The DJI Mini 3 is an ultra-lightweight camera drone that is designed for ease and portability without sacrificing quality. With its impressive 4K HDR capabilities and True Vertical Shooting, this drone is tailored to capture high-quality images and videos from the sky. The extended battery life enhances the possibility for longer flight sessions, making it an ideal companion for adventurers and content creators looking to expand their aerial photography.
With the drone’s compact size, it falls under the weight category that is often free from certain regulations, streamlining the process for hobbyists and professionals to take to the skies. The DJI Mini 3 is not just about its portability; it also boasts safety features that are considered the best in its class, including the high-quality camera fitted with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which brings professional-grade imagery to a mini-sized drone.
Key Takeaways
- The DJI Mini 3 combines portability with high-quality imaging, including 4K HDR capabilities.
- It provides long battery life and advanced safety features within a compact, lightweight design.
- The drone’s ease of use and regulation-friendly size make it suitable for both amateurs and professionals.
Design and Build
The DJI Mini 3 has been meticulously engineered for portability and ease of use, featuring a foldable design and lightweight construction. With a focus on the drone’s foldability, materials, and functionality, the design and build qualities are crafted to meet the needs of drone enthusiasts who prioritize both form and durability.
Foldable Design and Dimensions
The DJI Mini 3 is designed with a foldable design, making it exceptionally portable. When fully unfolded for flight, the drone measures 251×362×70 mm (L×W×H). However, it compacts to just 140×82×57 mm when the arms are folded, allowing for easy storage and transportation.
Aircraft Weight and Materials
Combining high-strength materials with a focus on lightweight construction, the aircraft’s weight is notably minimal. The DJI Mini 3 tips the scales at less than 249 grams, exempting it from certain regulations in many countries. The use of advanced composites ensures durability without weighing down the aircraft.
Propeller Holder Function
A propeller holder serves to secure the propellers in place during transport, minimizing the risk of damage. This feature not only safeguards the blades but also aids in maintaining the drone’s sleek profile, preventing entanglements and facilitating a smoother launch process when it’s time to fly.
Camera and Imaging
The DJI Mini 3 features an advanced camera system capable of capturing high-quality images and videos from the sky. It supports 4K HDR video and has the capability for true vertical shooting, making it a versatile tool for aerial photography and videography.
Camera Specifications
- Max Image Size: The DJI Mini 3’s camera boasts a max image size of 12 megapixels.
- Photo Format: Still images are saved in JPEG/DNG (RAW) formats for flexibility in post-processing.
- Video Resolution: The drone captures 4K HDR video, ensuring detailed and dynamic footage.
- Max Video Bitrate: It maintains a max video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
Gimbal Design and Functionality
The gimbal design offers superior stability with a 3-axis motorized system. It ensures smooth footage even during complex maneuvers, thanks to its precise control capabilities.
ND Filters and Lens
- ND Filters: An ND Filters Set is available for the DJI Mini 3, enhancing exposure control and reducing glare in bright conditions.
- Lens: The camera features a high-quality lens that supports clear image capture with minimal distortion.
Video and Photo Quality
- Image Quality: The DJI Mini 3 is known for its sharp image quality with minimal noise, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- 4K HDR Video: Video quality is significantly enhanced by the 4K HDR capability, offering a wide dynamic range and vivid color reproduction.
True Vertical Shooting
This feature enables the DJI Mini 3 to capture portrait-oriented videos and photos, ideal for sharing on social media platforms that favor vertical content. It’s a unique attribute for a drone of its size.
By integrating a powerful camera with advanced imaging features, the DJI Mini 3 emerges as a compact yet competent drone for both amateur and professional users seeking quality aerial shots.
Flight Performance
The DJI Mini 3 distinguishes itself with impressive flight capabilities, highlighted by extended flight times and reliable navigation systems which are essential for both casual and serious drone pilots.
Flight Time and Battery
The DJI Mini 3 is equipped with an Intelligent Flight Battery that allows for a Max Flight Time of up to 38 minutes under ideal conditions, pushing towards 51 minutes with the optional larger battery capacity. This extended Flight Time is particularly beneficial for longer shooting sessions or extended exploratory flights.
