Is the DJI Mini 3 Pro the best drone for mountain bikers?

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In this video I aim to discuss whether or not I think the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best drone for mountain bikers.
The tiny and lightweight DJI Mini 3 Pro was released in 2022. It is a sub 250 gram drone packed with pro features and an awesome camera. Is it the best drone for MTB though?
It is a really impressive piece of kit for the mountain biker. In this video I talk about some of the many brilliant features. I also talk about it's limitations and suggest some elements that I think could be improved.
Impressively, DJI has managed to include a tri-directional obstacle avoidance system inside the Mini 3 Pro. It also includes DJI's active track capabilities meaning you can track your mountain bike as you ride. I think this makes it one of the best beginner drones around, because it's easier to fly without worrying about mishaps with many obstacles. However, is it perfect? Does this mean it is the best?
The Mini 3 Pro's sensor and camera are also now better than before. It isn't quite a 1-inch drone like the DJI Air 2S, but you do get a 1/1.3-inch CMOS chip that performs very well in good light. The lens's maximum aperture has also been increased to a bright f/1.7, while its video capabilities have been vastly improved.
This video will be perfect for mountain bike riders, vloggers and videographers trying to decide if the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the drone for them.
I have included video chapters to help you find the information in the video.
0:00 The DJI Mini 3 Pro
1:13 Video quality on the Mini 3 Pro
2:03 Autonomous features on the DJI Mini 3
2:19 Active track 4.0 on the Mini 3 Pro
2:42 How big is the Mini 3 Pro?
3:24 Obstacle avoidance on the DJI Mini 3 Pro
4:28 The Mini 3 Pro has some faults...
5:41 How wind resistant is the Mini 3 Pro?
6:01 Is this drone affordable?
If you are new to my videos then expect to see high quality riding vlogs shot in the same style as McTrail Rider, Paul the Punter and BKXC. I try to travel to the best MTB locations in Scotland finding you the best mountain biking trails.
#bestdrones #djimini3pro #dji

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Опубликовано:

12 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 121

@garrovardjr 28 дней назад

Great review! You answered all my questions. Most reviews go over the features but you addressed all the questions that I had about active tracking and necessary upgrades to capture mountain biking footage. I subscribed.

@streetpigeonmtb 28 дней назад

Thanks buddy. Glad the video was of use 👍

@mike7002 7 месяцев назад

Great review - covered exactly the questions I had in mind and a few issues I'd not considered. cheers!

@streetpigeonmtb 7 месяцев назад

Nice. I'm really pleased it was helpful 👍

@drgurssehmi Год назад

I love this video! Thanks!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

No problem at all. I love making the videos. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

@MichalOlender Год назад

Agree totally, it's very close to being perfect. I use mine for hiking videos, weddings, events etc. The price, if we compare it to other devices/cameras in this price range, we have a flying one! 😆 it's not the cheapest but I don't feel ripped off knowing what I have. Good points brother!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thanks Michael. I think you are right and I feel the same. It is very expensive, but like you say, it is a great camera with clever flight technology built around it. To have that level of tech in a sub 250g unit is pretty mind blowing 👍

@garyalexander3281 Год назад

Great to hear you experience on the Mini 3 Pro, excellent drone with great quality video and features as you say out of a lot of peoples budget. I opted for the Mini SE myself, which natively doesn't have follow me and only 2.7k video but suits me, but the great thing about it is that you can use third party apps such as Dronelink which does and other features like waypoint planning, just have to be careful where you fly as no obstacle avoidance. Similar experience in faff of setting up and making sure drone is far enough away to track me properly. Thanks for sharing Jamie!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

No problem at all. Thanks for adding such an informative comment 👍

@mtford72 3 месяца назад

Amazing video - thank you!

@streetpigeonmtb 3 месяца назад

No problem at all 👌

@invertrialsbiker9391 Год назад

Kinda makes me want to get on for my channel 😬 loving the review videos Jamie 👌👍

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thanks Neil. They are definitely worth thinking about, especially for the old mountain adventures 👍 Hope you are good bud.

@DownhillDesireMTB Год назад

drone footage really takes mtb channels to the next level! i'll get one eventually, but defo not high up the list of things to buy! It will be amazing when the tech allows the drone to follow you through a dense forest!!!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Wouldn't it just! I'm sure it will happen eventually 🙂

@flexmtb Год назад

Great video! Looking to upgrade myself to a smaller drone. Thanks for the insight!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

No problem at all. I'm happy to share. Thanks for taking time to comment 👍

@kevinwood8021 Год назад

Jamie have no idea about drones withe the exception the ones that removed bad guys😀I enjoyed the explanations thank you.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Cheers Kevin. I like to get the odd review out there. Glad it made sense!

