As an amateur drone enthusiast, few things excite me more than high-performing yet accessible aerial cameras. DJI has won hearts in this niche by packing professional filming into portable consumer quadcopters. Models like the compact Mavic and the even tinier Mini series put easy, stable 4K footage literally at your fingertips.
DJI dominates consumer drones, commanding nearly 80% market share in the US. Their secret lies in democratizing the skies – letting hobbyists produce cinema-quality video at reasonable prices. I couldn‘t resist 2019‘s original Mavic Mini myself thanks to its sub-250g weight that skipped burdensome drone registration. Plus it gave me a launching pad to hone my aerial filming skills without fear of crashing a too-expensive craft.
Earlier in 2022 DJI released the Mini 3 Pro, amping up camera performance and safety features while retaining the portable form. But its $759 list price leaves room for a more affordable option still delivering smooth 4K footage.
Enter the Mini 3, keeping video quality and smart flight modes intact in a value-focused package. Let‘s break down everything this nimble little camera drone brings to the table!
Leaked Glimpses of the Upcoming Mini 3
Rumors of a "Mini 3" started swirling this past November when drone reviewer Jasper Ellens tweeted leaked images of a DJI drone labeled as such. The familiar folding design showed it would retain the portable essence of earlier Minis.
More photos emerged on drone forums and in retailer inventory systems over subsequent weeks, reinforcing details. Enthusiasts like myself even spotted units on store shelves suggesting an imminent launch.
YouTuber DealsDrone followed rumors closely, analyzing leaked specs against the higher-end Mini 3 Pro in his unboxing and review channel. We devoured each tidbit, dissecting how DJI could deliver such filming functionality at a reduced price.
Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro – Where Savings Happen
The DJI Mini 3 Pro took a brilliant little camera drone and enhanced it all around – better stability, 31 minutes of flight time, 48MP photos and 5.4K video recording across an impressive 10 kilometer range.
But superiority comes at a cost – namely a $909 retail combo price including the remote control and extra battery. As DealsDrone highlighted through his spec analysis, DJI clearly chose corner-cutting targets with the vanilla Mini 3 model:
Mini 3 vs Mini Pro Comparison
| Feature | Mini 3 | Mini 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | < 249g | <249g |
| Flight Time | 30 min (38 min battery) | 34 min (51 min battery) |
| Photo Resolution | 12MP | 48MP |
| Video Resolution | 4K/30fps | 5.4K/30fps |
| Obstacle Sensors | Downward | Front/Back/Downward |
| Range | 6.2 mi | 10 km |
| Price | $469 | $909 with Combo |
By passing on certain sensors and dialing down video resolution while retaining core Mini strengths like 4K filming, quick shots and 30 minutes of flight, DJI manages to slice over $400 off the retail price.
As YouTuber Dustin Dunnill demonstrates in his early test footage, you still get superb shooting capability with the Mini 3 even at 4K resolution. Crisp quality with minimal distortion holds up even cropped to social dimensions.
And the smooth hypersmooth stabilization ensures buttery transitions across all modes, living up to DJI‘s gold standard. Recreational filming doesn‘t need 5.4K overkill!
But higher-tier fliers may miss obstacles sensors present on the Mini 3 Pro. These provide a safety net when navigating tricky environments. Still, for the discount DJI offers here, the tradeoff seems reasonable for casual users.
Unboxings Confirm Impressive Value Proposition
On February 3rd DJI opened sales of its Mini 3 drone. Unboxings flooded YouTube, confirming leaked capabilities. DJI‘s latest flying camera packs impressive value into its petite frame, retailing at only $469.
For your investment you get the folding portability for which the Mini line has become known, sliding easily into bags. Everything powered by a 30 minute-rated intelligent battery – upgrade to the $159 Extended model for up to 38 minutes aloft.
On imaging, a 1/1.3 CMOS sensor films steady, vibrant 4K/30fps footage, or snap 12MP photos with rich HDR color. AI algorithms enhance subject tracking and exposure across shooting modes.
