DJI’s drones have consistently ranked among the best drones for their ease of use, innovative features and excellent cameras. However, the price for most of the company’s drones started at $700 or more, making them less accessible for most consumers. The company’s newest drone, the DJI Mavic Mini, looks to rectify that somewhat with a starting price of $399. DJI’s newest drone fits in the palm of your hand making it even easier to tote around. But how does this new mini high flyer compare to DJI’s Spark in every other way? Let’s compare the Mavic Mini to the DJI Spark to see which drone comes out on top.
DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Spark Price and Availability
The DJI Mavic Mini from Buydig.com is available in two configurations. For $399, you get the drone, remote control, one battery, extra propellers and all necessary tools. The $499 Fly More combo includes the drone, controller, three batteries, a two-way charging hub, the propeller cage, three sets of extra propellers, and a carrying case. Or if you choose, you can purchase the DJI Spark drone, remote control, one battery, and all necessary tools for $649.
DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Spark Design
Despite the relatively low price tag, the Mavic Mini features a lot of the best aspects of DJI’s more expensive drones. It’s basically as small as the 2017 DJI Spark, but the Mavic lineup’s foldable legs make it even more portable. DJI was able to shave enough weight off the Mini to bring it down to 249 grams, one-gram shy of the weight which would require you to register the drone with the FAA. It’s even lighter than the DJI Spark from Buydig.com, the next-smallest drone in the company’s lineup. The Mini is truly compact, though, and easily fist in the palm of your hand. You can stuff this in a backpack and still have room for plenty of other stuff. The Mavic Mini also shares a lot of software features with DJI’s other drones, like creative shooting modes and the ability to automatically return to the takeoff spot.
DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Spark Sensors
One of the only trade-offs: The Mavic Mini has fewer sensors than DJI’s other drones, meaning it may be more prone to crashes. Ground-facing sensors will help with low hovering and soft landings, but it’s up to the pilot not to fly the Mavic Mini sideways into a tree, wall, or any other object. This is a place where, while similar in size, the heavier, more sensor-laden DJI Spark prevails. Despite being so light, the Mavic Mini feels stable and precise during flights. You’ll be able to create stunning drone videography with the new DJI Mavic Mini.
DJI Mavic Mini vs DJI Spark Camera
The Mavic Mini can’t shoot 4K footage. Otherwise, the Mavic Mini should be a capable tool for photographers and videographers. In the front of the Mini is a 3-axis gimbal mounted camera, which produces some very stable images and video. Its 1/2.3-inch sensor can take 12-megapixel images and video at resolutions up to 2.7K. The DJI Spark’s camera operates on a 2-axis gimbal, and can’t shoot 4K either.
Mavic Mini vs DJI Spark Battery Life
One of the best features of the Mavic Mini is its estimated 30-minute battery life. That’s the same flight time as the Mavic 2 Pro, which costs more than twice as much, and 2 times longer than the DJI Spark’s 16-minute battery life!
The DJI Mavic Mini will be another excellent addition to the company’s lineup. Its $399 starting price is nearly as low as the DJI Spark. But the DJI Spark has a lower-resolution camera, a 2-axis gimbal, and its wings don’t fold.
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