Introduction
What is going on, guys? Welcome back to the channel. My name is Derek, and today we’re taking a look at the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone that DJI just released. We’re going to talk about it, run through the specs, and I’ll share my opinion after using this drone for the last month or so. With that said, let’s go ahead and roll the intro and jump right into it.
Why You Should Like and Subscribe
Before we dive into the review, if you enjoy this video, please take an extra second to hit the like button—it helps me out tremendously. Also, if you like tech videos like this, make sure you get subscribed to the channel. We’ve always got new videos coming out, and I’d love to have you as part of our community. If you’re really feeling froggy, maybe share the video with a friend who might be interested in drones.
My Journey with DJI Drones
First off, let me say that this drone is awesome. I’ve been a fan of the mini series of DJI drones for a while, starting from the first one. We’re now on the third iteration, and the quality has finally reached a point where I’m willing to downgrade from a larger drone. I came from the Air 2S, and I would say that the quality is on par with it and definitely beats the Mini 2.
Evolution of DJI Drones
When I first started flying DJI drones, I began with the Phantom 3, then moved to the Phantom 4 Pro. The Mavic series was DJI’s first foray into more compact drones, which was a big deal because the Phantom series were quite large. Fast forward, and we have the Air 2S, which is on par with the previous Mavic generation. Now, the Mini 3 Pro has just been released, and in my opinion, it’s on par with the Air 2S.
The Specs that Matter
Alright, let’s talk specs. The Mini 3 Pro has a 1-inch sensor, which is a big deal. It shoots 5.4K video at 30fps and 4K video at 60fps. It also has a 10-bit D-log, which is fantastic for color grading. The drone has a 31-minute flight time, which is pretty standard for DJI drones these days. It also has obstacle avoidance sensors on the front, back, and bottom, which is a significant upgrade from the Mini 2.
The Controller Experience
Now, let’s talk about the controller. The controller is the same as the one you get with the Air 2S. It’s a good controller; it’s comfortable in the hands, and it has a nice, bright screen. The range on this thing is also excellent. I’ve flown it out to about 5,000 feet with no issues whatsoever.
Real-world Performance
So, how does it perform in the real world? Well, I’ve been flying this drone for about a month now, and I’ve got to say, it’s impressive. The 1-inch sensor really makes a difference, especially in low light conditions. The obstacle avoidance also works really well. I’ve had a couple of close calls, but the drone stopped itself from crashing.
The Price Point
Now, let’s talk about the price. The Mini 3 Pro comes in at $999, which is a bit steep, but when you consider the specs and the performance, it’s well worth it. If you’re a professional videographer, this drone is a game-changer. It’s small, it’s compact, and it delivers high-quality footage.
Digital Zoom and Framing
This drone also has a four times digital zoom, which is honestly no different than if you added a digital zoom in post-processing. But it’s still nice to be able to zoom in that digital zoom while you’re flying. That way, you can frame shots and stuff better. You know exactly where you’re zooming in at and stuff. So while it’s not really any different than added in post, it’s still nice that it has it, in my opinion.
Value for Money
The drone is actually not that expensive, in my opinion. It’s definitely the best value out there in terms of DJI drones, and not just because it’s the cheapest. It’s actually a great professional drone at a super low price, starting at $669. The Mini 3 Pro with the DJI RC remote that has the screen, everything built into it, the price is $909 with tax and everything.
Real-World Use: Battery Life
I’ve been flying this drone now for the last month. I’ve probably sent it into the air, let’s just say battery-wise, I’ve probably flown through 20 to 30 batteries at this point with it in a month. Sometimes that might have been, you know, in one day, you know, flying three or four times, sending it up with a battery. In other days, maybe only once.
Charging Convenience
I love the fact that with the Air 2S, you had to unplug the battery, you know, take the batteries out of the Air 2S, put them on a charger. This, you leave the battery right in the drone. You just pop in a USB-C charging cable, and boom, you’re charging the battery. You can’t charge multiple at once like that, but honestly, I mean, that’s not that big of a deal to me.
Vertical Camera Shots
Another really cool feature I like about this drone is this is the first DJI drone where, I believe it’s the first, I could be wrong, but it’s the first one I’ve had where the actual camera turns vertically. You can do vertical shots with the drone. Previously, you’ve always just had to take widescreen shots and then in post, kind of cut out the middle of the frame to get your vertical shots. With this, you’re actually getting that full-resolution vertical shot, which is really, really cool in my opinion.
Real-World Range Experience
In terms of real-world use of the range, the range has been excellent for me. Even in crowded city areas where there’s a lot more interference, I can easily tell that I’m getting further range than I have with any of the other DJI drones I’ve personally owned. When I’m out somewhere where there is not a lot of interference, it’s crazy to me the range these drones get nowadays and still keeps the 1080p HD video on your phone or your remote as you’re flying.
Is the Drone Worth It?
Do I think the drone is worth it? 100%. If you have never owned a drone and you’re looking to get into drone flying, the fact that it now includes all of the different obstacle-sensing sensors—so front, downward, and rear—is phenomenal. It gives you that extra protection that, as a new drone operator, you’re not going to crash it first thing.
Final Thoughts
I’m in love with this drone. If you guys like this video, don’t forget that like button, smash that like button, don’t forget to get subscribed if you like tech videos like this. Thank you guys so much for the love, the support, maybe share it with a friend that you have that might be looking at a drone. Until next time, thank you guys for watching, peace out everybody, later nerds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the DJI Mini 3 Pro compare to other DJI drones?
The DJI Mini 3 Pro offers a great balance of size, weight, and quality. It’s on par with the Air 2S and even the Mavic 2, making it an excellent value for its price.
2. Is the vertical camera feature unique to the DJI Mini 3 Pro?
As far as I know, this is the first DJI drone that allows the camera to turn vertically, enabling you to capture full-resolution vertical shots.
3. What’s the real-world range like?
The range has been excellent, even in crowded city areas with more interference. It’s noticeably better than any other DJI drones I’ve personally owned.
4. Is the drone beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. With obstacle-sensing sensors on the front, downward, and rear, it offers extra protection for new drone operators.
5. How much does the DJI Mini 3 Pro cost?
The Mini 3 Pro starts at $669. If you opt for the DJI RC remote with the built-in screen, the price goes up to $909 with tax.