The Mini 3 Pro is the newest model in DJI's series of lightweight, sub-250g drones and the most exciting in the series so far. DJI seems poised to reset expectations for what consumers can expect in such a compact model.
A $500 govt. rebate is available for this drone for NSW farmers. More info
The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a massive slate of new things. The vast majority of features though, we’ve seen on other drones. Like most companies, this is a feature cascade from previously higher-end units, down to their budget-focused DJI Mini series. However this time, it’s the Niagara Falls of feature cascades, with more new features than we’ve ever seen on a unit.
And even for those hand-me-down features, there’s also some legit new items. For example, the new DJI RC is brand new. Sure, it’s a lightweight version of the DJI RC Pro, but we’re talking a $1,000 USD DJI RC Pro being nearly matched by a $150 USD DJI RC. It’s astounding. In any case…
Here’s the complete list of what’s new, compared to the existing DJI Mini 2:
– Added Obstacle Avoidance Sensors
– Added Rotating Gimbal for Vertical Photos/Video
– Added Active Track 4.0 for follow-me situations
– Added 4K/60, and HDR modes for 4K/30 and below
– Added 1080p/120FPS
– Added 48MP photos (including RAW photos)
– Added gimbal tilt range up to 60° upwards (shooting above drone)
– Added FocusShots (including POI and SpotLight)
– Added MasterShots
– Added QuickShot Asteroid (previously had other QuickShots)
– Added D-Cinelike as an option
– Added OcuSync 3.0 with claimed 12KM range in 1080p
– Increased wind resistance speeds
– Increased flight time to 34 mins (or 47 mins with Plus battery)
– Added new DJI RC with built-in screen
– Maintained sub-250g weight with base batteries
Now it’s worthwhile noting that the DJI Mini 3 has two different batteries:
– DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: 34 minutes of flight time
– DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: 47 minutes of flight time
The batteries are identical in size/shape/form factor, except the longer-lasting one is simply heavier, thus bringing the total aircraft size from 249g up to 289g. As a result, it goes behind some regulatory options in certain countries in terms of registration and licensing.
Thus, the higher-end battery isn’t sold in Europe, due to reasons that don’t really make a lot of sense. DJI says that’s because it’d push it beyond the 250g classification, and that they didn’t want consumer confusion. But that doesn’t really hold a lot of water, since in reality so would prop guards, for people that were using those. And for that matter, it’s no different than their DJI Air 2S or anything else. If someone wants to add weight, so be it. To be super clear: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using the higher-end batteries in Europe, it’s just that DJI won’t sell you them here. Which is silly.
Key features
1. Under 250 grams:
The Mini 3 Pro is still under 250 grams. Is that a big deal? In certain EU countries, this lets you fly without a license.
In the US, a drone that is under 250 grams doesn’t need to be registered with the FAA. But if a drone has to be registered, it only costs $5 for ALL your drones (not for each drone). Whether you need a Part 107 license is not about the weight but whether you plan to use the drone commercially.
Another potential benefit in the US is that a drone under 250 grams can also fly over a crowded area by a licensed pilot. But this is true only if the drone has something to protect the people from lacerations which typically is understood to mean prop guards, and if you put prop guards on the Mini 3 Pro, you will exceed 250 grams.
2. 47-minute flight time (with Plus battery)
The Mini 3 Pro has an optional larger battery that will enable it to fly up to 47 minutes, compared to the standard battery with 34-minute flight time. Please note that using the larger capacity battery could increase the weight, putting it over 250 grams.
3. 1/1.3-inch 48mp 4K sensor
The Mini 3 Pro has a new 1/1.3-inch size sensor that can capture 48 mp photos and 4k 60fps video. All other factors being equal, a larger sensor will have better image quality. The Mini 3 Pro’s 1/1.3 inch sensor is about 69 sq. mm., compared to the 1/2.3 inch sensor of the Mini 2, which is about 30 sq. mm, so the Mini 3 Pro’s sensor is about twice as large as the Mini 2’s sensor. I am supposing we’ll see a 1-stop improvement in image quality, so shooting with the Mini 3 Pro at ISO 800 should be similar to the image quality of the Mini 2 at ISO 400.
4. Vertical orientation option
One of key features of the Mini 3 is that the camera can rotate to portrait orientation for social media. If you don’t care about social media, the vertical orientation could also be useful for panoramas. When shooting a 360 panorama, shots in vertical orientation can capture more of the zenith. There is no indication that Mini 3 Pro will do this automatically but it should be possible to do it manually.
5. Camera can tilt up 60 degrees
The Mini 3 Pro has a camera that can tilt up to 60 degrees, compared with around 20 degrees for the Mini 2 in extended mode or 35 degrees for the Mavic 3. This can be useful for taking shots with an upward angle. It might also be usable for reducing the blind spot in the zenith (the top) of the 360 photo.
6. Tri-Directional obstacle avoidance
Mini 3 Pro has obstacle avoidance in front, below and to its rear and has APAS 4.0, which can detect objects along the Mini 3’s flight path.