DJI has announced the Mini 3, their newest compact, ultra-lightweight camera drone. As it weighs less than 249 grams, the Mini 3 is not only portable but it is exempt from most drone regulations in several parts of the world.
The Mini 3 uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor and it can capture 4K HDR video and 12MP photos with True Vertical Shooting. The drone features several of the key selling points of the Mini 3 Pro, but comes in at a much more accessible price point, while still outperforming the Mini 2.
As I already mentioned, the Mini 3 was specifically designed to weigh under 249 grams. This compact design makes DJI Mini 3 easy to take with you in a small-sized bag. It also satisfies drone regulations in many parts of the world, where sub-250g drones allow users to fly within regional compliance, with no registration or exam required.
The DJI Mini 3 can record in resolutions of up to 4K/30fps in HDR. The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and f/1.7 aperture are claimed to provide lower image noise in even low lighting and high contrast situations. As a comparison, the DJI Mini 2 features a 1/2.3″-Type CMOS Sensor and an f/2.8 aperture.
4-in-1 pixel technology can create photos from 48MP to 12MP in size and individual pixels as large as 2.4 μm to improve low-light performance. Dual native ISO and chip-level HDR technology are claimed to help excellent results, even in images with high dynamic range scenes. With True Vertical Shooting, you can rotate the camera 90 degrees to create content for social media platforms.
The DJI Mini 3 comes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery that provides a max flight time of up to 38 minutes. This is 7 minutes longer than the flight time of the Mini 2. If you want to extend your flight times up to 51 minutes you can use the optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. The DJI O2 digital video transmission delivers a 720p/30fps live feed from up to 10 km away. With a wind resistance of up to 10.7 m/s, the Mini 3 can hover steadily and keep a stable image in various conditions.
Just like other DJI drones the Mini 3 features QuickShots, a suite of pre-programmed flight and filming paths. These include:
- Dronie: The aircraft flies back and up with the camera locked on the subject.
- Helix: The aircraft flies up and spirals around the subject.
- Rocket: The aircraft flies up with the camera facing down.
- Circle: The aircraft circles around the subject.
- Boomerang: The aircraft flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away and descending as it returns.
The Mini 3 also supports a bunch of intelligent functions such as Auto Takeoff, Return to Home (RTH), Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH that instructs the aircraft to automatically return to its starting point in situations like a dropped signal or low battery. Mini 3 also combines GNSS with the downward vision system and the infrared sensing system to hover stably and accurately.
Additional Features
- 180°, Wide, and Sphere panorama, with Sphere Panorama Viewer 2.0 in the DJI Fly app offering a 720° view to drag and zoom a Sphere panorama.
- QuickTransfer with max download speed of 25 MB/s
- Supports large-angle tilt to introduce more creative possibilities.
- Digital zoom at 2x in 4K/30fps, 4x in 1080p, and 2x in 12MP photo
Accessories
The DJI RC is a lightweight and easy-to-use remote controller with a built-in screen. Thanks to the built-in DJI Fly app, it is ready to use without the need to connect to a smartphone.
The Intelligent Flight Battery ensures a smooth and worry-free flight for up to 38 minutes.
The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus supports a max flight time of 51 minutes.
The Two-Way Charging Hub charges the remote controller and three batteries in sequence and also serves as a mobile power source and stores batteries for convenient carrying.
The ND Filters Set adapts the Mini 3 camera to strong lighting conditions with ND16/64/256 filters to always be ready for the perfect shot.
The 360° Propeller Guard fully covers the propellers and is easy to attach and detach, ensuring flight safety in a simple and efficient way. Propeller Holder binds the front and back propellers when the aircraft is folded for more convenient storage
Price & Availability
- DJI Mini 3 (Drone Only) $409 USD
- DJI Mini 3 $499 USD
- DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) $639 USD
- DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo $658 USD
- DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC) $798 USD
The DJI Mini 3 (Drone Only) does not include a remote controller or charger and is ideal for owners of existing DJI drones. It will be available in early 2023.
The DJI Mini 3 includes the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller. It is available today.
The DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) includes the DJI RC Remote Controller. It is available today.
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo includes the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries. It is available today.
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC) includes the DJI RC Remote Controller, Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries. It is available today.
