DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs DJI Mini 2 SE - Comparison Test Shootout

In this video we ask the question, "how much drone do you really need"? I compared the DJI Mini 2 SE with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. These are the bookends of DJIs consumer drone offerings. As a drone enthusiast, I like them both.
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[@DroneViewsMedia]

The Mini 2 SE is just a great value drone for beginners, and those who don't want to get divorced lol. In saying that, it does really good, and would make many people happy. The Mavic 3 Pro is just a gigantic jump in performance, it knocks any consumer drone out of the park. Great flight with both drones over the reservoir 👍

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! Yes Alan, it was kind of fun looking at DJI's bookends. 🙂

[@lstruggy]

Got my m2se recently and ima rolled! But in a couple of years I’ll be saving up for the MP3

[@life4ers]

Who in the world would dare criticize you, that’s crazy!! You do a phenomenal job…most people (including myself) can barely walk and chew gum at the same time……some people need to stop being so critical/technical and just live..

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you very much Jim! I so appreciate the encouraging words! 🙂

[@Steve53]

Totally agree with you not everyone a total teckie me included so well said 👍👍

[@traceys9768]

Marcus I’ve been watching your videos since the mavic mini because that was my first drone. I live in Florida and we have the gulls all over. call em what you want. Keep doing what you do it’s a remarkable job. I have since added the air 3 and mini 4 pro lately and really enjoy your videos. I will say that DJI has really improved their drones since the mavic mini. Keep up the good work.

[@Commanderson7]

I love this video. It really showed a good trip with the mini 2 SE. It's my first real drone and I am so happy with it. I enjoy seeing what it can do and getting the best pictures.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

The Mini 2 SE is just a great little drone, and a bargain too!

[@Backcountryhiker]

I was hoping for a split screen, so we could compare the video quality of each drone, side by side. But still, nice presentation. Thank you.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! It was mostly just for fun. 👍

[@cliff.allister]

Actually you can buy six (almost seven) of the Mini 2 SE for one M3P! 339 USD vs. >2200 USD... 😉

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, my math was way off. I wondered if anyone would notice. 🙂

[@fernandojuarbe77]

Hahahahaha I miss the point hahahaha 😂😂😂 I understand it happens to me sometimes when I do my videos 🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, this video was just about fun! 😄

[@johnk7649]

Marcus, if I've said it once I've said it 100 times, you are trulty blessed to fly in those areas!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Wow, thank you John! 🙂

[@bzidro]

Even a year later, it's never too late to watch any of your videos, and despite having subscribed to your channel, I still watch them slowly, in the certainty that each one is a lesson in the pleasure of flying and filming. How would you not sometimes get lost in what you are or want to say during the flight !?!? Thank you very much !

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

What a wonderful comment to see! Thank you so much. I really do appreciate it!

[@ChuckD05]

you have to be careful with the Mini SE 2 going up against head wind. It also struggles with the speed it drops down to you. The biggest difference i noticed with my Air 2S was the sheer power you feel that is has when flying. Dropping down and flying out is really a totally different animal. Id imagine the Mavic 3 pro is even stronger and more beastly to fly. DJI does a good job with all drones though.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

No question the Mini drone will have more issues in high winds. 👍

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Very true. In the end, physics always has its way.

[@tobiaskindler1570]

Thx for this video. Just bought the DJI Mini SE. Can't wait to fly.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Have fun and enjoy that new drone!

[@jadope1]

I really want to get the Mini 2 SE to carry in my backpack, on my bike whatever...where my Mavic 3 is just too big. Add that to my want for the Avata...Need a bank loan!! Question...why the no fly zone over the dam and what is on the hill up behind you??

[@ChuckD05]

You can get refurb mini 3 pro for 600.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

They call the dam critical infrastructure, so it's a no fly zone. There are a couple of big houses on that hill next to the reservoir. 👍

[@jadope1]

@@IdahoQuadcopter Out in redneck territory here, basically fly wherever I want...do have a small airport about 35 miles away...if I lose my airship...have a long walk to find it!! lol

[@matiasu4989]

hi.. how do you set up low battery Return home feature?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Other than setting your RTH height the drone will return automatically when the battery is low.

[@RobinDrones]

Nicely done excellent video, i was a bit nervous seeing all of those birds! Has a bird ever hit your drone before? I had a bird of prey come real close to mine a few days after getting it! Here is the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCke2ytbZ50mck

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I've never had a bird pay my drone much attention. You sure had a close call. 😮

[@trialsrob214]

Thanks for the video very informative, I bought the mini 2 se a couple of weeks ago and I am really enjoying it. The mini drones fits my lifestyle better than the big ones. Maybe one day I’ll get a bigger one but for now I’m gonna enjoy my little drone. I don’t see enough difference in video quality to warrant the expense. What might change in the future would be range and speed.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Enjoy your new drone! The Mini 2 SE is awesome!

