When it comes to comparing drones, one thing that’s clear when evaluating different models is whether they have Obstacle Avoidance.
Most DJI drones come equipped with this technology, so it’s likely that the DJI Mini 2 will have similar technology or better sensors. Or does it?
DJI Mini drones are beautifully-crafted to help “Make Your Moments Fly.” It comes with user-friendly features that will be useful to you no matter your skill level as a photographer or film maker.
Some of the known features of DJI Mini 2 include intelligent modes & Quickshots, ultra-clear 4k video, 10km video transmission, level 5 wind resistance, and 31-min max flight time.
However, this ultralight and foldable drone leaves a question of obstacle avoidance, which is arguably the latest addition to some advanced drones today.
No, DJI Mini 2 doesn’t come with obstacle avoidance feature. However, it comes equipped with automatic Return to Home (RTH), which distinguishes it from another popular drone such as the Mavic 2 Pro, which supports obstacle avoidance.
DJI Mini drones are beautifully-crafted to help “Make Your Moments Fly.” It comes with user-friendly features that will be useful to you no matter your skill level as a photographer or film maker.
Some of the known features of DJI Mini 2 include intelligent modes & quickshots, ultra-clear 4k video, 10km video transmission, level 5 wind resistance, and 31-min max flight time.
However, this ultralight and foldable drone leaves a question of obstacle avoidance, which is arguably the lates addition to some advanced drones today.
No, DJI Mini 2 doesn’t come with obstacle avoidance feature. However, it comes equipped with automatic Return to Home (RTH), which distinguishes it from another popular drone such as the Mavic 2 Pro, which supports obstacle avoidance.
DJI Drones and Obstacle Avoidance Technology
First, DJI drones are equipped with obstacle avoidance technology. The DJI Air 2S was the first drone to have four forward-facing obstacle-avoidance sensors. Even when tilting forward during rapid flight, the drone could still identify obstacles.
Another DJI drone with obstacle avoidance is the Mini 3 Pro. The Mini 3 Pro has both forward and backward-facing obstacle-avoidance sensors.
The DJI Air 2S has sensors for obstacle avoidance. Its sensor has an increased sensitivity that puts it on par with the Mavic 2 Pro. Its frame is nearly identical to the Mavic Air 2’s, which is a major plus.
The DJI Air 2S has obstacle-avoidance sensors, which make it safe to fly at speed. Similarly, its ADS-B sensor system can detect aircraft or helicopters, which is a huge plus for drone owners.
In addition to having four-way obstacle-avoidance sensors, the DJI Air 2S has an APAS 4.0 autopilot system, which automatically avoids obstacles. This autopilot system allows you to record up to 4K/30p footage without fear of crashing.
The DJI Air 2S also comes with an auxiliary landing light. Despite its limited features, the DJI Air 2S can be a great addition to your aerial photography gear.
The Obstacle Avoidance feature is a great feature for capturing aerial videos of dense areas. During flight, the drone can detect and avoid obstacles in real time, thanks to its built-in ultrasonic sensors and visual cameras.
It can even remember the exact path you’ve travelled to avoid obstacles. You can even navigate your drone home without GPS using this system. The DJI Air 2S is the best drone for amateurs, but if you’re a pro, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a better choice.
What does obstacle avoidance mean?
This feature allows the drone to follow its subject at up to 120m. This feature works best when the subject has a high contrast color in their clothing and is relatively unobstructed.
While it doesn’t have obstacle avoidance, the mini drone can also be set to follow a straight line and is capable of tracking obstacles. It’s best to avoid tripping over people and pets when using this feature.
Most modern drones come with an obstacle avoidance feature that helps the drone navigate around various obstacles and gives operators extra eyes in the sky.
The DJI mini 2 doesn’t have obstacle avoidance, but it does have a downward-pointing sensing system. This means that it can detect when it is hovering and thereby avoid obstacles. Although it’s not ideal for indoor flying, it’s perfectly safe for indoor use.
The Mini 2 weighs 242 grams, so adding obstacle avoidance would have increased the weight.
But DJI might have thought ahead of time and intended the feature for the front of the drone. A system that could detect and avoid obstacles in front of it would have increased the mini drone’s weight beyond the 250 g weight limit. Moreover, it would have meant a more expensive camera if it had obstacle avoidance.
The Mini series lacks an obstacle avoidance feature. This is because of their smaller form factor. It is hard to fit in sensing equipment. Companies focus on releasing drones under 250 grams, since heavier ones need more licensing and training.
