Thoughts on Mavic Mini, if you own a Mavic Air.

Scottalmas · Jan 6, 2020

TDZHDTV said:
Personally I’m more relaxed with the MM over the MA due to not feeling rushed during flight and significantly lower noise. If DJI add the Spark features moving forward or Litchi adds supports I’ll be very happy. You’ve just got to be sensible with it in winds

True Dat!

Scottalmas · Jan 6, 2020

I have a Spark, Air and Mini and fly them all. Do I NEED them all; heck no. But I do like them all. In my area, I definitely get better range and less interference with my Mini than Spark or Air (or Anafi for that matter). If DJI really intends (which seems obvious) to eliminate the Spark, they really need to add Active Track and phone only control capability to the Mini. I would love Smart Capture/Gesture, but I feel like that is asking for a lot. Then, and only then, would I consider trimming the Spark from my fleet. The truth is, I am more likely to shed my Tello because of my new Mini than anything else in the fleet right now.

TDZHDTV · Jan 6, 2020

Scottalmas said:
I have a Spark, Air and Mini and fly them all. Do I NEED them all; heck no. But I do like them all. In my area, I definitely get better range and less interference with my Mini than Spark or Air (or Anafi for that matter). If DJI really intends (which seems obvious) to eliminate the Spark, they really need to add Active Track and phone only control capability to the Mini. I would love Smart Capture/Gesture, but I feel like that is asking for a lot. Then, and only then, would I consider trimming the Spark from my fleet. The truth is, I am more likely to shed my Tello because of my new Mini than anything else in the fleet right now.

Absolutely, Mini & mobile only on the mountain bike is the perfect lightweight combo, you try can fly as you are as DJI put it. After seeing the DJI pre launch marketing I honestly thought we’d get mobile phone control.

lannes · Jan 6, 2020

scott rand said:
I don't really publish my videos or pics, or color code them, or make any edits, so I don't really care about RAW.

I fly for the mere enjoyment of flying and getting a different perspective of things from the sky, and finding beautiful places to fly. I just enjoy the feeling of flying, if that makes sense. I remember my 1st drone, The Yuneec Q500+ (a massive beast compared to most drones now), and the 1st time I ever flew it, it was a real rush, so exciting to control the drone and watch it fly.

And since you talked me out of getting the MM, probably will leave this specific forum anyway, lol.

If you like pure flying you should try Fixed Wing Mode on the MP connected to DJI Googles or the Epson BT-300 glasses

Not my video but you get the idea, a real buzz at low level

I don't think the MA has this mode

harle83 · Jan 7, 2020

scott rand said:
Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you come from the Mavic Air community. I bought the Mavic Air the day it was announced ($799 back then), even though I already had a Mavic Pro at the time. I was intrigued by the safety features, the smaller size, and by the camera, some felt it was better than the Mavic Pro. When I got it, I flew it much more than the Pro for the first 6 months.

That being said, I became frustrated by 2 things, the lesser battery life, and the poor distance of the WiFi, therefore I found myself using my Mavic Pro more often. In fact, I was stoked about the Skydio 2, but what is holding me back is the poor WiFi connection and the lesser battery life.

Which brings me to the Mavic Mini. I’m really intrigued about the Fly More package, for $100 more you get so much more. Also intrigued by the battery life, and what seems like improved WiFi on the Mini. I’ve seen many videos comparing the WiFi connection and distance of the Mini vs the Air.

Any Mini owners coming from the Air community ? Do you find the WiFi connection/distance to be a big improvement over the Air ? Received $500 in gift cards for Christmas and I think the Mini Fly More package is a no brainer (was gonna put the $ towards a Skydio 2, but changed my mind due to the issues I mentioned). What are your thoughts ? Any comments would be appreciated, thinking of taking the plunge tomorrow.

I have not bought the MM but I love my Air. It goes with me everywhere.If it were quieter it would be perfect. I do us MAS Props so that helps a small bit but I said earlier I still think the MM is still kinda in Beta. I think those who own it are very happy for the most part. You're always going to hear about fly aways no matter what you may be flying. Everything is completely software controlled. They could send a bad update down the line that may not be all fished out. You just don't know. My Phantom decided to go bye bye the 2nd time I flew it. Software and it was replaced no questions asked. So DJI does make mistakes and if they do they make it right. That is why I fly DJI, crappy customer service but in the end they have come through for me at least.

mavicn00b · Jan 7, 2020

Buy first, regret later ?

SafariMan · Jan 7, 2020

Lastrexking said:
Absolutely. Unfortunately, the Youtube influencers that DJI sent models for review all made points of stating how good it was in the wind, and took footage at distance. Now the model is in the wild it’s clear that it can’t handle wind or distance.

While it can be cool to watch some of those videos, never believe or trust an influencer ( one of the worst word of the last 10 years). make up your own mind and better get your infos on a serious forum.

scott rand · Jan 8, 2020

I am seeing too many threads/videos about fly aways caused by wind. I don't feel comfortable spending money on a Mini. I really want one, but all of the drones I have, I've NEVER suffered a fly away. I had the Yuneec Q500+ (big drone, so not affected by the wind at all), Parrot Bebop 2, DJI Mavic Pro & DJI Mavic Air, and never have suffered from a fly away (I guess I've been lucky). I've lost connection several times, but the drone always returns to home without issue.

