Thanks Scott. No matter how much time passes and how many new drones come into the market, the DJI Mini 2 will continue to produce incredible footage :)
That is correct, the DJI cameras are very good across the series. I look at it from the perspective that the drone is the platform that carries your eye in the sky, all those cool new features on newer drones just make for a lot of fun getting the camera out and back.
The tele lens on the Mavic 3 is fantastic and I'd expect that both tele lenses on the Mavic 3 Pro are outstanding too. Unfortunately, the Pro is over 900g and for that reason I currently have no interest in obtaining one :(
I did have an Air 2S which I sold when I bought a used Mini 2. The only thing I'd consider upgrading to is a mini 3 Pro, and there are some of those at about half price for sale. It's the better performance of the sensor for night shots which is what makes the difference for me. I do like urban light trails ETC. Thanks for another informative and entertaining video Robert.
I always intend to go out and do a night shoot comparison, but it's always too cauld for my auld bones in the dark ;). Maybe if I get me some thermal gloves I'll do that! :)
Dynamic range is better in Mavic 3 (can see this in the clouds when returning), but that's to be expected. A Mini 3 pro is the sweet spot at moment for bang for buck, especially second hand. But for pure photography you can't beat a bigger sensor with variable aperture on the Mavic 3 and the 7x optical zoom is just an added bonus.
Great comparison video Robert. Obviously the Mavic 3 has better video quality and colours straight out of camera but with a bit of colour grading and tweaks as you did on the mini 2 footage it would be very hard for some one who is just watching the video without being told with what drone you used to tell the difference. if you had to shoot a small film or documentary with added drone footage no one would even know which drone was used in the making of it. 🙂
The Mavic 3 was brighter because the lens is bigger, gathers more light and has a bigger micro 4/3 sensor. As for detail and colour rendering, I'd say they're pretty close to being indistinguishable to the casual observer.👍
you're right both times lol! Bigger sensor = clearer footage. 60fps = smoother footage. Colour correction on Mini 2 = hard to distinguish which is which!
Great useful comparison vid just what us drone users love to see I’m still using the mini 2 don’t have funds for an upgrade but least u can see u can still get great footage with a few tweaks here and there. Thanks for sharing 🛩👍
Robert you are spot on to my thoughts well done brilliant video for me the features matter so I’m so happy with mini 4 and waypoints then editing the footage up. I wont be buying another drone unless major updates. But not that massive difference between the drones. All down to features you need and what you can afford.
Absolutely. The improvement in features with each iteration is amazing, but the improvement in the footage from the cameras is miniscule. I thought it would be useful to point this out in case some mini 2 owners were thinking about 'upgrading' with the idea that they'd massively improve the video footage. It's just not the case. There are MANY great reasons to upgrade, but the video quality is not one. :)
Nice one! I am curious, does setting the Wallace to 60fps make any difference to the end result for this TH-cam video, which I assume was exported as a 30fps? Cheers Robert, our trip to Scotland in May is coming together! I'll just have to buy another Mini drone to bring along ❤
I’m not an expert but I’m sure that yes it would make a big difference to the quality as you’ve twice as many frames per second. Looking at the video quality options on TH-cam the video is showing that it’s available to view in 4k at 60 frames per second so I’d say it has been uploaded at 60 fps. That said I’m wondering how the mini 2 footage would be affected if it’s been dropped onto a 60 fps timeline when edited ? I’ve a mini 3 pro and it’s incredible what these little drones can do👍Another interesting vid from Robert, I also have a Mavic 2 Pro, yes I’d love a larger more capable drone but I just can’t deal with all the restrictions that go with it👍
The timeline I created in Final Cut was 60fps. I filmed the mini 2 footage 4k@30fps and the Mav3 footage 4k@60fps. Before deciding which timeline to use, I tested both pieces of footage in a 30fps timeline and a 60fps timeline. I rendered both videos and uploaded them privately to TH-cam to see how they would both look. i did this to see if there would be any glitches to the mini 2 footage on a 60fps timeline or any glitches to the Mav3 footage in a 30fps timeline. Both videos will be available on the member section soon for anyone who's interested enough to see the results and if there is enough interest in the procedure I used here in the comments, i'll create a video explaining the steps I took to make this video. After examining the TH-cam footage from both timelines, I concluded that the 60fps timeline looked a bit smoother and there was no glitchiness on the mini 2 footage. And so I created the full video on a 60fps timeline and i am pleased with the result :)
I use a Mini 3 Pro now, but I started with an original Mavic Mini - and the video quality was great (albeit "only" 2.7k). I managed to get the Mini with a Flymore Combo for £230 from Amazon in January 2022, I still can't believe what I got for so little dosh!!!
