DJI released the Mini 2 drone in November 2020, just a year after the original Mavic Mini. Both weigh less than 250g, which makes them attractive around the world because either you don’t have to register it or you can fly with fewer restrictions than larger, heavier drones.
While the Mini 2 was a huge upgrade over the original, bringing 4K video and Ocusync 2.0 for a more reliable, longer-range signal, there was still room for improvement.
The Mini 2 didn’t get ActiveTrack (something many felt it should have had, partly because the older Spark had it), and it didn’t have any sensors for avoiding obstacles.
If you held out and were waiting for a Mini 3, it looks like you won’t have to wait until November 2021. Rumours are hotting up that a new Mini is about to be launched, with DJI reacting to stiff competition such as the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro and bringing out a new model even sooner.
Oh, and it will be called the DJI Mini SE, not the Mini 3.
When is the DJI Mini SE release date?
- Likely to be July or August 2021
While we still don’t know exactly when DJI will announce the next drone, it looks like there might not be long left to wait at all. November was possible but DJI might bring it forward due to the rival Zino Mini Pro.
OsitaLV, a DJI drone pilot, posted on Twitter showing the Mini SE on Shopee Mall, indeed the listing is still live as if the drone has been quietly launched in Malaysia already.
DJI Mini SE imminent. pic.twitter.com/wkIcKzW4dA
— OsitaLV (@OsitaLV) June 30, 2021
A while ago, this blog post claimed that the production line is still being put into place, but is not yet up and running, and that DJI has already shot a promo video for the drone.
There are a few videos on YouTube claiming to be Mini 3 first looks, but they’re likely to be fake and simply bad videos of the Mini 2, not showing any evidence that they’re not using a Mini 2.
How much will the DJI Mini SE cost?
The Mini 2 costs £419/US$449/AU$749, and more if you want the Fly More Combo kit.
As per the tweet above, the DJI Mini SE will cost from RM1,349. That’s Malaysian Ringgit and coverts to around £235 or US$325 – a lot less than its predecessor.
What new features will the Mini SE have?
Following on from leaked images, we now have more concrete details on the Mini SE specs. At least, if the Shopee listing is real.
Instead of a spec bump, DJI is downgrading the camera to achieve a lower price it seems – rather than upgrading it to the 64Mp 1/1.7in sensor from the DJI Pocket 2.
The Mini SE has a 2.7K resolution camera with a 4km range. For comparison, the DJI Mini 2 shoots 4K at 30fps. This means it supports Quad HD video and 12Mp photos and also has a 3-axis gimbal to keep everything smooth.
There’s no mention of Ocusync 3.0 in the listing but it would seem DJI would not need to include this technology anyway as the Mini SE doesn’t need to support transmission of higher-resolution and higher-framerate video due to the 2.7K camera.
What the page does state is that the DJI Mini SE will have obstacle avoidance and a run time of 30 minutes. One leak that was correct is the weight of just 249g, which isn’t much more than some smartphones.
Here are some more DJI Mini SE specs from the Shopee listing:
- 249g Ultralight
- 30-Min Max. Flight Time
- 2.7K Camera
- 4km HD Video Transmission
- Obstacle Avoidance
- Vision Sensor
- GPS Precise Hover
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- Smart Return Home
- Simplified Recording & Editing
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Author: Jim Martin, Executive Editor
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.