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DJI Mini 3 Pro Sub-249g Drone

DJI Mini 3 Pro thumbnail

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an upgraded version of the Mini 2. The smaller and lighter form factor is similar making it more accessible to fly almost anywhere due to the weight. The DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs less than 249 grams which makes it “policy-friendly” in many regions and countries, it delivers advanced features like 4K/60fps video, ActiveTrack, and Tri-Directional obstacle sensing, plus 90° gimbal rotation to shoot high-quality vertical imaging without cropping or zooming. DJI states it also improved the flight time to over 30 minutes.

Like its predecessors, the Mavic Mini, Mini 2, and Mini SE, the new Mini 3 Pro keeps the same compact foldability that makes it easy to pack and take with you. DJI has also added more built-in features than any other DJI drone of its size, these include enhanced flight performance, a better camera system, longer battery life, and intelligent features that were previously only available in the Air and Mavic series.

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Improvements to the Mini 3

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DJI states the Mini 3 Pro has a completely new structural design that brings several performance enhancements. The arms and propellers are claimed to have been adjusted for a more aerodynamic flight that increases flight time. This new design also mounts forward and backward dual-vision sensors at the very front of the drone, broadening the sensing range, which in theory should enhance safety when flying.

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A complete gimbal redesign unlocks more camera angles, enabling movements like tilt-up shots and vertical shooting.

Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing

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A first for the Mini drone series, DJI Mini 3 Pro features Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing. This consists of forward, backward, and downward visual sensors. The forward and downward sensors have a wider field of view, providing more coverage for better route planning and environmental awareness. These sensors also enable Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 4.0, which automatically detects and finds a safer path around obstacles during flight. Please note that APAS 4.0 is not available while recording 4K/48fps, 4K/50fps, 4K/60fps, 2.7K/48fps, 2.7K/50fps, 2.7K/60fps, or 1080p/120fps video.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Close Up 02

The sensors also let you use the entire FocusTrack suite, which allows users to select a subject that the drone automatically keeps within the center of the frame during flight while automatically planning a safe flight route. With the upgraded sensing system, DJI Mini 3 Pro is the first of the Mini lineup to integrate APAS and FocusTrack.

Upgraded Camera & Battery

DJI Mini 3 Pro has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera sensor with dual native ISO. It also has a fixed aperture of f/1.7 and shoots images at up to 48MP and video at up to 4K/60fps. The camera can also rotate 90 degrees for vertical shooting, creating photos and videos in portrait orientation without the need for zooming and cropping.

HDR video recording is available at frame rates up to 30fps. A Normal color profile is also available or you can use D-Cinelike which will allow for more latitude when it comes to grading.

A Digital video zoom at up to 2x is available in 4K, 3x in 2.7K, and 4x in Full HD. The DJI Mini 3 Pro has improved image performance with 2.4μm pixels that DJI claims will help the drone when capturing images in low lighting conditions and at night.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Battery Plus Hover
Battery Plus

DJI states the maximum flight is 34 minutes. Mini 3 Pro also introduces an extended flight battery option for the first time in DJI drone history. The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus allows for a maximum flight time of 47 minutes, which is a long time for a drone this size. When using the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, the takeoff weight of DJI Mini 3 Pro will exceed 249 grams.

Note that due to local laws and regulations that restrict drones at or above 250 grams, the DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus is not available in all countries and regions. The Mini 3 Pro also features the O3 transmission system, which delivers a 1080p live view from a distance as far as 12 km.

Video Specifications

  • Camera Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS Effective Pixels: 48 MP
  • Resolutions:
    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
  • MP4/MOV (H.264/H.265)
  • Max Video Bitrate 150 Mbps
  • Color Profiles: Normal, D-Cinelike
  • Color Depth: 8 bit; Dynamic Range: DCG 12.6 f-stops & LCG 10.9 f-stops
  • Zoom Range:
    4K: 2x
    2.7K: 3x
    FHD: 4x
  • ISO Range:
    Video: 100-6400 (Auto), 100-6400 (Manual)
    Photo: 100-6400 (Auto), 100-6400 (Manual)

Full specifications can be found on DJI website.

DJI RC

DJI RC

DJI has introduced a new lightweight remote controller with a 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen that has the DJI Fly app already integrated, so users don’t need to mount their smartphone to their controller.

The new DJI RC weighs in at 390g, which is only 5g heavier than the regular controller without factoring in the weight of adding a smartphone. It also features a nice bright 700nit screen and it supports apps such as DJI Fly.

The DJI RC is currently only compatible with DJI Mini 3 Pro and will expand to more drone models in the future. Pricing for the DJI RC alone is not available and it’s not clear if they will release it as a stand-alone product at this time. Since it’s only compatible with the Mini 3 Pro it probably won’t be.

Intelligent Features

FocusTrack Suite

  • 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:

ActiveTrack 4.0 follows the subject in two selectable ways:

  • Trace: The aircraft tracks the subject at a constant distance
  • Parallel: The aircraft tracks the subject while flying beside it at a constant angle and distance

QuickShots

  • Dronie: Aircraft flies back and up with the camera locked on the subject.
  • Helix: Aircraft flies up and spirals around the subject.
  • Rocket: Aircraft flies up with the camera facing down.
  • Circle: Aircraft circles around the subject.
  • Boomerang: Aircraft flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away and descending as it returns.
  • Asteroid: Aircraft creates a shot that begins as a sphere panorama high above the subject and ends with a normal shot hovering near the subject.

MasterShots: Keeps the subject in the center of the frame while executing different maneuvers in sequence to generate a short cinematic video.

Hyperlapse: Creates a dynamic timelapse where the aircraft flies on set paths during capture.

Pricing & Availability

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DJI Mini 3 Pro is available for pre-order today in several configurations.

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DJI Mini 3 Pro (no remote controller) retails for $669 USD and includes DJI Mini 3 Pro, and excludes any remote controller for those who already have a compatible model to control the drone. Compatible remote controllers for DJI Mini 3 Pro include the DJI RC-N1 which also comes with the Mavic 3, Air 2S, Mavic Air 2, and Mini 2.

The new DJI RC is currently only compatible with DJI Mini 3 Pro and will expand to more drone models in the future.

DJI Mini 3 Pro retails for $759 USD and includes DJI RC-N1.
DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC) retails for $909 USD and includes DJI RC.

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DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit

Kits are also available. The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit retails for $189 USD and includes 2 Intelligent Flight Batteries, 1 Two-Way Charging Hub, 2 sets of propellers, and one Shoulder Bag.

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DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus

The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus retails for $249 USD and includes 2 Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus, 1 Two-Way Charging Hub, 2 sets of propellers, and one Shoulder Bag.

DJI Mini 3 Pro In the Box ND Filters 3 of 5 1

DJI also has a set of three ND filters for the new camera. They come in ND 16/64/256.

With the new release, I’m hoping DJI will have the Mini 3 Pro fully functioning upon release. It seems they have been releasing products that are not and get updates over several months before they are fully functional.

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