DJI Mini 3 Pro: Design

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a folding design and a light-gray finish, typical of the DJI Mavic family. However, unlike the sleek lines of the DJI Mini 2, the Mini 3 Pro has a more rounded appearance. It features obstacle sensors and rounded gimbal mounts, giving it a curvier look. Other design changes include more aerodynamic propeller arms and larger propellers, which help increase flight times. The gimbal attaches to both sides of the drone to support the camera, which has a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor. Conveniently, the camera can rotate 90 degrees to capture photos and videos in both portrait and landscape formats. This feature is especially useful for social media content creation, catering to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories, but it's also handy for photographers in general.

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Specs

• Sensor: 12.1MP 1/1.3in CMOS
• Video/max frame-rate: 4K/60p, 2.7K/60p, 1080/120p
• Max bit-rate: 150Mbps
• Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal
• Transmission: Ocusync 3
• Max flight time: 34 mins
• Weight: 249g
• Dimensions (folded): 145 x 90 x 62mm
• Dimensions (unfolded): 171 x 245 x 62mm
• Price Range in UAE: AED 2,859: 00 to AED 3,459:00

When it comes to controllers, the basic package includes the DJI RC-N1, which is also used with other DJI drones like the Mavic 3, Air 2S, Mavic Air 2, and Mini 2. This controller has a telescopic phone holder but no screen. 

A notable upgrade from the RC-N1 is the DJI RC Smart Controller. It features a large, clear 5.5-inch touchscreen with 700-nit brightness and weighs 390g. This is only about 5g heavier than using the RC-N1 Controller with a smartphone. Plus, it's quicker to set up because you only need to attach the thumbsticks to start flying.

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Features

When it comes to flying, the Mini 3 Pro offers three modes – Cine, Normal, and Sport – which are standard across DJI drones for consumers and prosumers.

Cine mode, with a maximum speed of 13.4mph, is for smooth cinematic footage with slower flight and less sensitive controls. Normal mode, reaching up to 22.3mph, is the most commonly used. Sport mode is the fastest at 35.7mph, but collision avoidance is turned off.

Despite its small size, the Mini 3 Pro can handle winds of nearly 24mph, especially well in Sport mode. The controls are responsive and the connection between the drone and controller is reliable.

With each new DJI drone release, there's typically an improvement in battery and flight performance, and the Mini 3 Pro is no different. The new 2,453mAh Intelligent Flight Battery weighs only 80.5g and claims a flight time of up to 34 minutes.

In reality, flights usually last 20-25 minutes due to factors like Return to Home, temperature, and wind. An optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus increases flight time to 47 minutes, but it adds weight, potentially moving the drone into a higher weight category.

Notably, tri-directional obstacle avoidance has been added, using sensors facing forward, backward, and downward. Alongside APAS 4.0, this feature provides obstacle avoidance that can be disabled or adjusted. QuickShots and subject-tracking, part of the FocusTrack Suite, are now available on the Mini 3 Pro, allowing for automated flight patterns and dynamic subject tracking.

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Image and Video Quality

Thanks to the new 12.1MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, which can take 48MP photos, the image quality of the Mini 3 Pro is surprisingly good for such a small drone.

There's a slight loss of sharpness towards the edges of the frame in photos, which is common in many consumer drones, and sometimes you might see some color fringing along high-contrast edges, but it's not a big issue.

The Mini 3 Pro handles ISO exceptionally well. There's hardly any extra noise in the raw files at ISO settings above 100, even up to the highest setting of 6400. Colors also stay natural, so you can confidently shoot at any ISO.

The Mini 3 Pro's camera uses dual native ISO technology, which works really well, especially when combined with the fast f/1.7 aperture, making it great in low light.

In photo mode, you can capture raw files and JPEGs in two resolutions. Although the Mini 3 is advertised as having a 50MP resolution, the 'standard' raw files are actually 12.1MP. To get larger files, you need to shoot in 48MP mode, but sometimes these images might appear less sharp compared to the standard ones.

Shooting in 48MP mode is a nice option, but you can't use features like AEB, Burst, or Timed Shot mode in this mode. However, you can increase the size of standard raw files using Adobe's Super Resolution feature if needed.

Overall, the video quality of the Mini 3 Pro is excellent. Although we didn't use ND filters during our tests, the 4K footage can sometimes be a bit choppy due to fast shutter speeds needed with the f/1.7 aperture. However, detail and sharpness in video are great, especially when using ND filters.

You can shoot video at three resolutions: 4K (up to 60p), 2.7K (up to 60p), and FHD (up to 120p for slow-motion). The drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 150Mbps, and with color profiles like Normal and D-Cinelike, it's suitable for both amateur and professional use.

With a firmware update, you can now shoot D-Cinelike with 10-bit color depth, giving more flexibility for editing without color banding issues.

There's also a digital zoom option, but it should be used carefully due to the loss of quality, with FHD providing the best results up to 2x zoom.

Final Thoughts

Despite the higher price, the Mini 3 Pro remains a top choice for beginners. Its small size, light weight, and new obstacle avoidance system make it safer and easier to fly than the Mini 2. Outdoor photographers and videographers who need to travel light will appreciate its compact size and professional features. With its fast aperture and good ISO performance, the Mini 3 Pro excels in low-light conditions, delivering fantastic image quality even at high ISO settings.

For top-notch image quality in a portable drone, the DJI Mavic 3 with its Four Thirds sensor is unmatched. While heavier than the Mini 3 Pro, it delivers significantly better image quality. The Mini 3 Pro offers a larger sensor than the Mavic Air 2 and portrait mode, but the upgrade might not be worth it. The Air 2 remains a capable drone despite some limitations. The DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel Evo Nano+ are both sub-250g drones with similar specs and features. If you already own a Nano+, the Mini 3 won't offer much new.