NEW DJI Mini 3 - The BEST Budget Drone EVER! (4K)

Summary

The DJI Mini 3 drone is reviewed in this script, highlighting its impressive features inherited from the Mini 3 Pro, such as true vertical shooting and increased flight time to 38 minutes with intelligent batteries. Although it lacks some advanced features like 4K 60fps and active track, the Mini 3 offers professional-quality 4K 30fps footage at a budget-friendly price. The drone's compact size, quiet operation, and enhanced wind resistance make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced pilots, especially for capturing high-quality aerial content discreetly.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The DJI Mini 3 is a compact drone that inherits many features from the more expensive Mini 3 Pro, including true vertical shooting and the ability to shoot past the level horizon.
• 🧤 Mention of the cold weather suggests the drone's usability in various conditions, hinting at its robustness.
• 💰 Positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to the Mini 3 Pro, the DJI Mini 3 offers impressive features at a lower price point.
• 🚀 With a top speed of 24mph in sport mode, the Mini 3 is faster than the original Mavic Mini and nearly as fast as the Air 2s.
• ⏰ The Mini 3 boasts an impressive flight time of 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, outperforming the more expensive Pro version.
• 🌬 Both the Mini 3 and Pro versions have the same wind resistance of around 10.7 meters per second, a significant improvement over the original Mavic Mini.
• 📡 The new DJI RC controllers offer a convenient setup with a range of up to 10 km, enhancing the flying experience.
• 🎥 The Mini 3 can shoot 4K HDR video at 30fps, a slight downgrade from the Pro's 60fps but still offering high-quality footage.
• 🔍 Lacks some advanced features like active track and Hyperlapse, which may be a consideration for some users.
• 🛰️ The Mini 3 has fewer obstacle avoidance sensors compared to the Pro version, which could be a drawback for less experienced pilots.
• 📸 Stills camera capabilities include shooting in JPEG and Raw at 12MP, with the addition of HDR image capture in single shot mode.
• 🔇 The Mini 3 is notably quieter than other drones, which can be an advantage when discretion is needed.

Q & A

What is the DJI Mini 3 drone and how does it compare to its predecessors?

The DJI Mini 3 is a compact drone that offers many features similar to the more advanced Mini 3 Pro, such as true vertical shooting and the ability to shoot past the level horizon. It is designed to be a more budget-friendly option while still providing high-quality footage and improved flight time compared to the original Mavic Mini and Mini 2.

What are the key features of the DJI Mini 3 drone?

Key features of the DJI Mini 3 include true vertical shooting, the ability to shoot past the level horizon, a top speed of 16 meters per second in sport mode, a flight time of 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, and compatibility with the new DJI RC controllers.

How does the DJI Mini 3's flight time compare to the Mini 3 Pro?

The DJI Mini 3 has a longer flight time than the Mini 3 Pro, offering 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, which is 4 minutes more than the Pro version, despite being a cheaper model.

What is the top speed of the DJI Mini 3 in sport mode?

The top speed of the DJI Mini 3 in sport mode is 16 meters per second, which is equivalent to 24 miles per hour.

How does the DJI Mini 3's wind resistance compare to its predecessors and other DJI drones?

The DJI Mini 3 has a wind resistance of around 10.7 meters per second, which is an improvement over the original Mavic Mini and is identical to the performance of the more expensive Air 2S and Mini 3 Pro.

What are some of the differences between the DJI Mini 3 and the Mini 3 Pro?

The DJI Mini 3 lacks some features of the Mini 3 Pro, such as 4K HDR 60fps video recording, active track, and hyperlapse. It also has fewer obstacle avoidance sensors, with only downward sensors for landing, compared to the front and rear sensors on the Pro version.

What video quality does the DJI Mini 3 offer and how does it compare to the Mini 3 Pro?

The DJI Mini 3 offers 4K HDR video recording at 30fps and 60fps at 2.7K, which is slightly lower than the 4K 60fps offered by the Mini 3 Pro. However, it still provides high-quality footage suitable for professional use.

What is the DJI Mini 3's still camera resolution and what additional features does it offer?

The DJI Mini 3's still camera has a resolution of 12MP, shooting in both JPEG and Raw formats. It also offers HDR image capture in single shot mode and a vertical mode for social media content.

How does the DJI Mini 3's noise level compare to other drones, such as the Air 2S?

The DJI Mini 3 is significantly quieter than the Air 2S, making it ideal for discreet flying and not disturbing people nearby.

What are the advantages of the DJI Mini 3's lightweight design and how does it impact flight locations?

The DJI Mini 3's lightweight design, weighing less than 249 grams, allows it to be flown in a variety of locations where heavier drones cannot, due to stricter aviation laws.

What are the quick shot modes available on the DJI Mini 3 and how do they enhance the drone's capabilities?

