Is the DJI Mini SE STILL worth it in 2023?

[@NickKendall]

💙 Check out my BRAND NEW LUT + Color Grading Course right here: 👉 shrtm.nu/lut02

[@keefmeister77]

In 10 months I have flown my Mini SE 223 times and for 290 kms, 15.1 hours flight time, my distance record is 3572 meters (with Yagis). No issues yet. Still worth it.

[@NickKendall]

Wow that's impressive!!

[@keefmeister77]

It has now flown 251 times for 382 kilometers in about 14 months. On my last flight it flew for over 15 minutes and 6.1 miles in Sport Mode before it safely force landed.

[@kidvicious2227]

Did you fly it for 5 mins each time?

[@keefmeister77]

Don't know how it averages out, there were a number of short aborted flights. It now has flown for 504 kilometers or 313 miles, still no issues.

[@rickywilson4392]

Love the Mini SE, had a full front page on a newspaper, cropped vertical, and it was still sharp and clear!

[@Brodzzzzz]

Honestly Its my first and only drone I've had and it has NEVER let me down. Absolute BEAST. Get one for 2nd hand of marketplace for like $300 now...

[@NickKendall]

So good!

[@TropicalZooms]

Great vid mate. We all get caught up in the latest and greatest gear but seem to forget that what we have still does the job. I absolutely love the look of the new DJI mini 3 pro with all the new features & longer life battery but still can’t justify upgrading from my mini 2 because it still does what I need it to do do well. Thanks for posting. 😃👍

[@NickKendall]

Agreed! I feel the same way about the Mini 3 Pro haha but yeah the SE does the job for me fine right now.

[@firebird-drones]

Nice video! I purchased the Mini SE about two months ago. Love it so far, I agree the footage is definitely limited when you want to color correct/grade. But it’s a great drone to get started in the drone world

[@NickKendall]

Sounds like we've had a pretty similar experience! Thanks for sharing :)

[@ALxdCr4ftPlays]

DJI New Zealand sells this for NZ$745, which is quite fair. I remember when drones first came out in New Zealand, they were over NZ$3,000. I use the DJI Pocket 2 & DJI Osmo Action 3 for my walk vids. I can see why many KZbinrs love & use DJI product(s).

[@NickKendall]

Yeah, that's why I've taken so long to get into drone. I thought they will still that expensive. And yeah I've seen good things with the Pocket 2 and Osmo action! :)

[@Womtek1]

I´m about to buy my first drone and I wanna go for something that is a bit cheaper but still have a good camera/battery so you can acctually use your footage even if it´s a start drone. So I think Dji Mini is the thing for me :)

[@NickKendall]

I think you'll really enjoy it! :)

[@JoseSanchez-xd1oz]

Ok

[@DougGrinbergs]

4:30 re: range, AFAIK US FAA requires drone be within sight unless you have Part 107 waiver / license. Also, Remote ID required starting Sep. 16, 2023.

[@TahoeTime4457]

Only if you register the drone or have a Part 107.

[@crystalskylight9327]

You can definitely tell the difference when flying in a populated area vs rural area. Can't go very far where I live because of interference, But when I go out in the countyside I can easily send it a couple of kilometres away. But should I lose signal I never get worried anymore. It always comes back on its own. I've had mine nearly a year and I still love flying it. It's definitely what you want if you want to stay on the ceapish side without spending thousands, but also don't want the $50 toy drone.

[@NickKendall]

Agreed!! The more I've used it in rural areas the more I've realised how much interference built up areas do cause. I think my record was about 4km away when I was in a rural area before it really started to lose signal. I still highly recommend this drone!

[@SupremeCakeVR]

@@NickKendallnow you can get the mini 2 SE for only $40 more and it has occusync instead of enhanced Wi-Fi so you can go even further

[@pauldavidson293]

Which ND Filters, do you recommend for the DJI Mini SE? Have you ever made content on Litchi or newer Maven apps? Got gifted the drone for Xmas, excited to see what photography/videos can create and apps to enhance the experience of tracking and waypoints! Loved the video, hope you make a video on Litchi and Maven, if you haven’t already!

[@NickKendall]

I just use some ND filters I got from Freewell. I've been meaning to make some content with Litchi for some time; hoping to get to it soon. Thanks for the reminder! :) All the best with your new drone, have fun!!

