DJI Mini 3 Pro Review

DJI Mini 3 Pro Review

DJI unveil the Mini 3 Pro, with rotating gimbal to switch between landscape and portrait content capture. Key features include 1/1.3 inch sensor, 4K/60fps video, 48MP RAW imagery, 34 minutes of flight time, tri-directional obstacle sensing, DJI O3 transmission, and new DJI RC controller.

Last updated: Jul 01, 2022

12 minute read

  • DJI unveil the Mini 3 Pro. Find out about this exciting new release in our in-depth review;
  • The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a rotating gimbal, enabling operators to switch between landscape and portrait content capture; 
  • Key features include 1/1.3 inch sensor; 4K/60fps video; up to 48MP imagery; 34 minutes of flight time; tri-directional obstacle sensing; and DJI O3 transmission;
  • Lightweight and foldable drone is sub 249g, making it highly portable and drone-regulation friendly;
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro is perfect for beginners, content creators on the go and even some commercial users;
  • Three packages available: Drone with new DJI RC controller; drone with DJI RC-N1 controller; and drone with no remote controller. 

DJI has launched the Mini 3 Pro, and it is the most advanced DJI Mini drone yet.

 

 

In a quirky touch of innovation, the DJI Mini 3 Pro features a rotating gimbal which effortlessly switches to help operators capture landscape and portrait content - as the below GIF shows.

 

 

This teeny-tiny sub-249g drone with 34-minute flight time has a 1/1.3 inch sensor and ability to shoot 4K/60fps video and capture 48MP RAW imagery.

The drone can also do 1080p/120fps slow-motion video, has up to 4x zoom and is packed with a wealth of intelligent content-creation features, including FocusTrack and MasterShots (which is great for new aerial content creators).  

The Mini 3 Pro has an upgraded design to bolster its flight performance and benefits from enhanced safety features such as tri-directional obstacle sensing and flagship-level video transmission. Read how it compares to the other DJI Mini drones in our in-depth comparison.

 

 

The launch sees the introduction of the new DJI RC smart controller, with built-in screen. The drone is also compatible with the DJI RC-N1.

Three packages are available, with the prices correct at launch. Order them now from heliguy™, with the first batch of stock expected from Tuesday, May 17. 

We are also offering 10% off Repair Refresh crash cover when purchased with the Mini 3 Pro. 

So, just how good is the DJI Mini 3 Pro? Find out in our in-depth review. 

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Design

Yet again, DJI has engineered another high-quality Mini drone - packing a huge amount of tech into such a tiny frame. For anyone not au fait with the Mini series, it is remarkable how teeny-tiny this drone actually is, coming in at almost the same size as the average smartphone!

Weighing less than 249g, this drone is incredibly compact. And its ability to fold makes it highly portable, perfect for putting in a bag and capturing content on the go.

 

 

The table below shows just how small and lightweight the DJI Mini 3 Pro is.

 

Item Spec
Takeoff Weight <249 g
Dimensions (L x W x H) Folded: 145 x 90 x 62 mm
Unfolded: 171 x 245 x 62 mm
Unfolded (with propellers): 251 x 362 x 70 mm
Diagonal Length 247 mm

 

Not only does the sub 249g weight make the Mini 3 Pro extremely travel friendly, it also ensures the aircraft is regulation friendly. 

Placed among the safest weight categories of drones, the DJI Mini 3 Pro can be flown in the A1 subcategory of the Open Category (flights over uninvolved people, but not crowds) without operators needing to do drone training, like the A2 CofC.  

You can find out more about UK drone laws here.

This makes the Mini 3 Pro perfect for beginners, content creators, videographers, vloggers or even commercial pilots performing visual inspections, marketing tasks or wedding photography.

Aside from the Mini's compact form, people who are familiar with the DJI Mini series will notice that the Mini 3 Pro looks very different from its predecessors. 

 

 

This big design change is intended to optimise the aircraft to get more out of every flight.

For instance, the drone can carry larger propellers. It has also been designed to  improve the propulsion efficiency of the props and the aircraft, to bring longer battery life.

 

 

Indeed, the Mini 3 Pro benefits from 34 minutes of flight time, which is impressive for a drone of this size, ensuring plenty of endurance to capture aerial content. 

On the subject of aerial content, the Mini 3 Pro features a reimagined gimbal, which offers a wider rotation range for low-angle shots.

And as we've already mentioned, the three-axis mechanical gimbal can also rotate! True Vertical Shooting mode enables users to switch between horizontal...

 

 

...and vertical shots in just one tap.

 

 

Ahead of the big unveil, DJI's tagline in the teaser material was A Twist in the Plot. One can only imagine that this was paying homage to the addition of this supercool vertical gimbal feature.

Having a gimbal which effortlessly rotates 90° means that you can capture vertical shots without the need for digital cropping, meaning to have quality shots, instantly ready for social media and without compromising on quality.

And fewer gimbal limits mean more shooting angles and added creative freedom. During high-speed flight, the aircraft angle also has less restrictions on the gimbal and the shooting angle.