[@homershoots]

You clearly are not a motorcycle guy you're just a guy who probably doesn't ride motorcycles . Fyi these type of comments don't help your channel-Good luck in your future endevors from a mustang/motorcycle/mechanic/tradesman kind of guy

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You have no clue. Sorry to disappoint you.

[@andisadler2897]

I got the Mini, time to upgrade i think to MINI 2. I need Occusync!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I agree! Occusync makes a huge difference.

[@andisadler2897]

@@IdahoQuadcopter Thanks. I do love Dave (the drone) he has been with me many years but i think its time to upgrade.

[@captraykelly]

Another great video, Marcus. Great comparison too. Beautiful area to fly.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Capt. Ray! 👍

[@bigjsmashman4958]

Ummm why the Mini 2 SE? Why not the actual Mini 2?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I wanted to show DJI's most basic consumer drone. 👍

[@bigjsmashman4958]

@@IdahoQuadcopter I see,but a comparison of the 2 vs 3 would be nice. See if it is really worth the upgrade.

[@johnshaw8013]

@42;00 the boat is faster than the drone! It will never get infront or orbit, boat too quick!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, that very well could be. Thank you!

[@kenronbarnes1351]

I’ll be getting my first dji mini 2 SE in a few days. Thanks for sharing.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Congratulations! You will love that new drone!

[@TaniaGail]

Lovely area, one day I'll fly there :). I'd like to take the Autel and Mavic 3 Cine for a flight there.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It is a great spot to fly a drone Tania!

[@RobertJurotich]

I like your video .but this is usa, please tell people in imperial not metric . Meters...

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you!! All the drone manuals are in metric so it's what I use. 👍

[@FredHarvey-wp2qy]

Hi Marcus! Except for the video in zoom mode, both drones took great shots! Yes, I too thought, 'He's up Sheep Creek without a paddle!' Shows you how my mind works. Whenever you do videos like this, I always like seeing the screen recording in the corner of the video. It's neat to be able to see things like altitude, distance, ground speed, etc as you fly along. Please keep making videos like this. I think you do an admirable job of narrating and flying at the same time! Far better than most people could do.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you very much Fred! Yes, I was amazed at how well the Mini 2 SE video held up against the Mavic 3 Pro. For many people, the Mini 2 SE is good enough.

[@volestoat]

Im getting a mini 2 se and controller sun shade.£4. Its sick fly more combo is £439 and its got a 2 year warrenty from dji not the batteries think its 1 year or a certain amount of charges.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Wow, that sounds like a great deal. Enjoy the drone.

[@jedmontecillo6242]

i have a mini 2 se fmc , hope you can notice me i like your videos specially your tutorials since i'm new in drone, my question is it worthy to upgrade my mini 2 se to air 2s?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Yes, the Air 2S has many more capabilities than the Mini 2 SE. It is worth the upgade. Thank you!

[@Shauncat1]

I’m looking at getting the Mini se 2 as an upgrade from my very old 350qx 2 drone from way back. I don’t want to spend too much money as well on expensive drones, just for personal and family gathering videos and pics

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Good choice! It's a nice little drone!

[@goldbornmusic2025]

ME TOO, The Mini 2 SE is just a great value drone for beginners, LIKE ME, an. In saying that, it does really good, and would make many people happy. The Mavic 3 Pro is just a gigantic jump in performance, it knocks any consumer drone out of the park. Great flight with both drones over the reservoir 👍 BUT THE ONLY THING I DON'T LIKE ABOUT DJI, IS TELLING ME WHERE OR WHERE NOT I CAN FLY, ITS A BIT LIKE IGNORANT STUPID MICROSOFT FORCING UPDATES THAT I DO NOT WANT. ANYWAY EXCELLENT VERY HELPFUL UPLOAD IT HELPS ME A LOT, THANKYOU VERY MUCH SIR.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I'm a huge fan of DJI's lineup of drones. Thank you for watching!

[@fastjaydub]

I was given a Mini 2 SE for my birthday. I am obsessed with it. I imagine the bigger drones are quite restricted here in the UK as to where you can fly.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

The Mini 2 is nothing but fun!

[@ReedRichardson-wo7jc]

What is the app in the beginning

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

That is the B4UFly app, and UAV forecast.

[@ReedRichardson-wo7jc]

@@IdahoQuadcopter thank you so much your the best

[@samntimramsey1112]

Great video, new flyer here I have the mini 2 se. How can I change the meters to feet?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

In the Fly app you can choose imperial or metric. 👍

[@captain603]

can you silence the low battery and rth beeps on the mini 2 se controller?

