NEW DJI Mini 3 - The BEST Budget Drone EVER! (4K)
Summary
TLDRThe 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
- š 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.
- š§¤ Mention of the cold weather suggests the drone's usability in various conditions, hinting at its robustness.
- š° 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.
- š 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.
- ā° The Mini 3 boasts an impressive flight time of 38 minutes with intelligent batteries, outperforming the more expensive Pro version.
- š¬ 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.
- š” The new DJI RC controllers offer a convenient setup with a range of up to 10 km, enhancing the flying experience.
- š„ The Mini 3 can shoot 4K HDR video at 30fps, a slight downgrade from the Pro's 60fps but still offering high-quality footage.
- š Lacks some advanced features like active track and Hyperlapse, which may be a consideration for some users.
- š°ļø The Mini 3 has fewer obstacle avoidance sensors compared to the Pro version, which could be a drawback for less experienced pilots.
- šø Stills camera capabilities include shooting in JPEG and Raw at 12MP, with the addition of HDR image capture in single shot mode.
- š 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
š 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 Ā£519 does not include the new screen controller and comes with the older RC-N1 instead.
šø 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.
š 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
š”DJI Mini 3
š”4K 60fps
š”HDR video
š”Obstacle sensing
š”Flight time
š”Wind resistance
š”DJI RC controllers
š”Active track
š”Hyperlapse
š”Dual native ISO
š”Quick shots
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 Ā£709, and Ā£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. Letās see if this little droneĀ Ā
is actually any good. Ooo, itāsĀ cold today. Might need my gloves.Ā
So earlier this year DJI released theĀ much anticipated Mini 3 Pro to veryĀ Ā
good reviews and while the old MAVIC miniĀ series had always been considered budgetĀ Ā
entry level drones for people justĀ starting their piloting journeys,Ā Ā
the Mini 3 Pro was aimed at the more experiencedĀ flyers and content creators hoping to duck thoseĀ Ā
strict aviation laws with the 249grams andĀ still produce high level quality footage.
The Mini 3 Pro came with some impressive tech too.Ā 4K 60fps, HDR video, true vertical shooting mode,Ā Ā
focus track and obstacle sensing but comingĀ in at a pretty hefty Ā£709 for the basic kitĀ Ā
and thatās with the old remote control or waitĀ for it - Ā£859 with the new screen controller,Ā Ā
it was hardly a budget or entry level drone. Step in the NEW DJI mini 3.Ā
I mean look at this thing, it has the sameĀ characteristics as the pro. That bull dog profile,Ā Ā
heavy at the front low at the back, in fact itĀ inherits much of the features of the pro version.Ā Ā
True vertical shooting which is a very welcomeĀ addition to both of these drones, sharing contentĀ Ā
on social media in the native aspect ratio withoutĀ having to crop out two thirds of the screen.Ā
The pro version and the mini 3 can now also shootĀ upwards past level horizon which neither of theĀ Ā
original Mavic mini or Mini 2 could do. This isĀ great for capturing climbing shots and low angles.Ā
So what else do they have in common.Ā They both fly at the same speed at 16Ā Ā
meters per second in sport mode. ThatsĀ 24mph. Letās see what 24mph looks like!Ā
The mini 3Ā Ā
is 3 meters per second quicker than the originalĀ Mavic mini and only 3 seconds slower than the AirĀ Ā
2s. But here is where the new DJI mini 3 beats allĀ of the previous models including the Pro. FlightĀ Ā
time, 38 mins with the intelligent batteries.Ā Thatās 4 minutes more than the pro version,Ā Ā
how is that possible. The pro version costsĀ Ā£200 more than the Mini 3 but canāt out lastĀ Ā
itās cheaper sibling. Go figure. In realityĀ though, those times would probably be around 3Ā Ā
to 4 minutes less than advertised but stillĀ its all relative. They both have the sameĀ Ā
wind resistance at around 10.7 meters per secondĀ which when you consider the much bigger and moreĀ Ā
expensive Air 2s has the same wind resistance thisĀ is pretty phenomenal performance from a tiny bodyĀ Ā
like this and hovering accuracy verticallyĀ identical to the pro and Air 2s as well.Ā
Iām genuinely quite shocked by those specsĀ and having shot plenty of drone footage inĀ Ā
the Highlands where the wind can really pickĀ up, the original Mavic mini could only manageĀ Ā
8 meters per second wind resistanceĀ and the alarm would go off constantly.Ā
The pro and Mini 3 drones both connectĀ to the the new DJI RC controllers whichĀ Ā
I love and can transmit across aĀ distance of 10 km unobstructed,Ā Ā
for instance if youāre flying across a bodyĀ of water. But in a built up area itās probablyĀ Ā
going to be 2 or 3 km which is plenty. Iāve got to tell you, these RC controllersĀ Ā
are just brilliant. No need to messĀ around with attaching your phone,Ā Ā
messing around with cables, just switchĀ the thing on and go. Iāve missed so manyĀ Ā
opportunities in the past capturing video becauseĀ I was to busy setting up the flippin controller.Ā
