawn) but couldn’t get the detail of the cross on the steeple due to white washout from the strong white light from within. All the other colors were vibrant and clear but the white lighting I am having trouble getting. It comes out blurry. White fireworks and headlight on cars as well. Is there a setting on my drone or on my camera that I can set to to fix this problem? Sorry, I don’t have fancy equipment - just my little drone and my iPhone. Thanks in advance!

Just ordered mine yesterday for $385 CAD and it is the bundle combo with extra long battery and bag.

Watching this video after buy 1 this model for my youtube channel...thanks bro

I started with the first mini se. I Love my mini 3 pro great for the price if your looking to go to the next level

Still can't decide which one to go for, 2SE or Mini 3. Things that making me biased towards Mini 3- The vertical video on Mini 3 is a good to have. A larger sensor can give much better dynamic range and low light image quality. Things that are making me biased towards 2SE- Affordable price (my pocket allows only this much). As a beginner losing it won't hurt as much Mini 3 would do. Still don't know what to go for 😏

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I have a DJI mini 2SE and absolutely LOVE IT! I am just a recreational flier but am studying for my part 107. I would eventually like to make a living as being a drone pilot either in the real estate industry or doing tower inspections. I do have a question. Lately I am having to recalibrate my mini a lot. One time it refused to recalibrate and couldn’t even get it off the ground. Another time I took it up after recalibrating it, got a shot, brought it down, then decided I didn’t like the pic and went to bring it up again only to have to recalibrate it again. It’s a pain to have to keep doing this. This all just recently started happening. Is this normal? What am I doing wrong? My little drone never had an accident and is new. Oh, BTW, I did register my drone with the FAA but didn’t get a remote ID. That was the main selling point on buying the minis (I now have a Mini 4 Pro that I haven’t unboxed yet) is that if it weighs less that 250 grams you don’t have to have a remote ID - unless you fly for Part 107 that is. Please let me know if you have an answer to the recalibration thing I mentioned above. Thanks for sharing!

Re the gimbal issues you mention with the Mini 2 se and sometimes other DJI Mini series drones, I think they are mostly caused by launching and landing on the ground, which kicks up dirt and grit into the gimbal motors and gears, which lie very close to the ground. I tecommend launching off a pad and hand catching it. I've never had an issue with mine

I really wanted to fly this drone in FPV using a VR head set. Unfortunately none of the apps (Maven , Litchi etc) that work with other DJI's work with the Mini 2SE as DJI has not released the SDK. Never would have bought it if I'd known that and would have got the Holystone HS720G instead as it comes with FPV mode.

MINI 2 SE is a little beast

Very good content. Honest as a newbie content creator. Little information but very important for biginners in aerial photographer like me.

I see this drone like a mirrorless camera or iPhone; the convenience makes it a no brainer to have with you, and the most important rule of photography is you cannot take a picture if you don’t bring the camera with you. I shoot more video with this drone than any of my fancier drones. Obviously if you are professional than heavier bleeding edge is the burden you must carry.

The mini 2 se has larger blade motors that are on the mini 3. That was one of the hardware upgrades.

Super great video hit all of the talking points I was looking for

Nice video, mine just arrived in the mail today. Got it set up and burned through 2 batteries testing it out. WOW this is much better and more sensitive than my old Deerc 22. So much more stable. I am studying for the 107, I am a home inspector and intend to use this to assist with roofs I can not walk and hard to reach areas. This will be perfect for this. If yo don't mind what software are you running this through to enhance these images, your shots are fantastic

Hello.. what is in your opinion better option to buy: Dji mini 2 SE fly more combo or Dji mini 3 basic package, for the approximately same price? :)

I just got my Mini 2 Se as my first drone for Christmas, and I love it!! As a newbie, just wondering how to register it with the FAA, is it required? And will I get in trouble flying if it’s not registered? Great video btw

we apreciate your content

Think I recall (from Pilot Institute) that if you do choose to register a sub .55lb drone in the US, that triggers the need for remote ID. Sub .55lb unregistered does not. Please correct me if you think I'm wrong on that?

The Smart Controller also works to the Mini 2. The problem is that it seems to only want to link to one drone only. I thought I can use the Smart Controller to toggle back and forth between my Mini 2 and my Mavic Pro but once you establish a link with one, it completely drops the other.

As an avid photographer,I’ve considered adding a drone. My fear are with fly aways. Is this a problem? I’m retired and could not easily afford replacing the drone.