Nice video Robert. I have said elsewhere that I won't upgrade any further than my Mini 3 Pro and my Air2S. I just don't see the justification in improvements or features. Having watched your video, I can't help but wonder at the difference in the two cameras when on "auto" settings. Can't help but wonder if DJI tweak their "auto" settings to help things look better in a new model. Having said that, I am going to take issue with you here. You stated that both of the fist videos were without correction or adjustment. But in BOTH videos I spotted blue in the sky above where you were flying. Knowing the area you are in and my experience of the past few weeks I know that this can't be accurate and has to have been added in post 😉🤣
Sounds a wee bit conspiracy-theory to me, but I see where you're coming from. My reason for disputing your posit is that I think the footage from the mini 2 on auto settings is actually BETTER than the auto settings footage you get from the mini 3 Pro. I can't speak to the mini 4 pro or the Air 3 as I don't have either of those, and when you get to the Mavic 3 camera, you're now comparing apples with melons because it's a completely different camera. Hahah! I get your point about the blues skies, but here's the thing - it's been minus 0 degrees here for a week now - my car has reported an outside temperature of -7 some mornings. But if you look at the skies they are beautifully blue like a hot Summer day. You only know it's not summer when you stick your nose out of the window and it instantly freezes! ;)
I've had, and flown the Min 2 for about 18 months and loved it, but i always felt it could be better in image quality and flight times, so i sold it and bought the Mini 3 and i am glad i made the small upgrade, the mini 3 flies better, better video, better low light, quiter in the air, and can now fly upto 51 mins with the PLUS battery, i sold my mini 2 for £230 and bought a second hand mini 3 for £230, but had to shell out £99 for a brand new plus battery, and wow it seems to just keep going and going, i no longer have to worry about battery life when in the air, i can get all i need done and return with plenty of juice still left in the tank lol.
I purposely set both drones to Auto and let the internal software take care of the exposure settings so that there could be an initial direct comparison with the raw, unadulterated footage in auto settings that both drones can capture. Obviously, if you're going out to capture some scenic footage, you'll use the correct filters, apply Pro settings, and use any post production required.
I agree yes mavic3 is better and a little time editing narrows the gap but is it worth 3 or 4 times the money? I don’t think so. I upgraded from the mini 2 to the air 3 the 70mm lens does make a big difference but then to be fare should only compare same size lenses. Rock on mini 2 🎉
As much as don't want to admit it...the Mavic 3 was definitely the better footage. Not only the color and brightness but also the sharpness. Honestly, if there wasn't an improvement, why would anyone even spend that kind of money on the Mavic 3. You could argue that the difference is caused by the difference in frame rate but I believe that even if you reduced Wallace's frame rate, it would still be better than Lassie's....and by all rights, it should be. But....the Mini 2 still holds it's own. I have no intentions of upgrading my Herbie anytime soon. Any of the features they've added to the Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 4 Pro aren't anything I'm looking for. I really need to take my Herbie out and fly him....he's been kind of neglected since I got into FPV. 😥
Agreed. And that helps because it doesn't blow the sky/clouds out too much. see the end of the video with the exposure corrections applied to the mini 2 footage :)
The most important thing is not the video quality, but that you can actually fly it when and where you want. Because if you can't you won't have video at all. There may be a couple reasons. 1. The drone is too expensive for your budget and you are too afraid to use it. 2. It takes too long to launch and you won't bother and move on. 3. You don't trust it and it flies bad. 4. People around. 5. The drone is too big and loud. 6. It doesn't work on a bike or boat or whatever. 7. It returns to home and you have to race back like an idiot to where it took off. So perhaps for you the camera is the most important thing. For me it's not.
Great video Robert 👍🏼 I really love my little Mini 2 - luckily for that, because I can't afford the Mavic 3 or the Air 3 for that matter 😅 I make all my videos with it (the older ones were made with the Mavic Mini though), for example this one, where I also adjusted the lighting a lot, since it was shot in low light and misty conditions: th-cam.com/video/gFa_ZzaKQDQ/w-d-xo.html
you don't need an expensive drone to get fantastic footage. The mini 2 provides FANTASTIC footage :). All you're really buying with a new DJI drone is some extra features :)
What is obvious to me is how advanced for its time the mini 2 was and the fact it can still produce great results compared to the newer drones.
