DJI Mini 3 Pro Review: The New DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone and the New DJI RC Remote Controller - Infinite Possibilities

The new DJI Mini 3 Pro is perhaps the drone with the best image quality on the market yet. The drone boasts a new DJI RC remote controller that comes with its own screen while still giving users an option to retain the DJI RC-N1 remote.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Review

The DJI Mini 3 Pro supersedes its predecessor the DJI Mini 2 drone in its stellar image quality and the newly added rotating camera gimbal that allows users to take portrait images and videos. The drone retains the small size of the Mini 2 with minimal increases in dimensions that are only distinguishable when you unfold the propellers. For once in drone photography, you can truly unlock infinite possibilities with the new DJI Mini 3 Pro drone.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Specifications

DJI Mini 3 Pro Length and Weight

DJI Mini 3 Pro Weight

The new DJI Mini 3 Pro drone weighs in at 249 grams, similar to the Mini 2, and has a takeoff weight of <249g. The Mini 3 Pro’s light weight allows it a max ascent and descent speed of 5 m/s when in S Mode. It also means that the DJI Mini 3 Pro doesn’t require registration in most countries as it falls below the 250g threshold. This is the case when using the standard battery but the Mini 3 Pro goes over 250 grams in weight when using the extended (Plus) battery. Be sure to, however, check the specific regulations of your country to ensure compliance.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Dimensions (Length, Width, and Height)

In terms of its dimensions (LxWxH), the Mini 3 Pro is 145x90x62mm when folded, 171x245x62mm when unfolded, and 251x362x70mm when unfolded with propellers. This means that is slightly larger than the Mini 2 and isn’t quite as nimble due to its longer propellers. Additionally, you can feel the difference and greater inertia when flying the Mini 3 Pro as compared to the Mini 2.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Speed and Flight Distance

The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone is eerily fast with a max speed of 16m/s in S Mode, 10 m/s in N Mode, and 6 m/s in C Mode at sea level with no wind. In terms of its flight distance, the Mini 3 Pro has a Max Flight Distance of 18KM while flying at 43.2kph in windless conditions while on the new Intelligent Flight Battery. Alternatively, when on the new Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, the Max Flight Distance jumps to 25KM while also flying at 43.2 kph. The drone has a Max Wind Speed Resistance of 10.7 m/s (Level 5).

DJI Mini 3 Pro Camera

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a 48MP camera that can take videos up to 4K at 60fps. The camera has a 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor with effective pixels of up to 48MP. The camera’s lens has a Field of View of 82.1° and an f/1.7 aperture. The format equivalent of the lens is 24mm and its focus range is 1m to ∞. The shutter speed of the camera’s electronic shutter is 2-1/8000s. The ISO Range of the Mini 3 Pro’s camera is 100-6400 for both auto and manual for photos, and also 100-6400 for both auto and manual for videos.

Photos

The Mini 3 Pro’s camera delivers a maximum image size of 4032x3024 for the 12MP and 8064x6048 for the 48MP on a 4:3 ratio. Additionally, 4032x2268 for the 12MP on a 16:9 ratio. The camera delivers both JPEG and DNG (RAW) photo formats. Its photography modes include Single Shot, Panorama, and Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB). For Panorama, the camera supports vertical, wide-angle, 180°, and sphere shots. On the other hand, for AEB, it supports ⅗ bracketed frames at a ⅔ EV Bias. For single-shot, both the JPEG and JPEG + RAW intervals range at 2/3/5/7/10/20/30/60s.

Video

For video, the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s camera supports the following video resolutions.

• 1920x1080@120fps for Slow Motion.
• 1920x1080@24/25/30/48/50/60fps for FHD. 2720x1530@24/25/30/48/50/60fpd for 2.7K video quality.
• And 3840x2160@24/25/30/48/50/60fps for 4K video quality.

The camera shoots videos in the MP4 and MOV (H.264/H.265) video formats. It also has a Max Video Bitrate of 150Mbps. For Zoom, the Zoom range for FHD is 4x, for 2.7K it is 3x, and for 4K it is 2x. The supported color profiles are Normal and D-Cinelike with Asteroid, Boomerang, Circle, Rocket, Helix, and Dronie Quick Shot Modes. Moreover, the camera's supported file systems are FAT32 for 32GB or less and exFAT for footage and images amounting to more than 32GB. The drone also has Optical Image Stabilization, OIS, and footage is stabilized.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

The Mini 3 Pro supports HDR. For photos, HDR is available in Single Shot Mode. For videos, HDR is available when shooting at 24, 25, or 30 fps. That means that you can only shoot HDR videos at 4K only up to 30fps and HDR is not supported when shooting 4K video at 60fps.

