DJI Mini 3 Pro Evaluation: The Mini Goes Pro In A Large Method
On: June 2, 2022
When we reviewed the DJI Mavic 3 final 12 months, we got here away impressed, and rightfully so, as a result of it was an incredible product. The new DJI Mini 3 Pro we’ll be displaying you right here right this moment, nonetheless, has basically redefined expectations for a sub-250g drone. Nothing was left untouched within the Mini 3 Pro and just about each facet has been upgraded.
The DJI Mini Series has been catering to the entry-level shopper drone marketplace for a number of years now. DJI frequently innovates with the Mini collection and repeatedly ups the ante at its focused weight and worth factors. This explicit drone section is extraordinarily essential to not solely DJI however the drone group normally, because it falls beneath the 250g weight barrier. This is a crucial class, as a result of many locations world wide have a tough restrict on shopper drone weight at 249g. Even within the USA, there are restrictions on drones like this, albeit not as strict as bigger drones; you may simply have to register a >249g drone with the FAA and put a registration quantity on the drone itself. But, not everybody needs to fiddle with these restrictions and so they simply wish to fly and see the world from above, and that is where the DJI Mini 3 Pro is available in.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an entire bundle that has extra options and is safer to function than the outgoing DJI Mini 2 collection. The DJI Mini 3 Pro provides so many options that it is extra of an evolution than an iteration. Those available in the market could have entry to a few completely different preliminary setups for the DJI Mini 3 Pro line. There’s a “Drone Only” bundle that features simply the Mini 3 Pro, battery, and charging cable. There’s a mannequin with the older RC-N1 transmitter that you just strap your telephone into, and lastly, there’s the DJI RC bundle that comes with the revolutionary new transmitter that’s our absolute favourite method to make use of the Mini 3 Pro.
DJI Sent over the Mini 3 Pro with each controllers and some batteries for us to work with. Let’s take you on a fast guided tour of the Mini 3 Pro earlier than we dig in, after which we’ll proceed on and element our expertise with this mini drone…
DJI Mini 3 Pro: What’s In The Box
What’s included with the DJI Mini 3 Pro will clearly rely on which bundle you go for. As talked about, there’s an possibility for simply the drone within the DJI Mini 3 Pro (No RCC) for $669. In addition to the Mini 3 Pro that bundle features a single battery, one spare set of props, a gimbal protector, a USB Type-C energy cable, a screwdriver, and a few screws. It’s basically all the things you must get began minus the transmitter. This is a fantastic possibility if somebody already owns a transmitter and simply needs to improve the drone or add a Mini 3 Pro to the combination.
For $759 the complete DJI Mini 3 Pro equipment (DJI RC-N1) consists of all the things talked about above, plus the tried and true acquainted DJI transmitter that straps to a smartphone. It’s an excellent possibility for individuals who do not already personal a radio, as a result of the drone cannot be flown in any other case.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro equipment (DJI RC) will set you again $909, nevertheless it consists of the brand new management transmitter, which we expect is a game-changer for newcomers and professionals alike and is properly price the additional asking worth. This is the brand new transmitter that features a built-in 5.5″ touch screen that eliminates the need to use a phone. A compact and easy to carry drone like the Mini 3 Pro is perfectly complemented by the DJI RC because of how quick the entire system can be deployed in the field.
But what about the customary Fly More bundle, you ask? This time around DJI has done something interesting by decoupling the Fly More kit and is offering it as an optional add-on. This allows buyers to get their hands on the initial drone package of their choice and then later get the fly more kit at a discounted price. There are two kits, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Kit and the Plus version. Both come with two extra batteries, a triple battery charger, charging cable, two sets of props with screws, and a carry case. The basic Fly More Kit is $189 and comes with standard batteries, while the Fly More Kit Plus comes with the Intelligent Plus batteries that extend flight time up to 47 minutes, over the 34 minutes of the standard batteries
Inspecting the DJI Mini 3 Pro
The Mini 3 Pro is nothing like the Minis that have come before it. If you place a Mini 3 Pro next to one of its predecessors, it would be hard to convince anyone that they are from the same family of products. The design characteristics are reminiscent of existing DJI drones, but the new locations for sensors as well as the redesigned folding arms alter the look quite drastically. The camera gimbal cover leaves a bit to be desired, however. If the system was more like the new DJI Mavic 3 it would have been a home run. But other than that, everything has been upgraded this go around.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Specifications & Features
Aircraft:
Size: Folded (without propellers) 145mm x 90mm x 62mm / Unfolded 171 x 245 x 62mm
Speed: 36 mph max speed in Sport mode
IR obstacle-sensing front, back, and bottom, APAS mode allows aircraft to avoid obstacles
Takeoff weight: <249g
Service ceiling: 3.7 miles above sea level
Dual-system navigation: GPS and GLONASS
Camera:
3-axis gimbal
Autofocus with FOV: 24mm Equivalent up to 4x digital zoom
Main: 1 1/3″ CMOS 48MP Effective
Aperture: f/1.7
Shutter pace: 8-1/8000
Photo codecs: JPEG and DNG (RAW)
Video codecs: MP4 / MOV (H.264, HEVC/H.265) Video Resolution And Frame Rate: 4K: 3840×2160 24/25/30/60p FHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/(gradual movement)120p
The Mini 3 Pro is according to its predecessors when it comes to its bodily dimension. Being in a sub 250g class actually places a restrict on how massive the drone could be in any case. But that did not cease DJI from placing huge 6″ props on the little work-horse. Couple that with the ‘dead cat’ design of the arms and the Mini 3 Pro still delivers an impressive wingspan of 15″ from propeller tip to propeller tip. Pair that huge quantity of means to maneuver air with the extremely lightweight of the Mini 3 Pro and it is simple to see how 30-minute flights are achievable.