@iamkzonjames Год назад

Wind resistance was tested to endure to strong winds. Much better than the older models regardless of its weight. Someone did a real time test on windy shore a was able to withstand the strong wind without effect on the footage.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

It's good for the size but obviously you just have to be aware of limitations. Once you get gusts in excess of 35kph there are issues. This is amplified when using active track as you have to take into account the speed of the moving object. I can definitely work around the power constraints. What they do need to improve is having a beacon type option. The active track can't keep up with a bike going at pace around switchbacks 👍

@marcusdavies257 Год назад

Great job with the review👍. I flipping love a good drone shot, they really help get across on camera the terrain and scenery and mix in well with the GoPro footage. Look forward to seeing lots more 🤙. I know what you mean about a fair bit more faff compared say just a GoPro, I’m not sure if this help much or will work for you but I’ve the original DJI Mavic Pro and you switch it to run on wi-fi so you can control directly from your phone and don’t need the controller, i.e. you can launch from the phone, set the active track and then stick the phone in your pocket and head off.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Ah cheers Marcus! I didn't even think that was possible. Do you think this signal will be strong enough just using a phone?

@marcusdavies257 Год назад

@@streetpigeonmtb I did see somewhere that DJI say 500m-2km for wi-fi only (impressive!) but from experience it was a couple hundred meters before the video feed started to degrade but didn't lose connection - although I didn't push it any further.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

That's good enough for follow me! 👍

@patfish3291 Год назад

100% agree ... DJI need a real action drone in their portfolio! sub 450g, 360° obstacle avoidance, optimized for follow me (more modes: cable cam + poi tracking, tracking of groups) and a GPS picon to put in your pocket - this drone would sell like charme! - The AIR III could be that drone ... I am prying this since the AIR 1 :D

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Yup! Let's hope they do something like this 🤞

@TrailTrackerSwitzerland Год назад

Great video Jamie. I agree entirely about the amount of faffing about. I took mine out to do some filming the other week and a 2.5 hour route quickly turned into a 4 hour epic! Trees are also a massive issue, much of my riding is in trees and that makes it a massive no go for the drone. I'd be interested to know if you've ever lost the drone while it was tracking you. I'd be constantly looking over my shoulder to check if it was there.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Ha ha. I have lost the drone but weirdly it's been right at the beginning of the track. I've set up active track but for some reason it's switched to spotlight mode. I only realised 400m later when I looked behind me and realised there is nothing there 😆 In fairness it's only happened twice and I think it's user error. You need to switch to active track whilst no obstacle sensors are triggered. Therefore it needs to be high enough off the ground when you choose the object to track. A great drone but not perfect 😁

@ArminHirmer Год назад

Agree a beacon would be amazing with omnidirectional avoidance. Then I would even consider the price ok.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Yeah, that's fair I think. I'm hoping this will be something that is not so far away 👍

@Mapdec Год назад

Great vid. thank you. Can I ask how you stop the controller being moved in your pack?

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thanks buddy. There is an outside pocket that is pretty tight so it keeps the controller very tightly held. You just need to make sure none of the buttons can be pressed. They need to sort a beacon system for sure.

@mohdsofianmatnor4151 Год назад

Awesome💪💪

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thank you 😊

@MTB_ADVENTURE Год назад

very nice review 👍

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thank you. I haven't done loads of reviews so I'm glad this one worked. Thanks again for taking the time to comment 👍

@RonMulliganTB Год назад

Hey thanks for the video, I tried using it as you did and there certainly is some faffing about but my biggest issues were from the remote being in my backpack. I took off the knobs but still found that obviously something was touching the screen and jacking with settings. I wish there was a screen lock on the remote for such things.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Ah, that's really frustrating for you. I've never had any issues with screen interference in the bag fortunately, but I would 100% agree with your idea of a remote screen lock. It makes total sense. I really like the idea of a beacon style remote like the Skydio 2. Hopefully on the next one? Hope you overcome the screen-touch issue and thanks taking time to comment.

@RonMulliganTB Год назад

@@streetpigeonmtb If you haven't had any issues than maybe it was a fluke I did...I will have to try it again!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Give it a go... Good luck!