Speed and Wind Resistance
In terms of performance, the drone offers a Max Ascent Speed of 5 meters per second and a Max Descent Speed of 3.5 meters per second, making it swift in altitude adjustments. The Max Wind Speed Resistance of the Mini 3 hovers around 10.5m/s, showcasing its ability to remain stable in breezier conditions, ensuring the pilot can fly with confidence even in less than ideal weather.
Hovering and Sensing Systems
The Mini 3 maintains Precise Hovering with an accuracy range of 0.1m vertically and 0.3m horizontally thanks to its Downward Vision Sensors. The combination of these Vision Sensors and the onboard Sensing System contributes to a stable flight experience, allowing the drone to stay in a fixed position with ease.
GPS and Navigation
Utilizing both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems ensures the Mini 3 has superior navigational capabilities. This robust positioning aids in accurate location tracking, making it easier for pilots to focus on capturing footage rather than piloting intricacies. Furthermore, the drone features APAS 4.0, an advanced pilot assistance system, which helps navigate around obstacles automatically, enhancing safety and ease of use during flight.
Remote Controller and Transmission
The DJI Mini 3 offers advanced remote controller options and a robust transmission system, ensuring reliable flight control and high-quality live video feed.
Remote Controller Options
The DJI Mini 3 is compatible with multiple remote controllers, including the DJI RC, known for its lightweight design and integrating an FHD screen. Another option is the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, which requires a mobile device for the live view.
- DJI RC: Built-in screen, 4-hour battery life.
- DJI RC-N1: Requires mobile device, compatible with various DJI drones.
Transmission Technology
DJI has equipped the Mini 3 with the O3 transmission system, previously known as OcuSync 3.0, which offers an enhanced 1080p/30fps live feed quality with a max transmission distance of up to 12 km. The technology ensures a stable and clear transmission, improving the drone’s performance in different environments.
- Video Transmission System: DJI O3 provides a reliable connection.
- Live View Quality: Crystal clear 1080p resolution at 30fps.
Battery and Charging Solutions
For extended operations, the drone is supported by the Two-Way Charging Hub, which can charge multiple batteries in sequence. To power the devices efficiently, the DJI 30W USB-C Charger is recommended due to its fast charging ability and compatibility with the remote controller and drone batteries.
- Charging Device: DJI 30W USB-C Charger for rapid charging.
- Controller and Drone Battery Management: Two-Way Charging Hub for convenient multi-battery charging.
Advanced Features and Modes
The DJI Mini 3 stands out with its advanced features designed to enhance both its flight capabilities and its prowess in capturing high-quality content. From intelligent navigation systems to sophisticated creative modes, this drone offers a suite of options catering to varied piloting and filming needs.
Intelligent Flight Modes
The DJI Mini 3 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as FocusTrack, which allows the drone to lock on and follow subjects with precision. This suite includes Spotlight for keeping the camera centered on the subject, ActiveTrack for following movements, and Point of Interest for orbiting around a point.
Obstacle Avoidance and Safety
Safety is paramount, and the DJI Mini 3 addresses this through Obstacle Sensing. Although lacking full 360-degree coverage, the drone includes forward and downward sensors to navigate safely around potential hazards. The system contributes to improved pilot confidence during flight.
Creative and Cinematic Options
For the aspirant filmmaker, the Mini 3’s Creative and Cinematic Options offer ample opportunity to produce compelling footage. With modes like QuickShots and Mastershots, pilots can easily capture complex shots. Panorama extends the visual narrative with expansive, high-resolution images. The Digital Zoom capability allows for close-up shots without compromising the drone’s position. Furthermore, compatibility with DJI RC Motion 2 grants intuitive control, while AR Preview aids in visualizing flight paths before takeoff.
Memory and Storage
DJI Mini 3 relies on external microSD cards for storage as it does not come equipped with internal memory. Ensuring the right storage solution is crucial for users to capture and save their footage without interruptions.
Supported Memory Cards
The DJI Mini 3 supports microSD cards with capacities up to 512 GB. It’s important to select a card that can keep up with the drone’s high-resolution video capture:
- SanDisk Extreme MicroSD Card: A highly recommended choice for 4K HDR video, offering speeds suitable for fast data transfer and efficient recording.
- Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Card: Another compatible option, providing high performance and durability for drone enthusiasts.
For optimal performance, it is suggested to use microSD cards that meet the V30 or above speed class rating.
Internal Storage Options
The DJI Mini 3 does not include internal storage. Users must install a microSD card to save imagery and footage. Before use, formatting the microSD card to the correct file system is necessary to ensure compatibility and functionality with the drone’s systems.