[@CroArmy3]

Do you need to calibrate this drone if you need how? Thanks

[@NickKendall]

No need to calibrate that I'm aware of :)

[@jasonpundek6358]

yes..I bought one a month ago.....its incredible...love it

[@NickKendall]

Great to hear! :)

[@jbgood7694]

The mini SE is a great drone. I did have a fly away. I went behind a hill, about 1,000 M out and lost contact with the control and satallite link. It never came back. I'd rather loose this drone than my $1200 Skidoo 2. The DJI mini SE does great in the wind, flys a decent distance, the video is great and the battery lasts a long time. This is a great beginner drone and not as expensive as the higher end drones with more enhanced flight modes and obstacle avoidance.

[@NickKendall]

Sorry to hear you lost yours! But yes, much better than losing the Skidoo 2!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)

[@paulmcgeechan8503]

Thanks, good review of a really good entry level drone. Unfortunately, the Mini SE and the DJI fly app is not in any way compatible with what is many people’s entry level android phone, the Samsung A13. The only way to fly a Mini SE if you have this phone appears to be with the Litchi app. Really poor support from DJI on this issue. So I would really like your opinion on the Litchi app once you have used it for a while, with regards to reliability and ease of use. At $40 AUD for the app, it’s a big spend for a younger person trying to get their new drone and phone setup even useable. Thanks

[@NickKendall]

Dang, didn’t know that about the A13! I’m definitely planning to do a video on the Litchi app so keep an eye out for it in the next couple of months.

[@sergiogarciajr6631]

I have a quick question. When the drone returns home, will the drone detect structures? For example, if you take off under a patio, will the drone hit the patio? Or will it just lower itself automatically?

[@domanater480]

No not on this drone

[@NickKendall]

Yeah the only sensors the Mini SE has is ground sensors for landing, so if you fly into any objects around it it'll hit them so you have to be extra careful.

[@sergiogarciajr6631]

@@NickKendall oh ok thank you

[@marcanthonyskidmore4131]

I've had mine for two years and barely flew it. Took it out today and it keeps disconnecting about 4 to 5 meters. Constantly having disconnecting issues no matter where I fly it. I later took it to the camera shop and they said the MINI SE is not suitable for high density areas at all. 100meters at most in those areas. However in open areas its more versatile. My return to home function doesn't work also after it loses connection. I have to walk within a few meters to get connection again. Really considering selling it.

[@NickKendall]

That's frustrating! I also find limited range in higher density areas of about 1km and around 3km in open areas.

[@CHICO-bw8hs]

what is the flight time and is there position hold?

[@simoneffendi3685]

Thank you for such a wonderful Vlog. I have a question: Is Mini SE able to focus & capture video of a parked car in the middle of a field while circling the car? Which mode is it? Thank you

[@NickKendall]

Yes you can! You could probably use the quickshots feature for that.

[@andruew80]

Hey Nick, what's the rule flying drone in Melbourne? Do we need licence or what's the limitation or restrictions flying drone, just for curiosity before getting one. Cheers

[@NickKendall]

Check the Vic gov website for all the details (www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules), but if the drone is less than 250g there are much less restrictions. If it's above that there's a lot more rules to follow. Hope that helps!

[@keepingitonehundred]

? Would it be better to with a Mini 2 SE over a mini se or Mini 2 *I know mini 2 has better camera

[@NickKendall]

Depends on your budget and use case. I personally don't really think the 2 is that much better and not really worth the extra cash. But if a bit better range and a slightly better camera is important to you then it might be worth it.

[@gn2b445]

where did you get nd filters for this drone, I cannot find any anywhere

[@Beef89]

I have that drone and It works So Cool!

[@MrObvious125]

Does this thing have obstacle avoidance?

[@NickKendall]

Unfortunately not..

[@cassiewatson1864]

Thank you so much! Great review!

[@NickKendall]

No problem! Glad you liked it!

[@Sparksfly]

just bought one of these as a first ever drone.

[@NickKendall]

Nice! Hope you have a lot of fun! :)

[@thennekcdcdthennek6417]

I will be buying a cheap used mini se as my first drone. It will be good for practicing.

[@NickKendall]

Nice! That's the way to go I reckon! :) Have fun!

[@xhiltonx]

I thought about this but market place is alot of ppl don't get back

[@harleyfirth8983]

If you tap the return to home button on the controller once it does an emergency stop!

