The New Drone Every Roofer Needs to Own
It’s here… another new drone from DJI and this one is even more nimble and less expensive than other models in its class.
The brand new DJI Mini SE features a few improvements compared to the DJI Mini 2, mainly the SE’s lower price! Amazon.com listed the basic package for the DJI Mini SE at only $299. A more inclusive package, which DJI calls its “Fly More Combo,” is priced at $479. (Note: Prices based on August 2021 shopping research.)
IRoofing’s alternative drone recommendation is the DJI Mini 2, which we introduced about 2 years ago. This big brother of the DJI Mini SE has a slightly better camera and a more extended range. It’s worth the extra cost for serious roofing pros, but we think the new smaller Mini SE is definitely up to the job. The SE’s flight time is about the same, the camera photo resolution is the same, and so is the weight (249g) and size (Folded: L-138xW-81xH-58 mm | Unfolded: L-159xW-203xH-56 mm.)
New DJI Mini SE Data:
- Size (millimeters) – Length-140 x Width-82 x Height-57
- Maximum Photo Resolution – 12 megapixels
- Maximum Video Resolution – 2.7K/30 frames per second
- Video Transmission Distance – 4 kilometers
- Weight – Less than 249 grams (No need to register or license this drone, however, check local regulations and forthcoming changes on drone use rules and reg.s. U.S. | Canada)
- Maximum Flight Speed – 46.8 kilometers per hour
- Maximum Flight Time – 30 minutes
- Maximum Wind Resistance – 37.8 kilometers per hour
Cost – $299 base price, $479 for the Fly More Combo ($220 cheaper than the DJI Mavic Mini 2)
DJI Mini SE flies as Long as an Episode of This Old House
The DJI Mini SE allows you to fly the drone for up to 30 minutes with a full charge, under ideal atmospheric conditions – ample time to get all the roof images you need.
Steady as She Goes
If you are a roofing contractor operating in areas where wind conditions are great for kite-flying, but not always ideal for performing drone roof surveys, don’t worry. Like its predecessor, the new Mini SE is built with a motorized gimbal (a mechanism that keeps the drone horizontal in flight) to ensure smooth video, even when wind gusts pick up.
Roof Video with the new Mini SE Drone
Capture high-resolution video up to 2.7K resolution and 30 frames per second. Still photography is also sharp with 12-megapixel photos in jpeg format.
How High Can You Fly?
The DJI Mini SE can soar up to about 3,000 ft., but roofing drone images are usually best taken from about 350 feet above a home or building. So, the maximum flight altitude should never really be an issue for a roofing pro.
1-Tap Return to Home Feature
A great feature that the Mini SE maintains from its predecessor is smart Return to Home (RTH). This enables you to initiate your drone’s flight back to the starting point with simply a tap on the RTH button – no need to manually navigate the drone back to your position.
Hover Over A Roof Effortlessly
Precision hovering with the DJI Mini SE lets you keep a drone in a steady hover without constant adjusting of the remote controls. Now you can concentrate on capturing the roof overhead shots you need rather than on piloting the drone.
Comparing the Mini SE and the Mini 2
| SPECS | DJI MINI SE Released July 2021 |
DJI MINI 2 Released Nov. 2020 |
WHAT ROOFERS SHOULD KNOW |
| Size | Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Same Specs |
| Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams | Same Specs |
| Camera | 2.7K@30fps | 4K@30fps | DJI Mini 2 – Sharper roof images |
| Max bit rate | 40Mbps | 100Mbps | DJI Mini 2 – Higher bitrate = higher quality images |
| Photo mode | JPG | RAW + JPG | DJI Mini 2 – Raw images are without compression, noise reduction, or exposure compensation |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis | Same Specs |
| Digital Zoom | NO | 4K: 2x, 2.7K: 3x, and FHD: 4x | DJI Mini 2 – Let’s you zoom in to see roof parts and condition detail |
| FPV | 720P | 720p | Same Specs |
| Communication | Enhanced Wi-Fi | OcuSync 2.0 | DJI Mini 2 – More reliable transmission of both controller and image signal |
| Range | 4KM for FCC 2.5KM for CE |
10KM for FCC 6KM for CE |
DJI Mini 2 – Lets you take your drone far away; not a big need for roofing pros. |
| Wind Resistance | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) |
Same Specs |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) | Panorama, Hyperlapse, One Tap, and QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang) | DJI Mini 2 – More options including Panorama mode which roofing pros like for impactful client presentations |
| Remote Controller | Classic Mavic Mini style | New, Air 2 style | DJI Mini SE – Roofing pros may like to stick with the tried and true Mavic Mini style. |
| Battery | 2s/2250 mAh | 2s/2250 mAh | Same Specs |
| Flight Time | 30 minutes | 31 minutes | DJI Mini 2 – Every minute counts! |
| FAA registration | No | No | Check your local and state regulations just in case. |
| Price on Amazon.com | $299 | $449 |
| SPECS | DJI MINI SE Released July 2021 |
DJI MINI 2 Released Nov. 2020 |
WHAT ROOFERS SHOULD KNOW |
| Size | Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Folded: 138×81×58 mm Unfolded: 159×203×56 mm |
Same Specs |
| Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams | Same Specs |
| Camera | 2.7K@30fps | 4K@30fps | DJI Mini 2 – Sharper roof images |
| Max bit rate | 40Mbps | 100Mbps | DJI Mini 2 – Higher quality images |
| Photo mode | JPG | RAW + JPG | DJI Mini 2 – Raw images are without compression, noise reduction, or exposure compensation |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis | Same Specs |
| Digital Zoom | NO | 4K: 2x, 2.7K: 3x, and FHD: 4x | DJI Mini 2 – Lets you zoom in to see roof parts and condition detail |
| FPV | 720P | 720p | Same Specs |
| Comms | Enhanced Wi-Fi | OcuSync 2.0 | DJI Mini 2 – More reliable transmission of both controller and image signal |
| Range | 4KM for FCC 2.5KM for CE |
10KM for FCC 6KM for CE |
DJI Mini 2 – Lets you take your drone far away; not a big need for roofing pros. |
| Wind Resistance | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) | 8.5-10.5 m/s (Level 5) |
Same Specs |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, and Rocket) | Panorama, Hyperlapse, One Tap, and QuikShots (Circle, Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang) | DJI Mini 2 – More options including Panorama mode which roofing pros like for impactful client presentations |
| Remote Controller | Classic Mavic Mini style | New, Air 2 style | DJI Mini SE – Roofing pros may like to stick with the tried and true Mavic Mini style. |
| Battery | 2s/2250 mAh | 2s/2250 mAh | Same Specs |
| Flight Time | 30 minutes | 31 minutes | DJI Mini 2 – Every minute counts! |
| FAA registration | No | No | Check your local and state regulations just in case. |
| Price on Amazon.com | $299 | $449 |
Hi-Tech Contractors™ Use iRoofing with Their Drones
The DJI Mini SE proves that drones have never been so affordable and easy to fly. Drone use by roofing pros is extremely popular for obvious reasons – great overhead images, safety, time savings, plus customers love seeing contractors use technology to get their job done. When paired with the iRoofing portable app, property owners are doubly impressed! The app integrates seamlessly with drones so that images can be downloaded to a project profile and image gallery instantly. These images can be annotated for highlighting and explaining roof parts and condition, thanks to the clever mark-up and the drawing tools that are built into the iRoofing software.
