DJI Mini 3 - Better Than We Expected! 

Just wanna say thank you for this review/comparison. I’ve watched quite a few videos covering the Mini 3, and yours is the first one where I don’t feel like anything has been left out. Really like your style

I 100% agree on the best value combo being the Mini3 with RC controller and an extra battery plus. I don't care about obstacle avoidance or follow me modes, so I pretty stoked to see the Mini3!

Fantastic video! I’ve just bought the Mini 3 in the UK and love it. Thanks for your efforts, really helpful. 🙏🏻

Good job, Ross! Thanks for a great tutorial and informative video! Respect!

Thanks Russ. Nice initial take on this offering. I think pricing should always be mentioned with the date in the same sentence (or paragraph at least). It's useful data that is time-specific. While no obstacle avoidance and no 4k/60 are main differences, O2 vs O3 is probably worth mentioning.

Russ your videos are always most informative and easy to understand. Thank you! FYI, I have a Magic 2 Pro. Recently the remote controller quit accepting a charge. I sent it to DJI who received it on a Thursday, repaired it (new board) on Friday and I had it back on Sunday. I’m impressed,

Great informative analysis. Really appreciate this video. As someone who has flown a few times with friends drones and is super ready to make a purchase, this has made the selection process a lot easier. Thanks!

Thank you for this update. You do a great job on these. Kiwi

Great review, Russ - I had crap weather too for like 2 weeks

Great content. Enjoyed your video. Just bought mini 3 after owning mini 2. Find built in screen such a bonus. So much better. Mini 3 quieter than the mini 2. Look forward to your future videos

Nice video Russ. Very informative. I like how you did the silent unboxing at the end. I'm still sticking with my Mini 2 for now. I couldn't justify the cost for a new drone.

We like price difference explanations! Please keep it up!

This was a thorough video. Nice Russ

Been waiting for this drone ever since the Mini 3 Pro came out! There would be a lot of drone pilots who would enjoy the simplicity of the Mini 3!

Thanks Russ and Happy Flying!

Good info as always. Thank you!

Fantastic video, review and comparison. Thanks.

I just bought the Dji mini 3. I must say I am very satisfied. Awesome drone. And I am beginner. But I am planning to get a professional drone later. This is fun. Thx for a great review!

Russ, great video as usual. I just purchased (not yet delivered) the Mini 3 FMC and will also get the reasonably priced care option -- based in part to your video. For me, the pricing info was very useful and appreciated. DJI's prices don't change that often, so your videos remain relevant.

Thanks for the as always thorough review and comparisons. At this point, I wish I had known the M3 Classic was coming as I might have waited; however, I am very happy I got the Mini 3 Pro as I like the additional benefits. I do wish they had added 360 obstacle avoidance as they probably could have made it like the M3 with the same weight.

I brought a Mini 3 .. 2 weeks back and super rapped with the drone a hell of a lot of fun and superb videos / pics etc, I feel with none of the sensors from the Mini Pro on the Mini 3 you don't become complacent and think nothing is going to happen with your drone....makes you more alert and aware of the surroundings when flying.....my opinion only but love this Mini 3

I love my dji mini 3 (wish it had avoidance). My first flight at altitude and the video I took was an amazing experience. But early on, I wasn't used to the idea of flying it without seeing it, but I've adjusted :)

ordered it and will get it next week cant wait! i had the mavic pro 1 but wanted something a bit smaller but still having good features

i have the mini 2 and im happy with it, its my first drone and i really like it, sadly the weather hasnt been great this month, i only got to fly it a few times

Another home run for DJI. Just hope that the rush to market will not bring with it any quality issues. Mentioning prices in this kind of video is helpful to the viewers. Just include the date of pricing. Great video as always Russ👍🏼😃

i bought the mini 3 from costco for 429 dollars which included the RC N1 controller with the ND filterS and an micro sd card ....till now im loving it .....

