The DJI Mini 3 with remote, priced at $559, incorporates the same camera and airframe as the more expensive Mini 3 Pro ($759) into a more budget-friendly package by removing some features. The Mini 3 does not come with obstacle detection, unlike the Pro model, and its video quality is limited to 4K30. Nevertheless, the DJI Mini 3 provides a solid alternative for those who do not require obstacle detection but desire a camera that is superior to a basic one, at a lower cost than the Pro edition. However, the Mini 3’s price may deter entry-level pilots, leading our Editors’ Choice award for starter drones to remain with the Mini 2, priced at $449.
DJI MINI 3
$579
PROS
- Good-looking 4K30
- Support for vertical video and upward gimbal tilt
- 12MP stills in Raw DNG or JPG
- 38-minute flights with standard battery
- 51-minute extended battery available
- 249g build for registration-free flight
- Built-in GPS and FlySafe safety feature
CONS
- Omits obstacle detection
- Limited to one color profile
- Doesn’t support Hyperlapse or ActiveTrack
Specs
| Dimensions | 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches |
| Integrated Camera | Integrated with Gimbal |
| Live Video Feed | 1080p |
| Media Format | microSDXC |
| Megapixels | 12 |
| Remote | Dedicated with App |
| Remote | Dedicated with LCD |
| Rotors | 4 |
| Video Resolution | 4K |
| Weight | 8.78 |
A Lightweight Airframe for Registration-Free Flight
Right from the beginning, DJI designed the Mini series drones to be lightweight. In the US, drones weighing 249g (8.8 ounces) or less are subject to fewer regulations than heavier UAVs. With a drone such as the Mini 3, you can avoid paying the FAA’s $5 fee, but you must still pass the TRUST test, a basic knowledge exam, before taking off. The TRUST test is completed online, quick to finish, and you can’t really fail it. Regulations vary in other regions, but pilots in Canada, the EU, and the UK benefit even more from a drone that weighs 249g, as their respective rules are more stringent than those in the US. The Mini 3 is not only lightweight but also compact, using the same airframe as the Mini 3 Pro (minus the obstacle sensors), so it can be easily folded and stored in a camera bag. When folded, its dimensions are 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches (HWD), similar in size to an average 24-70mm lens or a thermal water bottle.
The drone’s nose-mounted camera can shoot 4K30 video, similar to the Mini 2. While it employs the same Quad Bayer cameras as the Pro version, the Mini 3 is restricted to 12MP stills (48MP is not available). The 24mm f/1.7 lens still accommodates clip-on ND filters, 16:9 landscape, 9:16 vertical video, and has ample upward tilt, allowing it to move from a straight-down (-90 degrees) to 60 degrees upward position.
DJI Mini 3 Remote and Battery Options
DJI offers various configurations of the Mini 3 drone for purchase. One option is to buy the drone alone without a remote for $469, which may be suitable for those who already own a DJI RC-N1 or DJI RC with a built-in screen remote that came with the Mini 2. This option is the only way to purchase the drone for under $500, m
aking it an attractive choice for existing Mini 2 owners considering an upgrade. However, most pilots shopping for the Mini 3 will likely need a remote. For $559, customers can buy the drone and the DJI RC-N1 remote, which requires a smartphone to connect and see the camera’s view.
Alternatively, for $699, customers can opt for a bundle with the Mini 3 and the DJI RC with a built-in touch screen and flight control app, eliminating the need for a smartphone. Although the RC’s 5.5-inch screen has a maximum brightness of 700 nits, it may be challenging to see in bright sunlight, especially if the sun is directly overhead. While the DJI RC is a worthwhile investment for pilots with average smartphones, those with bright-screened phones like iPhones may not notice much of an improvement. A downside of using the built-in screen remote is losing access to live maps, although it can be tethered to a phone hotspot to remedy this issue.
In addition to remote bundles, customers can consider purchasing extra batteries. The Mini 3 comes with a lightweight Intelligent Flight Battery, which provides up to 38 minutes of flight time. The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus provides a whopping 51 minutes of airtime but exceeds the 249g weight limit, which is still reasonable for US customers considering the $5 FAA fee. These estimated flight times are dependent on flying conditions such as wind and high-speed Sport mode usage. For pilots who require extended flight times or who want to take the Mini 3 up multiple times in a day, the Plus battery is a suitable accessory. DJI sells Plus batteries for $95 apiece, whereas the standard battery is $65. Customers can purchase the Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus for $249, which includes two Plus batteries, a triple-battery charger, extra propellers, and a carrying case, even though the kit is labeled for the Pro version, the batteries and props are the same and compatible with the standard Mini 3. For pilots who prefer to stay under the regulatory takeoff weight, there are also Fly More Combo options with three standard batteries, a triple charger, and a carrying case for $718 with the basic DJI RC-N1 remote, or $858 with the built-in display DJI RC.
