New Mavic mini

paddymcg · 12-11-2019 9:33pm #1

Anyone getting the new dji Mavic mini. Under 250g so doesn't have to be registered. 2.7k camera. Size of a average smartphone. 4km range. 30 minute flight. €399. Or €499 for fly more combo pack which comes with 3 batteries extra propellers and a case.

squonk · 17-11-2019 8:51pm

Yeah, I have one ordered. It’s still waiting to ship but I’m looking forward to finally getting it whenever that will be

seannash · 18-11-2019 5:08pm

paddymcg wrote: »

Anyone getting the new dji Mavic mini. Under 250g so doesn't have to be registered. 2.7k camera. Size of a average smartphone. 4km range. 30 minute flight. €399. Or €499 for fly more combo pack which comes with 3 batteries extra propellers and a case.

Just on the 4km range. You wont get that in Ireland as you'll be using the CE version which I believe is restricted.
No obstacle avoidance either.
I'm not sold on it. I have the spark and the only thing thats tempting me is the flight time.
Still a great price

squonk · 19-11-2019 9:01pm

Yeah, I think 4Km is a bit far to send one of these anyway even if you could. I have a phantom 3 which I can get out to about 1.5 miles in hilly terrain. That’s more than enough and I generally fly nearby missions really.

paddymcg · 19-11-2019 9:08pm

Yeah I've seen range tests done on the ce version. Up to 2k. Had a phantom 3 myself before but would generally loose range at about 700 meters. Sold it as found it was too big not portable enough. Be nice to have a bit more range but. Dont care about the obstacle avoidance as I never had it before with the phantom. Interesting to see what range anyone gets here in ireland.

FrostyJack · 20-11-2019 12:30am

I am picking one up tomorrow so hopefully will have a range test done by the weekend. Apparently the CE lock is GPS controlled, so say you brought it to the US it would revert to FCC spec and would have higher output. One youtube test in urban environment showed it got 600m, that isn't bad I suppose. I don't think I would risk testing that with the risk of interference. The price and portability is what sold me on it.

paddymcg · 20-11-2019 2:05am

FrostyJack wrote: »

I am picking one up tomorrow so hopefully will have a range test done by the weekend. Apparently the CE lock is GPS controlled, so say you brought it to the US it would revert to FCC spec and would have higher output. One youtube test in urban environment showed it got 600m, that isn't bad I suppose. I don't think I would risk testing that with the risk of interference. The price and portability is what sold me on it.

Ok would appreciate if you let me know how you got on and what you think of it. Cheers

stuff.hunter · 20-11-2019 10:53am

well, as far as I'm aware, Mini comes in two versions FCC and CE with model numbers with drones GPS responsible for changing between modes so usual FCC 'hack' used on Air or Spark probably wont work.

Personally wouldn't buy it as there's very little or when comparing to Air:
- very similar dimensions
- weight itself doesn't really matter in EU

and a lot of disadvantages:
- no sensors
- degraded camera
- need controller
- badly overpriced, at the end of the day its more a toy and you can buy far superior drone for less (e.g. Hubsan Zino)

..but that's my personal opinion

seannash · 20-11-2019 11:49am

stuff.hunter wrote: »

well, as far as I'm aware, Mini comes in two versions FCC and CE with model numbers with drones GPS responsible for changing between modes so usual FCC 'hack' used on Air or Spark probably wont work.

Personally wouldn't buy it as there's very little or when comparing to Air:
- very similar dimensions
- weight itself doesn't really matter in EU

and a lot of disadvantages:
- no sensors
- degraded camera
- need controller
- badly overpriced, at the end of the day its more a toy and you can buy far superior drone for less (e.g. Hubsan Zino)

..but that's my personal opinion

I don't think you could compare it to the Air. Its a totally different pricepoint no? Practically double the price.
I think a comparison to the Spark is fairer

ozmo · 20-11-2019 11:52am

Keeping an eye on this - size, low noise and battery life look great
but range doesnt looks impressive on uk youtube videos - with video breaking up completely at as near as 320m in wide open fields - probably worse with a few houses around.