@bestdayevermtb2 Год назад

I got the skydio but to be honest have hardly used it. Living in Auckland nearly all trails are covered in trees and the drone just won't work in that environment. Add to that you must get the land owners permission to fly it and certain areas are no fly zones due to airports. I am envious of these open mountains you have in Scotland where you can fly it. I don't like your controller though. If I am riding and the drone loses me or gets behind a tree, I like the beacon around my neck to quickley recover or move its position in the sky. Keep up the good work.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Cheers man. Agreed, the DJI need another option than the controller 👍

@paulwhiteman59 Год назад

Hi you did a really good job with the mini 3 like a promotion video for what you do nice

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thanks Paul. Really appreciate that 👍

@paulwhiteman59 Год назад

Hi no problem I Subscribed to Support your channel

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Cheers Paul. I'm grateful. Hopefully you find some good videos on the channel. Good to have you on board 👍

@haroldbaker8869 Год назад

As soon as you said summary… ‘notepads away’ 😂

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

🤣

@childeechild Год назад

So cool, so beautyfull ! Where are you for this run ? England ? Hello from Swiss ! :)

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Hi there! Thanks for taking time to comment. This was all filmed in beautiful Scotland ❤️

@iloveloam276 Год назад

I have one, I use it for photography and it is mindblowingly good. Follow me is pretty useless apart from open hillsides with no trees. Single card slot is a joke, same as GoPros, duel card slots are a must these days for redundancy. The controller is a waste of money really, avoids some faff but a phone and standard controller is perfectly fine. The best thing about them is how quickly they can get up in the air and how easy to fly they are. You can connect and get flying in under a minute, plus the app just works, it's amazing, I can transfer and get images out so easily.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Cheers mate. A really detailed and useful comment. Have you used follow me with just a phone? Is this possible. If I could manage the follow me with just the phone it would be amazing.

@eprohoda Год назад

ddue- ‘sup?~ Thank you.you shared great content,take care-

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thank you 😁

@DieterVanHolder Год назад

A fellow Bird rider! I am considering this drone so it's interesting to hear your thoughts

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Thanks mate. Gotta love the Birds. Great bikes!

@willianb.6475 7 месяцев назад

Fast-forward 1 year and as a Mountain Biker, I'm undecided between a Mini 4 and a DJI avata. FPV shots are really cool but if I go with the Avata, I will not ever again appear in my own videos....

@streetpigeonmtb 7 месяцев назад

Yeah. I think having some of you in shot would probably be good. Tricky decision though 👍

@TheCrippo 6 месяцев назад

Did you find a better way to mount the controller? I used an eBay Sun cover and the stuffed it between my rucksack chest strap. Convenient but limited how I could ride and it occasionally fell out. Trying to think of a better way.

@streetpigeonmtb 6 месяцев назад

Hey mate. Unfortunately I haven't found a better way. I still place it in the bag. I really wish DJI would consider a beacon style device for snowboarding/running/mtb etc. There must be an appetite for it 🤷‍♂️

@TheCrippo 6 месяцев назад

@@streetpigeonmtb A Beacon would be perfect, but I expect the costs and weight would increase significantly. I would be happy with a way of disabling the buttons. Maybe some kind of cover in conjunction with the Sun visor

@Nate-hw1nc Год назад

@streetPigeonmtb Where did you your controller while doing active track while biking?

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Hi Nate. It is the outside pocket of my Evok back pack. This pocket allows the controller to be stored upright and tight meaning the top two buttons cannot be pressed when the bag gets bumped about 👍

@InitiallyLMG Год назад

Awesome review! I just wanted to ask did you turn the controller off when you stashed it in your bag after tasking it to follow you? I just picked one up recently and tried to get it to follow me on a short ride on an open track. I could get the drone to follow me for a little bit but in my bag the joysticks would get moved around, causing the drone to fly straight up into the sky, or almost into a tree.. and lose track of me. I tried turning off the controller and then the drone freaked out that it lost connection and starting flying 'home' which was set to several KM from me.. Drone Newbie over here! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

I place the controller in a flat pocket on the outside of my bag with the joystick unscrewed. This way nothing can interact with buttons or joysticks. You can't turn the controller off as you will lose connection with the drone. Once you find a position in a bag that works you should have no issues 👍

@InitiallyLMG Год назад

@@streetpigeonmtb ahhhh so smart! Thankyou!

@weeklydanz1981 Год назад

Can I ask how you stored the controller? I emailed DJI directly and they stated their is no approved solution for this? Great vid! Trails remind me of Pitfichie.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Hey man. I put the controller in the bag in a stood up position. You have to find a place in the bag where there will be no button interaction. The screen doesn't seem to be affected by material pressing against it. Not a perfect solution though. I'm in the process of seeing if I can find some sort of frame to store the controller in. I wish they would produce some solution to this issue, like Skydios beacon.

