Mini 2 vs MA2

[screwthepap]

I've been flying an MA2 for a few months now, and just acquired a new Mini 2 which was delivered about an hour ago. Currently charging the batteries and perusing the manual. Looking forward to the next "warm" day (above 30°F) to test it out.

 

[Crashdummytest]

Mini 2 is superior to MA2 when traveling, and sometimes even locally. A lot of places require extra efforts (to get permissions), costs, etc which might be unacceptable to a holiday traveler. And at least in my country, there are places where Mini 2 can fly, but anything above 250g is forbidden or you need hard-to-reach permission.
Of course, everything depends on where you fly (USA or Canada is a different story than Europe or eg. India, with their latest ban on Minis), are you a resident of the country or not, do you have to buy a full year licence and insurance even for one single flight (eg. Austria case), do you fly commercially or not, and so on...
So MA2 has a better camera, yes of course, but there are other factors to consider ?

India ban on Minis? Really?

 

[Crashdummytest]

I've been flying an MA2 for a few months now, and just acquired a new Mini 2 which was delivered about an hour ago. Currently charging the batteries and perusing the manual. Looking forward to the next "warm" day (above 30°F) to test it out.

I flew my Mini2 at -5C (-32F) yesterday, no issues at all. I have flown my MA2 at -25c (-13F) a couple of weeks ago, without issues (ahem, broke a propeller in mid flight, without consequences). An example from that -25 day, you can see its really cold: DJI_0305.MP4

 

[tibzee]

India ban on Minis? Really?

Kind of. Max 15m AGL. Lovely.

 

[Grey Hawk Photography]

I've been flying an MA2 for a few months now, and just acquired a new Mini 2 which was delivered about an hour ago. Currently charging the batteries and perusing the manual. Looking forward to the next "warm" day (above 30°F) to test it out.

I ordered me a Mini2 yesterday myself. I have the MA2 and love it. I want the Mini2 to replace my Mini for them shots I need a small drone to fit in. I'm a little a concerned these drones might be very similar to point its redundancy.

 

[DanMan32]

Kind of. Max 15m AGL. Lovely.

There's a couple topics on attempts to unlock the restriction built into the Minis on account of the India 15m rule.

 

[DanMan32]

Yup, MA2 is much more pro type of equipment (in my view), so what's the point with a Mini2. You could consider getting a refurbished or used M2P cheaply instead, a much better option (bar the fact that they might not fly in a couple of years).

I doubt you'll get even a used M2P near the cost of a new MA2. Totally different class of machines.

As for M2Z, it has its place. It has 2x continuous optical zoom and an additional 2x digital zoom when in 1080@30.

I thought about splurging and getting the M2P around when the M2's came out but for just being a hobby, the zoom with lower cost was more appealing than the extra features of the Pro.

 

[Crashdummytest]

I doubt you'll get even a used M2P near the cost of a new MA2. Totally different class of machines.

As for M2Z, it has its place. It has 2x continuous optical zoom and an additional 2x digital zoom when in 1080@30.

I thought about splurging and getting the M2P around when the M2's came out but for just being a hobby, the zoom with lower cost was more appealing than the extra features of the Pro.

I have been seriously thinking about getting the M2Z, especially as I was using the Goggles during last summer. The M2Z is probably the best of the M2's for that usage, here in Norway. However, as the MA2 got compatible with the SC one gets 4x dynamic zoom via the SC and HDMI + Googles, so....
The M2P has such a nice camera, no doubt about that. My first choice for the bigger scenes. Can really recommend it. The MA2 camera at 4k/60fps is also definitively worth it. The Mini2 also has a nice camera now, and incredible wind resistance. Flew it during storm 'Frank' yesterday, just incredible.

 

[Crashdummytest]

Its surprising you bought a mini 2 knowing ahead of time its specs on paper aren't equal in any category other than weight, and a $400 price difference.

Guilty as charged. Drones is not an expensive hobby though.