Making smaller, less feature-rich product, which is less expensive, can result in a number of mistakes, but there’s the possibility of creating something really special (see Nintendo Switch Lite). Nintendo Switch Lite). DJI is doing precisely that with its new DJI Mavic Mini, which packs almost everything that’s great about DJI’s larger, more expensive drones in an easy-to-carry package.

The compact Mavic Mini is more impressive than DJI’s previous attempt to create a small drone, the Spark in almost every way. The Spark was a mess of sacrifices to accommodate its tiny size (and it weighs about 50g heavier that the Mavic Mini and $100 more). To cut down on cost and weight The Mavic Mini makes only one significant compromise: it can’t record 4K video. It is able to shoot 2.7K video however this is sufficient for the majority of us particularly when you consider that it can accomplish this with a weight of just half a pound (just one ounce heavier than a smartphone).

Power that is Palm-Sized

Mavic Mini Mavic Mini is small, compact, and lightweight. It’s the ideal drone for traveling, hiking, or backpacking. The exact weight at the moment of takeoff will be 249 grams. This is an important number in the world of drones. It’s because the Federal Aviation Administration requires any “unmanned drones” that weigh between 500 grams up to 55 pounds be registered. It’s a fairly simple procedure in general, but it is not required for the Mavic Mini is exempt.

Photograph: DJI

If you plan to put Mavic Mini Mavic Mini in a backpack for a long distance Be aware that the controller weighs 249 grams, and is about identical to the drone. The whole package weighs around 1 pound and that’s not including the case you’ll utilize.

This is a significant size for a device with enough power to keep you in the air for about 26 minutes, according to my testing. Temperature and wind will be an important factor in the time you’re able to fly, and the majority of my tests were conducted in temperatures that ranged from 35 to 60 degrees this could explain why I had a bit lower battery life in comparison to the thirty minutes DJI promises (lithium batteries are not a fan of cold temperatures).

But this Mavic Mini is one of the most enjoyable drone flying experiences I’ve ever had. It’s agile and quick. DJI’s brand new Fly app isn’t like the experience is offered by the other drones from DJI however it’s good enough. My only complaint is that the ability to switch between flight modes – Regular, Sport, and Cinesmooth, a brand new model not a function on the controller like it is on other models of the Mavic range. Instead, you’ll have search for it using the application.

As one would think you would expect, it is a bit heavy. Mavic Mini is so light that I would not recommend it for use in stormy conditions. It was, however, quite stable on the single breezy day I tested it. There was hardly any side-to-side movement even at high winds however, any movement generally vertical. The gusts would make it rise.