It was like scifi when it was first released! :)
Excellent comparison, beautiful scenery and a great music, Robert! The mini 2 is the classic Flying Camera, thanks for keeping it in your videos.
Thanks Scott. No matter how much time passes and how many new drones come into the market, the DJI Mini 2 will continue to produce incredible footage :)
That is correct, the DJI cameras are very good across the series. I look at it from the perspective that the drone is the platform that carries your eye in the sky, all those cool new features on newer drones just make for a lot of fun getting the camera out and back.
That's my exercise done for today
Nice video Robert. Great comparison. Still love the footage of the Mini2. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
Another informative vidio Robert,and saving people money.Very good as usual
Thanks Cyril. I feel it's my obligation as a content creator in the drone niche to help people to make a more informed decision if I can :) 👍
Hi Bob, I love the zoom lens on my Mavic 3 Pro, the pictures are amazing.
The tele lens on the Mavic 3 is fantastic and I'd expect that both tele lenses on the Mavic 3 Pro are outstanding too. Unfortunately, the Pro is over 900g and for that reason I currently have no interest in obtaining one :(
I did have an Air 2S which I sold when I bought a used Mini 2. The only thing I'd consider upgrading to is a mini 3 Pro, and there are some of those at about half price for sale. It's the better performance of the sensor for night shots which is what makes the difference for me. I do like urban light trails ETC. Thanks for another informative and entertaining video Robert.
I always intend to go out and do a night shoot comparison, but it's always too cauld for my auld bones in the dark ;). Maybe if I get me some thermal gloves I'll do that! :)
Is DJI improving the ability to fly in bad weather? Cold? Rain, and snow?
I haven't heard anything about this, Stevan. What have you heard?
@@WindsweptRobert I know nothing. But for people in cold climates, flying only half the year stinks.
Aye, you're right. We are having back to back storms in my location right now and so I haven't been able to go out and fly for over a week :(
At least you're honest..Most people aren't out looking to make a block buster Movie anyways..I agree with you..
thanks Meat :)
Dynamic range is better in Mavic 3 (can see this in the clouds when returning), but that's to be expected. A Mini 3 pro is the sweet spot at moment for bang for buck, especially second hand. But for pure photography you can't beat a bigger sensor with variable aperture on the Mavic 3 and the 7x optical zoom is just an added bonus.
All correct, Fraser. Although I still prefer the footage that comes from the mini 2 compared with the Mini 3 Pro.
Great comparison video Robert. Obviously the Mavic 3 has better video quality and colours straight out of camera but with a bit of colour grading and tweaks as you did on the mini 2 footage it would be very hard for some one who is just watching the video without being told with what drone you used to tell the difference. if you had to shoot a small film or documentary with added drone footage no one would even know which drone was used in the making of it. 🙂
And the difference in price between those 2 drones is huge! :)
The Mavic 3 was brighter because the lens is bigger, gathers more light and has a bigger micro 4/3 sensor.
As for detail and colour rendering, I'd say they're pretty close to being indistinguishable to the casual observer.👍
you're right both times lol! Bigger sensor = clearer footage. 60fps = smoother footage. Colour correction on Mini 2 = hard to distinguish which is which!
spot on mate
Very well presented video. Thanks from a new subscriber. 👍
Thank YOU, Ray :)
Great useful comparison vid just what us drone users love to see I’m still using the mini 2 don’t have funds for an upgrade but least u can see u can still get great footage with a few tweaks here and there. Thanks for sharing 🛩👍
The mini 2 camera is a great camera and can capture majestic footage. The newer drones have additional features.
Robert you are spot on to my thoughts well done brilliant video for me the features matter so I’m so happy with mini 4 and waypoints then editing the footage up. I wont be buying another drone unless major updates. But not that massive difference between the drones. All down to features you need and what you can afford.
Absolutely. The improvement in features with each iteration is amazing, but the improvement in the footage from the cameras is miniscule. I thought it would be useful to point this out in case some mini 2 owners were thinking about 'upgrading' with the idea that they'd massively improve the video footage. It's just not the case. There are MANY great reasons to upgrade, but the video quality is not one. :)
@@WindsweptRobert agreed been flying and buying DJI drones for four years now mini2,3,4 and 2s. Now know the score
Ohh sorry I forgot to say thanks this was good to Watch and as always interesting 😊
Much appreciated :)
Wonder if you could do a comparison side by side on the Mavic 3 switching between Auto focus and infinity focus
As soon as the weather clears up! ;)
Nice one!
