DJI Mini 3 Pro review: 249g pocket drone plays with the big boys

DJI is at it again, bringing technology from its bigger, more expensive products down to its diminutive sub-250-gram DJI Mini 3 Pro drone, which means you don’t need a license to fly it in the US and other jurisdictions. This makes it an excellent high-end drone for those just starting out in the sport, or anyone who wants an ultraportable drone capable of performing tricks previously only possible with larger drones.

DroneDJ’s coverage of the DJI Mini 3 Pro is extensive: DJI Mini 3 Pro Review, DJI Mini 3 Pro: Top Ten Things to KnowCoverage and features of the new DJI Remote Controller

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is now available from DJI

DJI Mini 3 Pro – Features from bigger drones in 249g package

Until now, you’ve needed bigger drones like the $999 Air 2S and $2,000 Mavic 3 to get some of the features launching with the DJI Mini 3.

FocusTrack Suite:
– Spotlight 2.0 Keeps the subject in focus while you fly manually.
– Point of Interest 3.0Circle the subject within a predetermined flight radius and speed.
– ActiveTrack 4.0Two ways to follow the subject.
▪ Trace:The aircraft follows the subject at constant distance.
▪ Parallel: The aircraft follows the subject and flies beside it at constant speed.
Angle and distance

QuickShots
– Dronie: The camera is locked onto the subject and the aircraft flys back and forth.
– Helix: An aircraft flies up and around the subject.
– Rocket: An aircraft flies up while the camera faces down.
– Circle: An aircraft circles the subject.
– Boomerang: The aircraft circles the subject in an oval-shaped path, ascending as they fly
As it returns, it will be withdrawn and then retraced.
– Asteroid: A shot of an aircraft that starts as a sphere panorama from high above
The subject, and then a normal shot hovering around the subject.

● MasterShots: Maintains the subject in center of the frame and executes different techniques.
You can sequence your movements to create a short video.
● Hyperlapse: It creates a dynamic timeline where the aircraft is flying on predetermined paths.
capture.

DJI Mini 3 Pro’s major flaw:

Here’s an example of the Mini 3 flying alongside and around the Rivian R1T using Active Track 4.0

Active Track 4.0 works in certain conditions, but it isn’t as robust as the Mavic 3’s Active Track 5. As you can see, the drone may lose the pickup for a variety of reasons. The complex background and speed of the vehicle caused the drone to lose its pickup on numerous occasions. A Skydio 2 or Mavic 3 drone might have been able more easily to follow the subject.

More importantly, the Mini 3 doesn’t have sideways obstacle avoidance (which I learned the hard way). You should avoid flying parallel to your subject if possible, as the Mini 3 cannot avoid obstacles that are either in front or behind the subject.

This is true for all Master shots. Sideways flying of the Mini 3 means it cannot avoid obstacles. This is a problem for DJI drone pilots who are used to full obstacle avoidance.

DJI says the Mini 3 has “Tri-Directional Obstacle sensing” which is a little bit misleading. It can only see in the forward, below, and behind planes. Anything to the left or right is blind which means you can’t get great follow shots without flying blind to obstacles.

This was my biggest problem, and it affected me and my Mini 3.

DJI Mini 3 Flight time extended

The standard battery for the Mini 3 can keep the drone in flight for more than a half an hour (34 minutes officially) if you are unable to exceed 249g.

DJI also offers an extended-range battery that will keep the drone aloft for 47 min (!!)

In my testing, I got incredible flight times with the 34-minute battery, even doing follow stunts and recording 4K video that seems to confirm DJI’s 34-minute flight time. It is truly amazing how long these batteries can keep this thing up.

DJI Mini 3 camera system

The camera that can now play with the big boys is probably the most significant improvement to the Mini 3 Pro. It features 4K 60fps (30fps HDR) as well as 48mp stills. The imagery from the camera was far superior to the Mini 2 and Mini 2 in my limited experience, but not as good as the Mavic 3. The image quality is approaching the DJI Air 2S however, which might be a dilemma in DJI’s product strategy (why buy an Air 2S when the Mini 3 is cheaper and more portable?)

DJI describes the camera system as follows:

DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with an improved imaging system. A 1/1.3 inch CMOS camera
Dual native ISO is a feature of the sensor that allows for capturing technology that was previously only available in cinemas.
some micro single cameras. The micro single camera also features an aperture of f/1.7, and images up to 48MP
Video at up to 4K/60fps. The camera can capture high-quality, easy-to-upload content.
True Vertical Shooting rotates 90 degrees. This creates amazing photos and videos in portrait
Orientation without cropping or zooming. HDR is the best option for high-resolution images.
Video recording is possible at frame rates as high as 30fps. For normal color profiles, a Normal profile is available.
D-Cinelike allows faster in-app editing and more post-editing capabilities. Digital video
Zoom at 2x, 3x, and 4x are available in Full HD. The key elements of the user interface are:
feedback we’ve applied, DJI Mini 3 Pro also has improved image performance with 2.4μm pixels
This allows for greater detail to be captured, especially in low light and at night.

DJI RC

Most 9to5Mac For DJI drone control, readers will be using their iPad Minis and smartphones. DJI also makes a lightweight, low-cost controller with a 5.5 inch touchscreen.

My experience was that it was far easier to fly than setting up the phone and then using the app. However, it takes more effort to get images and videos off the drone. This is why I think most drone pilots will prefer a fully functioning tablet or smartphone as their control device. Still, the RC is a great “set it and forget it” tool, and it is priced right. DJI chose to replace folding sticks with its reliable screw in control stick, which is stored in the back. These can be stored in the back of your controller and will add about a minute to your setup time. Learn more about RC here.

Prices and availability

The DJI Mini 3 Pro can be pre-ordered at store.dji.com today. The DJI Mini 3 Pro (no remote control) retails at $669 USD. This includes DJI Mini 3 Pro. However, it does not include any remote controller for users who have a compatible model that can be used to control the drone. You can also purchase the DJI Mini 3 Pro for $759 USD, which includes DJI RC–N. DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC), retails at $909 USD and comes with DJI RC.

You can also pre-order accessory kits for DJI Mini 3 Pro today.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit costs $189 USD. It includes two Intelligent Flight Batteries and one two-way charging station. There are also two sets of propellers and one shoulder bag. The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus is $249 USD. This kit includes two Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus as well as one two-way charging station, two sets and propellers, one shoulder bag, and two two-way charging stations. All accessories are sold separately.

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