@jonathanley5864 Год назад

I got the drone 2 days ago, and I measured and customer designed A carry box that I can put the controller inside of. The box is internally ribbed to make sure no button nor screen is being touched. Think of a shoe box, but internally ribbed to hold the controller suspended. Then wrap the box with a few rubber bands, it works perfectly. I printed it on my 3d printer, I'll be putting the final version on thingieverse next week, the walls were a bit too thin for longevity purposes so I'll publish it once I get the final version done. Cheers.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Brilliant. Are you planning on producing a few? I'd be keen to try or buy one if so? Please keep me in the loop. Happy for you yo DM me on Insta, Facebook, Twitter if needed 👍

@weeklydanz1981 Год назад

I would also be very interested in trying this out. Let me know if there is a possibility of ordering one!

@m2kk Месяц назад

Man, 2:38 never ever was your bicycle ride recorded by ActiveTrack. Someone flew it, right?

@streetpigeonmtb Месяц назад

I can honestly say this was all filmed on active track 👍

@leftmtb 11 месяцев назад

I just bought one of these and took it up Benarty Hill in Fife tonight for its first outing. It was a disaster. I think all the buttons were being pressed on the controller in my bag! Have you had any issues with that?

@streetpigeonmtb 11 месяцев назад

Yes! If the top buttons get pressed in the bag the follow me just halts. I've got my controller on the outside of the bag in a section that is designed for carrying a helmet. It's presses tight on the screen but that causes no issues. Obvs joysticks are unscrewed as well. You just need to find a location where those top buttons can't be pressed 👍 Once you get it all worked out you'll get some great footage, but it takes a bit of trial and error to begin with. Hang in there. I had a trip to Switzerland recently and had the drone following me for a couple of kilometres at a time. The videos are amazing.

@pytek23 11 месяцев назад

Do you use any case for drone when in backpack?

@streetpigeonmtb 11 месяцев назад

I just use the bag provided in the 'fly more' combo I purchased 👍

@badfinancialdecisions Год назад

When you put the controller in the bag during active track, don't the buttons and joysticks get accidental input? I guess you need to be really careful how you place it?

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

The joysticks aren't an issue as they unscrew. But yes, you have to place the controller upright in a pocket that doesn't interfere with the top buttons 👍

@chickenclips Год назад

I have taken my mini 3 pro to a local flow trail that's quite fast with switchbacks. I will admit I am still a noob when it comes to the drone and am quite tech savvy, I found the drone and active track to be too slow. It tracked us nicely for a few turns then totally lost the plot. Wish I could set waypoints on the trail to set flight path whilst it active tracks? Is that even possible?

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Yeah. Switchbacks are without doubt one of the hardest things for a drone to track. They have just introduced way points on the Mavic 3 so I think it could be coming. It's a great drone but deffo not perfect. Hope you get something sorted.

@chickenclips Год назад

@@streetpigeonmtb thanks for the awesome video!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

No problem at all. Thanks for taking the time to comment mate 👍

@sdavies840 3 месяца назад

What is it like following you through woods at speed?

@streetpigeonmtb 3 месяца назад

It wouldn't work at all.

@tamworthtamworth8220 7 дней назад

What would you say the overall best drone is for 1000 to 1500. Im looking at doing mountain top edits and also mountain biking just like you were. I want to get the very best for the price. Need to start making videos and try get into youtube. Ive got some very cool ideas for videos what i think people will love i just need the best drone

@streetpigeonmtb 7 дней назад

The DJI Air 3S is currently just over £1000 for the Fly More combo. That's what I'd be getting 👌

@tamworthtamworth8220 4 дня назад

@@streetpigeonmtb thanks for your reply mate. Is the DJI air 3 better than the DJI mini 3 pro ?

@streetpigeonmtb 4 дня назад

@tamworthtamworth8220 yes, but bigger so more restrictions in terms of where you can fly.

@tamworthtamworth8220 4 дня назад

Im in the UK and I will be traveling Wales and Scotland and get some awesome mountain footage. I'm new to drones so not to clued up with them. What licences and everything will I need to be able to do this.? On the air 3. I'm going to dedicate my self to becoming a RU-vidr. I've got some really good ideas for videos

@streetpigeonmtb 4 дня назад

@tamworthtamworth8220 Look online for the guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority. You'll should probably get public liability insurance as well. Good luck, self-filming with the drone is hard work 🙈

@loganwendel3032 Год назад

What do you do with the controller while mountain biking?

