DJI announced the December 2022 release of the DJI Mini 3, which may be a little confusing for newbie drone enthusiasts, as there is also a Mini 3 Pro on the market. As the names are quite similar, the actual content is not so similar. Which of the two models is better? Is the difference just down to price? Are the better specifications of the Mini 3 Pro worth the higher price tag? The price of the DJI Mini 3 Pro usually starts at €829 (or only €739 if you don’t need a controller). At the same time, the DJI Mini 3 costs just €579 (and an even cheaper €489 if you want just the drone, without the controller). It can be hard to pass up such a bargain price, but this article will help you better weigh up the pros and cons of the different models.
| DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Take-off weight | < 249 g | < 249 g |
| Measurements | Total packed (without propellers): 148×90×62 mm (L×W×H) Unpacked (with propellers): 251×362×72 mm (L×W×H) | Total packed (without propellers): 148×90×62 mm (L×W×H) Unpacked (with propellers): 251×362×72 mm (L×W×H) |
| Max flight time | 38 minutes | 34 minutes |
| Max wind resistance | 10.7 m/s (Level 5) | 10.7 m/s (Level 5) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS + GLONASS + Galileo | GPS + Galileo + BeiDou |
| Image sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective pixels: 12 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective pixels: 48 MP |
| ISO range | Video: 100-3200 Photo: 100-3200 | Video: 100-6400 Photo: 100-6400 |
| Max image resolution | 4000×3000 | 8064×6048 (48 MP) |
| Max video bitrate | 100 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
| Obstacle avoidance system | Lower visual sensors | Front, rear and lower vision sensors |
| Video transmission protocol | DJI O2 | DJI O3 |
DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro camera
While the specifications of the DJI Mini 3 are very similar to the DJI Mini 3 Pro, there are some differences. Among them are some things in common:
- 4K/30fps
- 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- f/1.7 aperture
- Double natural ISO and HDR technology instead of chips
- Vertical video photo storage
What’s better about the Pro version? The Pro has 48 MP of effective pixels, while the cheaper version has only 12 MP. What’s more, the Pro lets you turn up the ISO to 6400, compared to 3200 on the cheaper model. This means you’ll capture much clearer photos-videos in low-light conditions. If you prefer to capture photo-video at sunrise or sunset, we recommend the Pro.
Pro is also suitable for those who make large (high-resolution) prints of their photos. The cheaper model offers a maximum image resolution of 4000 × 3000, compared to the Pro’s 8064 × 6048 resolution. If you’ll be using the drone for work, we’d recommend opting for the Mini 3 Pro (or one of DJI’s more powerful models), but if you’ll only be posting your creations to social media, the Mini 3 will suffice.
DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro recording modes
Both Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro offer standard QuickShots, which are automatic flight paths. Instead of flying exactly backwards and spiralling in a perfect circle to get a cinematic video, press a button and the drone does it for you.
The following QuickShots modes are available on both drones:
- Dronie: The drone flies backwards and upwards when the camera is locked on an object.
- Helix: The drone flies up and spins around the object.
- Rocket: the drone flies up with the camera down.
- Circle: the drone makes circles around the object.
- Boomerang: The drone flies around an object in an oval path, rising as it flies away and descending as it returns.
However, the Mini 3 lacks Focus Track Suite and other advanced filming features such as MasterShots and Hyperlapse. QuickShots are enough for the average drone videographer, but someone who regularly shoots video might want the extra features offered by the Pro.
Differences in the aircraft itself
The drone looks mostly similar, but to the naked eye the most noticeable difference is in the sensors. The DJI Mini 3 only has a downward obstacle avoidance system, while the Pro version has forward, rearward and downward obstacle avoidance. You’ll probably notice this difference in the appearance of the two drones.
If price is not an obstacle, you would have to pay for the Pro version almost exclusively for these vision systems. They effectively make your drone more crash-resistant. If your drone senses a tree in front of it (and you have forward-facing sensors), it will hover easily (even if you try to push it forward). This can be a huge lifesaver in an emergency.
There’s another big difference that’s not obvious on the surface: the video transmission system. The Mini 3 uses the older O2 video streaming system, while the Mini 3 Pro uses the O3 video streaming system. The new and improved DJI O3 video transmission system uses an advanced dual antenna to bring FHD video transmission. This means it’s possible to fly the drone a little further without the image flickering on your smartphone. It’s the same transmission system used in the DJI Mavic Air 2S.
There is one feature where the Mini 3 outperforms the Mini 3 Pro (bargain price aside) and that is flight time. With less tech inside the Mini 3, it can fly longer, offering up to 38 minutes of battery life compared to the Pro, which is in the air for just 34 minutes.
But which remote control?
Both models come with either DJI RC or DJI RC-N1 remote controls. The DJI RC is the option with a built-in screen, while the RC-N1 uses your smart device (either phone or tablet).
But which to choose? It depends on your preferences.
DJI RC:
- Built-in display
- No redundant cables
- More compact
- only one device to worry about when charging
- faster set-up
- No one can call the switch
- Always sure to support app
DJI RC-N1
- Choice of smart devices – phone or tablet.
- Slightly longer working hours
- Minus: not all phones are compatible
What complexity?
The Mini 3 Pro comes without a bundle of accessories, which must be purchased separately. You only have to choose between the remote control. The Mini 3, on the other hand, comes in a variety of different bundles – fly more combo or without it, and you would also need to choose the appropriate remote control.
SEND REQUEST
489.00€
579.00€
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N1)
768.00€
SEND REQUEST
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC)
938.00€
SEND REQUEST
829.00€
SEND REQUEST
999.00€
189.00€
How to choose?
First, you should find out which model is right for you. Then choose the control panel and finally, whether or not you want to add a lot of accessories. This is the way to get the ideal drone kit that will probably serve you for many years to come.
It’s hard to say which is better between the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the new Mini 3 drone. If price is no object, then – apart from the Mini 3’s slightly longer flight time – the DJI Mini 3 Pro is better on every level. The camera is better quality, offers smarter flight modes and is safer. But you’ll also pay more for it.
You should choose the Mini 3 Pro instead of the new Mini 3 if:
- The price is not an obstacle (a saving of €200 won’t significantly affect your budget).
- You need the highest quality prints.
- You do a lot of videography (for example, you use a drone to make videos).
- Safety/risk reduction is paramount.
However, if you’re on a budget, make drone videos mostly for fun and plan to post on social media, and are willing to accept the risks associated with minimal drag sensors, the DJI Mini 3 is a great way to get a DJI drone with a more affordable price tag.