I am curious, does setting the Wallace to 60fps make any difference to the end result for this TH-cam video, which I assume was exported as a 30fps?
Cheers Robert, our trip to Scotland in May is coming together! I'll just have to buy another Mini drone to bring along ❤
I’m not an expert but I’m sure that yes it would make a big difference to the quality as you’ve twice as many frames per second. Looking at the video quality options on TH-cam the video is showing that it’s available to view in 4k at 60 frames per second so I’d say it has been uploaded at 60 fps. That said I’m wondering how the mini 2 footage would be affected if it’s been dropped onto a 60 fps timeline when edited ? I’ve a mini 3 pro and it’s incredible what these little drones can do👍Another interesting vid from Robert, I also have a Mavic 2 Pro, yes I’d love a larger more capable drone but I just can’t deal with all the restrictions that go with it👍
The timeline I created in Final Cut was 60fps. I filmed the mini 2 footage 4k@30fps and the Mav3 footage 4k@60fps.
Before deciding which timeline to use, I tested both pieces of footage in a 30fps timeline and a 60fps timeline. I rendered both videos and uploaded them privately to TH-cam to see how they would both look. i did this to see if there would be any glitches to the mini 2 footage on a 60fps timeline or any glitches to the Mav3 footage in a 30fps timeline. Both videos will be available on the member section soon for anyone who's interested enough to see the results and if there is enough interest in the procedure I used here in the comments, i'll create a video explaining the steps I took to make this video.
After examining the TH-cam footage from both timelines, I concluded that the 60fps timeline looked a bit smoother and there was no glitchiness on the mini 2 footage. And so I created the full video on a 60fps timeline and i am pleased with the result :)
@@WindsweptRobert Thanks Robert, perfectly explained👍
@@WindsweptRobert Thanks so much for the detailed explanation!
I use a Mini 3 Pro now, but I started with an original Mavic Mini - and the video quality was great (albeit "only" 2.7k). I managed to get the Mini with a Flymore Combo for £230 from Amazon in January 2022, I still can't believe what I got for so little dosh!!!
It's incredible what those wee drones can do for the wee pricetag! :)
Obviously the Mavic 3 was brighter but I'm not convinced that the level of detail was that much greater. Enjoyable vid, thank you Robert. 🙂
Bigger sensor on the Mavic 3 lets more light in, and 4k@60fps makes smoother footage, but the mini 2 footage is still spectacular :)
Nice video Robert. I have said elsewhere that I won't upgrade any further than my Mini 3 Pro and my Air2S. I just don't see the justification in improvements or features. Having watched your video, I can't help but wonder at the difference in the two cameras when on "auto" settings. Can't help but wonder if DJI tweak their "auto" settings to help things look better in a new model. Having said that, I am going to take issue with you here. You stated that both of the fist videos were without correction or adjustment. But in BOTH videos I spotted blue in the sky above where you were flying. Knowing the area you are in and my experience of the past few weeks I know that this can't be accurate and has to have been added in post 😉🤣
Sounds a wee bit conspiracy-theory to me, but I see where you're coming from. My reason for disputing your posit is that I think the footage from the mini 2 on auto settings is actually BETTER than the auto settings footage you get from the mini 3 Pro. I can't speak to the mini 4 pro or the Air 3 as I don't have either of those, and when you get to the Mavic 3 camera, you're now comparing apples with melons because it's a completely different camera.
Hahah! I get your point about the blues skies, but here's the thing - it's been minus 0 degrees here for a week now - my car has reported an outside temperature of -7 some mornings. But if you look at the skies they are beautifully blue like a hot Summer day. You only know it's not summer when you stick your nose out of the window and it instantly freezes! ;)
Now I would love to see the photos between the two. That would be very interesting. Better still I would like to see it against my Air2S 😊
That can be arranged! Let me know your schedule and I'll try to match it and we can do a comparison picture shoot :) (weekends only)
@@WindsweptRobert You have date Sir 👍
Yes and Yes.
?