Compatibility and Accessories
The DJI Mini 3 stands out for its range of designed-for-purpose accessories that enhance its operation, along with a notable level of cross-compatibility with certain accessories from other models within the DJI ecosystem.
Accessory Range
The DJI Mini 3 Series ND Filter Set is tailored specifically to manage light exposure, allowing for more control over the camera’s aperture and shutter speed. For power management, the DJI Mini 3 Series Intelligent Flight Battery and the higher-capacity DJI Mini 4 Pro/Mini 3 Series Intelligent Flight Battery Plus extend flight times, ensuring longer periods of uninterrupted use.
Cross Compatibility with Other DJI Models
While accessories such as chargers like the DJI 18W USB Charger offer broad compatibility across the DJI Mini series, not every accessory is interchangeable. The Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro, for instance, share many accessories due to their similar designs. However, the Mini 2 often has distinct accessory requirements due to its different specifications, and there is no mention of compatibility with a DJI Mini 4 Pro, as it may not exist.
Technical Specifications
The DJI Mini 3 drone is esteemed for its compact design and robust array of features. Below is a concise overview of its technical specifications:
- Weight: With a takeoff weight of 248 g, it stands among the most lightweight camera drones available, ideal for adventure and travel.
- Camera Specifications: It is equipped with a camera that supports 4K HDR video and boasts a True Vertical Shooting capability. This enhances creative possibilities and image quality.
- Battery and Flight Time: The drone features extended battery life, which is pivotal for capturing extended footage and enjoying longer flight times.
- Mechanical & Controllable Range: The camera’s gimbal provides a mechanical range of tilt from -110° to 35° and a controllable range of tilt from -90° to 0° (upward) or 20° to -90° (downward). This gimbal flexibility is advantageous for a wide range of shooting angles.
- Sensing Range: It employs an advanced sensor array, offering an impressive sensing range to navigate the skies safely.
- ISO Range: The Mini 3 operates within an expanded ISO range, ensuring clarity across various lighting conditions, thereby enhancing its utility in diverse shooting environments.
- Image Sensor: The device’s image sensor is adept at capturing detailed photos and videos, contributing to its distinction as a highly capable camera drone.
- Photography Modes: The Mini 3 supports various still photography modes, enabling photographers to capture high-quality images in multiple scenarios.
By maintaining this variety of features in a lightweight and portable design, the DJI Mini 3 caters to the needs of both hobbyists and professional drone pilots.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addressing common inquiries about the DJI Mini 3, emphasis is placed on its advancements over previous models, distinct features, regulatory considerations, and the resources available to assist novices in mastering its use.
What improvements does the DJI Mini 3 offer over the DJI Mini 2?
The DJI Mini 3 has enhanced its imaging capabilities and battery life significantly. It now features a larger 1/1.3-inch image sensor with dual native ISO and chip-level HDR, allowing for 4K HDR video recording, which is a substantial upgrade from the Mini 2.
How does the DJI Mini 3 Pro differ from the DJI Mini 3 in terms of capabilities?
The DJI Mini 3 Pro includes obstacle avoidance technology, scanning in three directions, which adds an extra layer of safety for the pilots. This technology provides a sensing range that varies when moving forward, backward, and downward.
Is registration necessary for the DJI Mini 3 depending on its weight?
Due to its weight being under 249 grams, the DJI Mini 3 generally does not require registration for recreational use in many countries. However, if the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus is used, its weight exceeds 249 grams necessitating the need to check and adhere to local drone flying laws.
What features should you expect from the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo?
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is tailored for enthusiasts who seek added value. It typically includes additional batteries, a charging hub, a carrying case, and other accessories useful for extended flight sessions and convenient transporting.
Are there significant differences in price between DJI Mini 3 and its Pro variant?
The price point between the DJI Mini 3 and the DJI Mini 3 Pro can vary, as the Pro version usually comes with additional advanced features like the obstacle avoidance system and may be bundled with different accessories. This results in the Pro model being priced higher than the standard version.
Can beginners easily learn to pilot the DJI Mini 3, and what support does it offer?
Beginners can find piloting the DJI Mini 3 a user-friendly experience. The drone comes with simplified steps for setup and an option to use the DJI Fly app for an enhanced flying experience. Additional guides are available to help beginners through the learning process.