Compact quadcopter DJI Mini 3 Pro

Compact quadcopter DJI Mini 3 Pro

DJI has expanded its line of miniature drones with the introduction of the Mini 3 Pro. Compared to its predecessor Mini 2, the third generation has undergone a number of major changes to most components. This is indicated by the “Pro” prefix, which clearly indicates the advanced and top-end characteristics of the copter. Let's try to figure out in detail what's new for users in the Mini 3 Pro!

During test flights, the drone demonstrated top performance indicators. But the model has a compact folding body. This makes it easy to use the Mini 3 Pro on location shoots. An updated camera matrix, a new security system, and an abundance of smart modes are an ideal solution for both beginners and advanced pilots.

The improved Mini 3 Pro camera opens up new possibilities for creativity! A camera module with improved aperture, digital zoom without loss of quality, HDR support and high resolution allows you to create bright, unique and inimitable content. And the ability to change landscape orientation to portrait orientation was made specifically for those who like to post captured content on social networks without post-editing.

Of course, the price tag of the new product turned out to be a little higher than expected. And, naturally, it differs from the starting price of the Mini 3. However, it is worth understanding that you will have to fork out for the abundance of advanced technologies and high performance.

What's new in DJI Mini 3 Pro?  

DJI has carried out a fairly extensive list of updates, presenting exactly the product that many users wanted to see. Engineers managed to 'pack' advanced technological solutions into a compact body. This step made it possible to make the drone as mobile and easy to transport as possible. It does not take up much space, it is convenient to visit various locations and shoot in the desired format.

Main updates of the new Mini 3 Pro:

• The redesigned case design has become more modern and sophisticated;
• The updated shape of the propellers has improved aerodynamic performance;
• The new camera sensor is 1/1.3-inch CMOS with f/1.7 aperture;
• Create a photo with a resolution of 48 megapixels;
• Video shooting in 4K/60 resolution;
• Supports HDR mode when shooting 4K/30;
• Adjustable gimbal supporting horizontal and vertical orientation;
• Optional D-Cinelike support;
• OcuSync 3.0 technology supporting data transmission with a range of up to 8 km;
• Advanced dual-view obstacle detection sensors;
• Updated Active Track 4.0 technology for dynamic shooting;
• Redesigned FocusShots and MasterShots smart packages;
• Possibility of using various modifications of batteries that provide 34 and 47 minutes of flight;
• Updated DJ RC controller with touch display.

In terms of functionality and performance, the DJI Mini 3 is almost identical to the Mavic 2 Air. But high portability clearly wins. And they become convenient for those who like to move around locations or often do on-location shooting.

Design and updated design features

Despite the abundance of technological solutions, DJI managed to stay in the “weight category” of miniature drones. The DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs 249 grams when using a standard battery. The folding design of the support beams makes the copter very convenient and practical for transportation. It can easily fit into any bag or briefcase.

Portability is one of the most important advantages of the new product. To use, just unfold the beams and the drone is ready to take off. This is a very convenient option for novice pilots. Which greatly expands the scope of use of DJI Mini 3 Pro to solve the following tasks:

• Amateur photography;
• Blogging;
• Commercial flights;
• Conducting visual inspections of the area;
• Photographing various events and activities.

The updated body design has improved aerodynamic performance. The redesigned design of the copter has improved the performance of some modules. For example, expand the viewing angle of obstacle detection sensors. The update of the blades played an important role. They have become larger in size, and the new shape has good aerodynamic properties. Which has a positive effect on flight quality and safety. In particular, wind resistance has improved.

An important innovation was the redesigned three-axis gimbal. It is mounted directly into the body, which allows for better control of the camera angle. In particular, change the shooting orientation from landscape to portrait. The large tilt angle opens up new perspectives for creativity. And, of course, the gimbal stabilization is “at the top” - no extraneous noise, rattling or other negative factors.

But the internal memory capacity of the DJI Mini 3 is quite modest, given the high resolution of the camera. The built-in memory (1, 2 GB) will run out faster than the battery has time to discharge. However, this issue can be resolved by using an additional microSD of the required volume. And for active users it is advisable to have several memory cards.

Flight characteristics

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has some pretty impressive flight characteristics. The user can count on good stability, high speed, and a signal transmission range of up to 8 km. OcuSync 3.0 technology supports shooting in 1080p resolution. The picture is very high quality and detailed. Especially when you consider that the camera lens has been updated and become larger. The user has 3 speed modes available: C, N and S.

Let's take a closer look at the technical flight characteristics of the Mini 3 Pro:

• Mode C. Speed indicators: acceleration 22 km/h, climb - 7.2 km/h, descent 5.5 km/h.
• Mode N. Speed indicators: acceleration 36 km/h, climb - 11 km/h, descent 11 km/h.
• Mode S. Speed indicators are 58 km/h, climb - 18 km/h, descent - 18 km/h.
• The fifth level of wind resistance stability. Withstands wind speeds in the range of 8.5–10.5 m/h.
• Battery life. Directly depends on the model of battery used. The standard battery provides up to 34 minutes of flight time. In the Pro version, the time is increased to 47 minutes.

In general, most of the characteristics are on the same level in the entire line of semi-professional amateur drones from DJI. After all, they can be used for both personal and commercial purposes, solving a wide range of problems.