In addition, drones without sensors are much cheaper. They’re better for beginners, but the Mini series has a downside. The Mini 2 lacks obstacle avoidance sensors.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro has obstacle avoidance and tri-directional sensors. These sensors enable the drone to take a more safe path around an obstacle. It has dual ActiveTrack 4.0 modes, a parallel tracking mode, and QuickShots. Both modes allow the drone to take up to 2 minutes of varying shots.
The Mini 3 Pro also has a ground-detection sensor, a two-minute flight time, and an automatic return to home mode.
Drones that support obstacle avoidance:
1. DJI Air 2S has obstacle avoidance
The DJI Air2S has obstacle avoidance built in. This drone is equipped with sensors that allow it to detect objects up to ten feet away.
This means that you can capture beautiful shots of the landscape while avoiding potential obstacles.
Other features of this drone include an obstacle avoidance system, active track, smart flight modes, and auto-home return.
But let’s talk about its obstacle avoidance system in more detail.
2. DJI Inspire 2 has obstacle avoidance
The DJI Inspire 2 has obstacle avoidance, which is a very useful feature if you plan on flying your drone indoors or in an area with lots of obstacles.
The obstacle avoidance system is activated when the aircraft is relaunching after losing communication with its remote.
The Inspire 2 can also avoid obstacles when it is returning to home after losing its signal. It also uses a feature called Automatic Landing Gear, which automatically stops the aircraft from landing when it is 50 cm or more above the ground.
The drone uses two visual sensors to detect obstacles in the air and avoid collisions.
The Inspire 2 is equipped with forward and downward vision systems, which are used to detect obstacles up to 30 meters away from the drone.
It also has the ability to remember its flight paths, even when there is no GPS signal. It also comes with two batteries, a charger, extra propellers, a calibration plate, and a carrying case.
However, it is still not clear whether DJI will make these features available on the newest model of the Inspire.
The DJI Inspire 2 also comes with obstacle avoidance, making it an excellent option for video and photography. Its large Micro-Four Thirds sensor lets users use different lenses.
The gimbal’s yaw is also controlled directly by the remote controller, which makes it much easier to operate.
Furthermore, it has Intelligent Flight Modes, which will help pilots execute complex tasks by themselves. The Inspire 2 weighs 16 pounds and is about 18 inches wide by 21 inches long by 12 inches high.
The DJI Inspire 2 has some improvements compared to the previous model, including improved speed. The Inspire can hit 50 mph within 5 seconds of taking off. It also has a dual battery system and a maximum flight time of 27 minutes.
Moreover, it has self-healing technology, which allows it to operate in low temperatures. Another obstacle avoidance drone is the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, which also comes with obstacle avoidance. It also has a high-quality professional camera, intelligent flight modes, and obstacle avoidance.
3. DJI Mavic Mini lacks obstacle avoidance
The DJI Mavic Mini 2 is missing one of the most important features of its bigger brother, the Mavic Pro. Its lens is recessed and rotates in different ways.
Obstacle avoidance sensors help the drone avoid collisions with objects and vehicles. In addition to these sensors, the Mavic Pro also has more storage and access to additional file codecs.
Obstacle avoidance sensors were previously exclusive to DJI’s premium drones.
The Mini 2 is a beginner’s drone with very few advanced features. It has camera stabilization and is close to rivaling cheaper drones.
The Mini can also be flown in situations where larger drones are prohibited.
In Europe, however, it’s important to check local drone laws before flying. Although the Mini is a great drone for many different uses, it lacks obstacle avoidance.
The Mavic 3 Pro comes with ActiveTrack 4.0 technology to improve tracking accuracy. You can choose between three modes: Spotlight, PoI, and ActiveTrack.
ActiveTrack 4.0 lets you fly the drone in any way you want while a designated subject stays in the center of the frame. In addition to obstacle avoidance, the Mini 3 Pro has a landing light and three different modes.
Unlike its smaller brother, the Mavic Mini 2’s camera is a key difference. The Mini 2 lacks obstacle avoidance, while the Air 2 has a Hasselblad camera. Additionally, the Mavic Pro’s camera supports ProRes recording.
Nevertheless, the Mavic Mini is an excellent drone for video production. If you want to film a movie or a home video, it is the right choice for you.
DJI Mini 2 Obstacle Avoidance: Conclusion
The DJI Mavic Mini 2 doesn’t have obstacle avoidance, but it is still a great drone with a lot of useful features.
Even without obstacle avoidance, the Mini 2 can still fly safely. Its weight falls under the 250 gram registration limit and is a perfect match for beginners.
When it comes to DJI drones, the Mini 2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a light weight drone.
