Reader Response Draft 3

 

The webpage “Review: the DJI Mini 2 is the perfect drone for beginners” from Murphy (2020), presents the features and functions of DJI’s photography drone for beginners. The DJI Mini 2 features includes a lightweight design, “OcuSync 2.0 transmission, 12-megapixel camera, 3 axis motorized gimbal, Return-To-Home (RTH) function and long flight time. “Weighing at 249g and a folded dimension of 131x81x58mm” making it convenient to be brought out for photo and video shoots. One of the features includes capturing high quality footage and photos with “4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second with the 12-megapixel camera” (Kronfli & Wilson, 2022). The DJI Mini 2 uses OcuSync 2.0 transmission for a dependable and long-range distance operation of up to 10 kilometers (Pete R, 2023). The drone is equipped with a 3-axis motorized gimbal that provides stability and smooth footage, even in windy conditions or during rapid maneuvers. In addition, this drone features the RTH function which allows the drone to automatically return to its takeoff location if it loses contact with the remote controller or when the battery is critically depleted (Murphy, 2020). The drone offers an impressive flight time of up to 31 minutes when fully charged, allowing for good productivity in a single flight (“DJI Mini 2 VS Mavic Mini”, 2020). Even though the DJI Mini 2 is a highly recommended entry-level drone, it is inferior in terms of the technology and specifications it possesses compared to its antecedent, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

One problem of the Mini 2, is its inability to cover distances. The Mavic 2 Pro is able to reach a greater distance of 18 kilometres (42 Facts…, n.d.) and altitude of 6000 meters as compared to its more up-to-date model, the Mini 2, with only a maximum transmission range of up to 10 kilometres (Dronelitic, n.d.) and a maximum altitude of 4000 meters.This factor will encourage drone lovers to choose the Mavic 2 Pro as it covers a wide geographical footage that enjoys scenic views.

Another concern is the camera quality as the Mini 2 only has 12-megapixels and 200ms latency while the Mavic 2 Pro has 20-megapixels and 120ms (Way, 2021). A higher megapixel’s specification defines how detailed a videography can be while a lower latency reduces buffer time during footage. In addition, the Mavic 2 Pro provides 120 frames per second in full high-definition (FHD) mode and Dlog-M 10-bit (Fisher, 2019) unlike the DJI Mini 2 for more vibrant colour contrast and prevent shadows (Gadget Inspector, 2021). Thus, warehouse management and security surveillance industry jobs will benefit from the looks of the camera quality professionally (Heliguy™, n.d.).

Furthermore, the 3-axis gimbal mechanism is included in the features of the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mini 2. This gimbal is attached to the camera which minimizes insecurities in terms of how secure the camera is as it locks the camera in place with the assistance from 3 planars. The mechanical range of the gimbal involves the tilt, roll and pan (DJI, n.d) motion about the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis respectively. The Mavic 2 Pro is able to tilt from -135 degrees to 100 degrees, to roll from -45 degrees to 45 degrees and pan from -100 degrees to 100 degrees while the Mini 2 is only capable to tilt from -110 degrees to 35 degrees, to roll from -35 degrees to 35 degrees and pan from -20 degrees to 20 degrees (DJI, n.d). This shows the capability of the Mavic 2 Pro to rotate around in 3 different axes and cover more angles while being secured in any aspect of videography it undertakes.

The differences certainly favour the Mavic 2 Pro in terms of technology and specifications than the Mini 2. However, the Mini 2 does have its pros which comprises its digital zoom in 2 times in 4K; 3 times in 2.7K and 4 times in FHD which the Mavic 2 Pro is not equipped with (DJI, n.d). Besides digital zoom, the Mini 2 has a charging time of approximately 60 minutes as compared to the Mavic 2 Pro's 90 minutes charging time while serving the same maximum 31 minutes flight time. Therefore, the Mini 2 has a higher operational uptime due to cost efficiency to serve the basic needs of video capturing for leisure use, overseeing industrial sites or warehouse inspections (Heliguy™, n.d.).

In conclusion, both drone model care capable to be used for leisure videography hobby or in warehouse management and industrial sites (Heliguy™, n.d.). The Mini 2 is a decent choice for entry level based on cost affordability and technology for $499 on market. However, if buyers intend to purchase a drone without the cost being an issue, the Mavic 2 Pro costing $1499 is definitely more worth the investment (Fisher, 2019) and a better option than the Mini 2 with superior technology and specifications.

 

 

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References:

Murphy, K. (2020, November 5). Review: the DJI Mini 2 is the perfect drone for beginners. DPreview. 

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/review-the-dji-mini-2-is-the-perfect-drone-for-beginners

Kronfli, B. & Wilson, M. (2022, July 28). DJI Mini 2 review. techradar. 

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/dji-mini-2

Pete, R. (2023, August 6). A Traveler's Review: The DJI Mini 2 Drone. Bucketlistly blog. 

https://www.bucketlistly.blog/posts/dji-mini-2-review-best-travel-drone

DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic Mini: Comparing the latest Mavic mini to the original (n.d.). Drdrone. Retrieved November 4, 2020, from https://drdrone.ca/blogs/drone-news-drone-help-blog/dji-mini-2-vs-mavic mini#:~:text=The%20most%20flashy%20upgrade%20to,of%20shooting%202.7K%20video

Way, M. [Matt Way]. (2021, Feb 14). DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic 2 Pro in 2021- Which one should you buy? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gppZCNe6J8

Gadget Inspector. (2021, May 1). DJI Mini 2 vs Mavic 2 Pro Comparison [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D7FQi8ZQ_Q 

Heliguy™ (n.d.) Using DJI Mavic 2 Drones For Commercial Jobs. Heliguy. https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/using-dji-mavic-2-drones-for-commercial-jobs

Dronelitic (n.d.) DJI Mini 2 vs DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Dronelitic. https://dronelitic.com/dji-mini-2-vs-dji-mavic-2-pro/

42 Facts in comparison: DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs DJI Mavic Mini 2 (n.d.) Versus. https://versus.com/en/dji-mavic-2-pro-vs-dji-mavic-mini-2

Fisher, K. (2019, September 4). DJI Mavic 2 Pro Review. PCmag. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/dji-mavic-2-pro

DJI (n.d.) Consumer Drones Comparison: Find the best DJI drone for you. DJI. https://www.dji.com/sg/products/comparison-consumer-drones