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

If you watch the whole video you can see me loading it into the back pack. There is a pocket on the outside of my back pack that allows me to store the controller upright meaning the top two buttons cannot be pressed. This allows the tracking to take place. It works pretty well although a beacon system like Skydio would be way better 👍

@loganwendel3032 Год назад

Mhm, I saw you put it in your pack :) I was wondering about the stick inputs though, do you unscrew those?

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Yeah. They unscrew mate.

@loganwendel3032 Год назад

Awesome! This video convinced me to get a mini 3 pro :) Plus I found a new MTB channel not watch haha

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Ah nice! Thanks for letting me know. Hope you enjoy the videos 👌

@richn8575 Год назад

Pretty steep price you got in UK. Got the mini 3 pro with DJI RC + fly more kit @ 780€ New Year sale in Germany

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

You are joking! That's pretty much half the price I paid. That's awesome for you though. It's a solid piece of kit for that price 👍

@jonathanley5864 Год назад

I have been testing the mini 3 pro the last two days, i will be posting a video, but what I can tell you is that the Active tracking on the Mini 3 Pro is Garbage, my conclusion is giving the active tracking a 2/10 for usability. As I will say on my video, if you are tracking kind Charles walking down the isle during his coronation, sure the drone will do then job just fine, but when it's time for real mountain biking, it can't corner worth crap. In a run that takes 5 minutes I had to stop and re track myself 5 times, utterly a disappointment. I am returning it and ordering the Mavic 3 classic in hopes that the active tracking 5.0 may be better. I truly wish skydio 2+ and mini 3 pro had a baby because THAT would truly be the perfect drone.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Yeah. That would be some baby. I think the tracking is far from perfect but I've not found it to be terrible at all. Indeed, I've been really pleased with some of the footage i've got. Good luck with the Mavic 3 classic. It's bound to be better than the Mini 3 Pro 👍

@pytek23 Год назад

Parrot Anafi for me.Way cheaper

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

I don't know much about that one. What's it like for follow-me and obstacle avoidance?

@pytek23 Год назад

@@streetpigeonmtb follow me works really good but no obstacle avoidance unfortunately,(just need to learn it's limitations)wouldn't fly it among trees anyway. Did fly mine in 35-40mph wind and still got 22mon fly time.

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

Nice. Hopefully full obstacle avoidance will filter down to the more basic drones 🤞

@markb868 Год назад

£1400?? You could buy a bike for that..... ;)

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

I know. It's a pretty extreme cost. Incredible tech but a pretty wild price tag 🙈

@markb868 Год назад

Drone footage of this quality does look great though. Price you have to pay I guess!

@streetpigeonmtb Год назад

I'm afraid so 🙃

@driewiel 8 месяцев назад

Without GPS follow-me it's absolute crap.

@streetpigeonmtb 8 месяцев назад

GPS is sorely needed. But you can still get some great follow footage. You just need to know when and where it will work 👍 Hopefully they eventually get a GPS system working 💪

@driewiel 8 месяцев назад

@@streetpigeonmtb Problem with optical tracking is it takes so much time. Have to stop to use the touchscreen, ride back when it loses you. I've seen many try but getting annoyed very soon. Follow-me is just a press of a button and do the rest with the sticks. ...........if the follow-me is done right! There aren't that many drones with the right type follow-me. It has to be 'compass' type. When it's 'string' type it only follows from behind where you can't see it. You also have to be able to use the sticks. And it MUST have a homepoint update option. My funny €130 L109 Pro does everything exactly as it should be. I wish the gimbal and camera were a little better. My Fimi A3 is the most responsive and accurate follow-me drone ever made. I don't have a DJI, but I would only buy one if I can use Litchi or Maven with follow-me. I don't care for obstacle avoidance. Not gonna risk a €700 drone anyhow.

@driewiel 8 месяцев назад

@@streetpigeonmtb A real drone for cyclists would have a split controller left right on your handlebar. Together with a correctly programmed GPS follow-me you could get any shot DJI does plus more. And the drone would never lose you.

@streetpigeonmtb 8 месяцев назад

I hear what you are saying. But you can still get good follow me shots. I have loads of good follow me on the channel 👍

@streetpigeonmtb 8 месяцев назад

Yeah, I'd be up for GPS. I wouldn't want controllers on my handlebars though as it would ruin the POV footage 👍