But just to note, the basic price of Ā£519Ā does not include the new screen controller,Ā Ā
it only comes with the old RC-N1 Ok so just looking at the new DJIĀ Ā
RC controller here, we have our shootingĀ modes and we can either choose photo,Ā Ā
single shot mode which will give us our lovelyĀ HD image or if we want to shoot in vertical mode.Ā Ā
Up on the top here we have the tilting actionĀ on the the left and on the right we haveĀ Ā
zoom all the way into 2X. So what canāt the mini 3 do that theĀ Ā
pro version can, well it has that stunning 4K HDRĀ 30fps, as opposed to the 60fps that you get on theĀ Ā
Pro. Thatās a bit of a shame but it can manageĀ 60fps at 2.7K which is still very respectableĀ Ā
for such a small drone. Unfortunately it doesnātĀ have active track which is the ability to followĀ Ā
a subject. I particularly like this featureĀ on the Air2s so that is a bit disappointing.Ā Ā
Another feature that the Mini 3 doesnāt have isĀ Hyperlapse but I canāt say Iāve ever used that onĀ Ā
a drone before so that doesnāt bother me too much.Ā Another thing that doesnāt bother me on the MiniĀ Ā
3 is the lack of obstacle avoidance sensors. TheĀ pro version has front and rear sensors, the MiniĀ Ā
3 has only downward sensors for landing. MaybeĀ something that newcomers to flying drones wouldĀ Ā
want when buying a drone but hereās my thinking onĀ the matter, get to know your drone, enjoy knowingĀ Ā
how to operate it properly. Flying a drone isĀ fun, itās like learning how to ride a bike,Ā Ā
once those stabilisers come off the fear goesĀ away and youāll be wizzing about oblivious to theĀ Ā
lack of sensors on this drone. But if sensors areĀ important to you and you donāt feel that confidentĀ Ā
flying without them then go with the Mini 3 Pro. Anyone thinking of upgrading from the originalĀ Ā
Mavic Mini or the Mini 2, you will see aĀ significant improvement in flight time and windĀ Ā
resistance which is a big one for me. But I thinkĀ why people really buy drones isnāt for the flyingĀ Ā
part, itās for capturing video and photo andĀ the video quality just keeps getting better.Ā Ā
4K 30fps with a bitrate of 150mbps producesĀ stunning quality footage. Even in low light,Ā Ā
thanks to the dual native ISO range on this cameraĀ where the base iso is ISO100 and high base isĀ Ā
ISO 500, evening and night shooting shouldĀ be a doddle especially coupled with the f1.7Ā Ā
aperture lens, which brings in a stopĀ more light than the previous models.
We still have all of the fun quick shotsĀ that weāve come to know and love. Drone,Ā Ā
helix, rocket circle and boomerang.
Letās talk about the stills camera. ItāsĀ shoots in JPEG and Raw which is brilliantĀ Ā
but only at 12MP which is a bit of a shameĀ considering that the Mini 3 Pro has a 48MPĀ Ā
sensor and thereās no real improvementĀ over the Mini2 either because that hadĀ Ā
a 12MP camera. I would have liked to haveĀ seem maybe 20 to match the Air2S but we doĀ Ā
now have HDR image capture when shooting inĀ single shot mode and of course we now haveĀ Ā
that vertical mode for your social media. TheĀ images do come out pretty nice and clean butĀ Ā
the 12MP doest leave any room for cropping. Nano technology is pretty scary when youĀ Ā
consider just 15 years ago, you needed to hire aĀ helicopter and camera crew just to capture aerialĀ Ā
footage of the same quality you get from a Ā£519Ā Mini 3 weighing less than 249 grams. Mind blowingĀ
So would I buy one of these drones? Absolutely, noĀ question. In fact Iād probably use this more thanĀ Ā
my air2s especially on backpacking photo trips,Ā just to keep the weight down in my camera bag,Ā Ā
Iād absolutely sacrifice a few less features. AndĀ of course the 249grams opens up a huge variety ofĀ Ā
shooting locations where heavier drones canātĀ fly. One thing I really did notice about theĀ Ā
Mini 3 was how quiet this thing is. You can be 15,Ā 20 feet away and you donāt even know itās there.Ā Ā
My Air 2s sounds like a swarm of bees comingĀ overhead. When youāre trying to be discreetĀ Ā
and trying not to disturb people close by, theĀ Mini 3 is coming out of the bag every time.
So is this the best budgetĀ drone on the market ever?Ā Ā
I mean probably, I think it has to be. WithĀ the specifications of more high end drones,Ā Ā
this is certainly not a toy, this is a seriousĀ flying camera that produces professional qualityĀ Ā
content. Iām genuinely and continuously blownĀ away by what DJI brings out each time. The miniĀ Ā
series is not to be dismissed, they can beĀ the building blocks for beginner pilots orĀ Ā
incredible creative tools for establishedĀ filmmakers or YouTubers like myself.
So hopefully thatās given you a little insightĀ into the new DJI Mini 3. Iām a big fan as youĀ Ā
can probably tell. Iām going to be usingĀ that a lot in the future. Iāve got a newĀ Ā
Lightroom preset pack which is available onĀ my website. Iāll pop links in the descriptionĀ Ā
and Iāve also got desktop wallpapersĀ that you can download on there as well.Ā
So give us a thumbs up if you enjoyed the video,Ā if it was helpful and donāt forget to subscribeĀ Ā
to the channel for more photographyĀ content and Iāll catch you next time.
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