Mr,dji mini2se the best.

Hi, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and tutorials. I like your drone photos and videos a lot! By the way, have you encountered any issue when importing videos shot by mini 2 se into Adobe Premiere? Every time I tried it, the app crashed.

7:34 I know this bridge in Maine! I’ve been there gorgeous

"um" seems to be the key word. Thanks for the video

Hello! I heard about the average 25 minute battery but was wondering if you could tell me about the charging times. This is my first “real” drone and my previous terrible cheap one had a 2 hours charging time and 9 minute fly time and I really have no clue what long it would take. Thanks! (Note I am not getting the fly more combo)

Hi please can you answer for my comment please? This one doesn’t have a fallow mode like to fallow the car if tou are in the car right? It s doesn’t worn on litchi

Found it ON SALE yesterday (12/5/2023) at SAM’S CLUB for $299

Very thorough and informative video, thanks man. New sub for sure 🤙

In EU you need to register it since it has an camera eventhough uts under 250 grams and it costs 20€! I aint regristering ut

Hi - Good informative video. Does the drone have an option for master subject tracking- to follow a person ? Thanks

Do you still think it is worth it or is there another drone that would be better for a similar price?

In a couple of hours I’m going to buy my first drone and I still can’t choose between this DJI Mini 2 SE and the Potensic Atom 4K, what do you recommend? Great video!

When you traveled to Italy, did you check bag your drone and battery or carry bag?

Hi Drew, Is there a market for providing just aerial photos & videos in the real estate market? Or are you expected to provide the internal photos of homes as well. I’m not a photographer by trade. My wife just bought me the mini 2 Se as a Christmas gift knowing that I would like to dabble in a business with it when I retire in a couple years.

Suggest me how would I bring it to india from usa

Please make video on Dji mini2se vs dji mini3

2:30 - Unless you are a 107 pilot do not register this drone. FAA told me that if I register it, I MUST COMPLY with remote ID requirememt. I thought like you, $5 is peanuts, register it, what can it hurt. HERE IS THE EMAIL RESPONSE: Your drone need not be registered if it is used only for recreation. If a drone is registered, it requires Remote ID. If it is to be flown under Part 107, it needs registration and hence, Remote ID. Paul Paul Hamilton PLH

Man, I wish there was a follow-me setting for this SE. I know that the Litchi app works with the Mini 2 but not so much with the Mini 2 SE. Do you think they will eventually allow the Litchi app to work for the SE? Thanks in advance!

Can anyone provide information on phone compatibility? I have heard that the software won't work with the Galaxy s22. Comments?

Hi there,Could u pls tell me whether I should buy the DJI mini 2 or mini 2 se,I am a beginner(I do know basic flying tho) but this will be my first DJI drone.I do know that the main difference is the camera but is 4K really usable practically in terms of storage or quality? And is there a major difference in repair costs between the two because it has a better camera and a led at the front if it matters? Pls tell me this I would really appreciate it!

Do the batteries on the mini 2 fit the mini 2 se.

Night vision can be taken vedio?

is the charging port a type c port? is the controller type c too?

Any tips on carrying it to India if bought in US.

Fn + gimbal is zooming

Is this chigago

What type of phone do you use for this drone

Have you been flying your mavic "free" in the ghetto at all? Lo😂

Only con, doesn’t have track me mode 💔

Range?

Naik😊

"Clip" a tree? More like pruned a tree.

Can you harass homeless people with it?

I really like the DJI mini 2 SE I subscribe and like your videos and I will give you a free gift if you give me one

You charge $100-$200 an hour for pictures with this piece of shit Drone? You should be ashamed of yourself bro. If this is true, you give real estate drone pilots a horrible name🤦🏻‍♂️

Thanks for the review! I had the original Mini SE which was a great drone but used the old Mini 1 style controller and didn't have as much range as my current Mini 2 with the RC controller and O2. The Mini 2SE, as you have said is a great option with the upgraded controller. My Mini 2 with a lens filter and a ViFly strobe light weights 247 grams. This strobe is a good value at $15, has a long battery life, is FAA compliant and it's one of the lightest options to keep under 250 grams. I also use a Cynova charging hub that will charge 2 of the mini 2SE style batteries at once and can be used as a power bank, for about $20. I know the Mini 4 pro is all the rage now but for about 1/2 the price these older DJI minis are a lot of fun and take great photos and video, especially after a little post production tweaking. I Enjoy your channel!