Reader Response Draft 4

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. “It weighs at 249g, with 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. 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 predecessor, 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 the 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 wider distance and allow for more 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 that has more vibrant colour contrast and prevents shadows (Gadget Inspector, 2021). Therefore, a warehouse management and security surveillance industry jobs will benefit from the quality of the camera. (Heliguy™, n.d.). 

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 over the Mini 2. However, the Mini 2 does have strenghts which include 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. The Mini 2 has a higher operational uptime which will serve the basic needs of video capturing for leisure use, overseeing industrial sites or warehouse inspections (Heliguy™, n.d.). 

In conclusion, both drone models are capable of being 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 more worth the investment (Fisher, 2019) and a better option than the Mini 2 with superior technology and specifications. 

 (797 words)

 

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 

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.  https://www.dji.com/sg/products/comparison-consumer-drones 

  

Critical Reflection

Module Learning:

At the start of the course, the initial goals I have set for myself is to enhance my thinking process in a more logical manner as well as the content that I should use. Through critical thinking and critical reflection, I am able to better process by applying the three factors which are viability, feasibility and desirability. In engineering context, I am able produce a write up based on the three factors and consider how I can convince my audience reading about my engineering product with a step by step flow explaining why and how the product will positively impact lives for instance. In addition, it filters out unnecessary information and only certain information that should be included to have a greater influence in convincing the audience. I firmly believe that my goals are met because I have a clearer view of how to convince audience with an evident approach. In my opinion, I have engage often with my classmates and discuss on certain matters and enjoy listening to different perspectives which helped me learn how they express their thoughts as compared to when they write something, it is a totally different explanation. However, I feel I can improve these skills by widening my talks to more people out there since alternative perspective gives me greater insights and learn how they are able to craft out their style of flow which can be gained by seeking their advice. 

(238 words)

Project Learning: 

The focus of my research project I will talking about is the structure of content. In the pursuit of my research project with my team, we first highlight the key features we will want to include in our report content such that it gives us an easier access to the background information and start linking it all the way down to the purpose and problem statement. This is possible as we dive into how audience perceive our report when reading and we include information along the way using the structural approach which follows the PEEL format. In terms of speaking, I have adopted the way I wrote my report and speak with the PEEL format as well but in point forms so it does not feel like a script and more of an approach that I understand my topic. For teamwork skills, we highlight to one another areas for improvement by including better vocabulary words to provide a professional standard. We tend to have meetings often and go through areas that we feel can be rephrased and consider if the information is really necessary to persuade stakeholders on our engineering product. Overall I am pleased with the learning style picked up through the report writing because I am less stubborn as compared to the start and more willing to accept changes because my perspective might not be the best and I am more open to change and twig the style of the report since its a team project. 

(248 words)

Student Participation

Dear Professor Blackstone,

I truly believe that I am  I am always punctual with a 100% attendance for all your UCS classes. During lessons, I actively participated in all the class and group activities by sharing my opinion and listening actively to my group members whenever they are sharing their opinion. In addition, I am also attentive towards my professor when he is imparting us the required knowledge and understandings in order to hone our skills in terms of writing or speaking effectively. As an active and curious learner, I pop questions to my professor and seek his guidance as I am looking to improve as a better person in terms of my speaking and writing skills. The skills he has taught me has enabled me to help others when giving them feedbacks. In group work and discussion, I have always been actively giving my opinions and inputs to provide my teammates a wider view of my perspective in order to contribute to my team's ability to finish tasks on time. Whenever I am tasked to read paragraphs in class, I always give my utmost best to articulate to my best efforts so that not only is it smooth and pleasing to you but also my classmates. Therefore, I firmly feel that I deserve the "excellent" grading for student participation since I am consistent in my learning attitude towards my professor or my classmates while displaying utmost respect all the time. Thank you for the guidance for the past 13 weeks, it has been a pleasure learning from you and your explanations were in depth for me to understand every topic.

Thank you and best regards,

Yu Siang