DJI has a dizzying array of drones and regularly pumps out absolute winners. They are pushing the boundaries of consumer-level drone technology, and we see drones at affordable prices with incredible features. Features that we could only dream about a few years ago.
The DJI FPV is a better drone for those seeking adventure and stunt flying. The Mini 2 is better suited to those wanting to capture incredible photos and want portability in their drone.
DJI has recently released its first first-person view (FPV) stunt drone. The FPV drone combines incredible manoeuvrability with a good-quality camera attached.
If you are wondering what to buy: the DJI FPV vs mini 2, this article will help you understand the differences based on the most important specifications, including the drone, camera, Gimbal, battery, and other features.
If you’re in a hurry, here is a quick summary of which drone may suit you best:
Ultimately, it comes down to why you want to use your drone and how you will be flying.
Why you are flying
Choosing between the DJI FPV and the Mini 2 means that you need to understand exactly what each offers and how that will work with what you want to do. One obvious use case difference between these drones is photos and video and hobby flying versus racing and stunts.
Photos and videos
There is no doubt in my mind that if you want a portable drone primarily for photography and video purposes, you should buy the Mini 2.
This drone offers an ultra-clear 4K video, is super light, and fits in the palm of your hand. Ideal for capturing travel and your favourite adventures.
This drone was one of the first to offer a four-times zoom. The camera and the quick shot capabilities mean that you can record professional-level videos to share directly with your social media followers.
Racing and stunts
If you are in the market for a drone that combines incredible agility and an exciting flying experience with first-person-view flying, the DJI FPV is the perfect drone for you.
One of the biggest differences between the FPV and the mini is that you are completely immersed in the flight using the DJI FPV goggles V2. The drone offers three flying modes, from normal to fully manual.
The drone can be flown by beginners through to advanced pilots.
Let’s take a look at the rundown of the different important specifications of each drone so that you can understand the strengths and weaknesses of both.
Form and performance
Choosing between any drone can be relatively complicated because of the many different specifications of the two different drones.
Here are all of the most important factors with a too long didn’t read if you don’t want to get into the details.
| Spec | FPV | Mini 2 | TLDR |
| Take off weight | Approx. 795 g | < 249 g | The Mavic mini 2 is lighter. |
| Dimensions | 255×312×127 mm (with propellers) 178×232×127 mm (without propellers) | Folded: 138×81×58 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with propellers): 245×289×56 mm (L×W×H) | The mini 2 is much smaller and foldable |
| Max Flight Time (no wind) | Approx. 20 mins (measured while flying at 40 kph in windless conditions) | 31 mins (measured while flying at 4.7 m/s in windless conditions) | The mini flies for longer |
| Max Hovering Time (no wind) | Approx. 16 mins (measured when flying in windless conditions) | Not supplied | |
| Max Flight Distance (no wind) | 16.8 km (measured while flying in windless conditions) | Not supplied | |
| Max Flight Speed (near sea level, no wind) | 140 kph; M mode: 39 m/s (27 m/s in Mainland China) S mode: 27 m/s N mode: 15 m/s | 16 m/s (S Mode) 10 m/s (N Mode) 6 m/s (C Mode) | Manual mode of the FPV is the fastest the mini is slower |
| Max Wind Speed Resistance | 39-49 kph (25-31 mph) | 30.6-37.8 kph (Scale 5) | Both offer Scale five wind resistance |
Based on the specifications, I would say that the mini 2 is the better buy if you are looking for a small, portable drone. The mini 2 has a better flight time, so you will have much more time in the air to capture and frame the perfect photographs.
However, if you are looking for a fun drone to fly and don’t care about the portability, the FPV may be the perfect drone for any speed demon.
Camera
The motivation for many people to buy a drone is so that they can capture photos and videos.
The hardware carried by the drone is crucial to capturing the perfect photo. Because, unlike some other DJI drones, the cameras on these drones cannot be hot-swapped, you must ensure that the camera that comes with the drone is suitable for your use.
| Spec | FPV | Mini 2 | TLDR |
| Sensor | 1/2.3” CMOS Effective pixels: 12 million | 1/2.3” CMOS Effective Pixels: 12 MP | Same camera sensor |
| Lens | FOV: 150° 35mm Format Equivalent: 14.66 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus Mode: Fixed Focus Focus Range: 0.6 m to ∞ | FOV: 83° 35 mm format equivalent: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus range: 1 m to ∞ | The FPV drone offers a much field of view. |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 | Video: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual) Photos: 100-3200 (Auto) 100-3200 (Manual) | Better iso control with the mini 2 |
| Still Image Size | 3840×2160 | 4:3: 4000×3000 16:9: 4000×2250 | Larger picture size with the mini 2 |
| Video Resolution | 4K: 3840×2160 at 50/60fps FHD: 1920×1080 at 50/60/100/120fps | 4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30fps 2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps | Greater control of video resolution with the mini 2 |
| Digital Zoom | None | 4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x | The mini 2 has up to 4 times zoom. The FPV has no zoom |
In nearly every camera feature, the DJI mini 2 wins. If you are buying a drone to take footage and photos to share online or in other media, choose the mini 2. I love the fact that the small drone also has the capability to zoom.
