Which drone should a beginner choose: DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro?
I get it that buying a drone is quite an investment, so it’s important to spend your money wisely.
That’s why I’ve prepared this detailed guide for you.
In this article, you will find a detailed comparison of the DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro.
QUICK TAKE
- The DJI Mini 3 is perfect for beginners or hobbyists who want a high-quality drone experience without the complexity of professional features
- The DJI Mini 3 Pro is ideal for those who want advanced capabilities, better low-light performance, and additional creative options in their drone photography and videography
Specs Table
Here is a comparison table between the two talked about DJI models – DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro.
| Specifications | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | < 249 g | < 249 g |
| Max Speed (at sea level, no wind) | 16 m/s | 16 m/s (S Mode) 10 m/s (N Mode) 6 m/s (C Mode) |
| Max Flight Time | 38 mins | 34 mins |
| Max Hovering Time | 33 mins | 30 mins |
| Video Transmission (CE) | DJI O2 | DJI O3 |
| Live View Quality | 720p/30fps | 1080p/30fps |
| Max Wind Speed Resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Latency | Approx. 200 ms | Approx. 120 ms |
| Antenna | 2 antennas, 1T2R | 4 antennas, 1T2R |
DJI Mini 3
The DJI Mini 3 is an exceptional drone designed for beginners and hobbyists.
With its compact and lightweight design, it offers incredible portability without compromising performance.
Equipped with advanced features and intelligent flight modes, the Mini 3 allows you to capture stunning aerial shots effortlessly.
Featuring a 12MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, the camera provides a 24mm equivalent focal length with a fixed f/1.7 aperture.
It also offers the flexibility of rotating 90° to capture both landscape and portrait photos and videos.
The camera supports capturing photos in JPEG and Raw formats, with various shooting modes including Single Shot, Timed, Auto Exposure Bracketing (three exposures), Panorama, Sphere, 180°, Wide Angle, and HDR. For video, it can record in 4K at up to 30fps, 2.7K at up to 60fps, and FHD at up to 60fps, with HDR video captured at 24/25/30fps.
- No Registration Needed - Under 249 g, FAA Registration, and Remote ID are not...
- 4K UHD Stunning Imagery- Film in 4K HDR Video for crystal clear aerial shots. With...
- Striking Vertical Videos are Ready to Share - With True Vertical Shooting, you can...
DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro provides a carefree flying experience as it weighs less than 249 g, eliminating the need for registration in many countries.
Its foldable and compact design ensures easy portability, allowing you to carry it effortlessly on any adventure. Experience professional-level photography and videography with the Mini 3 Pro.
Capture your world in stunning detail with 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos. The advanced camera system supports dual native ISO and an f/1.7 aperture, enabling high-quality imagery even in low-light conditions.
With an extended flight time of up to 34 minutes, the Mini 3 Pro allows you to capture and explore more of your surroundings. For even longer flights, you have the option to upgrade to the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (sold separately) and enjoy up to 47 minutes of carefree exploration.
- Care-free Creation - Weighing less than 249 g, Mini 3 Pro doesn't require...
- FAA Remote ID Compliant - DJI Mini 3 Pro complies with the FAA Remote ID rule. Please...
- Perfect Portraits in a Tap - The redesigned DJI Mini 3 Pro offers True Vertical...
The DJI Mini 3 Pro offers an extensive range of intelligent features to enhance your creative process.
From FocusTrack and True Vertical Shooting to MasterShots, Timelapse, and QuickTransfer, you have all the tools you need to create and share on the go. The Mini 3 Pro includes the DJI RC-N1, allowing you to pack light and fully enjoy the creative experience.
Find the comparison of this drone with its decent competitor: DJI Avata vs Mini 3 Pro.
Difference in Features
Design
Distinguishing between the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro is noticeable in their physical aspects. While they share similar weights and dimensions, there are key features that differentiate them at first glance.
One notable difference is the landing gear.
The Mini 3 Pro is equipped with two additional feet positioned under its front arms, which are absent in the Mini 3. These extra legs provide the Mini 3 Pro with a slight stability advantage when resting on the ground.
Another difference lies in the appearance of the front nose of the drones.
The Mini 3 lacks the omnidirectional obstacle detection system present in the Mini 3 Pro, resulting in the absence of dedicated sensors. This variation slightly alters the front aesthetics.
Consequently, the Mini 3 Pro features two prominent round “eyes” on the front, while the Mini 3 replaces them with pentagonal-shaped air vents.
The absence of sensors found in the Pro version means that only the Mini 3 retains the infrared sensors, making them the sole obstacle detection mechanism in that model.
In case of needing to change some drone parts you can easily find them in the article: 6 Drone Parts You Need to Have for DJI Drones.