Great video Russ! I’ve now had the Mini SE, Mini 2, and got the Mini 3 Pro about 3 weeks ago. While I am excited to see this I don’t feel burned or let down by the product I bought; I mostly film in 24fps and want the highest image quality possible; I’m also trying to be the professional part in pro- lol as I have my part 107 so of course I’m looking for something different than the hobbiest ; I also like that the pro model has the focus track and spotlight along with auto tracking feature while I don’t use it all the time, I do use it and like the option. All of that said I was using my mini 2 for more daring things and it had a place in my drone line up. Now I’m thinking of selling it to my brother and getting the mini 3 for those jobs and saving some money by going the no controller route. Thanks again Russ, sorry this is so long, I’m just passionate about drones 😅

Very Good Information. Thank You !

Thanks so much very helpful

Great video. I'm with you about pricing and how it changed, but being this is clearly stated as a launch day price, it's nice to see value comparisons this way. Looking forward to seeing how the vertical portion works. I know it sounds odd, but how far back/above the drone could you see. Flying under objects I imagine it to be useful, especially with the lack of obstacle avoidance. Just a curiosity.

Good info Russ..thx

Great video !! But where are the other Mini 3 vids you said were in the pipeline? So much YT content is out there on the Mini 3 pro but much less on the Mini 3

What an interesting sub--250g drone! I think the Mini 3 will be a great all-rounder drone

Awesome review

Nice to know the price comparisons.

The best video for me!

I've got the Mini 3 Pro and it's a fantastic little drone. Matter of fact, the last dozen or so videos that I put on my channel, all came from that drone. The night time / low light vision of the camera is fantastic. I would presume the Mini 3 drone has the same capabilities.

I think for people who have an older drone or just need a sub 250g drone it’s great. But staying 1 year behind a hype can save you half the cost of what it would be brand new. It’s so hard not to buy the newest thing though 😂

I just received my Mini 3 pro yesterday and took it out for a quick spin today. It's a pretty nice drone. I am going to do a hyper lapse tomorrow. I haven't received the strobe yet so it will be a day time hyperlapse.

Thanks for the review, how important do you think obstacle avoidance is? would it be used much? the Mini 3 does not have this but the price is outstanding. I always have always wondered how often it would be used

Thanks Russ! I am especially pleased to view this video!

Hey. I had been flying the original Mavic Mini. I didn’t know but my mom got me the Mini 3 for Christmas. It was well worth he price. I have been out flying for the past week. If it wasn’t raining out today (01-03-2023), I’d be out there now. Enjoyed the video. Thanks for the content and hard work.

Great video!!!

This is a really really good video. Thank you. Do you know can you set an altitude on this drone, so it flies at a fixed altitude?

I bought the mini 3 and I love it!

I like the basic price info. Thanks. I’m interested in getting into drones my concern is flight times and return if it goes to far away from me and the signal

I was wanting to get the Mini 2 as my first drone, but that DJI RC controller is a mind changer... I'm now going to get the Mini 3 w/DJI RC controller. Nice video... Are the props on both the Mini 3s the same?

Thank you 🙏

Great video and thank you! I have a Mini 1 and Phantom 3 Standard, I think this would be a great option for me and better since money is extremely tight. Would this be a good option and do you think this would be worthy of someone thinking about getting part 107 as a starting point? Thank again!

I own the Mavic Air 2 and Mini 3 Pro and love them both. Hoping DJI makes a Mavic Air 3

I just got the Mini 3 Combo, love x3 having the extra batteries! Liked so much that when I the basic kit at Costco for just under $400, I got it too so now I have a second! Not sure why you’d want a gauge of 10K, that’s not line of sight that’s required…I don’t get needing that part. I’d be scared to death to go just by the camera! Thanks for the great post….(oh did I mention I later also found a Mini 4 for a great deal, though it’s still in the box!) Oh, I get about 40 minutes in 70 degree weather.

Great video! question, does is hat POI functionality like pro version? are their other differences on functionalities? Thank you in advance!

