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Pros
- Portable design
- 4K60 with digital zoom
- Vertical video and photo support
- Upward-tilting camera
- Three-way obstacle sensors
- Strong safety features
- Two remote control options
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Cons
- Extended battery should be standard
- GPS lock-on takes some time
- Omits AirSense ADS-B system
DJI Mini 3 Pro Specs
Dimensions | 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches |
Integrated Camera | Integrated with Gimbal |
Live Video Feed | 1080p |
Media Format | Internal |
Media Format | microSDXC |
Megapixels | 48 |
Obstacle Detection | |
Remote | Dedicated with App |
Remote | Dedicated with LCD |
Rotors | 4 |
Video Resolution | 4K |
Weight | 8.78 |
The DJI Mini 3 Pro (starting at $669) takes the ultra-light Mini series design, adds a seriously upgraded camera, and tops it all off with forward-facing obstacle sensors, a feature missing from the basic Mini 2 ($449.99). The Pro edition snaps 48MP Quad Bayer stills, pushes 60fps video at 4K, and supports vertical video for social media mavens. It costs nearly as much as the larger Mavic Air 2 ($799) once you add a remote control (not standard on the base model), but the Mini 3 Pro largely outperforms its larger sibling, making it our new Editors' Choice award winner for enthusiast camera drones.
Editors' Note: This review was originally published on May 10, 2022. We updated it on May 24, 2022 to reflect a firmware update that adds 10-bit D-Cinelike video.
No FAA Registration Required
DJI developed its original Mavic Mini drone (released in 2019) with a specific target in mind—a takeoff weight light enough to avoid the $5 FAA drone registration fee. That meant making a quadcopter with a sub-250g weight, and the Mini came in at 249g, just short of 8.8 ounces. The original Mini was a solid concept, but its underpowered motors struggled on breezy days. The Mini 2 fixed that issue and featured a slightly better camera, but didn't do much otherwise to stand out from that first edition.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro, folded](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-23.jpg)
Although the folding Mini 3 Pro is much larger than the earlier Minis, it still makes the same 249g weight (with a battery). The Pro model uses a better camera with a wider angle and aperture; lossless digital zoom; an upward tilt, and the option to shoot 9:16 footage for Instagram Stories, TikTok, and other vertical video platforms. It also adds three-way obstacle sensors, a plus for pilots who want to fly the Mini 3 Pro closer to the ground in obstruction-rich environments.
The ultralight Mini 3 is closer to the older Mavic 2 Air in capabilities and price, but is more portable—globetrotters take note. The Mini 3 Pro doesn't offer everything that the Mavic 2 does, though; it can't match the Mavic 2's four-way obstacle sensors, and lacks that model's ADS-B AirSense transponder. If you live in an area with a lot of low-altitude air traffic—near a local airstrip, for example—pick a drone with AirSense.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro, rear view](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-10.jpg)
The Mini 3 Pro includes a modest 1.2GB of internal storage, so you can snap some photos and record video if you forget to bring a memory card. 4K video files can fill that limit quickly, however. We recommend adding a microSD card for storage; either a 32GB or 64GB card should be sufficient. Get a SanDisk Extreme card or another rated for V30 video speeds to avoid any operational slowdowns.
Configurations Galore
DJI sells the Mini 3 Pro in a few different kits, including a version without a remote control in the box. The bare-bones, drone-only Mini 3 Pro package ($669) is meant for customers who already own a compatible remote (the drone uses the same controller as the Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, and Air 2S). That configuration ships with a battery that DJI rates for 34 minutes of flight time; this standard battery also keeps the takeoff weight under the federal limit.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro, size comparison versus Godox V1 flash](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-4.jpg)
If you want to buy a kit with the basic DJI remote (the type that requires you to add a smartphone to see the camera view and run the DJI Fly control app), you need to spend $759. I spent the most time testing a third configuration that costs $909; it includes the new DJI RC remote, which sports a built-in screen and runs the flight app. That's a major advantage for photo enthusiasts who want a drone without dealing with a smartphone.
DJI also offers a pair of add-on battery kits: Fly More ($189) and Fly More+ ($249). The Fly More kit includes two of the 34-minute batteries, a multi-battery charger, and a carrying case. The More+ kit swaps the two batteries for extended run cells that push the maximum flight time to 47 minutes, but that also push the drone over the 249g federal limit.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro, in hand](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-22.jpg)
We're happy that DJI offers a battery with a longer runtime, but really wish it was the standard. The extra battery life makes the Mini 3 Pro a safer drone to fly—you're much, much less likely to need to make an emergency landing due to a low charge. This is a case of well-meaning safety regulations standing in the way of a safer product—with the extended battery, the Mini 3 Pro weighs 289.5g, which places it above the 249g threshold for FAA registration.