And quick shots like spirals and boomerangs automate what previously required joystick skill to achieve. Just tap the desired path on-screen and the Mini 3 smoothly executes your artistic vision.
Early reviews laud the combination of stability, camera quality and smart features given the approachable price point. As YouTuber Je Fourche says after his first test flight:
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Credit: Dustin Dunnill
"Even with the limitations DJI put on the Mini 3 to hit that price point, you still get a crazy good deal for everything it CAN do. This thing is smooth like butter in the air."
While advanced fliers may still spring for the Mini 3 Pro, DJI nails their "good things come in small packages" ethos with this model.
Who Should Consider Buying the Mini 3 Drone?
At less than half the cost of its higher-end Pro sibling, the Mini 3 hits a sweet spot for:
Casual and Beginner Fliers – Pilots who prioritize approachable pricing over max performance get a feature-packed flying camera minus unnecessary complexity. You retain DJI‘s lauded stability and imaging to hone your chops.
Traveling Vloggers – The drone‘s compact folded size fits in any bag to document vacations from the air without weighing you down. Its portability also makes it a great option for hiking trips and outdoor excursions where hauling bulkier gear gets exhausting.
Supplementary Camera – Serious aerial videographers may opt for the Mini 3 as a secondary drone that‘s safer to fly in riskier situations where they‘d rather not chance damaging pricier models.
The only category I would hesitate to recommend the Mini 3 to are intermediate-to-advanced hobbyists who know they‘ll miss obstacle avoidance sensors or max video resolution. Otherwise it ticks the boxes for most others.
And while not considered in this review, the Mini 3 counters emerging competition like the similar Hubsan Zino Mini Pro which compromises on stability and control by comparison at a $480 price. DJI retains their grasp over quality and features.
Final Thoughts on DJI‘s Impressive Value Drone
Having cut my teeth on flying cameras like the Mavic Mini myself, I‘m thrilled at the blend of quality and capabilities DJI delivers in this affordable Mini 3 model. It puts smooth 4K filming and a host of capture modes within financial reach of more hobbyists without the complexity getting intimidating.
The compromises feel astutely chosen to maximize appeal for recreational, traveling and cautious fliers. And DJI wisely focused on areas like battery life and interface refinements to boost the user experience.
While the advanced Mini 3 Pro understandably tempts with its obstacle detection and 5.4K ceiling, this accessible little drone should thrill more than satisfy most pilot profiles. Hats off to DJI for continuing to democratize drone videography!
I‘d love to hear your thoughts or questions on DJI‘s latest pocket-sized flier in the comments below. And don‘t hesitate to ask should you be weighing a purchase decision or wondering how the Mini 3 stacks against alternatives out there!
Frequently Asked Questions on DJI‘s Mini 3 Drone
What accessories are in the Fly More Combo?
The $699 Fly More Combo includes two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries for longer air time, the Two-Way Charging Hub which can top off the drone‘s controller, plus 18W USB-C and Lightning charging cables. You also get high quality propeller guards, a shoulder bag for transport and the RC-N1 Remote Controller with phone cable.
Can I use my smartphone as the controller?
Yes – you‘ll want to purchase the basic $559 "DJI Mini 3 + RC-N1" bundle which includes the phone connector cable. This links your phone to the RC-N1 remote control hardware to handle all inputs. The controller itself costs $159 separately if you already have the drone.
Are there any subscription fees?
Nope! Unlike models from Autel or Skydio, the DJI Mini 3 does not require an ongoing subscription for full functionality. You get complete access to all flight and camera features included with your one-time purchase.
Can I fly it indoors?
The Mini 3 lacks the forward and back obstacle detection found on the Pro model. While the downward-facing sensors do allow reasonable indoor navigation, just take care not to crash into anything. And consider propeller guards for extra safety near walls or tight spaces!