The DJI Mini 3 offers fun quick shot modes such as Drone, Helix, Rocket Circle, and Boomerang, which allow for creative and dynamic shots, enhancing the drone's capabilities for capturing engaging footage.

Outlines

00:00

🚁 Introduction to DJI Mini 3: Features and Comparison

The script introduces the DJI Mini 3 drone, highlighting its appeal to both new and experienced pilots due to its feature set inherited from the Mini 3 Pro. It emphasizes the drone's ability to shoot 4K 60fps video, its true vertical shooting mode, and enhanced flight capabilities with a speed of 16 meters per second. The Mini 3 boasts a longer flight time of 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, surpassing even the more expensive Pro version. The script also mentions the drone's wind resistance and hovering accuracy, as well as its compatibility with the new DJI RC controllers, which offer a convenient setup for pilots. However, the basic kit at £519 does not include the new screen controller and comes with the older RC-N1 instead.

05:08

📸 DJI Mini 3 vs Pro: Specifications and Image Quality

This paragraph compares the DJI Mini 3 with its Pro counterpart, noting the Mini 3's limitations such as the lack of 4K HDR 60fps video and active track features. It also points out the absence of Hyperlapse and obstacle avoidance sensors, except for downward sensors for landing. The script suggests that for those who value these features, the Mini 3 Pro may be a better choice. The video quality of the Mini 3 is praised, with 4K 30fps at 150mbps bitrate and a dual native ISO range for improved low-light performance. The camera's still capabilities are discussed, including shooting in JPEG and Raw at 12MP, with the addition of HDR image capture in single shot mode and vertical mode for social media. The script concludes by emphasizing the drone's compact size and quiet operation, making it ideal for discreet shooting and travel.

10:08

🌟 Conclusion and Personal Recommendation

The final paragraph wraps up the review by expressing the author's enthusiasm for the DJI Mini 3, considering it a potential best budget drone on the market. The author is impressed by the drone's professional-quality content production capabilities and its value for money, especially when compared to higher-end drones. The script mentions the author's intention to use the Mini 3 frequently, particularly for backpacking photo trips, due to its lightweight and compact design. The drone's quiet operation is also highlighted as a significant advantage for those who need to be discreet. The author concludes by encouraging viewers to subscribe for more content and mentions additional resources like Lightroom preset packs and desktop wallpapers available on their website.

Keywords

💡DJI Mini 3

The DJI Mini 3 is a compact drone designed for aerial photography and videography. It is a significant subject in the video, which discusses its features, performance, and comparison with other DJI models. The script mentions its impressive flight time of 38 minutes and its ability to shoot 4K 30fps video, making it a strong contender in the budget drone market.

💡4K 60fps

4K 60fps refers to a video resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with a frame rate of 60 frames per second. This term is used in the script to highlight the video recording capabilities of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, which can record in 4K at 60fps, although the Mini 3 itself is limited to 30fps at 4K, which is still considered high quality for aerial footage.

💡HDR video

High Dynamic Range (HDR) video is a type of video that provides a wider range of color and contrast than standard dynamic range video. The script mentions that the DJI Mini 3 Pro can record HDR video, enhancing the visual quality of the footage by capturing more details in bright and dark areas.

💡Obstacle sensing

Obstacle sensing is a feature in drones that uses sensors to detect and avoid collisions with objects. The script discusses the absence of this feature in the DJI Mini 3, which only has downward sensors for landing, unlike the Mini 3 Pro that has front and rear sensors for more comprehensive obstacle avoidance.

💡Flight time

Flight time refers to the duration a drone can stay airborne on a single battery charge. The script emphasizes the DJI Mini 3's flight time of 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, which is longer than the Pro version and a significant improvement over previous models.

💡Wind resistance

Wind resistance is the ability of a drone to withstand and operate effectively in windy conditions. The script mentions that both the DJI Mini 3 and the Pro version have a wind resistance of 10.7 meters per second, which is crucial for stable flight in challenging weather conditions.

💡DJI RC controllers

DJI RC controllers are remote controls used to operate DJI drones. The script praises the new DJI RC controllers for their ease of use, eliminating the need to attach a phone or deal with cables, and their ability to transmit signals up to 10 km in unobstructed conditions.

💡Active track

Active track is a feature that allows a drone to automatically follow and keep a subject in frame while flying. The script notes that the DJI Mini 3 lacks this feature, which is available in the Mini 3 Pro and other models like the Air 2S, and is useful for capturing dynamic subjects.

💡Hyperlapse

Hyperlapse is a time-lapse technique that captures high-speed movement in a video format. The script mentions that the DJI Mini 3 does not have the Hyperlapse feature, which is available in some other DJI drones, but the reviewer does not find this omission significant for their use.