Also wasn't impressed not being able adjust brightness of the image so the ground looks quite dark when there is sky in the shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InTOYI2dRb0 (see 5m13s in)

stuff.hunter · 20-11-2019 12:04pm

seannash wrote: »

I don't think you could compare it to the Air. Its a totally different pricepoint no? Practically double the price.
I think a comparison to the Spark is fairer

true but tried to point out that Mini's specs / price ratio is very bad even comparing to the Spark

seannash · 20-11-2019 12:09pm

stuff.hunter wrote: »

true but tried to point out that Mini's specs / price ratio is very bad even comparing to the Spark

The big sell would be the flight time for me.
Better camera on the mini compared to the Spark.
Not sure what a Spark is going for now but I think its a similar price point.
Spark struggles in wind too.
Its tough to call to be honest. I have the spark and the flight time frustrated me, its manageable with extra batteries but constantly swapping them out gets tiresome

stuff.hunter · 20-11-2019 12:09pm

ozmo wrote: »

Keeping an eye on this - size, low noise and battery life look great
but range doesnt looks impressive on uk youtube videos - with video breaking up completely at as near as 320m in wide open fields - probably worse with a few houses around.

Also wasn't impressed not being able adjust brightness of the image so the ground looks quite dark when there is sky in the shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InTOYI2dRb0 (see 5m13s in)

yup, plus Minis GPS looks dodgy, it seem to lose satellites lock which I've seen on other videos as well (9 - 12 satellites locked on), thats pretty weird especially in open area

stuff.hunter · 20-11-2019 12:13pm

seannash wrote: »

The big sell would be the flight time for me.
Better camera on the mini compared to the Spark.
Not sure what a Spark is going for now but I think its a similar price point.
Spark struggles in wind too.
Its tough to call to be honest. I have the spark and the flight time frustrated me, its manageable with extra batteries but constantly swapping them out gets tiresome

you're right with flying time but other than that, still would go for Spark

FrostyJack · 20-11-2019 9:00pm

stuff.hunter wrote:

you're right with flying time but other than that, still would go for Spark

Spark has half the battery life, 720p vs 2.7k camera, almost half the range, lower wind tolerance and cost more new. The only thing it really has over the mini is the follow me mode and few other quick shot features which could be added on firmware down the line. Unless you have a spark and don't think it is worth the upgrade there is no real metric to pick it over the mini. It is even more expensive on Amazon even though it is a year or 2 older.

I updated mine and charged it up but weather was too bad to fly today. Hopefully conditions are better tomorrow and can actually test it and see if spec is anyway true. I didn't get the fly more combo which I regret now as I could have 3 batteries ready to go. Seemed to be charging for ages with the usb micro charger I am using.

paddymcg · 21-11-2019 11:50am

FrostyJack wrote: »

Spark has half the battery life, 720p vs 2.7k camera, almost half the range, lower wind tolerance and cost more new. The only thing it really has over the mini is the follow me mode and few other quick shot features which could be added on firmware down the line. Unless you have a spark and don't think it is worth the upgrade there is no real metric to pick it over the mini. It is even more expensive on Amazon even though it is a year or 2 older.

I updated mine and charged it up but weather was too bad to fly today. Hopefully conditions are better tomorrow and can actually test it and see if spec is anyway true. I didn't get the fly more combo which I regret now as I could have 3 batteries ready to go. Seemed to be charging for ages with the usb micro charger I am using.

Ok would love to know how you get on. Keep us updated jack

FrostyJack · 21-11-2019 2:51pm

paddymcg wrote: »

Ok would love to know how you get on. Keep us updated jack

Great start. Raining all morning and when got a break in clouds I ran out with it. Calibrated compass ok but when went to do IMU it won't let me press start. Looking online for help, going to try factory reset. It is also giving gimbal not connected error as well I hope it is just glitch that is related or else it will have to go back. Raging.

paddymcg · 21-11-2019 3:10pm

FrostyJack wrote: »

Great start. Raining all morning and when got a break in clouds I ran out with it. Calibrated compass ok but when went to do IMU it won't let me press start. Looking online for help, going to try factory reset. It is also giving gimbal not connected error as well I hope it is just glitch that is related or else it will have to go back. Raging.