Video Transmission

The Mini 3 Pro’s camera uses the DJI O3 video transmission system that allows for a live view quality of 1080p@30fps. The footage transmits with a latency of approximately 120ms for the drone plus remote controller and the latency may vary depending on environmental conditions and the mobile device in use. The Max Video Bitrate for the drone + controller is 18Mbps while the Max Download bitrate for the DJI O3 transmission system is 5.5MB/s when using either the RC-N1 or DJI RC remote controllers. On Wi-Fi 5, however, the Max Download Bitrate jumps to a maximum of 25 MB/s.

Signal Transmission

The signal transmission ranges for the Mini 3 Pro are as follows. In low interference, the approximate distance is 7-12 km. For medium interference, the approximate distance is 3-7 km. On the other hand, for strong interference, the approximate distance is 1.5-3 km. The Mini 3 Pro uses 4 antennas and the 1T2R and has no support for audio transmission.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The drone uses the 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi protocols. The drone is also fitted with Bluetooth 5.2, the latest version in Bluetooth connectivity.

Battery

The DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with two options for the battery, including the Intelligent Flight Battery (standard) and the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (extended). Both batteries, however, shoot up a battery load error when flying in Sport mode or trying to get to a point of interest quicker. The error shoots up in especially windy conditions and when the drone has to work extra hard to keep its balance. In these instances, the drone may come to a full stop or start losing altitude. As a reprieve though, the footage is stabilized so when the drone is losing altitude it won’t look that bad even though it can be highly anxiety-inducing. To avoid this, do not fly the drone under extremely windy conditions.

Intelligent Flight Battery

The Intelligent Flight Battery is a Li-ion battery with a capacity that clocks in at 2453 mAh. The battery weighs approximately 80.5 grams. It has a voltage of 7.38V and a charging voltage limit of 8.5V. Its energy clocks in at 18.1 Wh. In terms of charging time, the Intelligent Flight Battery charges for 64 minutes with the DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the battery mounted to the drone, and 56 minutes with the DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the battery inserted into the DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging hub.

The battery gives you 37 minutes of flight time and 30 minutes of hover. The battery’s charging temperature range starts from 5° to 40° C which is 41° to 104° F. The recommended chargers for the battery are the DJI 30W USB-C Charger or other 30W USB Power Delivery chargers. Note that when you charge the battery mounted to the drone or inserted into the DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging Hub, the supported maximum charging power is capped at 30W.

Intelligent Flight Battery Plus

The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus is also a Li-ion battery but with a capacity of 3850 mAh. The battery weighs approximately 121 grams. It has a voltage of 7.38V and a charging voltage limit of 8.5V. Its energy clocks in at 28.4 Wh. In terms of charging time, the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus charges for 101 minutes with the DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the battery mounted to the drone, and 78 minutes with the DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the battery inserted into the DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging hub.

The battery gives you 47 minutes of flight time and 40 minutes of hover. The battery’s charging temperature range starts from 5° to 40° C which is 41° to 104° F. The recommended chargers for the battery are also the DJI 30W USB-C Charger or other 30W USB Power Delivery chargers. Note also that when you charge the battery mounted to the drone or inserted into the DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging Hub, the supported maximum charging power is capped at 30W.

Storage (Memory Cards)

DJI Mini 3 Pro Supported Memory Cards

The supported memory cards for the DJI Mini 3 Pro include UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above memory cards. These include the following SanDisk Memory Cards. The SanDisk Extreme 64GB V30 A1 microSDXC, the 128GB V30 A2 microSDXC, the 256 GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 512GB V30 A2 microSDXC. The SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC, the 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 400GB V30 A2 microSDXC. The SanDisk High Endurance 64GB V30 microSDXC and the 256GB V30 microSDXC. The SanDisk Max Endurance 32GB V30 microSDXC, the 128GB V30 microSDXC, and the 256GB V30 microSDXC.

Recommended memory cards also include the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC. Recommended memory cards also include the following Lexar memory cards. The Lexar High Endurance 64GB V30 microSDXC, and the 128GB V30 microSDXC. The Lexar 667x 64GB V30 A1 microSDXC, the 633x 256 GB V30 A1 microSDXC, the Lexar 1066x 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC, the 1066x 128GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 1066x 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC. Recommended cards also include the Samsung Pro Plus 128GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Remote Controllers

The DJI Mini 3 Pro supports both the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller and the DJI RC. Both controllers support a maximum video bitrate of 18Mbps that is delivered at an ultra-low latency of 120ms.

The DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller

The DJI RC-N1 uses the DJI O3 video transmission system. It supports a max mobile device size of the following dimensions. A length of 180mm, a width of 86mm, and a height of 10mm. It also supports Lightning, Micro-USB (Type-B), and USB-C port types. It has a maximum battery time of 6 hours without charging any mobile device and 4 hours when charging a mobile device. Its operating temperature is -10° to 40° C which is 14° to 104° F.

