DJI - Mini 2

If you want collision-avoidance sensors the Mini4 Pro or Mini3 Pro are best in the sub-250g realm. Otherwise the Mini4k is a great value. Before 2025 tariffs went into effect, they could be found at around $250. I paid $430 for my Mini2 4 years ago. Essentially the same drone. I love my Mini2 (not the SE). I have taken it to Europe and UK 3 times now.

This 👏 I started flying on no-name sub-$100 drones, and crashed all of them in out-of-control fashion. Then I bought my DJI Mini2 four years ago. Everything changed after that. The drone takes off and hovers at about 5-feet off the ground waiting for you to start controlling it. And the RTH feature basically flies back to where you are and lands. The DJI Mini4k is the very same drone. But even with these amazing features, bad things can happen. There is always the possibility that a pilot can crash into something. So if you think that your child may be crashing, then you should consider buying them a cheap non-DJI drone to start learning to fly with. These no-name drones can be found for $100 or less. If you still want to get them a DJI, and you fear that they will crash, consider getting them a DJI Mini4 Pro. It has collision-avoidance sensors top, bottom front and rear. And so if you let them learn to fly with Sport Mode turned off, those sensors may prevent them from crashing into something. Bear in mind that the DJI Mini4 Pro sells for about $1000 brand new. So if you don’t want to spend that much to start out, then I think you should consider buying the no-name cheap drones and get them to fly in large open areas far away from people, homes and vehicles. Good Luck 🚁

I bought mine on-sale at Costco for $429 4 years ago. Back then DJI called it the Mini2. Almost exact same aircraft. The Mini4k name was introduced about a year ago. My Mini2 has been an excellent drone. And even though it cost me $200 more than you will pay — I learned so much with this drone. The only negative on the Mini2/Mini4k is that they don’t have the obstacle avoidance sensors or the ActiveTrack feature. But they are still awesome. Good Luck 👍

None! Don’t sell! Still have my sparks, mini mavics, mini 2, all the way to current. And they still all fly great! And better than most “updated” non name brand drones available today. *Not Financial Advice

are your mini 2 batteries still well? I bought it when it came out and 2/3 batteries are dead. I had to buy 2 new batteries just last month.

I intend to keep my Mini 2(non-SE) which I've had for 3yrs now even though I now have a Mavic 3 which is superior in every way by a long shot. The reason- My niche is urban/architectural photography, both with a handheld as well as drones. With most of the ideal places to fly in the city, discretion is key. I can put the Mini in the air and land it without drawing much attention, and it's the perfect size and weight for foot travel. The 12mp camera is sufficient for urban landscapes/skylines given proper composure and editing . The only real downfall would be the lack of collision avoidance , but I dont rely on that anyway. Another reason- Online prints aside, I've printed and framed 6 aerial skyline drone shots that are currently hanging in my home office, as well as another handful I sold to my wife's company's corporate office. All happen to be from the Mini 2, so...

With more sensors to avoid collisions means it doesn’t have to as durable as the mini 2. I would expect crash’s to be less but they may suffer more damage. A good time to have DJI care

Get what ever is the cheapest mini series drone you can find. Depends on the time or you local second hand market, this can be mini 1, mini 2, 2SE, or mini 4K. At sub $300, you always get a full size controller, and long range FPV stream and fully gimbaled camera, perfect for practicing your skills. I would say the early version camera isn't the best, and you will notice it. If you really want good video, spring for mini 3 I guess

If you find a mini 2 to start with it's a nice drone, I started with it and now I've moved on to the mini 3 pro.

The images out of the Air 2s were just....special. I have the Air 2, mini 2, and mini 4 Pro. But there was something about the colour rendering and gradual changes through tones that was just so pleasing to the eye. The files were a dream to edit.

Agreed. Another point to consider with your first drone is how much are you comfortable risking losing. I do aerial cinematography and I use the mini 2 the most (unless client wants log gamma.) I'm way less stressed getting crazy shots. I've crashed it at least 10 times, once down about 5 flights of metal stairs in a lighthouse. It's fine. Indoors, outdoors- super easy to fly and great images (oh, except in low light.) Not as exciting as fpv, but flying fpv is a whole different animal, and I wouldn't recommend anything but a sim to someone interested in fpv with no pilot experience.

I was torn between the two but chose the mini 4 pro and I just shoot real estate and vacations. I was using a mini 2 and had zero issues shooting real estate, it looked absolutely fine. Are you filming cinematic moves? If not then only opinion the mini 4 pro will be plenty. People talk about the wind, if you watch videos of the mini 4 it does a damn good job in the wind. Also are you desperately needing to shoot in a super windy situation anyway? If you’re traveling to other countries, the sub 250g is probably your best bet. I got a refurbished fly more combo mini 4 pro for $800 with the RC2 screen remote from DJI.