I’ve had a mini and a air2. For me, It would be the mini 2 or the mini 3 pro. Great Video as always.🎉

Great video!! Looking to get this mini 3 but I live near a airport. Can I still fly it seeing it has no fly restrictions. ?? Thanks in advance.

Thanks Russ!

The ocusync 2.0 system used by the mini 3 means that it is possible that the dji RC can also be used by the mini 2 right? because I fly this mini 2, i really hope that our mini 2 users can use the dji RC

Hi Russ, Thanks for another quality video! You mentioned going with the standard FMC to avoid registration and remote ID. Can remote ID be avoided? My understanding is that it cannot be turned off. "Less than ideal conditions" and then you show that it's 11 degrees F! I would call that less than miserable conditions! I'll bet you get even better percentages of advertised flight times when you try it in conditions suitable for actual human (and drone) habitation! What a great extreme weather test, though!

Hey nice video review I have both the mini 3 and mini 3 pro I also have the mini 2 but my question is when you were flying towards the bridge you said that the mini 3 pro struggled a bit more in the stronger winds. When I first got my mini 3 pro i was flying with the stock battery and it was very windy my first test flight. I noticed it was flying sideways and I had to keep turning the yaw around to straighten it out. But I ordered the extended flight battery and landing gear for it. I was also getting strong wind warnings. But since I added the extra weight of the battery and landing gear I have flown in some pretty strong winds and not one warning and I didn’t have to keep turning the yaw to straighten it up anymore. I just got the mini 3 delivered yesterday. I flew it once just testing it out. It was doing the same thing as the mini 3 pro. But I have the combo plus and I can use the heavier batteries. I ordered the landing gear for it also. A lot of people are concerned about it weighing more than 250g but I have been registered with the FAA since 2016 so the extra weight is not a concern to me. The battery plus makes the drone heavier but it doesn’t affect the flight time I flew 13 minutes and still had 69% battery left. On the mini 3 pro that was amazing any other drone I have like the mini 2 or air 2 or air 2s would have been down around 50% or less battery power. So which battery was you using when flying? The standard battery? If so try the heavier battery and the extra weight will help with the wind.

I'm picking up my mini 3 later today. Can't wait lol.

Very interesting Russ! Wow! Just maybe some of my frugal (cheap) friends just might give in and get one so we can fly together. Laughs! Thanks for sharing.

Hi there thanks for the amazing content as always! I am going to be stepping up in the new year and upgrading to the new Mavic 3 Classic I think it will be the ideal drone for me to get amazing drone vivi cinematic shots with the amazing onboard Hassleblad Camera on the Mavic 3 Classic! I was just wondering if you could advise me on a decent book that tells you all about how to get that Pro look when using a Mavic 3 drone and techniques of flying the drone to get the very best cinematic shots possible! If you could advise me on a decent book that I could refer to and learn from then I would be most grateful! In the mean time keep the awesome content coming and I hope yourself and family have a great Christmas and new year! 🎉😊

Hi, Russ. Good video with lots of info. I have a question regarding photos with the Mini 3. I had a Mini 2 and could zoom in for a closer look, I gave that drone to my son and bought an Air 2S, but was greatly disappointed that the zoom feature for photos was not available. Can you zoom with the Mini 3or Pro for photos?

I used my drone for stills primarily, and there is little upgrade there. Sensor updated, but still 12mp. I’m really looking for something with more DSLR like control over the settings too.

Great video! Just bought the Mini 3 and I was wondering if it is RID capability. DJI told me it was. But I can not find it scrolling through the menu. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

Finally someone not hating on the mini 3, I had the mini 2 for 2 years and wanted to upgrade without spending a fortune so this was the perfect drone for me I don't need obstacle avoidance as I'm quite an experienced pilot and the slow motion doesn't bother me also you can use quickshots to track yourself even being a hack it works well, I also kept my basic controller as I get on perfectly fine with it, then saving more money. So all I needed was the drone and I also bought the fly more combo which cost me £500 all together. I might upgrade the controller in the future. So from selling my mini 2 for £250 it only cost me £250 for the new drone. Happy ending.

