DJI has been keeping up a particularly Mini series of drones for some time now. It has been revamping its value proposition on these drones, and their mid-2022 product release is no different.
This year, DJI’s mini drone is going pro. And we are fortunate to get our hands on its new form, the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
Introduction
With its compact build, right under that vital 249g weight, exceptional image quality, and simple configuration to get in the air stress-free, there’s no doubt that the DJI Mini 3 Pro is everything you want in a drone.
It may also look like DJI released this latest drone to meet the needs of social media creators as it has the means to shoot natively in portrait orientation. Fitting in well with social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Offering beyond entry-level features in smallest package possible, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is considerably the best all-around drone on the market right now.
In the Box
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is available in 3 different combos:
- Stand-alone combo with no remote controller
- Standard combo with the RC-N1 remote controller
- DJI RC combo with the new remote controller
The DJI RC combo with the new remote controller is what we have for the review. It includes the following:
- The DJI Mini 3 Pro
- One Intelligent Flight Battery
- One gimbal protector
- One DJI RC (new remote controller)
- One spare propeller set
- One screwdriver
- One type-C to type-C PD cable
DJI also offers DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit which includes:
- Two Intelligent Flight Batteries
- One Two-way Charging Hub
- Two additional sets of spare propellers
- One shoulder bag
- One USB-C Data cable
Design, Hardware, and Controls
Lightweight Design
At just 249g and the size of the palm of your hand, you’ll never fail to notice how light and small the DJI Mini 3 Pro is.
It hits the spot that removes the requirement to register the drone with many countries’ airspace regulators, which makes it exempt from various forms of flight restriction.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is bulkier than the Mini 2, but keeps the same quality feel. Unlike the previous foldable DJI drones, it doesn’t have legs built onto the propeller arms. Instead, it has set of pads underneath the main body of the drone which serves as landing gear.
Camera and Gimbal
As for the camera, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has a new camera and gimbal setup which is a big improvement over previous DJI Mini drones. The redesigned gimbal allows for the entire camera to rotate and shoot in portrait orientation while maintaining the balance. Suitable for social media creators who share photos and videos in the world of social media like on TikTok or Instagram which you commonly see.
Sensors
Surrounding the camera are the obstacle avoidance sensors. These sensors are linked to the drone’s Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS), which automatically detects obstacles in front, back and bottom. If an obstacle is detected, then the drone looks for a safer path to continue on its way and avoid crashing.
USB Port, Memory Card Slot, and Battery Compartment
At the back you will see the USB-C port, microSD card slot which supports up to 512 GB high speed microSD cards, and battery compartment which doesn’t have a door as you can just snap the battery into the body of the drone with a noticeable click that tells you it is fastened securely.
Remote Controller
Flying the DJI Mini 3 Pro is even better with the new DJI RC. This lightweight remote controller has a 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen and DJI Fly app already installed. No smartphone or tablet needed as you can control everything through the DJI RC. This means your smartphone can stay in your pocket or bag, and no more distractions from messages or calls while flying the drone. With the large approved screen and simplified UI of the new controller, it made it easier than ever to create desired shots.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
The DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with a bigger Intelligent Flight Battery. This 2453 mAh battery will get you 34 minutes of flight time in ideal condition on a single charge.
It is recommended to use USB Power Delivery chargers to charge the drone battery. You can also get the the separately-sold DJI 30W USB-C Charger which can fully charge the Intelligent Flight Battery in 64 minutes.
Camera Performance
On-The-Spot Vertical Shooting
Due to the new gimbal design, shooting in portrait orientation was simplified. By tapping the Landscape/Portrait switch on the controller, the drone will rotate the camera 90 degrees and let you shoot portrait photos and videos. This eliminates the need to crop the original image as being done previously.
Image Quality
You can expect DJI standards for camera quality. With 1/1.3-inch 48-megapixel CMOS sensor matched with a f1.7 lens, shooting 4K videos and capturing 48 megapixel photos in either orientation are guaranteed at the same level with the best there is on consumer drones. With the new image sensor, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is equipped to perform better in low-light conditions and deliver crisp and vivid image output which is close to its higher end siblings.
MasterShots and Focus Track Suite
In addition to the apparent upgrades to the drone, the built-in MasterShots and Focus Track Suite features deserve to be in the spotlight.
The MasterShots sends the drone on a two-minute flight of varying shots to generate a short cinematic video easily. While Focus Track Suite provides shooting modes that will let the drone focus on a subject, and then follows and tracks the subject during flight.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Highlights
- Weighs less than 249 grams
- 1/1.3-inch sensor
- f/1.7 Aperture
- 4K/60 video capabilities
- 2453 mAh Intelligent Flight Battery
- 34 minute flight time
- Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing
- FocusTrack Modes
- MasterShots
- Timelapse
- True Vertical Shooting
- New RC with 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen and DJI Fly App
Final Thoughts
After spending some with the DJI Mini 3 Pro, we can firmly say that it is a game changer for the consumer drone industry.
It is a drone that essentially carries a best-of list of every drone feature in a small footprint. And with its size and weight mishmash, it definitely can get the best of few competitors.
If you are looking for just one drone with compact build, sufficient flight times, excellent camera and image output, obstacle avoidance and tracking capabilities, and can capture all content suitable for social media, then this would be the drone for you.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro starts at $669 USD. The DJI RC combo with the new remote controller will go for $909 USD. You can order directly from DJI or Amazon.
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