The new design also enables the drone to carry sensors with a larger FOV, further increasing the sensing range and distance. DJI Mini 3 Pro thus provides more powerful visual sensing capabilities, improving flexibility and safety during flight and obstacle avoidance. We'll discuss safety features in more detail later in this review.

 

 

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Camera

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has been designed with aerial content creation in mind. So, what of the camera?  

The drone has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor which features dual native ISO and supports the direct output of HDR footage. This means that every image will be enriched with a higher dynamic range, revealing more details in highlights and shadows.

 

 

It is important to note that HDR video does not support video recording at over 30fps.

Content is further boosted by the generous 2.4μm pixel size and an aperture ratio of f/1.7, which helps imagery appear true-to-life, even in low-light scenes.

The Mini 3 Pro can shoot stunning 4K/60fps video and 1080p/120fps slow-motion video, and can capture 48MP RAW photos.

It also has zoom capabilities, offering up to 4x FHD zoom, or 2x zoom at 4K resolution.  

Meanwhile, D-Cinelike Colour mode provides more visual information and offers richer colour possibilities and more flexibility when editing.

The table below highlights the DJI Mini 3 Pro's key camera specifications.

 

Item Spec
Sensor 1/1.3-inch CMOS
Effective Pixels: 48 MP
Lens FOV: 82.1°
Format Equivalent: 24 mm
Aperture: f/1.7
Focus Range: 1 m to ∞
ISO Range Video:
100-6400 (Auto)
100-6400 (Manual)

Photo:
100-6400 (Auto)
100-6400 (Manual)
Shutter Speed Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s
Max Image Size 4:3:
8064×6048 (48 MP)
4032×3024 (12 MP)

16:9: 4032×2268 (12 MP)
Still Photography Modes Single Shot

Interval:
JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s
JPEG + RAW: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5/7 bracketed frames at 2/3 EV Bias

Panorama: Sphere, 180°, Wide-angle, and Vertical
Photo Format JPEG/DNG (RAW)
Video Resolution 4K: 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
2.7K: 2720×1530@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
FHD: 1920×1080@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
Slow Motion: 1920×1080@120fps
Video Format MP4/MOV (H.264/H.265)
Max Video Bitrate 150 Mbps
Zoom Range 4K: 2x
2.7K: 3x
FHD: 4x
Colour Profiles Normal
D-Cinelike
Supported File System FAT32 (≤32 GB)
exFAT (>32 GB)

 

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Intelligent Shooting Modes

The gimbal, camera and its accompanying tech is ideal for capturing impressive aerial content.

And content creatures are helped further by the Mini 3 Pro's range of intelligent shooting modes.

 

 

We've mentioned it before, but the highlight has to be True Vertical Shooting mode.

But aside from the rotating gimbal, the Mini 3 Pro also has MasterShots. This is not a new feature on DJI drones, but it is one which certainly aligns with the notion that the Mini 3 Pro is the perfect beginner's drone.

MasterShots is ideal for any new aerial photographer or videographer, providing an automated method of capturing content.   

MasterShots works by enabling you to select your subject and then letting the Mini 3 Pro do the work: The drone will execute a sequence of pro manoeuvres and then generating a short cinematic video afterward.

The Mini 3 Pro comes with a suite of other great modes - including FocusTrack - as outlined by the table below.

 

Mode Feature
FocusTrack The FocusTrack suite features powerful storytelling tools, comprising  ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, three powerful storytelling tools.

Spotlight 2.0: Keeps the subject in frame while you fly manually.
Point of Interest 3.0: Circles the subject in a set flight radius and speed.
ActiveTrack 4.0: Follows the subject in two selectable ways. 1: Trace: The aircraft tracks the subject at a constant distance. 2: Parallel: The aircraft tracks the subject while flying beside it at a constant angle and distance.

Note: FocusTrack is not available while recording in certain video resolutions.
Timelapse Speed up time with just a few taps by creating a striking hyperlapse or timelapse video. Capture moving traffic or rolling clouds and inject some drama into your videos.
QuickTransfer Instantly ready to share your creations, Mini 3 Pro supports high-speed Wi-Fi downloads at up to 30Mbps.
Panorama Capture the vastness of any landscape with 180°, Wide-angle, Vertical, and Sphere panorama shots.
QuickShot Modes Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang, and Asteroid

 

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Flight Performance

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a decent performer, with an impressive flight time, the ability to nip through the air and a transmission distance of up to 8km (CE). 

In fact, thanks to the O3 transmission system, operators can benefit from crisp 1080p live view from a distance as far as 8km (CE).

The table below sets out is key performance specs.

 

Item Spec
Max Flight Time 34 minutes
Max Speed (at sea level, no wind) 16 m/s or 35.7 mph (S Mode)
10 m/s or 22.3 mph (N Mode)
6 m/s or 13.4 mph (C Mode)
Max Ascent Speed 5 m/s (S Mode)
3 m/s (N Mode)
2 m/s (C Mode)
Max Descent Speed 5 m/s (S Mode)
3 m/s (N Mode)
1.5 m/s (C Mode)
Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level 4000 m
Max Hovering Time (no wind) 30 mins
Max Wind Speed Resistance 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
Max Tilt Angle Forward: 40°, Backward: 35° (S Mode)
25° (N Mode)
25° (C Mode)
Operating Temperature -10°C to 40°C
Maximum Transmission Distance (CE) 8km / 4.97 miles
Live View Quality 1080p/30fps

 

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Safety Features

As mentioned before, the Mini 3 Pro has been designed with enhanced safety in mind, with powerful sensing capabilities.