[@michaelconnor5922]

Still a great little drone. 🙂 lots more features available when using litchie. My go to app when flying my mini se

[@NickKendall]

Totally agree the Litchi app is a game changer.

[@cliffleigh7450]

With regard to range - aren't you legally restricted to Visual Line of Sight?

[@NickKendall]

In Australia, yes you are!

[@cliffleigh7450]

@@NickKendall Then the range (or lack there of) isn't a problem. You can't see it when it is more than 400m away.

[@sanjingrandic5102]

The best drone to learn flying-best bang for the buck-worst point -weak signal

[@swampy1234]

Aren't the best and worst at odds with each??

[@LA-ol3iq]

Thank you a lot for this content !!

[@NickKendall]

No problem, hope it was helpful! 😊

[@mlarav]

Greetings. What's the name of the app for tracking?

[@NickKendall]

Litchi :)

[@tomkearns7136]

hi Nick, i cannot link my mini se to android huawai p30 phone. Can you recommend a cheap android or iphone I can use as a controller for the drone, please?

[@samuellazar3275]

Great review. Thanks sir😊

[@NickKendall]

No problem! 😊

[@samuellazar3275]

Please do more like these

[@MeyersCTR]

Does the Mini 2 SE have a screen recorder?

[@pwarrior2914]

Mostly (if not all) DJI drones can record what they see on their internal SD card (you insert an SD card into the drone). Some drones have the capability to just transfer the files by using internet and without taking out it's SD card.

[@Glenrsi]

Cannot agree more about a cheaper drone to start off.

[@NickKendall]

I think it’s a smart idea!

[@Glenrsi]

@@NickKendall: True, as i have heard many times people have gone and bought a DJI for a 1000 plus. Then crashed, lost it on their first flight. Also some people i know, buy the best and it just sits in the cupboard.

[@NickKendall]

Exactly!

[@rtorres3442]

Great update video bud. Thanks for making it.! I just got this drone as my first DJI model. Just want to know is it vital to join the DJI product improvement project which pops up in DJI Fly? I heard you have to register in the app in order to fly your drone normally. Is that correct?

[@NickKendall]

No problem! You don't need to join the improvement project to gain full functionality of the drone :) You just need a DJI account. Hope that helps!

[@UA797]

on this black friday i bought the mini 2 se, i had a dji tello it wasn't very good, i recommand the dji mini 2 se its like the regular mini 2 but just different camera

[@raniquepowell6413]

Thanks for this video bro cause ill be buying one of this DJI mini SE ......... question tho is it really easy to fly?? Also does it shoots video in slow motion 🎬???

[@NickKendall]

No problem, yeah super easy to fly! And yes, it shoots slow motion in 1080p :)

[@raniquepowell6413]

@@NickKendall Slow motion ⚡ ✊🏾 great 💯 I'm definitely getting one soon appreciate the video bro

[@SB-groupEKB]

Друг,подскажи,если купить его в 2024 году как мой первый дрон,нормальная идея?

[@NickKendall]

Я думаю, что это все еще хорошее начало в 2024 году.

[@kodak_jack]

Your description mentions the mini 2 SE, but you don't talk about the differences. I would expect someone looking at both would buy the newer one. The range of the mini 2 SE is claimed to be 10K. If that's not enough, you're in trouble.

[@NickKendall]

The mini 2 came out after this video, but I'd still argue if you can get an original mini SE secondhand, it'll be a much better deal than buying the newer 2. If you're just wanting to try drones and practice, this is still a great option in my opinion.

[@IAMRS3GAMING]

Will that tracking work for the mini 3? Thanks in advance

[@NickKendall]

Do you mean the Litchi app? It should, just double check on the Litchi website which drones are compatible with it :)

[@Yuki2681]

Where do you get the shutters?

[@domanater480]

I was shocked I was with a mate who has a mini se and he had his out almost 4.5km's

[@NickKendall]

Oh wow, that's legit!

[@shadowdeslaar]

Could I theoretically take the time to add a Better Camera? A DJI camera. But somewhat better? Or is it not worth it?

[@NickKendall]

I actually didn't know you add your own camera haha. Sounds cool!

[@paulcimmino4190]

what is the name of your filters for the Mavic Mini Se ?