Ah jaysus. And you have firmware all updated. Hate to say it but sounds like a faulty one.

FrostyJack · 21-11-2019 5:22pm

paddymcg wrote: »

Ah jaysus. And you have firmware all updated. Hate to say it but sounds like a faulty one.

Brought it back to store and they gave a new one as replacement, so hopefully this one will be fine. He said mine was the first one back with issue so could of just been unlucky. Going to do calibrations tonight and hopefully get some clear weather in the morning.

paddymcg · 21-11-2019 5:48pm

FrostyJack wrote: »

Brought it back to store and they gave a new one as replacement, so hopefully this one will be fine. He said mine was the first one back with issue so could of just been unlucky. Going to do calibrations tonight and hopefully get some clear weather in the morning.

I would have been tempted to go for the combo pack. Keep us updated

FrostyJack · 21-11-2019 10:58pm

paddymcg wrote:

I would have been tempted to go for the combo pack. Keep us updated

Yeah it is the way to go I think. Trying to find out how much just the combo is separately. They do it for all the other models I think. Will try pick it up after xmas if bank balance allows. I charged controller and drone and updated firmware using PC this time. It all calibrated perfectly. The other one must have been defective or stuck in some mode. When connecting old drone the led at the back rotated through every colour when connected to PC, the new one just flashed green so the issue must be around that. Should get some action tomorrow so.

ozmo · 22-11-2019 2:45am

> Seemed to be charging for ages with the usb micro charger I am using.

Think you have to use a specifc type of fastcharger and its supposed to charge very fast (uses a higher voltage than the standard 5v)
Did it not come with one in the box?

FrostyJack · 22-11-2019 12:25pm

Same. It just comes with micro usb cable. I didn't use my Samsung fast charger as I am afraid it could damage it. The fly more combo is a must.

Took her up this morning. Very happy with the stability in decent wind. Didnt give it a range test as I was messing with the controls and testing camera. It is quite quiet considering. The other half didn't hear it in the house at all. Ran it in C mode and was easy to control. Have trees surrounding me so didn't risk the quick shots. Just as I was finishing up I sent it straight up. I was putting it into 2.7k mode and my phone crashed. It landed with the controller fine while phone reset. No idea what happened, I have a Note 9 and it barely fits. The connection to controller is on the hairy edge of fitting. I don't know if it came out slightly or the dji app crashed it. Back on charge now so hopefully will be clear later to get another run.

FrostyJack · 22-11-2019 7:19pm

Got to do a range test and results slightly less than ones on youtube though there were a lot of obstacles in the way. Return to home worked perfectly though and landed within a metre of the same spot. I ran it with phone in airplane mode and there was no repeat of phone crash, after about 20 minutes of use. When I went to review the 2.7k and 1080p 60 fps footage on sd card it was stopping and starting all over the place. I was raging thinking the recommended sd card was not good enough or there was another fault but when I opened it with window media player as apposed to vlc it played fine.

ScrubsfanChris · 22-11-2019 7:26pm

Looking like these will sell like hot cakes coming up to Christmas....
Always felt the Spark was overpriced by 20-30% but this seems just about right

Also if you're thinking of buying, +1 for the Fly More Combo, one battery will never be enough

paddymcg · 22-11-2019 9:24pm

FrostyJack wrote: »

Got to do a range test and results slightly less than ones on youtube though there were a lot of obstacles in the way. Return to home worked perfectly though and landed within a metre of the same spot. I ran it with phone in airplane mode and there was no repeat of phone crash, after about 20 minutes of use. When I went to review the 2.7k and 1080p 60 fps footage on sd card it was stopping and starting all over the place. I was raging thinking the recommended sd card was not good enough or there was another fault but when I opened it with window media player as apposed to vlc it played fine.