It's a good back-up for those who fly the big ones!

I learned that remote ID is for all drones. Not just over 250g. That includes the mini drones also. Maybe you should check into that more. I wish I would have saved that video where I got that information.

Nice review - New facelift for the 249g DJI line up - So Mini2 & SE will disappear. My Mini2 still going strong 5 batteries it'll remain in my flight line up for a while too come!

Just got mine a week ago with the DJI RC. Realized I can't live stream to Facebook which I used to love to do with my old school Mavic Pro so I just ordered an RC N-1 controller to allow me to do that.

Could you please discuss about autel drones or any other brands other than DJI

I have just purchased the Mini 3 standard pack. Base remote and single battery as it's my first dabble into drones. The extra features of the pro didn't affect my choice, as budget was my main restriction. I got a good deal on it, but will definitely be purchasing more batteries in the future. Hyperlapse and D-Cinelink would not really be features I would use, so not a deal breaker for me.

Do you have any videos on changing the blades

I'm so desperately in love and heartbroken at the same time over this new version of the mini. I own the first mini that was released and had it for nearly 2 years before a power line took out the gimble on it; I've been droneless ever since!!!! I want more than anything to get back up in the sky and shooting video again, but I unfortunately haven't been able to afford a new DJI (the only way to fly). Maybe in a few years, when this tech is rendered obsolete by its predecessor, I'll be able to afford a mini 3 😢

My mini 3 is arriving today. Im late to the meeting, but im still super excited about my very first drone. I'm already building a list of places I want to go fly it.

How well do all the components of the FMC fit in the included bag? Other RU-vidrs noticed that when purchasing the MIni 3 Pro and its FMC separately, the FMC components would not fit in the bag.

I currently Fly Both Air 2, and Mini 2. I have been planning on upgrading to a Mini 3 Pro after the first of the year, Active tracking is a must for me so I can track my boat while out fishing and camping. The Only thing That keeps me from Buying the Mini 3 Pro at this point is Not knowing if sometime next year will DJI roll out a New Air unit. If a New Air 3 comes out I will go with the Air unit. But for my needs I am still planning on the Mini 3 Pro.

Great video 😍 Love the pricing. Question.... Because of the Mini 3 having O2 can we use it with the Org Smart Controller?? I currently fly my Air2 & S & Mini2 with the smart controller. I think this could be a game changer for the people that have it. Thank you

Great video, even I understood it :) I thought the Mini 3 had the tracking features the Mini 3 Pro boasts about ?? Am I wrong ? Does it have a tracking feature of any kind ?? Thank you for your generous consideration, God bless, Sincerely ...............

does flying the heavy plus battery improve wind stability?

Do you think the Mini 2 will be added to the DJI-RC controller as the Air 2S was? I have the Mini 2 with fly more combo that is less than 9 months old & have a hard time buying the Mini 3 as all of my flying is just for recreation purposes, but it would be nice to only have one controller to carry as I use the DJI-RC with my Air 2S.

You didn't mention the lack of the simulated 48mp mode that the m3P has. My understanding is that the camera still captures unique information from each quadrant of the pixels, but it just lacks the onboard software to break the pixels up into 4 defined sub-pixels, yet even without the software to divide the 12mp into a quasi-48mp, it is still picking up that more detailed information from each pixel which somehow helps it construct a better image in low light than the same camera would without that four-quadrant pixel tech. I don't know if I'm making much sense, haha. But Matthews Brennan basically stated that while the mini 3 can only capture 12mp stills, the same sensor tech which enables the m3P to take "48"mp stills by dividing the information in each pixel into 4 seperate sub-pixels, that enables the mini 3 to capture better results in low-light images, even if it doesn't have the software to actually seperately process and store the information in 4 seperate sub-pixels. But I've also heard that fn same accord, the quasi-48mp photos taken by the m3P don't offer much of an improvement over the m3P's standard 12mp photos. But I'm curious to see if there actually any difference been the 12mp photos taken by the mini 3 and the 12mp photos taken by the m3P. So maybe you could do a follow-up video you could do a side by side of of the same scene in low light with the Mini 3 Pro in both 48mp and 12mp, and the Mini 3 in 12mp, just to see if the sub-pixel sensor technology in the camera hardware can actually improve the image without having the corresponding on-board software to fully interpret and process the data. Basically does the 12mp mode of the Mini 3 live up to the 12mp mode of the m3P without the same advanced on-board sub-pixel processing software that enables the m3P to pull 4 pixels out of one? Mattheww Brennan thinks so. But he's Irish, so we can't trust his level of sobriety.