DJI RC

The DJI RC remote controller comes in the RM 330 model. It also uses the DJI O3 video transmission system. It has no video output port and for storage, its storage capacity can be increased by using a microSD card. Videos and images can be stored on the card and then exported to a computer or other devices. The DJI RC has a maximum battery life of approximately 4 hours and an operating temperature of -10° to 40° C which is 14° to 104° F.

DJI RC Connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)

The DJI RC supports Wi-Fi and the 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi protocols. It also has Bluetooth 4.2.

DJI RC Supported Memory cards

It also supports UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above memory cards. The recommended memory cards include the following. The SanDisk Extreme 64GB V30 A1 microSDXC, the 128GB V30 A2 microSDXC, the 256 GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 512GB V30 A2 microSDXC.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC, the 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 400GB V30 A2 microSDXC. The SanDisk High Endurance 64GB V30 microSDXC and the 256GB V30 microSDXC. The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC, and the 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC. The Lexar High Endurance 64GB V30 microSDXC, and the 128GB V30 microSDXC. The Lexar 633x 256 GB V30 A1 microSDXC and the Lexar 1066x 64GB V30 A2 microSDXC. Lastly, the Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC.

The DJI Charging Hub

The DJI Charging Hub is compatible with the DJI 30W USB-C Charger and other USB Power Delivery chargers. It is compatible with the DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery and the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. The Charging Hub’s input is 3A for the 5V, 9V, and 12V inputs. Its USB output is capped at a max voltage of 5V and a max current of 2A. The charging hub also supports the charging of three batteries in sequence.

DJI Mini 3 Pro App

The DJI Mini 3 Pro supports the use of the DJI Fly mobile app. The app requires Android v6.0 or later on Android devices and iOS v11.0 or later on iOS devices.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Standout Features

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best of its kind and comes with some outstanding features including the following.

Night Photography

With a large f/1.7 aperture lens, the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s camera can now shoot satisfactorily clear footage even in low light. The camera also boasts bigger 2.4µm pixels and an aperture ratio of f/1.7. The camera's 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor also features dual native ISO and supports the direct output of HDR video.

The Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing System

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is equipped with the tri-directional dual-vision obstacle sensing system that allows the drone to sense obstacles in the forward, backward, and downward directions. The Mini 3 Pro has dual sensors both at the front and the bottom for object sensing.

FocusTrack

The DJI Mini 3 Pro can also be configured to focus on an object and follow it. This is supported by the FocusTrack system that has now been improved to include Spotlight 2.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and ActiveTrack 4.0. Note that these do not work in vertical shooting (portrait mode) and when shooting video above 4K@30fps.

ActiveTrack also has an issue when in the ‘profile follow’ mode where it follows the user from the side. The drone in profile follow will likely hit an obstacle as there is a glitch with obstacle sensing in this mode. Even so, the drone performs quite well when following the user walking backward and forwards and not using profile follow.

Vertical Shooting

Through True Vertical Shooting, the DJI Mini 3 Pro can shoot portrait mode photos and videos by rotating its camera gimbal 90°, shifting it from landscape mode to portrait mode. This means that you can now take portrait mode images and videos directly from the drone without having to shoot in landscape and then later convert to portrait.

Hyperlapse

By using a neat tick, the DJI Mini 3 Pro can be configured to take hyperlapse and timelapse videos. This feature allows the drone to speed up the video while hovering for some time to take a timelapse or hyperlapse. Hyperlapse doesn’t work in vertical shooting or portrait mode.

APAS 4.0

The DJI Mini 3 Pro comes packed with Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) that detects objects in the drone’s flight path in real-time. This data is then processed to allow the Mini 3 Pro to avoid obstacles even in complicated environments.

This system on testing, however, struggles, and in a place with many obstacles like a forest, may not work well. Note that APAS 4.0 is only available while recording 4K@30fps and below and also 2.7K@30fps and below. It is also not available when recording 1080p@120fps. APAS also doesn’t work in vertical shooting or portrait mode.

MasterShots

Using the MasterShots system, the Mini 3 Pro can track a subject, execute pro-maneuvres and generate a short cinematic video. With MasterShots, all the user needs to do is select a subject and the drone will do the rest. Note that MasterShots doesn’t work in vertical shooting or portrait mode.

D-CineLike Color Mode

With the D-CineLike color mode, users now have more flexibility when editing footage and images shot with the Mini 3 Pro as it offers visually rich information and more color possibilities. The Mini 3 Pro shots are also a goldmine as they offer a huge color spectrum, making editing all that easier and fun with more color and grading options, and a wider editable color range.