[@NickKendall]

They’re Freewell filters 😊

[@angelteamnolimit624]

Just bought 2 of these in box with batteries and remote full setup for 180$ in Brooklyn ny I own now 2 se 1 mini 3 and a mini 2 just a amazing sport and heads up go on offer up and there times there basically giving them away how cheap they selling them

[@xhiltonx]

Just bought my self one from a tello

[@Albie_yt]

Saving up for one

[@NickKendall]

Nice! :)

[@RichardAsid]

nice video sir take care always

[@NickKendall]

Thanks, you too!

[@DougGrinbergs]

Seeing refurb Mini SE from seemingly legit drone specialty outfit for $300US, new $340, refurb Fly More for $400

[@IAMRS3GAMING]

Will that app work on the mini 2 for tracking?

[@NickKendall]

Sure will!

[@IAMRS3GAMING]

@@NickKendall thank you!!

[@RichardAsid]

hi sir i have also DJI Mini se , can you send me link for litchi im from Philippines i only using stadard DJI app without follow mode

[@NickKendall]

Yeah for sure, it’s on the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone or on the Google play store if you’re using android. Hope that helps! 😊

[@sanjaymandal797]

Is there the follow me feature?

[@NickKendall]

Not with the native DJI app; but you can with the 3rd party app Litchi!

[@sanjaymandal797]

@NickKendall thanks. Does it have obstacle feature?

[@itsjelte]

Very nice video! This is a nice kind of content. But what was that app called again?

[@NickKendall]

Thanks! :) The app is called Litchi!

[@itsjelte]

@@NickKendall thank you!

[@shadowdeslaar]

Just got mine. I like it. But I got it $180 Refurbished. And sold by a Drone Repairer. I had Experimenting with Repairing Technology/ Overhauling…. Things need to be compatible or of the right Currents. And the drone gets HOT. But…. Perhaps I’m just a Noob..

[@NickKendall]

Nice! Great price!

[@Rocky-xx2zg]

The DJI Fly app displays on my Samsung 22 in the wrong direction. The image faces the Antenna. It should face me . What did I do wrong?

[@NickKendall]

Hmm have you made sure your phone rotation is unlocked?

[@Rocky-xx2zg]

@@NickKendall Nick, I checked. It only happens with DJI FLY App

[@Rocky-xx2zg]

@@NickKendall Nick, It's Ok. I did nothing. The Android OS is about 100 IQ points above me!!!???

[@dc.discovery]

nice what about video quality for dji mini se

[@NickKendall]

Yeah I think it's decent for the price! Obviously has some limitations considering it's a cheaper drone.

[@NAVX3]

Great vid man

[@NickKendall]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@MVMTV4Videos]

Very well done, 👍 thumbs up. New Subscriber

[@NickKendall]

Thanks! 😊

[@Matanumi]

New zeland is CE radios isn't it? Not as good as FCC

[@andrewpataky7318]

Didn't they just release the mini 2 se?

[@NickKendall]

Yeah they did, but I actually still think the original SE is a great deal, especially if you get it on sale now that the 2 is out :)

[@zulakmal4096]

Dji mini 2 SE BRO

[@NickKendall]

haha yeah, but the original SE is still a lot cheaper (especially if you get it on sale now) which might be perfect if you're just looking to try a drone like I mentioned :)

[@MrTrazz09]

20 mins of flight time for a newbie flyer is too short, but for an experienced flyer its already boring..😊

[@nat0106951]

its compact and the best featurw are 3rd party app for waypoints. the new mini2 se dont support that

[@Bhhyyby5bYbbynytfbn5-co7nx]

Will i am now saving for dji mini 2 se rn becouse im in the Philippines so 500$ is so much for us well others will Disagree

[@benaiahferguson1372]

L-E-G-E-N-D

[@NickKendall]

Right back at you legend! 💪🏼

[@AshEivani]

Thanks a lot for your video. I own Mini SE and I am extremely happy with it. I aim to upgrade it to Mini pro 4 soon hopefully. This is the music video I made with my mini SE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIu4dWiArtOjiZY

[@NickKendall]

Nice! Yeah the Mini Pro 4 looks incredible!!

[@isma_life]

I got my drone today and this mf never came back (

[@NickKendall]

Oh nooo!! Sorry to hear that! 😢

[@isma_life]

@@NickKendall it was 100$ drone. Now I understand we should buy the one at least with GPS 😅

[@rickywilson4392]

Love the Mini SE, had a full front page on a newspaper, cropped vertical, and it was still sharp and clear!

[@NickKendall]

Wow that's great! Hard to knock the SE :)