The FPV drone has a much better field of view which makes sense due to using goggles when flying the FPV drone. You want as wide a field of view as possible.
Gimbal
Because the two drones are used for different reasons, they have different stabilisation. The DJI FPV drone has a single-axis Gimbal with electronic stabilisation for the roll axis.
Nothing is more frustrating than pressing the capture button and getting a shaky video or photo. Therefore, the mini two has a three axis stabilisation with greater controllable range and speed. Once again, DJI have created a Gimbal that can stand up to the rigours of regular flying. By the mini 2 if you want a serious photography drone.
| Spec | FPV | Mini 2 | TLDR |
| Stabilisation | Single-axis (tilt), electronic roll axis | 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan) | Better stabilisation on the mini 2 |
| Mechanical Range | Tilt: -65° to 70° | Tilt: -110° to 35° Roll: -35° to 35° Pan: -20° to 20° | Greater control of mechanical range of the mini 2 |
| Max Controllable Speed (tilt) | 60°/s | 100°/s | Faster controllable speed in mini 2 |
| Controllable Range | Tilt: -50° to 58° | Tilt: -90° to 0° (default setting) -90° to +20° (extended) | Larger controllable range in mini 2 |
Any serious drone photography pilot will need as much stabilisation from the Gimbal as possible. Therefore, I recommend that the Mini 2 is better for anyone wanting good-quality photos and videos.
However, the DJI FPV drone has an electronic roll axis stabilisation switch that can give you smooth footage but has much less control in the direction the camera is pointing.
Sensors
It’s critical to keep your drone as safe as possible while in flight, so you should look at the sensing system that comes with it.
I’ve flown my drone in various settings, and the detecting system has saved me from crashing into trees, buildings, and people on several occasions.
Often, drone pilots are distracted by looking down at the screen and forgetting to keep a visual line of sight with their drone. A good detection system will prevent you from colliding with overhanging branches and other aerial obstructions.
| Spec | FPV | Mini 2 | TLDR |
| Forward | Precision Measurement Range: 0.5-18 m Obstacle Sensing: Available in N mode only FOV: 56° (horizontal), 71° (vertical) | none | FPV wins |
| Backward | none | none | FPV wins |
| Downward | ToF Effective Sensing Height: 10 m Hovering Range: 0.5-15 m Vision Sensor Hovering Range: 0.5-30 m | Hovering Range: 0.5-10 m | Both will keep you safe |
| Upward | none | none | FPV wins |
| Downward Auxiliary Light | Single LED | none | FPV wins |
Due to the FPV, a newer drone, it has much more sensing capability. Also, the very small form factor of the DJI Mini 2 has limited the amount of hardware that can be crammed into such a small space.
You can fly the Mini 2 safely as long as you keep a visual and direct line of sight with the drone and you always fly in open spaces. If you want a drone that has more sensing capability it is better to look at the newer versions of the air (Air 2S) or the updated mini (Mini 3 pro).
Battery
For the DJI FPV drone to have enough power for stunts and agility, the battery must be much heavier and have larger cells to power the motors. However, the DJI mini 2 has a much larger battery capacity, resulting in a longer flight time.
If you want to take your time and frame shots and get the perfect angles and positioning for aerial photographs having a much larger battery will give you the breathing space to do it properly.
| Spec | FPV | Mini 2 | TLDR |
| Capacity | 2000 mAh | 2250 mAh | Mavic mini has a higher battery capacity |
| Battery Type | LiPo 6S | LiPo 2S | Three the number of cells in the FPV |
| Weight | 295 g | 86.2 g | FPV drone battery is significantly heavier |
Other considerations
It is important to note that the DJI FPV drone needs to be controlled with goggles. It relies on using goggles to view the first-person view video stream. You cannot legally use goggles in some locations because you need to maintain a visual line of sight.
The mini 2 remote control has a spot for you to connect and hold your smart device which is better suited for most use cases of drone flying for photography purposes.
Summary
If you’re looking for a standard foldable drone with great photography and videography capabilities, the DJI mini 2 is better suited for that use.
However, for those looking for more of a thrill and adventures with their drone, the DJI FPV is a fantastic drone for performing stunts and putting you in the pilot’s seat. The camera is certainly not lacking in this drone and you can still catch some great photography, but it is generally focused on the flying experience.
