DJI Mini SE vs Fimi X8 Mini – Camera
So, the first thing I like to compare between any drones is the quality of their camera, both drones come with high-quality cameras and can be used to capture and record professional images and videos.
The DJI Mini SE has a 1/2.3-inch sensor that can capture images in 12MP and record HD videos in 2.7k at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps. It has a 24mm f/2.8 lens with 83° FOV and an ISO range of 100-3200.
The camera is stabilised by a 3-axis that will eliminate motion blur and any other type of distortion. Live video is streamed in 720p and as long as the weather is good and there is no interference, the quality is smooth.
The Fimi X8 Mini comes with a 1/2.6-inch sensor that captures 12MP still images and records videos in 4k at 30fps. The camera has a 26mm f/2.0 lens with an 80° FOV and an ISO range of 100-3200.
Unlike the DJI Mini SE which can only capture images in JPEG, the Fimi X8 Mini captures HD images in both JPEG and DNG RAW, which will please photographers. It also records video footage at a faster rate and captures more colour details for a higher dynamic range (HDR).
Both drones have a micro SD card slot, and you will need to purchase a fast memory card (U3 or above) to record in the best image and video resolution these cameras have to offer.
DJI Mini SE vs Fimi X8 Mini – Design & Build
Both these drones are mini foldable drones and are probably the best drones in this category.
The DJI Mini SE doesn’t deviate much from its predecessor in terms of the overall design and build. It’s a small, lightweight drone that weighs less than 250g.
The Fimi X8 Mini and the DJI Mini SE are both fantastic looking drones, their size and weight make them easy to carry around and both make an excellent choice for a drone to travel with.
The drones also come with similar design features, they are equipped with powerful brushless motors and come with multiple GNSS receivers. Both drones also have an optical flow sensor on the bottom which will allow users to fly in areas with a weak GPS signal.
The DJI Mini SE is powered by a 7.7v 2250 mAh 2S lithium polymer battery which provides it with a flight time of 30 minutes, which is fantastic, especially for a drone that costs less than $300.
As for the Fimi X8 Mini, it can be powered by two different batteries, the standard battery is a lithium-ion battery which provides the drone with a flight time of 30 minutes. This is the battery that comes as standard with the drone, and it puts the drone’s weight at 258g.
There is also a lithium polymer battery that can be purchased separately that provides an extra minute of flight and is lighter than the standard battery and puts the drones overall weight at 245g.
Both the DJI Mini SE and the Fimi X8 Mini drones come with similar remote controllers, they are small and are powered by an internal battery.
The controller for the Mini SE has a control range of around 4km, while the Fimi X8 Mini has a range of 8km.
DJI Mini SE vs Fimi X8 Mini – Flight Features & Performance
The drones come with similar features, although, the Fimi X8 Mini has a slight overall edge. Both drones come with multiple GNSS receivers and an optical flow sensor for better flight stability and performance.
Flight times for both drones are the same at 30 minutes, although, the pro lithium polymer battery provides an extra minute.
Both drones have an intelligent video capturing mode called Quickshots, using this feature, anyone will be able to record short cinematic videos from different angles completely hands-free.
The Fimi X8 Min also comes with intelligent flight modes such as active track, orbit mode, tap-fly and way point. The Fimi X8 Mini has a feature called search and rescue mode which will allow you to use the drone’s GPS data to locate people on Google Maps.
Both drones come with a Tripod or Cinematic mode, this significantly slows down the drone so that you can record cinematic video footage
The DJI Mini SE and the Fimi X8 Mini also come with GPS automatic return to home, this feature is activated automatically whenever the connection is lost or if the battery gets lows on charge.
As for the flight performance, both drones fly exceptionally well, although the flight time for both is slightly less than what is advertised. The Fimi X8 Mini has a top speed of 35 mph while the DJI Mini SE can at a maximum speed of 29 mph.
Both have level 5 wind resistance and they do hold up well in slightly windy conditions. The live video streaming quality is very good on both drones, both use enhanced Wi-Fi for image transmission, which results in less lag and better quality.
My Choice
My personal choice would be the DJI Mini SE, yes it does come with inferior features but the Fimi X8 Mini is much more expensive and I don’t think it is worth the extra $100. If you want a mini drone that has a camera that can record in 4k, you should check out the DJI Mini 2, it’s around the same price as the Fimi X8 Mini but more reliable.