DJI's battery life estimates tend to be close to real-world results, but 34 or 47 minutes (depending on your choice of battery) is a best-case scenario. In test flights, I kept the drone flying for better than a half an hour with the extended battery, and had more than ten minutes to spare based on the flight app's estimates.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro sample image, aerial view of housing development](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-27.jpg)
If you prefer shorter flights, the standard battery won't disappoint, but again, we really wish DJI had tossed the 249g marketing out the window and made the better battery the standard option.
Which DJI Remote Should You Get for the Mini 3 Pro?
You have to factor in the remote control you want when you decide between the Mini 3 Pro configurations. The basic RC-N1 remote performs well, but requires you to clip in and connect an Android or iPhone handset to run the DJI Fly camera control app and perform firmware updates. If you think hooking up your phone is a nuisance or if you're living a smartphone-free life, you have another option: Buy the drone with the DJI RC remote.
![DJI RC-N1 remote with iPhone 13](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-21.jpg)
The RC bundle costs $150 more, though that's not surprising given its integrated screen and heavily skinned Android operating system. The 5.5-inch display supports touch input and showcases the DJI Fly app. Screen brightness is a little disappointing; at 700cd/m^2, it can be difficult to overpower glare on bright, sunny days. It's definitely a compromise when compared with the DJI RC Pro's ($1,199) 1,000cd/m^2 display or a modern flagship phone—the iPhone 13 Pro Max tops 1,000cd/m^2 at its maximum brightness in DisplayMate's tests. If you have a high-end smartphone already, its screen might be better than the DJI RC's.
I won't discount the convenience factor of the DJI RC, though. Taking the connect-your-phone step out of the preflight checklist is a benefit, though it comes with some caveats. Lack of access to on-screen maps is the biggest—the RC doesn't have an option to download and save offline maps, so you have to tether it to a Wi-Fi network or your phone's hotspot mode to see an on-screen map.
![DJI RC, front view](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-15.jpg)
Both remotes cover the basics, inclduing camera control wheels, removable flight sticks, USB-C charging, a speed control toggle switch, and a pause/return-to-home button to use in emergencies. It would be easy to recommend the DJI RC bundle if it had easy access to offline maps and a brighter screen, but you may still find it worth the extra money.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Safety Features
DJI loads a ton of safety features on its drones. The Mini 3 Pro, for instance, includes GPS/GLONASS positioning, automated return-to-home, and obstacle detection and avoidance. The wireless connection between the drone and remote is rock-solid, too. Everything works as expected, though I did note a lengthy 40-second lag in getting a GPS location lock after I powered on the drone.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro, front view](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-8.jpg)
The Mini 3 Pro also works with the DJI FlySafe geofence, a system that prevents flights in unauthorized locations. It's a useful tool to keep casual flyers out of inadvertent legal trouble, but licensed UAV operators may find the unlocking process to be a chore. If you prefer a drone without a hard geofence, check out the Autel Evo Nano+ ($949); we're still working on a review of that model, but it also comes in at 249g and offers comparable features.
The obstacle sensors are the big change compared with the Mini 2. The three-way system points directly front, behind, and below the 3 Pro. You can pick how the sensors work—they can stop the drone in place or automatically adjust its flight path to fly around obstructions using the Advanced Pilot Assist System 4.0 (APAS). I found APAS to be a winner in testing—the Mini 3 Pro easily moved around tree trunks when flying close to the ground, making it a good fit for point-of-view shots. The drone does tend to move upward if it sees an obstruction, though, so be extra careful when you fly it under trees.
I didn't have any concerns about flying the drone straight at me either, though you should make sure to double-check that the obstacle sensors are turned on if you try that trick—you can turn them off in the app and they're not available in the high-performance Sport mode. The Sport mode pushes the top speed higher—I saw the speedometer hit 34 miles per hour (mph) in testing—versus around 22mph in standard mode.
As we mentioned earlier, the Mini 3 Pro omits the AirSense sensor present in the Mavic Air 2, Air 2S, and Mavic 3. AirSense uses ADS-B tech to let you know if airplanes are flying nearby—if you're working in an area with frequent, low-altitude air traffic, the Air 2 or Air 2S are better options.
DJI Mini 3 Pro: A Very Capable Camera
![DJI Mini 3 Pro, close-up view of camera](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-9.jpg)
The Mini 3 Pro sports a new camera with a 24mm (full-frame equivalent) angle of view, wide aperture f/1.7 optics, and a clever gimbal that swaps between landscape and portrait orientation. Cinema purists may not appreciate vertical video, but it's the norm for popular social platforms, and the Mini 3 Pro can shoot for either medium. Photographers might appreciate the vertical option too, as it adds some versatility for framing landscapes and cityscapes. The lens is a little bright for daytime video, but videographers who want to maintain proper shutter angles can add neutral density filters. DJI offers a set of custom-fit ND16/64/256 filters for four, six, or eight stops of light reduction. The lens has a custom bayonet mount for the filters; a simple twist is all it takes to swap out the clear lens protector for ND.
