DJI's original ultra-compact sub-249g drone — the entry-level foldable that made drones accessible.
The DJI Mavic Mini was released in 2019 as the original sub-250g foldable drone, featuring a 1/2.3-inch CMOS 12MP camera with 2.7K maximum video resolution — not 4K. 30-minute maximum flight time. 249g takeoff weight — at the 250g registration threshold (not under it). No front or rear obstacle avoidance; downward vision sensors only.
1/2.3-inch CMOS, 12MP. 2.7K (2720×1530) at 25/30fps; 1080/60fps. No 4K — the Mini 2 (2020) added 4K. Maximum flight time 30 minutes. 249g takeoff weight (at the 250g threshold — check local regulations). Downward vision sensors for indoor hover; no front, rear, or side obstacle sensing. 2.7km video transmission. Fixed camera.
The original Mavic Mini's 249g weight places it precisely at the 250g drone registration threshold — most jurisdictions require registration for drones at or above 250g (not just over 250g), so the Mavic Mini may or may not be exempt depending on local regulations. The absence of 4K is the primary performance limitation versus the Mini 2 (which maintained the same form factor and added 4K and improved transmission).
On the used market the DJI Mavic Mini (original) is affordable as a vintage sub-250g drone. Condition checks: battery health, gimbal and camera function, propeller condition. 2.7K max (no 4K). 249g — verify local registration requirements. Fixed camera.