Thanks Russ ,just bought dji3 as my first drone as a absolute beginner,but love it. Just one thing I can't sort out is the RC screen seems dark when I am flying.is there anyway to brighten screen when flying.cheers

Mini 2 owner here. While I love the idea of a M3 or M3P, I will wait until the SDK is published so Litchi and Maven can fully function on a more expensive drone. Good for DJI in continually improving their product line - pretty cool stuff. There is some scuttlebutt that suggests DJI will not be releasing a SDK for the M3P. Hope that is not the case.

Great information! I know that the Mini 3 will not "track" however, I've seen other videos where you can get the Mini 3 to sort of track you as you're walking, on one side of you, not in front or back. Can you please mention how to do this? I have my Mini 3 coming tomorrow! Thank you.

Good video

Great review. Is the battery common between Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro? Thank you.

Hello there, just curious... what is that drone app (used at 11:10 in the video) that tells you if its ok or not to fly?

For some people the extra sensors for obstacle avoidance makes them to decide to choose for the Mini 3 Pro but remember that: - obstacle avoidance is automatically disabled when using 'S'port mode - there are no sensors at each side of the drone, so be very careful when tracking parallel!

I'm curious to see the difference in photos. Mini 3 says just 12MP but mini 3 pro says 48MP. If you can compare that I'd appreciate it. Great vid as always.

I had no idea you were from minot until I seen Scandinavian park! I live here in minot as well and am looking to get my first drone and I think I am going to get the mini 3, even know I like some of the active tracking features on the mini 3 pro. But the $300 difference is making me pick the mini 3.

Russ, thank you for the great information. You answered several important questions for me. 👍👍 QUESTION: Will you be selling any more hats and/or mugs in your store in the future? I was disappointed not to find those items recently. Thank you Russ! 😎👌

As a beginner and reasonable well off, the mini 3 pro is very well worth the extra money. I just love it.

Flight time, 249g and video quality are my 3 priorities. Range is tied to flight time so going way far out is great but will the battery get you home, aha! A nice video on the subject , what is your regular day job ?

The mini 3 can be use in other apps & using follow me mode?

FYI on 9/12/23 I paid $429 for the Mini 3 with RCN1 at Costco in Houston TX. It also included a 64gb Micro SD card and ND filters.

I suggest a resolution comparison between the original Mini and the Mini 3. I may be an outlier having used, and been pleased with, the Mini for almost 3 years, but I wonder whether I should consider passing the Mini on to my brother and convincing my spouse that there is a lot to be gained in quality with a purchase. 🤔

I noticed, in the spot where you went back to the obstacle avoidance, that you were flying in trees. Is the pro obstacle avoidance so good that it will avoid small branches like that? I make videos of my cat flying up 3 to 4 story trees wearing an insta360 go 3, and was thinking that it'd be nice to have shots that cut from his camera to a drone view, but was worried about branches.

If you get the extended flight battery and your drone isn't registered will it prevent you from taking off?

I have one more question. I have the mini3 pro. Can I launch the mini3 to hover at a specific location. Then switch the RC controller to fly my mini3 pro to track me while mini 3 hover in position. Will this configuration work with one RC controller?

Thanks for this timely comparison. I'm considering getting my first drone in the spring. As of now, I think I'll go with the Mini 3 Pro. The obstacle avoidance is attractive, especially since my child is going to be learning to fly it too!