Though I REALLY want a Mavic Mini, I think I'll hold off for now. Let's see what else DJI can come up with. Maybe a Mavic Pro 3 or Mavic Air 2 ? Unfortunately because of the tarrifs, I'm afraid to see what DJI's next drones will cost. Hell, even the Mavic Air, which cost me $799 at launch, is now sold for $919 (shocking considering it's been around for a while).

quartapound · Jan 11, 2020

I have the Mavic Air, and also picked up the Mavic Mini just after it came, out, a few weeks before travelling to Riviera Maya, Mexico. I flew the Mini almost every day, right off the beach, in fairly windy conditions... I never had any issues, but I've spent enough time flying them to know what to expect. I took calculated risks, and learned where my comfort zone was and the limit of my equipment.

I can't speak to everyone elses experiences, but I'm loving my MM and haven't had any issues with wind, even when flying it from a coastline.

JSM · Jan 11, 2020

This might seem a little left field however will share !!! I have a Pro 2 (not the zoom) ; Phantom Standard 3, Mini and just recently purchased a Phantom 3 Advanced (other drones, now sold Platinum and Spark) which do I think is the best value : the Phantom 3 Advance !!!! reasons: Cheap !!! purchased for $550.00 (AUD) with extra batterys, average of 23 / 24 mins flight time, has essentially the same functions as the Pro (early model) handles wind and I can still see the drone at 450 / 500 meters due to its size plus it is a beautiful flyer! The camera is pretty **** good also! The Mini is great when you need to get in tight spots for filming however the app screen at the top is ridiculous as most times you cant read the status as it blends in with the background!; the Pro 2 is definitely the "Daddy" and if you afford one then Happy Days for all things however if I had to make a financial / budget choice between the Mini and Advanced (they are similar in price) I would take the Phantom !!!!! PS: the range on the Phantom is pretty good also as it uses Light Bridge.

quartapound · Jan 11, 2020

JSM said:
which do I think is the best value : the Phantom 3 Advance !!!!

The only issue I see with this suggestion/argument... size is likely a factor for people reading this thread (Mavic Air/Mini owners)....Size is a HUGE limitation with phantoms, for many people, especially when travelling.... which is why the Mavic Air, and the Mini, are so excellent.
I had a DJI flamewheel F450 with Naza before my Mavics (I don't think the Phantom was even available when I built it)... my main reason to upgrade was the size.

....the mini's BEST feature (BY FAR), is it's weight -- the ability to circumvent regulations which would limit you from flying a larger (more capable) drone.

The old photographers saying -- the best camera is the one you have with you -- rings true.. a larger, more capable drone is useless if government regulations prevent you from flying legally in the locations that count.... or if you can't fit it in your carry-on with a budget airline.

JSM · Jan 11, 2020

quartapound said:
The only issue I see with this suggestion/argument... size is likely a factor for people reading this thread (Mavic Air/Mini owners)....Size is a HUGE limitation with phantoms, for many people, especially when travelling.... which is why the Mavic Air, and the Mini, are so excellent.
I had a DJI flamewheel F450 with Naza before my Mavics (I don't think the Phantom was even available when I built it)... my main reason to upgrade was the size.

....the mini's BEST feature (BY FAR), is it's weight -- the ability to circumvent regulations which would limit you from flying a larger (more capable) drone.

The old photographers saying -- the best camera is the one you have with you -- rings true.. a larger, more capable drone is useless if government regulations prevent you from flying legally in the locations that count.... or if you can't fit it in your carry-on with a budget airline.

Very good point regards size and portability; if that isnt a consideration then I still think the Phantom is a good option and here in Oz we dont have quite the restrictions as other countrys (yet!!!)

Zyka · Jan 11, 2020

I have no experience with any other drones of DJI, having come from single rotors prior to this, but i have managed to take my MM almost 1700m away. It started getting a little choppy with the signal and i decided that might be a good time to turn around and come back a bit closer to home.

I have progressively forced it further and further out to test the range and efficiency of this little drone, to the point where i have been forced to use RTH 4 times now. Each time i did this, once it came back into range, i commandeered control of the MM again and brought back under my on direction.

The 2 most important things with any RC AC is familiarization with the device, followed by a stringent flight check, that includes a thorough investigation of the environment you will be flying and the elements in it.

mavicn00b · Jan 11, 2020

Zyka said:
The 2 most important things with any RC AC is familiarization with the device, followed by a stringent flight check, that includes a thorough investigation of the environment you will be flying and the elements in it.

Dont expect that from Joe Average (DJI's target demographic) who's highest technical accomplishment was figuring out how to install the app and charge the battery.

Zyka · Jan 11, 2020

mavicn00b said:
Dont expect that from Joe Average (DJI's target demographic) who's highest technical accomplishment was figuring out how to install the app and charge the battery.

While you are undeniably correct, this also supports the evidence pointing to user error and not the machine itself.

A fool and his drone, are soon parted.