Flight time is not the one spectacular feat of the Mini 3 Pro. This drone is extremely quiet (comparatively talking) as a result of motors and props not having to spin at huge speeds to get airborne and on the move. It’s a lot quieter than the Mavic line.
The entrance digital camera meeting of the Mini 3 Pro retains a modest profile regardless of having an upgraded 1-1/3″ sensor, but DJI has made some significant changes for a few interesting functional upgrades. We’ll dig into that shortly, but for a design point, the gimbal is now under the camera allowing for that vertical shooting and massive up-tilt feature to be possible. The front arms of the Mini 3 Pro see some significant changes over the older Mini 2 with the landing gear of the drone removed and lights added for visual line of sight aid. Landing is now handled by the underside of the body, something we were glad was changed on the Mavic 3, but it works here due to the small nature of this drone. The front proximity sensors are in full view as well, almost like a backpack sitting on top of the Mini 3 Pro, this keeps the sensors clear of obstructions and forward-facing while in active flight.
The rear of the Mini 3 Pro is where most of the user interaction will be taking place, from charging to MicroSD card handling. There are small vents along the rear that flank the power button and battery indicator lights that help keep passive air moving through the flight controller and video transmission system to keep thermals in check. At no point flying the Mini 3 Pro did we experience any thermal issues so the system handles itself quite well. The Intelligent Battery is inserted and removed through the rear like the Mini 2. The Mini 3 Pro is able to charge this battery through the onboard USB Type-C port and can be used to access the drone’s MicroSD Card or internal storage for capture or for transferring data to a PC. As mentioned the MicroSD card is on the rear as well, but unfortunately it is fully exposed. This makes for easy insertion and removal of the card but also leaves it vulnerable to the elements. We would have loved to see a cover for the USB and the MicroSD ports, but every gram is valuable on this drone so their omission is understandable.
Protruding from the top of the back are the Mini 3 Pro’s rear proximity sensors. They’re positioned toward the front half of the Mini 3 Pro, on the backside of the front proximity sensors. This is one of the biggest upgrades to the anti-collision system, but it doesn’t stop there.
The bottom of the Mini 3 Pro is relatively uneventful except for the new massive bottom-mounted proximity sensors. Unlike the Mini 2, there is now 3-way obstacle avoidance that makes for a safer flight for the Mini Series than ever before. The landing gear is also located on the bottom side of the Mini 3 Pro, but that’s about it.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Camera Upgrade
The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s camera was upgraded as well. DJI stepped the sensor up from the Mini 2’s 1/2.3″ CMOS to a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, that’s nearly double in size. That allows for even better low light capabilities and the ability to film at up to 4K60. If 4K HDR is preferred, 4K30 is the maximum for that setting. The F-Stop has been lowered from f/2.8 down to f/1.7, which also aids in low light situations and narrows the depth of field to make for some very cinematic footage. Still images are also possible and improved significantly from 12 MP to a massive 48 MP.
For the first time ever on the Mini Series there is now the ability to use Active Track 4.0 and APAS 4.0 allowing for Master Shots. We think this is a game changer. We tested the Active Track system walking through wooded areas and even took it to a drift car event where the Mini 3 Pro was able to not only keep up with the moving targets, but also dodge trees, power lines, and other vehicles with ease. It was incredible watching the Mini 3 Pro do its thing.
For those in the Instagram and TikTok scene, the ability for the camera to rotate and record lossless vertical content is also an option.
Another great feature of the Mini 3 Pro’s camera system is the new 60 degree up-tilt function. This gives film makers and photographers a whole new perspective for shots. Until now only overhead and head on shots were a thing, now shots of from under bridges or passing overhead objects can be easily captured. Another professional application is building and home inspections, as the ability to see under soffets is easily possible.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Controller
The DJI Mini 3 Pro brings real flexibility to the Mini Series with options abound. We’re not going to spend time discussing the DJI RC-N1 controller, if you want to know more about that one feel free to spend time with our review of the DJI Mavic 3. What we want to focus on here is the new DJI RC controller with the built-in screen.
The layout and buttons should feel very familiar to anyone who has used the older DJI RC-N1. The face buttons are the same, with the Power Button, Return to Home, and Mode selection switch right in the center. The gimbals have gotten a nice upgrade and now feel more akin to proper drone gear. The top of the controller is home to two shoulder buttons, one for video and the other for photo. This makes switching profiles as quick as a tap, which is excellent for those gathering photos and video of events. There are also slider wheels under those buttons to control the camera tilt and zoom factor, so there’s no need to take your fingers off the gimbals to make adjustments while flying.
The transmission range of the DJI RC is comparable to the older DJI RC-N1, even though the antennas are now located inside the controller rather than on the extension portion that holds the phone or tablet. This could limit range somewhat, be we didn’t experience any issues. We recommend the DJI RC as the best way to experience the Mini 3 Pro. The ease of deploying the system alone is worth the added cost.