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Not that I know of. 🤷‍♂️

[@rickracine9758]

HEY Marcus great job with the comparison ya i get it big time the mini 2 SE is unbelievable drone for the price sure the M pro is better but wow what a price difference i say buy the mini 2 SE well worth the price and your still getting great quality for the price but more over for me i need a pilot licence to fly a drone in Canada over 249g so its a no brainner for me that being said i dont have the M 2 SE but i do have the mavic mini,mini 2 and ya you gotta have the mini 3 pro

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

DJI gives up a lot in their sub-250 drones. Thank you Rick!

[@RonaldBrown59]

Even with KZbin compression I could see how much the Mavic 3 Pro footage looked. But I agree not everyone wants or needs that type of video quality, and why pay all that money if you just want casual video. The Mini 2 SE will be just fine many folks camera needs. Nice comparison Marcus, and you got some nice shots along way. Thanks for sharing.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Ron!! I had a lot of fun making the video.

[@waypointnewengland]

Honestly when I saw that the video was an hour long I was just going to watch five minutes and move on to do other things, but I watched the entirety. Amazing how you can narrate for so long and make it so enjoyable. Mavic 3 pro is awesome. I have the regular mavic 3 and a few other dji drones, but the mini2 se is a drone that I would recommend to friends to get into the hobby. For the precision landing the manual just says ascend to a minimum of 7 meters,I use to stop and try to hover right at 23 feet. It might just be circumstance but now I usually just go straight up above the tree line to look around without concentrating about stopping at 7 meters and I usually hit the pad within a couple of inches from where I take off. Another great video,much appreciated.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you so much! I know videos like this one are a commitment of time. 🙂

[@georgekelly1948]

Fun flights. Your narration is always interesting. Don’t change anything. I have held off on the Mavic 3 Classic. The Mini 2 and the Mini 3 Pro have done well for me. For so long you touted the virtues of the Air 2S that I am thinking that the new Air 3 may be the right fit for my next drone. We will see what DJI offers us. Cheers, buddy.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

My problem is that I like them all George! 🙂

[@KeithMountford]

Great stuff and seagulls is good with me.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Ha! Thank you! 😄

[@fernandojuarbe77]

I don't know which one is one from the other one

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

They both look quite good! Thank you!

[@peterpaul1675]

Hi Marcus, DJI is the Master of Drohnes. Nice Video 👌👍🍻 Many thanks and greetings, yours Peter. 👏

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you very much Peter! Cheers!

[@BlairAir]

Love that reservoir! One of my favorite places you fly. You represented the 2 ends of the spectrum. One point of disagreement: I submit that everyone DOES need a Mavic 3 Pro. They just don't know it, cant afford it, haven't flown it, and don't realize how it will make them smarter, better looking, more popular and give them a whiter, brighter smile! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 PS: That water is REALLY HIGH. Glad to see the multi-year drought getting relief this season! PS at one point, i thought you were going to be up sheep creek without a paddle 😮😂

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I agree, everyone does need the Mavic 3 Pro! 😂 Oh I get it Sheep Creek, Sh^# Creek. 🙃

[@narecardoso1]

Heyyyy comonnnn... Loud pipes save lives! 😎😎 (38:24)

[@UKBUBBLERS]

As usual Marcus great video and you definitely give the public some good knowledge of both drones but it does come down to the price for most people ut if your just getting into the hobby then the mini se is a brilliant starting point 😁👍👌 🇬🇧

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! Yes, I just wanted to point out that almost anyone can afford a quality drone. 🙂

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Horses for courses. I can see a place for both of these in a videographer's toolbox. Sometimes what is most helpful is something light and quiet(er) and unobtrusive like the Mini 2 SE, while other times you want the full capabilities of the Mavic 3.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I agree, there are times that you don't need anything but a nice quiet drone.

[@madeiraislander]

10:16 That was very funny 🤣🤣 Awesome video, beautiful location and great drones! I just ordered the Mini 2 SE! 👌🏻

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! 😀 The older I get the more that happens!

[@BlairAir]

I get logged out of my DJI Account occasionally- usually when switching aircraft on th RC Pro. Nine times out of 10 i can hotspot and log in. Bit of an annoyance, I'll agree with you there.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It's a problem John. If I were somewhere without a connection it would be a problem.

[@palmtreez2506]

The boat was moving fast

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It sure was. 👍

[@Steve53]

Hi Marcos looking forward to your participation in Flysky drone show on wedensday, its going to great to hear your thought on Tonys show, its great to see your still doing a great job with your show regards Steve DJI Mavic Pilot. 👏 🙏👍👍 😎.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Steve! I enjoyed being on Dave's Hot Seat on The Drone Show Live. 🙂

[@delzane]

As previously mentioned, I experienced the same "Log In" message last January on Maui. Due to my remote location with no Wi-Fi and/or cell signal, I was forced to scrap my flight plans. FYI, I did attempt to fly anyway without logging in, but the flight restrictions were stifling. Once I returned to our condo, I logged in successfully. After that, regardless of where I flew on the island, the issue never resurfaced. No problems here locally either. Thanks for sharing.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I remember that now Del. It is a problem for our DJI drones.