The camera also supports upward tilt, a feature we last saw on the Parrot Anafi, so you can make more interesting compositions when you fly the drone low to the ground. The Mini 3 Pro's lens supports adjustable focus though, which is not common. It comes in handy—you can comfortably stand close enough to the Air 2 while it hovers and snap a selfie with a blurry, defocused background. You have to be careful not to record defocused footage, though—just tap the screen to refocus the lens if you have any doubts about the focus point.
A 48MP Quad Bayer sensor backs the camera lens. The high pixel count sounds impressive, but for most shots, you should opt to use its downsampled 12MP mode. The extra pixels in the 48MP files don't translate into a world of difference in image quality—just larger file sizes. You can use either resolution setting in JPG or DNG Raw format; use the latter if you intend to edit images in Adobe Lightroom or give them a different look with your favorite mobile app.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro sample image, JPG versus Raw comparison](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-25.jpg)
The extra pixels are useful for video—in addition to a wide-angle 4K view, the Mini 3 supports 2x digital zoom. It's not quite lossless—the zoomed-in view is a little soft compared with the crisp wide view—but it's very usable and a better argument for the 48MP sensor than extra-big photos. Slow motion is available too, but you need to drop down to 1080p to record 120fps video.
If you want to fine-tune images, Raw capture is available, but video profiles are comparatively limited. The Mini 3 Pro records in a basic color profile or the flat, low-contrast D-Cinelike one. You have some room to edit color and exposure with the latter profile because of its 10-bit color sampling, however, which puts the drone on even footing with models like the Air 2S.
The 10-bit option is available only with the flat D-Cinelike profile. The standard color profile (the only other one available) is an 8-bit format but still shows excellent dynamic range. DJI describes the video as HDR in marketing materials, though this profile uses the standard Rec709 color space, not the Rec2020 one that HDR displays use or the DJI Air 2S's HDR HLG profile. It makes for easier editing workflows, a plus for editors without a film school background. And even without Rec2020 support, the Mini 3's standard look preserves detail even in backlit environments—I expect the Quad Bayer filter array, the extra-bright f/1.7 aperture, and some tone mapping come into play here.
Going beyond the basics, the Mini 3 Pro supports Hyperlapse—a time-lapse shot with motion—with your choice of free flight, a circular orbit, or movement between set waypoints. It's a fun effect and available at resolutions up to 4K, but it requires a lot of flight time to get results—the 15-second clip above took about 15 minutes of flying time.
Both of DJI's automated shot types, Quick Shots and Master Shots, are options, too. Quick Shots are mostly for selfies and reveals—you identify your subject in the app (for the test video I used myself) and choose between a Drone, Rocket, Orbit, Corkscrew Orbit, Boomerang, or an Asteroid look. Most are available in 4K, but Asteroid, which mixes a reveal with a Little Planet panorama, is available only in 1080p.
Master Shots work a bit differently—after you pick a target, the Mini 3 pulls back and records several different camera movements in succession. You get one file from the sequence, so you need to pull out a specific movement using video editing software.
A Mighty Mini
DJI's Mini family has advanced quickly. We gave the original Mini a lukewarm reception due to underpowered flight motors and so-so camera capabilities. The Mini 2 addressed those gripes head-on, and remains our top recommendation for budget-minded UAV enthusiasts and creators with aerial aspirations. You won't find a better drone for under $500.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro sample image, aerial view of suburban neighborhood](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-26.jpg)
The Mini 3 Pro is another step up. We love the upgraded camera—the Quad Bayer sensor delivers sharp 12MP stills and solid 4K footage. The 48MP picture option doesn't offer huge advantages, but it does make digital zoom in video recordings possible. Furthermore, vertical video is an option for anyone who wants to use it, and the standard color profile offers enough dynamic range to handle backlit scenes.
The Mini 3 Pro supplants the Mavic Air 2 as our Editors' Choice winner for midrange drones, but we're giving it a slightly lower rating. We'd be over the moon if DJI dropped the 249g marketing schtick and simply included the extended life battery as the standard option. The cost of registration is nominal, and drone pilots must still complete a knowledge test and follow the rules of the air, even if only flying for fun; DJI could simply offer the lightweight battery as an accessory.
![DJI Mini 3 Pro in flight](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/03bFE1OppMKMmK2ViuyMTOC-18.jpg)
If you're turned off by the DJI brand, whether because of limitations imposed by FlySafe or for ideological reasons—DJI is a Chinese firm that the US Treasury flagged as a bad actor in the ongoing Uyghur genocide—you have other options to consider. The Autel Evo Nano+, another 249g model, promises similar imaging for $949, for instance. Autel is also a Chinese brand, but has not been singled out by US officials in the same manner as DJI. We're currently working on a review of that Nano+, but you can also look at the French-manufactured Parrot Anafi in the meantime. You need to register that model and it doesn't have obstacle sensors, though it does feature an upward-tilting 4K camera.