DJI’s Fly and Safety Features
DJI Fly is the control app for the Mini 3 drone, which can be used on either a smartphone or the DJI RC. The app displays the camera’s view on your phone or remote’s display and includes a touch interface for adjusting settings, accessing different flight modes, and configuring safety features. Prior to flying, the Mini 3 must be activated, which requires setting up a DJI account, and can be done within the app. The app also displays telemetry data such as the drone’s orientation, airspeed, and altitude, and can switch to a map view to show its location relative to local landmarks. The app also includes a return-to-home function, which guides the Mini 3 back to its takeoff point. The FlySafe system built into the drone sets up a geofence to warn you if you are attempting to take off or enter restricted airspace. You can also set a custom geofence distance in the app to keep the drone within a certain range. However, the Mini 3 lacks an AirSense ADS-B sensor to warn of nearby manned aircraft and obstacle sensors, which are found in the Mini 3 Pro. The Mini 3 Pro also includes ActiveTrack subject tracking and APAS autopilot features, but it comes at a higher price of $759 with a remote.
A Versatile Camera for Creators
At first glance, the Mini 3’s camera specifications may not appear impressive, but it is actually a significant improvement over the Mini 2’s camera. The camera has the same 24mm angle of view, but its fixed f/1.7 aperture allows it to capture more than twice as much light, resulting in better video quality during low-light situations such as twilight and magic hour. If you’re concerned about shutter angles, you can use clip-on ND filters to reduce incoming light, allowing you to set the lens to 1/60-second (for 30fps) or 1/48-second (for 24fps) video. DJI offers an ND filter kit for $55, but third-party filter kits from brands like Freewell and Tiffen are also available.
The Mini 3’s gimbal is also a significant upgrade from the Mini 2’s gimbal. It features upward tilt and dual-orientation capture, enhancing the already ultra-smooth, three-axis stabilization. With the 60 degrees of upward tilt, you can take low-angle shots under tree branches and pans up to reveal the sky, which is not possible with the Mini 2. Additionally, the Mini 3’s camera can rotate 90 degrees to record vertical video at 9:16, making it perfect for TikTok or Instagram Reels. While photographers may also find it useful, the difference between the 4:3 (or 3:4) aspect images and the squarer images is not significant.
Regarding video quality, the camera records at 4K in either 24 or 30fps with a high dynamic range (HDR) response, resulting in more detail in shadows and highlights than the Mini 2’s camera without sacrificing color. The footage looks fantastic, with crisp detail and no oversharpening effects, but there is only one color profile available. If you want a drone that supports a color correction-friendly flat profile, you’ll need to go for the Mini 3 Pro. Editing professionals should note that although the footage looks like HDR, it is not saved in an HDR format. Instead, you’ll get H.264 video in an 8-bit Rec.709 color space. To get better color matching between the Mini 3 and your phone, it’s a good idea to set your phone to SDR mode for projects that mix in video from the drone. If you want a drone that records in a Rec.2020 HDR profile, you’ll need to look at the Air 2S or any Mavic 3 model, but you’ll need to have a good editing knowledge base to take advantage of those drones.
Although the Mini 3’s camera uses the same hardware and optics as the Mini 3 Pro, it does not have Hyperlapse, 4K60 recording, or 48MP photo mode. However, the Mini 3 still uses a 48MP sensor and down-samples photos and video, allowing users to take advantage of its Quad Bayer architecture with a good-looking 2x digital zoom for 4K video and 4x at 1080p. The drone supports Quick Shots, which delivers cinema-grade results with automated camera moves. The Mini 3 also takes 12MP still shots in either ready-to-share JPG or editing-friendly Raw DNG format. The photo quality is excellent, and the Raw files are editable.
For better picture quality, a drone with a Type 1 sensor like the Autel Evo Lite+ or DJI Air 2S or DJI’s flagship Mavic 3 with its oversized Four Thirds sensor camera would be a better choice. Although the Mini 3 Pro offers a 48MP photo mode, it does not make a significant difference in picture quality. The Mini 3 does not have any onboard storage for photos, so users must add a microSD card to save photos and videos. The card slot is located at the rear of the aircraft and supports high-capacity microSDXC, and a 64GB card holds around 90 minutes of 4K footage.
A Highly Appealing Starter Drone
Ever since its introduction, we have recommended the DJI Mini 2 for beginner drone pilots, praising its user-friendliness, camera quality, light-weight design, and affordable price tag of $449. However, the Mini 3, which comes with some notable upgrades and a starting price of $559 with a remote, has arrived a couple of years later. If you’re considering an upgrade, you can buy the Mini 3 without a remote for $469 and use the same remote that came with the Mini 2.
The older Mini 2 is still available for purchase, and it’s more affordable than the Mini 3 at $449. Although the Mini 3 is a better drone with longer air time, a better 4K camera that supports vertical video and has a wider dynamic range, and a brighter lens that reduces noise in low-light footage, it’s not as affordable as the Mini 2. That’s why we still recommend the Mini 2 as our top pick for beginner pilots. However, creators who desire more from a camera drone will see the Mini 3 as an appealing upgrade option. If the Mini 3 falls within your budget and you don’t mind the absence of obstacle sensors, it’s an excellent model to purchase. On the other hand, if you can afford it, the Mini 3 Pro ($759) is worth it. It has the same technology as the regular Mini 3, but with additional useful features such as obstacle avoidance and Hyperlapse, making it our top pick for mid-priced UAVs. If you don’t prefer the DJI brand, consider the Autel Evo Nano+ ($949), a similarly designed drone that has obstacle detection and fewer geofencing restrictions for flight.