I've had, and flown the Min 2 for about 18 months and loved it, but i always felt it could be better in image quality and flight times, so i sold it and bought the Mini 3 and i am glad i made the small upgrade, the mini 3 flies better, better video, better low light, quiter in the air, and can now fly upto 51 mins with the PLUS battery, i sold my mini 2 for £230 and bought a second hand mini 3 for £230, but had to shell out £99 for a brand new plus battery, and wow it seems to just keep going and going, i no longer have to worry about battery life when in the air, i can get all i need done and return with plenty of juice still left in the tank lol.
I feel the same with my Mavic 3. I have 3 batteries, but I've never used more than one on a day's shoot.
Any tips on where to buy the pus battery. I’ve seen them on Amazon but they’re not DJI so I’m a bit reluctant to try em👍
I bought a 'plus' battery for Caledonia, my mini 3 pro from Ebay. But it was a personal seller, not a commercial seller.
There’s something wrong with the exposure on that mini 2 footage Robert. Do you know what settings you were using on both ?
I purposely set both drones to Auto and let the internal software take care of the exposure settings so that there could be an initial direct comparison with the raw, unadulterated footage in auto settings that both drones can capture. Obviously, if you're going out to capture some scenic footage, you'll use the correct filters, apply Pro settings, and use any post production required.
@@WindsweptRobertmakes sense, cracking little drone that mini 2 and more than capable with a few tweaks of delivering great footage👍
I agree yes mavic3 is better and a little time editing narrows the gap but is it worth 3 or 4 times the money? I don’t think so.
I upgraded from the mini 2 to the air 3 the 70mm lens does make a big difference but then to be fare should only compare same size lenses.
Rock on mini 2 🎉
You're 100% correct about the additional lens on the Air 3, David. It's an absolute game changer and is a great reason to purchase an Air 3.
So much of a differance Mavic 3 looks so much better but mini 2 is good as well
Obviously the Mavic 3’s camera lets more light into the sensor anyway, but it’s a very subjective thing. 😉😉
Well, of course ;)
I'm guessing the Mavic 3 would be the better camera at night?
I expect so. I'll do a test when it's not minus 0 degrees here! ;)
Spot on carmer the only thing that counts the M 3 the best /i like the mini 2 buy my mini 3 better Bobert than the mini 2 .
.... The Mavic 3 Hasselblad camera sensor can spy out Haggis roamin the gloamin....
Ma dinner! :D
Mini looks almost at the same as Mavic 3 just needs to adjust the color a little bit that is all
Aye, that's the point I was making with this video :)
As much as don't want to admit it...the Mavic 3 was definitely the better footage. Not only the color and brightness but also the sharpness. Honestly, if there wasn't an improvement, why would anyone even spend that kind of money on the Mavic 3. You could argue that the difference is caused by the difference in frame rate but I believe that even if you reduced Wallace's frame rate, it would still be better than Lassie's....and by all rights, it should be.
But....the Mini 2 still holds it's own. I have no intentions of upgrading my Herbie anytime soon. Any of the features they've added to the Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 4 Pro aren't anything I'm looking for.
I really need to take my Herbie out and fly him....he's been kind of neglected since I got into FPV. 😥
Aye, the Mavic 3 footage is absolutely better and no amount of filters and tweaking to the mini 2 footage will change that :)
Mini 2 looks a bit under exposed.
Agreed. And that helps because it doesn't blow the sky/clouds out too much. see the end of the video with the exposure corrections applied to the mini 2 footage :)
Hello,
I’m a new subscriber to your channel, love it.
Wanted to know if you know about the Gypsy Auditor’s history.
Google Danny Ayres?
I am aware of this criminal.
The most important thing is not the video quality, but that you can actually fly it when and where you want. Because if you can't you won't have video at all. There may be a couple reasons. 1. The drone is too expensive for your budget and you are too afraid to use it. 2. It takes too long to launch and you won't bother and move on. 3. You don't trust it and it flies bad. 4. People around. 5. The drone is too big and loud. 6. It doesn't work on a bike or boat or whatever. 7. It returns to home and you have to race back like an idiot to where it took off.
So perhaps for you the camera is the most important thing. For me it's not.
Great video Robert 👍🏼
I really love my little Mini 2 - luckily for that, because I can't afford the Mavic 3 or the Air 3 for that matter 😅
I make all my videos with it (the older ones were made with the Mavic Mini though), for example this one, where I also adjusted the lighting a lot, since it was shot in low light and misty conditions:
th-cam.com/video/gFa_ZzaKQDQ/w-d-xo.html
you don't need an expensive drone to get fantastic footage. The mini 2 provides FANTASTIC footage :). All you're really buying with a new DJI drone is some extra features :)