DJI announces compact drone Mavic Mini from 399 euros

DJI has announced its smallest and lightest drone yet. The Mavic Mini fits in the palm of a hand and weighs less than 249 grams. The drone is equipped with a camera that can shoot video images in 2.7k resolution at 30fps.

Weighing in at 249 grams, the Mavic Mini falls right into the lowest category of the European rules for drones that come into effect next year. Those rules describe five different maximum weight classes: 250 grams, 900 grams, 4 kilograms, and two 25-kilogram classes. For example, the requirement for geofencing does not apply to drones up to 250 grams.

The Mavic Mini can be folded for easy portability. With a full battery, a pilot can fly the quadcopter for half an hour, after which the battery is fully charged again in two hours to its maximum capacity.

A three-axis motorized gimbal with camera can be attached under the drone. It has a 1/2.3″ sensor and can shoot 12-megapixel photos. In addition, the camera can record 2.7k video at 30fps or 1080p image at 60fps. Images can be streamed up to two kilometers away.

At the same time as the arrival of the new drone, DJI has renewed its Fly app. It helps new pilots get started with a Position mode for basic control. Experienced users can use the Sport mode with more controls and CineSmoots offers some options for smooth camera images, such as steady braking. In addition, there are options for circling a subject or flying up and down while maintaining the camera focus on a subject.

DJI provides two packages for the Mavic Mini. The standard package contains the drone, a remote control, a battery and extra propellers for 399 euros. A more elaborate combination consists of the drone with controller, supplemented with a cage that protects the propellers, a charging hub with support for recharging, three batteries and three sets of extra propellers. This package costs 499 euros. Separate accessories will also be available, such as an adapter to, for example, attach an LED screen, stickers and a holder that protects the propellers when folded.

Update, 15.00: Added first paragraph explaining European drone rules.