[@ChuckD05]

as far as video quality... the mini SE 2 is really a fantastic deal… but the places it struggles is low light… and could use some more sharpness in landscape shots. I am very happy with my Air 2S that I got after wanting “more” after I got the mini 2se … but I don't want to get rid of my mini 2 SE. I can think of a bunch of scenarios where I would prefer to have the mini 2 SE (all during the day) instead of the 2S. For any beginner just looking for video and pics during the day , the Mini 2 SE is FANTASTIC! And it’s sooo portable/small. Really amazing how small it is! Comparing the mini se2 daytime video to the m3p here is pretty interesting bc it def holds its own! Like you said, se2 just lacks the features and cutting edge tech that the big brothers have… (I wonder if they’ll ever allow the se2 to work with 3rd party apps. If they do, it’ll become a bit more valuable.) Can’t go wrong with DJI!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You make some great points! The Air 2S is one of my favorites too! 🙂

[@ChuckD05]

@@IdahoQuadcopter I edited my post a bit. Felt I was a bit harsh on the mini se. Same points , but said much better :) Thanks for the comparison!

[@davidsizemore2745]

Us Harley riders enjoy how our bikes sound lol.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I don't like forcing what I may or may not like on others. 🤷‍♂️

[@davidsizemore2745]

@@IdahoQuadcopter I just subscribed to your channel. But I don’t want to force myself on you so I’ll just unsubscribe from your channel.

[@fj1100mark]

Was the fact that you had to login for you could take off something to do with RID which pretty much means that you will not be able to fly in the safest place in the world in the wilderness, where there is nothing around, but no network signal

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I worry about that kind of situation too.

[@attick2ewh964]

You make great videos, Learning a lot,keep up with the videos:‘‘tks again

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@DFRANCOO80]

Hi sir can you help me I have the rc controller but I want to buy the rc pro reviews say is better is signal distance is that true I just want to make sure before spend $1,125😊

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

The RC Pro does have more antenna and a little bit better range. 👍

[@thedroneguy42]

Great comparison Marcus i still own my mini 2 but that mini 2se is a great choice for any bigginer hey i know this drone is not in the video but i got 3 straight presicion landing whit my Autel evo nano plus i was amazed i did that

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

My Mavic 3 Pro doesn't seem to be able to hit the mark. 🙂

[@thedroneguy42]

@@IdahoQuadcopter I noticed that it should be hitting the mark for its cost but at least it was at the pad

[@shotgun4257]

I have to tell you, the video quality on the Mini SE is really really good, I am pleasantly surprised! I’ve owned the Mini 2, 2 Pro and the Air 2, but that’s not bad! Thanks again!!

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

And the Mini SE is such a bargain too!

[@jimanderson4865]

Hi Marcus.....Great tour around the reservoir. Glad to see plenty of water. If I purchase a mini. It would be the pro........😎

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Jim. The reservoir is full!

[@sprungtv5940]

Great job sir😊🎶🎹

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Many thanks!

[@Jhorne84]

Off topic Marcus, but if and when the Air 3 drops.. You grabbing one? 😎

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It's possible......😎

[@ronaldmodesett8579]

DJI controls what you can do. maybe because you are near restricted zone.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I'm not sure, but it is a problem.

[@Randomentertainmentz]

Wao this is a very very awesome organized flight. You always give a vivid commentary about whatever you do. I'm always excited about your videos. Welbeck here Stay safe all the time 🙏🙏❤️

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you Welbeck! I wish I had your skill as a cameraman!

[@Randomentertainmentz]

@@IdahoQuadcopter thank you for appreciating my work. Anyway I'm a state outside broadcaster too both radio and tv. Be blessed. I'll send a gift one day from Ghana

[@Scott-q2e]

Man I just have to say I enjoy the info you give and I've learned a lot from u. Thanks I'm glad I've found someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you for those very kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@henrytaaffe7058]

you do a great review Marcus

[@robertbdrone6835]

All right, another great video from Marcus let’s get that bird in the air my friend great video

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

You already know! Thank you Robert!

[@lauren301]

Good job buddy. Very fair analysis.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Much appreciated Lauren!!

[@tokobangunan7887]

So good

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you!

[@malan2099]

Can you do mini 3 vs fimi mini v2

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Maybe one of these days. 👍

[@bownsaway]

Love you video's

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Thank you very much!