Sounds good. What was the range like. Wonder is it much better than the phantom 3. I may have the chance of getting a mavic pro original brand new in a combo pack for 999. Or the new mavic 2 pro with the 20mp hasselbad canera at 1249. After the mavic pro came the pro platinum. So wonder if it's a bit old. Or might just go with the mavic mini combo. Decisions

rash · 22-11-2019 9:36pm

Young lad is looking for one for Xmas, the fly app is 64 bit so won't run on his Moto G5s. Anyone using app on a phone that's not too expensive? Thanks.

ScrubsfanChris · 22-11-2019 9:49pm

rash wrote: »

Young lad is looking for one for Xmas, the fly app is 64 bit so won't run on his Moto G5s. Anyone using app on a phone that's not too expensive? Thanks.

There's a compatibility list at the end of this page if thats any help: https://www.dji.com/ie/dji-fly

Maybe pick the older phones on that lift and compare the specs with your sons phone.

Edit: Bit more: https://forum.dji.com/thread-202136-1-1.html

paddymcg · 22-11-2019 9:52pm

rash wrote: »

Young lad is looking for one for Xmas, the fly app is 64 bit so won't run on his Moto G5s. Anyone using app on a phone that's not too expensive? Thanks.

https://cultofdrone.com/dji-fly-compatible-device/#list

FrostyJack · 22-11-2019 10:56pm

paddymcg wrote:

Sounds good. What was the range like. Wonder is it much better than the phantom 3. I may have the chance of getting a mavic pro original brand new in a combo pack for 999. Or the new mavic 2 pro with the 20mp hasselbad canera at 1249. After the mavic pro came the pro platinum. So wonder if it's a bit old. Or might just go with the mavic mini combo. Decisions

I reckon you could get 600 m in an open area at least

. I have a syma x5 and x8 and they don't even compare. A slight breeze and they are a mile off course. Useless in Ireland. The mini is a different league. I have never used a pro or 2, so going by reviews and specs they are much better but it all depends what you want. If you only bring it out once in a while it is an expensive paper weight. I can't afford the Air never mind the big boys but if I get much use out of this I may invest next year in the 3 if it comes out or the Air 2. As the mini is so small I can bring it anywhere and it is fairly quiet too compared to the others. When I take it up the mountains will be the real test. Don't think I fancy letting it out on top of Carrantouhill but maybe on smaller mountains on calmer days. If they put the follow me mode on it I will be happy out.

jay28 · 26-11-2019 10:47am

I used to have a phantom 4 a few years ago, I found it great except for it's size and transportation.

Have the mavic mini on order through Harvey Norman's, when it arrives tho is anyone's guess.

mondeo · 01-12-2019 1:09pm

I'm buying the Mavic mini to, however where in Dublin can you fly a drone without being told off ? I have a tello drone right now and I have been told off a few times and the tello is tiny

v638sg7k1a92bx · 01-01-2020 1:54am

mondeo wrote: »

I'm buying the Mavic mini to, however where in Dublin can you fly a drone without being told off ? I have a tello drone right now and I have been told off a few times and the tello is tiny

Told off by who, what did they say???

Zimmerframe · 01-01-2020 1:59am

Connor Huge Tango wrote: »

Told off by who, what did they say???

and what was your reply ?:)

tedpan · 01-01-2020 2:13am

Has anyone got any footage to share from their mavic mini?

Widdensushi · 01-01-2020 3:09am

so advertised 4km range and really 600m ,you would not really expect 4km but that is false advertising surely

listermint · 01-01-2020 12:44pm

Widdensushi wrote: »

so advertised 4km range and really 600m ,you would not really expect 4km but that is false advertising surely

They've been tested far longer than 600 m

Don't take one person's suggestion as gospel.

It's the internet... Go research

Widdensushi · 01-01-2020 7:46pm

listermint wrote: »

They've been tested far longer than 600 m

Don't take one person's suggestion as gospel.