Controllers
The DJI Mini 3 offers compatibility with two different remote controls. The first is the standard DJI RC-N1 remote control, which is already included with other drones like the Mini 2.
This remote control does not have a built-in screen, so you need to connect your smartphone to it to view the live image feed from the drone. The second option is the latest DJI RC remote control, which features a bright 5.5-inch screen.
This remote control was released simultaneously with the DJI Mini 3 Pro and offers a convenient built-in display for viewing the drone’s captured images and videos.
As for the DJI Mini 3 Pro, it is also compatible with the two aforementioned remote controls—the DJI RC-N1 and the DJI RC. However, it goes a step further by being compatible with the DJI RC Pro.
The DJI RC Pro is the top-of-the-line remote control from DJI, available as a standalone accessory and also bundled with the DJI Mavic 3 drone.
Battery
Both the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Mini 3 Pro are equipped with the same battery, offering a capacity of 2453 mAh.
The advantage is that this battery can be used interchangeably between both drone models without any issues.
However, despite having the same battery, their flight times are not identical.
The Mini 3, benefiting from the absence of obstacle detection and potential technological improvements, has a longer flight time compared to the Mini 3 Pro. The Mini 3 can fly for up to 38 minutes, while the Mini 3 Pro has a flight time of 34 minutes.
More insights on drone battery life: How Long Do Drones Batteries Last? (Truth Revealed)
It’s worth noting that both drones are compatible with an optional high-capacity battery of 3850 mAh, available in select countries.
When using this higher-capacity battery, the Mini 3 can achieve an impressive flight time of up to 51 minutes, surpassing the Mini 3 Pro’s 47 minutes.
Find out how to charge your drone fast: 5 Best Drone Battery Chargers.
Camera Performance
Both the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro feature the same camera with a shared sensor, but there is a difference in the maximum resolution.
The Mini 3 is “limited” to 12MP, whereas the Mini 3 Pro allows for photos up to 48MP, resulting in better photo quality on the Pro version.
In terms of video capabilities, both drones can shoot 2.7K and Full HD video at up to 60 frames per second.
However, when it comes to 4K video, the Mini 3 Pro can go up to 60 fps, while the Mini 3 is limited to 30 fps. The Mini 3 Pro offers a 1080p slow-motion mode at 120 frames per second, which is not available on the Mini 3.
The DJI Mini 3 impresses with its camera capabilities, matching those of the higher-spec and pricier DJI Mini 3 Pro.
Both drones feature a 1/1.3-inch 12MP sensor, ensuring excellent image quality for both photos and videos.
The camera can be rotated 90°, allowing for versatile shooting in landscape and portrait orientations.
Features
In terms of photo modes, both drones have the Single Photo mode, AEB (which captures 3 shots at different exposures for creating an HDR effect), and Interval mode (taking photos at regular intervals). However, there are some variations.
The Mini 3 Pro offers the option for AEB to capture either 3 or 5 images, while the Mini 3 is limited to 3. Burst mode is exclusive to the Pro version.
When it comes to video modes, the Mini 3 features popular QuickShots modes like Dronie, Spiral, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang.
On the other hand, the Mini 3 Pro expands on these modes with the addition of Asteroid. Similarly, the Mini 3 Pro includes MasterShots (a combination of QuickShots with music) and Hyperlapse (timelapse effect in motion), which are not available on the Mini 3.
In terms of panorama modes, both drones have Sphere, 180°, and Wide Angle. However, the Mini 3 Pro offers an additional mode called Vertical, which is not present on the Mini 3.
In-flight features also differ between the two models.
The Mini 3 has downwards obstacle detection only, while the Mini 3 Pro includes obstacle detection in the forward, backward, and downward directions. Furthermore, subject tracking is absent on the Mini 3, while the Mini 3 Pro features FocusTrack, a suite of three modes (ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0) that allow for tracking a subject in different ways.
If you want to get easy-to-follow flight tutorials and advanced editor platform for free, you should start using DJI Fly App: How to Download DJI Fly App on Your Device.
DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro: Which One To Choose
While the Mini 3 offers reasonable features overall, it does come with some limitations compared to the Mini 3 Pro.
Collision avoidance is not available, and it lacks certain advanced functions such as 4K video at 60fps, the D-Cinelike color profile, 48MP photos, Timelapse, and subject tracking.
Do you need these features if you’re a beginner? Maybe not.
The Mini 3 still offers convenient Quickshots automated flight patterns, enabling you to capture professional-looking videos effortlessly.
Despite the pared-back features, the Mini 3 remains a cost-effective option for those seeking a reliable and capable drone for capturing stunning aerial footage.
Note, that in order to transport your drone you’ll need a special bag: 5 Best Drone Carrying Cases, Bags & Backpacks (DJI & More).
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about which one is better suited for you – DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro 🙂
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