Digital Zoom

The DJI Mini 3 Pro supports up to 4X digital zoom allowing users to scout and take complex shots and shoot objects that are far. For video, the Zoom range for FHD is 4x, for 2.7K it is 3x, and for 4K it is 2x. Note that digital zoom does not work when shooting videos at 4K@60fps.

Panorama

For Panorama, the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s camera supports vertical, wide-angle, 180°, and sphere shots.

QuickTransfer

The Mini 3 Pro supports the quick sharing of videos and photos with Wi-Fi download speeds of up to 25Mbps.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Accessories

Available accessories for Mini 3 Pro include the Intelligent Flight Battery and Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, the DJI RC, the Two-Way Charging Hub, and ND Filters Set.

DJI RC

The new DJI RC has its own screen so that you don’t have to use your phone. It is a smaller version of the DJI RC Pro. Its screen isn’t as bright but its battery is fantastic and you will only have to charge it once in a while. There have even been tests where the RC’s battery has lasted for more than 30 flights. It, however, doesn’t have a physical ‘back’ button and the software is a bit laggy. The RC only works with the Mini 3 Pro at launch and cannot be bought as a standalone product i.e only together with the Mini 3 Pro.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Purchase Options and Bundles

You can buy the DJI Mini 3 Pro as a standalone drone, as part of the standard pack with the standard remote controller, and also as part of the Fly More Pro ‘premium’ bundle which includes the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, two extra batteries, extra propellers, and the DJI RC. This Fly More Pro Bundle doesn’t come with the ND Filters, however.

Fly More Kit Options for the DJI Mini 3 Pro

You can also choose the Fly More Kit which includes 2 extra standard batteries, a carrying case, extra propellers, and the charging hub. Alternatively, you can go for the Fly More Pro Kit which gives you the above but swaps the standard batteries with the extended (plus) ones. Note that the DJI RC is not sold separately and can only be bought with the Mini 3 Pro.

Our Verdict

DJI Mini 3 Pro Strongpoints

Image Quality

The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s biggest strength is its ability to shoot crisp images and videos. Image quality, above all, is the best of its features. The images and videos shot by the drone are really crisp and despite the larger aperture, sharpness is not distorted and neither is there distortion in the corners of the images.

DJI Mini 3 Pro’s 12MP vs 48MP

You can take 12MP or 48MP photos with the Mini 3 Pro but there is no stark difference, even in detail, between the two. The drone’s 12MP photos are splendid and sometimes cleaner, albeit with fewer pixels. The 12MP also leans more towards the green hue while the 48MP leans more towards purple.

Lower ISO Requirements

The Mini 3 Pro comes with a larger sensor to help boost image quality and a larger aperture to let in more light into the sensor. In practice, videos that you would previously shoot with an ISO of 3200 on the Mini 2 can now be achieved with an ISO of 800 on the Mini 3 Pro. The drone’s camera is a huge improvement to the Mini 2’s and the ability to now shoot portrait video makes the deal even sweeter.

4K Video at 60FPS and HDR

Being able to shoot 4K videos at 60fps, which was not reached by the Mini 2, is also a big plus. The Mini 3 Pro can also shoot HDR video which is also a huge plus, even though it can only shoot HDR up to 4K@30fps. There are perceivable improvements when shooting video in HDR but it is not that stark that you may want to shoot at 4K@30fps instead of 4K@60fps.

Native Portrait Videos and Photos

Another great plus is the ability to natively shoot portrait photos and videos just by rotating the camera’s gimbal which is a very neat and useful feature.

Latest Connectivity Technology and Superb Object Tracking

The drone also has other strengths in its connectivity with the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, quicker transmission speeds, and the extra features DJI has introduced with it. The drone also does an impeccable job of subject tracking and will easily go back to its starting position on its own without a hitch.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drawbacks

Faulty Obstacle Sensing

For drawbacks, the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s obstacle sensing is a bit faulty and APAS 4.0 may be overwhelmed in locations with numerous obstacles.

Non-Bright DJI RC Screen

The drone also comes with the DJI RC remote if you choose the two upper bundle options, but the RC also has its issues. Chief among these is that despite introducing a screen, its brightness is a bit low and may not be very visible in the sun.

Overheating

The DJI Mini 3 Pro may also overheat when running idle for long periods and when not in flight, and will eventually shut itself down i.e. when the user is transferring files for instance. According to DJI, to ensure the drone came in under 250g of weight, they had to remove the internal fan which may cause the chip to overheat when idle.

They, however, say that it is nothing to worry about as while in-flight, the drone’s cooling is achieved with help from rear propellers that feed air into the holes on the central part of the drone. The drone, they say, will have adequate time for wireless file transfers, using QuickTransfer, and firmware updates.

Where to Buy the DJI Mini 3 Pro

You can buy the DJI Mini 3 Pro on Amazon using the button below.

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