It's the internet... Go research

thanks, tried one out today, went 1480 meters , speed reading went very slow and I chickened out and brought it back, it wasn't showing bad signal though ,might be braver the next time

tedpan · 01-01-2020 7:49pm

Widdensushi wrote:

thanks, tried one out today, went 1480 meters , speed reading went very slow and I chickened out and brought it back, it wasn't showing bad signal though ,might be braver the next time

1480 metres is huge without losing connection. Were you flying out to sea?

Widdensushi · 01-01-2020 10:14pm

across water to an island, speed started flashing 0 so I brought it back

Widdensushi · 01-01-2020 10:15pm

flashed poor signal at 1000 but ok after that

tedpan · 01-01-2020 10:42pm

Widdensushi wrote:

flashed poor signal at 1000 but ok after that

Nice, can you share the video please? Would love to see unedited video quality. Cheers

dirtydancing · 02-01-2020 11:15pm

tedpan wrote: »

Nice, can you share the video please? Would love to see unedited video quality. Cheers

Here's one we. tl/t-nnRViA0QOL

Wouldn't let me post a link, so remove space there

tedpan · 02-01-2020 11:52pm

dirtydancing wrote:

Wouldn't let me post a link, so remove space there

Very nice, it looks fantastic for the price, very smooth too! Thanks for sharing!

dirtydancing · 03-01-2020 10:16am

Lighting hasn't been great ever since I got the drone, mostly grey and dark, which makes the picture grainy with weird color temperature. Can't wait to try it out in the coming months.

eddie · 07-01-2020 8:15pm

mondeo wrote: »

I'm buying the Mavic mini to, however where in Dublin can you fly a drone without being told off ? I have a tello drone right now and I have been told off a few times and the tello is tiny

I would love to know as well and dont start with 1st find a friendly farmer

drunkmonkey · 19-01-2020 6:51am

Did anyone run into a problem trying to pair the controller and mini for the first time, I can't get them to recognize each other, everything seems fine with the controller and phone.
When I get to the screen for pairing with the 60 second count down timer it says hold the power button on the drone for 4 seconds until you hear a beep. I don't get any beep just 4 flashing white lights which go off after a few seconds.

Any idea what I'm doing wrong. It's like when I press the power button on the drone it's showing me battery level but not switching on or going into pairing mode.

tedpan · 19-01-2020 9:12am

drunkmonkey wrote:

Any idea what I'm doing wrong. It's like when I press the power button on the drone it's showing me battery level but not switching on or going into pairing mode.

Usually with DJI it's a double tap. So a quick press, then another press and hold.

drunkmonkey · 19-01-2020 10:19am

tedpan wrote: »

Usually with DJI it's a double tap. So a quick press, then another press and hold.

Worked first go this morning with the double tap and hold.

tedpan · 19-01-2020 11:00am

drunkmonkey wrote:

Worked first go this morning with the double tap and hold.

Nice one! Hopefully you'll get some spectacular shots soon

davidclarkdsi · 28-01-2020 10:12pm

Flying the Mavic Mini in the cold weather might not be the best idea, at least not without some prep beforehand - I found a YT vid where they reckoned you should allow your drone to acclimatise outside before popping in a warmed (body heat temp) battery.

I’m posting this as a warning to others as I thought I’d get some lovely snow shots this morning but after a (too?) quick take off (with the drone simply ascending straight up) it suddenly took off on a jaunt of it’s own.

There was no wind (tops of trees at the same height were not moving) and I’ve checked the flight log - the only stick in use was the upward one to increase altitude (followed rapidly by the downward one to get it to reduce altitude when it started going astray).

At one stage in the uncontrolled part of the flight the unit hit max speed (55km), I seriously thought it was a goner but somehow it regained its composure (luckily I live in a fairly open area) and as soon as it stabilised I hit return to home.

It was a hairy 20 secs & up until this flight I’ve never had a problem with the Mini and I’m attributing this to the fact that I’ve only ever flown it on calm, reasonably warm (not near zero) days.

Someone said to ‘treat it like the little bird that it is’ & from here on in that’s going to be my intention.

New Mavic mini

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