💡Dual native ISO

Dual native ISO refers to a camera's ability to switch between two base ISO settings for optimal image quality in different lighting conditions. The script highlights the DJI Mini 3's dual native ISO range, with a base ISO of 100 and a high base of ISO 500, which enhances low light performance.

💡Quick shots

Quick shots are pre-programmed flight paths that drones can follow to capture dynamic and cinematic shots. The script mentions that the DJI Mini 3 retains the fun quick shots feature, including drone, helix, rocket circle, and boomerang, which are popular among drone pilots for creative videography.

Highlights

DJI Mini 3 is a compact drone with features similar to the Mini 3 Pro, suitable for experienced pilots and content creators.

The Mini 3 Pro is designed to comply with strict aviation laws due to its lightweight of 249 grams.

Mini 3 Pro offers advanced technology like 4K 60fps, HDR video, and obstacle sensing.

The basic kit of Mini 3 Pro is priced at £709, and £859 with the new screen controller.

DJI Mini 3 inherits features from the Pro version, including true vertical shooting.

Both Mini 3 Pro and Mini 3 can shoot beyond the horizon, a feature not available in previous models.

The Mini 3 has a flight speed of 16 meters per second in sport mode, which is 24mph.

Mini 3 has a longer flight time of 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, surpassing the Pro version.

Both Mini 3 and Pro versions have the same wind resistance of 10.7 meters per second.

The Mini 3 connects to new DJI RC controllers with a transmission distance of 10 km.

The Mini 3 lacks some features of the Pro version, such as 4K HDR 60fps and active track.

The Mini 3 does not have Hyperlapse or obstacle avoidance sensors except for downward sensors for landing.

Upgraders from the original Mavic Mini or Mini 2 will see improvements in flight time and wind resistance.

The Mini 3 records 4K 30fps video with a bitrate of 150mbps, offering high-quality footage even in low light.

The stills camera of the Mini 3 shoots in JPEG and Raw at 12MP, with HDR image capture in single shot mode.

The Mini 3 is incredibly quiet, making it ideal for discreet flying and not disturbing people nearby.

The DJI Mini 3 is considered a serious flying camera capable of producing professional quality content.

Transcripts

The DJI Mini 3. Let’s see if this little drone  

is actually any good. Ooo, it’s  cold today. Might need my gloves. 

So earlier this year DJI released the  much anticipated Mini 3 Pro to very  

good reviews and while the old MAVIC mini  series had always been considered budget  

entry level drones for people just  starting their piloting journeys,  

the Mini 3 Pro was aimed at the more experienced  flyers and content creators hoping to duck those  

strict aviation laws with the 249grams and  still produce high level quality footage.

The Mini 3 Pro came with some impressive tech too.  4K 60fps, HDR video, true vertical shooting mode,  

focus track and obstacle sensing but coming  in at a pretty hefty £709 for the basic kit  

and that’s with the old remote control or wait  for it - £859 with the new screen controller,  

it was hardly a budget or entry level drone. Step in the NEW DJI mini 3. 

I mean look at this thing, it has the same  characteristics as the pro. That bull dog profile,  

heavy at the front low at the back, in fact it  inherits much of the features of the pro version.  

True vertical shooting which is a very welcome  addition to both of these drones, sharing content  

on social media in the native aspect ratio without  having to crop out two thirds of the screen. 

The pro version and the mini 3 can now also shoot  upwards past level horizon which neither of the  

original Mavic mini or Mini 2 could do. This is  great for capturing climbing shots and low angles. 

So what else do they have in common.  They both fly at the same speed at 16  

meters per second in sport mode. Thats  24mph. Let’s see what 24mph looks like! 

The mini 3  

is 3 meters per second quicker than the original  Mavic mini and only 3 seconds slower than the Air  

2s. But here is where the new DJI mini 3 beats all  of the previous models including the Pro. Flight  

time, 38 mins with the intelligent batteries.  That’s 4 minutes more than the pro version,  

how is that possible. The pro version costs  £200 more than the Mini 3 but can’t out last  

it’s cheaper sibling. Go figure. In reality  though, those times would probably be around 3  

to 4 minutes less than advertised but still  its all relative. They both have the same  

wind resistance at around 10.7 meters per second  which when you consider the much bigger and more  

expensive Air 2s has the same wind resistance this  is pretty phenomenal performance from a tiny body  

like this and hovering accuracy vertically  identical to the pro and Air 2s as well. 

I’m genuinely quite shocked by those specs  and having shot plenty of drone footage in  

the Highlands where the wind can really pick  up, the original Mavic mini could only manage  

8 meters per second wind resistance  and the alarm would go off constantly. 