 

 

Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing ensures the DJI Mini 3 Pro has forward, backward and downward dual-vision sensors, and the aircraft's new design offers a broader sensing range. 

The table below provides an overview of the Mini 3 Pro's sensing system capabilities.

 

Item Spec
Forward Precision Measurement Range: 0.39m-25 m
Effective Sensing Speed: Flight speed <10 m/s
FOV: Horizontal 106°, Vertical 90°
Backward Precision Measurement Range: 0.36m-23.4 m
Effective Sensing Speed: Flight speed <10 m/s
FOV: Horizontal 58°, Vertical 73°
Downward Precision Measurement Range: 0.15m-9m
Precise Hovering Range: 0.5m-12 m
Vision Sensor Hovering Range: 0.5m-30 m
Effective Sensing Speed: Flight speed <3 m/s
FOV: Forward/Backward 104.8°, Left/Right 87.6°

 

The Mini 3 Pro also features APAS 4.0, which stands for Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems.

This feature detects objects in the aircraft's flight path in real-time. This allows DJI Mini 3 Pro to avoid obstacles, even in complicated environments. Please note that APAS 4.0 is not available while recording in certain video resolutions.

Meanwhile, DJI O3 is a welcome addition to the Mini 3 Pro. This flagship-level video transmission system ensures a crisp and reliable 1080p/30fps live feed.

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Controllers

The DJI Mini 3 introduces a new controller: The DJI RC.

 

 

This lightweight remote controller has around four hours of runtime, weighs 390g and features a built-in 5.5-inch touchscreen. With the DJI Fly app pre-installed, you can focus on flying and save your phone's battery. The DJI RC can also be used with the DJI Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine.

Alternatively, the Mini 3 Pro can be used with the DJI RC-N1, which is already compatible with a range of DJI drones.

 

 

Unlike the DJI RC, the RC-N1 does not have a built-in screen; rather requiring use in conjunction with a mobile device. 

Both controllers - which are included in their respective Mini 3 Pro bundles - offer a smooth flying experience and responsive control, as well as a max video bitrate of 18Mbps delivered at an ultra-low latency of 120ms.

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Accessories

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a rich ecosystem of accessories and extras to help operators even more from their flights.

Among the list, the Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit is a great item to have, featuring two Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-way Charging Hub (which charges the remote controller and three batteries in sequence), data cable, shoulder bag and spare propellers.

 

 

The Fly More Kit is better value than buying these accessories separately and is an incredibly useful bundle to add on to your standard Mini 3 purchase.

Other accessory highlights include a set of ND filters (ND16/64/256) for the Mini 3, which is useful for shooting long exposure or against strong light...

 

  

...and the Mini 3 Pro Wide-Angle Lens, which expands the field of view from 81.5° to 114° when taking photos and from 75° to 100° when recording video (16:9). 

DJI Mini 3 Pro: What Is Available?

Three versions of the DJI Mini 3 Pro are available: 

1: DJI Mini 3 Pro, with no remote controller

 

 

 


2: DJI Mini 3 Pro, with DJI RC-N1 

 

 


3: DJI Mini 3 Pro, with DJI RC

 

The package without a remote controller is due to be launched in June, but it means that any operator who has already got a DJI RC-N1 can add the Mini 3 to their fleet without having to get a surplus controller that they don't need, which is a nice touch.

We have already discussed the RC-N1 and DJI RC, so the combos featuring these controllers speak for themselves. 

However, the table below shows what comes in the box with each of the three DJI Mini 3 Pro bundles.

 

Mini 3 Pro (No RC) Mini 3 Pro & RC-N1 Mini 3 Pro & DJI RC
Mini 3 Pro 1 1 1
RC-N1 0 1 0
DJI RC 0 0 1
Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery 1 1 1
DJI RC-N1 RC Cable (USB Type-C Connector) 0 1 0
DJI RC-N1 RC Cable (Lightning Connector) 0 1 0
DJI RC-N1 RC Cable (Standard Micro-USB Connector) 0 1 0
Spare Propellers (Pair) 1 1 1
Gimbal Protector 1 1 1
Type-C to Type-C PD Cable 1 1 1
Screwdriver 1 1 1
Screws 6 6 6

  

DJI Mini 3 Pro Review: Summary

The DJI Mini 3 Pro sets a new standard for Mini drones.

Its blend of power, portability and performance makes it a welcome addition to the market and provides a highly-effective and regulation-friendly drone which straddles both the consumer and professional fields.

The addition of the rotating gimbal is a quirky piece of innovation which will no doubt please content creators.

DJI broke the mold when they launched the first Mavic Mini in October 2019 and the Series has gone from strength to strength ever since. The Mini 3 Pro is the latest addition and, like its predecessors, it sets the bar high on launch. 


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