Intelligent flight safety system

The DJI Mini 3 Pro has dual-view sensors on three sides - front, rear and side. Controlled by intelligent algorithms, they effectively scan the environment, drawing a 3D map of the area. This allows the copter to navigate well in space and avoid collisions. New dual view sensors provide superior visualization of your surroundings.

By updating the body planes, it was possible to achieve a wider viewing angle. The scanning range of the front and rear sensors is 25 meters, and the bottom one is 9 meters. The updated APAS 4.0 pilot assistance system will maximize flight safety by eliminating accidents and collisions.

Wide-angle camera with adjustable gimbal

First of all, the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone is focused on aerial photography and creating bright and attractive content. And its level is so high that it is ideal for commercial use. Content can be published without post-processing; it is of quite decent quality. And if you need to make changes, you can do it without any problems.

A large 1/1.3-inch CMOS matrix with an f/1.7 aperture and a pixel size of 2.4 microns is installed on board. The wide-angle camera gives the user access to all advanced technologies - double ISO, direct output to HDR mode, optional D-Cinelike support.

Wide dynamic range processing of each frame provides ideal detail and high image quality. Particularly when shooting in low light conditions. D-Cinelike technology allows you to process frames and achieve the desired color solutions.

A unique solution was the adjustment of the gimbal angle, which significantly expands the range of lens movement. Shooting photos and videos in both landscape and portrait modes opens up wide boundaries for creativity. Shooting from a lower angle is available when the camera is pointed as high as possible. DJI has not previously offered such solutions in this drone segment.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone supports a maximum resolution of 48 MP for photos, and 4K/60 for video recording. Photos can be created in both JPG and RAW format. HDR mode supports recording speeds of no more than 30 fps. Slow motion recording is available with a resolution of 1080p/120. Digital zooming is supported without loss of quality. In 4K mode it is 2x, and in 1080p mode it is 4x.

Functionality for intelligent filming in Mini 3 Pro

Intelligent modes are the highlight for which users prefer high-tech drones. Using intelligent algorithms, you can flexibly control flight settings and content shooting. Changing the shooting orientation from horizontal to vertical is one of the proprietary intelligent modes of the Mini 3 Pro.

MasterShots mode allows you to automate the process of shooting the desired scene. Which is incredibly useful not only for beginners, but also for more experienced pilots. It is enough to point the camera at the desired object, and the embedded intelligent algorithms independently perform the necessary actions. Convenient, practical and effective for creating unique photo and video content.

Special attention should be paid to the updated FocusTrack package of intelligent shooting algorithms. It includes advanced modes for smart shooting:

• ActiveTrack 4.0 technology . The updated version has significantly improved the object tracking algorithm. Especially if he disappeared from the frame and you need to find him again. It was this algorithm that was developed and improved, which solved one of the main problems of the previous version. Namely, the loss of an object in the frame. In turn, this includes two object tracking modes - Trace and Parallel. In the first case, the drone does not follow the object, but tracks its movement. And in the second case it follows at a given distance.
• Spotlight 2.0 function . Allows you to effectively hold the object in the camera, while providing access to manual control for the user. Suitable for more experienced and advanced pilots.
• Point of Interest 3.0 feature . Automatic mode of following points set on the map. In particular, it is used to track and fly around necessary objects.

Intelligent shooting functions are represented by the following gentlemanly set:

• Dronie. Flying up, it flies back, keeping the object in the center of the frame. The user can set the height.
• Rocket. It flies up sharply, with the object in the center of the frame. The user can set the desired height.
• Boomerang. It flies around the object along an oval trajectory, capturing it in the frame. Reminds me of the flight path of a boomerang.
• Circle. It flies around the object in a circle, making sure to fix the cameras on it.
• Helix. It flies up along a spiral trajectory, keeping the desired object in the frame.

Branded controller with touch display

The updated DJ RC remote control is equipped with a 5.5-inch touchscreen display with a screen resolution of 1080p. The maintained brightness level will be sufficient for comfortable reading of information. Particularly in bright sunlight. Autonomy is up to 4 hours of operation. The proprietary DJ Fly application is preinstalled, which allows you to flexibly edit content. Therefore, it has its own memory and a microSD slot. Data transmission delay is 120 ms. This is a very respectable indicator.

As an alternative remote control, the RC-N1 is used, which is also compatible with a number of other drone models from DJI. In particular, Mini 2. You can use a smartphone as a screen, since there is the necessary clamp for installation. Convenient and ergonomic controls, nothing superfluous.

Both controllers have a good video data transfer rate of 18 Mbps.

Two versions of smart batteries

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is designed to use two different batteries, DJI Intelligent Flight Battery and DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Pro. The key difference between them is weight and battery life.

• The standard one provides autonomy up to 34 minutes flight.
• Extended with the Pro prefix - up to 47 minutes of flight. And the weight is 40 grams more.

In terms of other flight characteristics, they are absolutely identical. But due to the increase in autonomy, the overall weight of the drone suffers. The weight of the drone increases to 289 grams.


DJI Mini 3 Pro configurations: what's available?


The DJI Mini 3 Pro copter is available in three configuration options, which are practically no different from each other.

All their differences lie in the copter control panel. The following variations are currently available:

• Without remote control.
• With RC-N1 controller without screen.
• Branded DJI RC control panel with 5.5-inch screen.

All kits are equipped with a minimum base:

• Spare set of propellers;
• Cables for transmitting information;
• Charging for the copter and remote control;
• A screwdriver.