The pro and Mini 3 drones both connect  to the the new DJI RC controllers which  

I love and can transmit across a  distance of 10 km unobstructed,  

for instance if you’re flying across a body  of water. But in a built up area it’s probably  

going to be 2 or 3 km which is plenty. I’ve got to tell you, these RC controllers  

are just brilliant. No need to mess  around with attaching your phone,  

messing around with cables, just switch  the thing on and go. I’ve missed so many  

opportunities in the past capturing video because  I was to busy setting up the flippin controller. 

But just to note, the basic price of £519  does not include the new screen controller,  

it only comes with the old RC-N1 Ok so just looking at the new DJI  

RC controller here, we have our shooting  modes and we can either choose photo,  

single shot mode which will give us our lovely  HD image or if we want to shoot in vertical mode.  

Up on the top here we have the tilting action  on the the left and on the right we have  

zoom all the way into 2X. So what can’t the mini 3 do that the  

pro version can, well it has that stunning 4K HDR  30fps, as opposed to the 60fps that you get on the  

Pro. That’s a bit of a shame but it can manage  60fps at 2.7K which is still very respectable  

for such a small drone. Unfortunately it doesn’t  have active track which is the ability to follow  

a subject. I particularly like this feature  on the Air2s so that is a bit disappointing.  

Another feature that the Mini 3 doesn’t have is  Hyperlapse but I can’t say I’ve ever used that on  

a drone before so that doesn’t bother me too much.  Another thing that doesn’t bother me on the Mini  

3 is the lack of obstacle avoidance sensors. The  pro version has front and rear sensors, the Mini  

3 has only downward sensors for landing. Maybe  something that newcomers to flying drones would  

want when buying a drone but here’s my thinking on  the matter, get to know your drone, enjoy knowing  

how to operate it properly. Flying a drone is  fun, it’s like learning how to ride a bike,  

once those stabilisers come off the fear goes  away and you’ll be wizzing about oblivious to the  

lack of sensors on this drone. But if sensors are  important to you and you don’t feel that confident  

flying without them then go with the Mini 3 Pro. Anyone thinking of upgrading from the original  

Mavic Mini or the Mini 2, you will see a  significant improvement in flight time and wind  

resistance which is a big one for me. But I think  why people really buy drones isn’t for the flying  

part, it’s for capturing video and photo and  the video quality just keeps getting better.  

4K 30fps with a bitrate of 150mbps produces  stunning quality footage. Even in low light,  

thanks to the dual native ISO range on this camera  where the base iso is ISO100 and high base is  

ISO 500, evening and night shooting should  be a doddle especially coupled with the f1.7  

aperture lens, which brings in a stop  more light than the previous models.

We still have all of the fun quick shots  that we’ve come to know and love. Drone,  

helix, rocket circle and boomerang.

Let’s talk about the stills camera. It’s  shoots in JPEG and Raw which is brilliant  

but only at 12MP which is a bit of a shame  considering that the Mini 3 Pro has a 48MP  

sensor and there’s no real improvement  over the Mini2 either because that had  

a 12MP camera. I would have liked to have  seem maybe 20 to match the Air2S but we do  

now have HDR image capture when shooting in  single shot mode and of course we now have  

that vertical mode for your social media. The  images do come out pretty nice and clean but  

the 12MP doest leave any room for cropping. Nano technology is pretty scary when you  

consider just 15 years ago, you needed to hire a  helicopter and camera crew just to capture aerial  

footage of the same quality you get from a £519  Mini 3 weighing less than 249 grams. Mind blowing 

So would I buy one of these drones? Absolutely, no  question. In fact I’d probably use this more than  

my air2s especially on backpacking photo trips,  just to keep the weight down in my camera bag,  

I’d absolutely sacrifice a few less features. And  of course the 249grams opens up a huge variety of  

shooting locations where heavier drones can’t  fly. One thing I really did notice about the  

Mini 3 was how quiet this thing is. You can be 15,  20 feet away and you don’t even know it’s there.  

My Air 2s sounds like a swarm of bees coming  overhead. When you’re trying to be discreet  

and trying not to disturb people close by, the  Mini 3 is coming out of the bag every time.

So is this the best budget  drone on the market ever?  

I mean probably, I think it has to be. With  the specifications of more high end drones,  

this is certainly not a toy, this is a serious  flying camera that produces professional quality  

content. I’m genuinely and continuously blown  away by what DJI brings out each time. The mini  

series is not to be dismissed, they can be  the building blocks for beginner pilots or  

incredible creative tools for established  filmmakers or YouTubers like myself.

So hopefully that’s given you a little insight  into the new DJI Mini 3. I’m a big fan as you  

can probably tell. I’m going to be using  that a lot in the future. I’ve got a new  

Lightroom preset pack which is available on  my website. I’ll pop links in the description  

and I’ve also got desktop wallpapers  that you can download on there as well. 

So give us a thumbs up if you enjoyed the video,  if it was helpful and don’t forget to subscribe  

to the channel for more photography  content and I’ll catch you next time.