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DJI launched its new drone DJI Mavic Mini, a new entry level drone replacing DJI Spark from its lineup. I owned a DJI Spark but replaced it with an Mavic Air for two reasons: Air shoots 4K video and is actually smaller as it folds for travel. In this comparison I want to take a closer look at the specs what changed compared to DJI Spark and the differences compared to the more expensive DJI Mavic Air.

 

DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Air

DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Mavic Air

DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Mavic Air

DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Mavic Air – Drone Specs

There’s not really a choice if you should go for DJI Spark or DJI Mavic Mini – DJI Spark is not available anymore. At least at the DJI store, maybe there are some clearance sales. Since Mavic Mini is the same price point it seems to be a no brainer to go for Mavic Mini. But is it worth to upgrade? DJI Mavic Mini as a lot more to offer: it’s lighter, more compact for travel and the flighttime is longer – even longer compared to DJI Mavic Air. Also the flight distance was improved compared to DJI Spark and DJI Mavic Mini is stated to have the same controllable distance as DJI Mavic Air.

The point of achieving a weight lower than 250g is a legal limit. Drones below 250g don’t need FAA registration in the US, are allowed to fly in Canada, don’t need registration in Germany,… The EU is planning to introduce a law for every EU member state that requires drones above 250g to be registered (according to drafted law).
There is even a 199g version for Japan to avoid registration! (one battery only)

DJI Mavic Mini - 199g version for Japan

DJI Mavic Mini – 199g version for Japan

 

DJI Spark vs DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Mavic Air – Camera Specs

The new DJI Mavic Mini will feature a max. video resolution of 2.7K with 30 fps. It seems DJI still wants a clear differentiator to the larger DJI Mavic Air (even tough all 3 drones have a 12 MP sensor – technically it would be possible I guess). Is it a deal breaker? Well, I upgraded from DJI Spark to DJI Mavic Air because of 4K video, but I’m a video guy. Social Media Platforms like Facebook or Instagram still don’t offer 4K video so I guess it’s not a deal breaker if you want to share your footage throughout these channels. But hey, you can share your footage of a drone you don’t need to register!

On the other hand I have to have to say that 1080p of DJI Spark was a way better quality overall than some cheaper “4K drones” or 4K action cameras. The 1080p Spark footage had more detail and was crystal sharp. Sure 4K is higher resolution, but lower resolution with better image quality is the better way to go – I think.

Overall DJI Mavic Mini is a huge upgrade from Spark. Resolution is a bit higher from 1080p to 2.7K, but the 3-axis stabilization will get you a way better result than the 2-axis gyro from Spark – especially when there’s wind.

 

Intelligent Flight Modes & Sensors

DJI had to drop a lot of features obviously to achieve the goal of getting below 250g. Therefore the sensors were removed and Mini doesn’t have obstacle avoidance or gesture control. It also doesn’t feature active track, but it is tracking people during the quickshot modes. So if you are moving while doing a circle it will track you and adapt its path.

 

Check out the latest news and user footage in the DJI Mavic Mini Facebook Group!

 

Video reviews

The best review of DJI Mavic Mini:

A review focusing on video production:

Price / Availability

DJI Store – (visit store)

 

Amazon:

Sometimes there are great deals on Amazon, so compare prices:

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