The all-new DJI Mini 3 is here! But wait, doesn’t the DJI Mini 3 PRO already exist? That’s right, however the new Mini 3 is a budget-friendly drone option that’s more affordable and accessible for first time flyers. Let’s take a look and see how the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro stack up against each other.
Spec Comparison
Love diving deep into the spec sheet? We do too! Check out the all-important numbers you need to know
| DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini 3 Pro | |
| Weight | 249 g | 249 g |
| Max Flight Time | 38 mins 51 mins w. Plus Battery |
34 mins 47 mins w. Plus Battery |
| Max Speed | 57 KM/h | 57 KM/h |
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3" | 1/1.3" |
| Photo Performance | 12 MP | 48 MP RAW |
| Video Performance | 4K/30fps 1080p/60fps |
4K/60fps 1080p/120fps |
| Video Transmission | O2 (OcuSync 2.0) | O3 (OcuSync 3.0) |
| Max Video Range | 10 KM | 12 KM |
| RC Compatibility | DJI RC-N1 DJI RC |
DJI RC-N1 DJI RC |
| Retail Price | From $1188 | From $1119 |
DJI Mini 3 vs DJI Mini 3 Pro: Camera Performance
A drone’s camera is often the biggest reason for many pilots to purchase a drone. With more and more people creating content to share with friends and family on social media or using drones for work, a drone’s camera is probably the first thing you check out.
DJI Mini 3
Key Specs
Sensor Size: 1/1.3” CMOS | Photo: 12MP | Photo Formats: RAW, JPG
Video: 4K/30fps, 1080p/60fps | HDR | Vertical Shooting
Despite being aimed at beginner drone pilots, the DJI Mini 3 is absolutely no slouch when it comes to camera performance. With its large 1/1.3” CMOS sensor - the same size as Mini 3 Pro - DJI Mini 3 delivers 4K/30fps video or 12 MP stills for photographers. The camera performance is enhanced by dual native ISO, HDR imaging and a lowlight-friendly F/1.7 lens. This means that you’ll be able to capture incredible, share-worthy content even when you’re learning the basics of flight.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Key Specs
Sensor Size: 1/1.3” CMOS | Photo: 48 MP | Photo Formats: RAW, JPG
Video: 4K/60fps, 1080p/120fps | HDR | Vertical Shooting
Sporting the same large 1/1.3” sensor size as the DJI Mini 3, DJI Mini 3 Pro captures the most detail of any DJI Mini drone. The Mini 3 Pro elevates the photo quality of the Mini 3 four-fold, delivering 48 MP stills compared to the 12 MP stills of the DJI Mini 3.
The Mini 3 Pro also features higher maximum frame rates when recording in different resolutions, allowing aerial cinematographers to capture with more flexibility. Mini 3 Pro supports 4K/60fps recording and 1080p/120fps video for when you want to capture in super slow-motion.
Additionally, DJI Mini 3 Pro allows for greater video quality with support for the H.265 video recording codec that is more data rich and provides greater flexibility when it's time to edit your videos. Mini 3 Pro also supports D-Cinelike video recording, resulting in richer colours.
Similarities and Differences
While they feature the same sensor size, the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro cameras are different in small but significant ways. At first glance, you may think they provide the same performance, however there are a few key technical factors you may want to consider.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro performs better in lowlight environments compared to DJI Mini 3 with a higher maximum camera ISO.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro supports recording in the H.265 video codec and thus produces video that is richer in data compared to Mini 3. If you want the best image quality possible on a Mini drone, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the only Mini drone that supports H.265.
- Both drones deliver the same video resolution recording of 1080p HD, 2.7K and 4K, however only the DJI Mini 3 Pro supports higher frame rates with the DJI Mini 3 capped at 60fps.
Read More: Introducing DJI Mini 3 Pro: The Most Advanced Mini Drone Ever
Flight Performance
Flight performance is a key consideration when picking a drone, it is a flying object after all! This is especially important when opting for a smaller drone like the DJI Mini 3 series or when buying as a beginner pilot. Let’s see how the flight performance of the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro compare.
DJI Mini 3
Key Specs
Flight Time: 38 minutes (up to 51 minutes) | Top Speed: 57 KM/h
Max Range: 10 KM | Transmission: O2
When it comes to flight performance, the entire DJI fleet is as consistent as they come. If you’ve ever flown a DJI drone before, you’ll feel right at home piloting the new Mini 3. Despite its small stature, DJI Mini 3 reaches top speeds of 57 KM/h and has Level 5 Wind Resistance to stay stable even in rough weather.
The DJI Mini 3 sports the longest flight time of any drone in the DJI Mini family with a massive 38 minutes of flight time. When paired with the DJI Mini 3 Series Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, DJI Mini 3 exceeds the maximum flight time of even the flagship Mavic 3 series with up to 51 minutes of flight time. Insane!
What about flight range? When it comes to flight range and video transmission, the DJI Mini 3 is powered by DJI O2 (OcuSync 2.0), the same image transmission protocol that powered the professional pilots with the Mavic 2 series. O2 enables you to fly up to 10 KM while retaining stable video connection.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Key Specs
Flight Time: 34 minutes (up to 47 minutes) | Top Speed: 57 KM/h
Max Range: 12 KM | Transmission: O3
DJI Mini 3 Pro is remarkably similar to its younger brother when it comes to flight performance. The Mini 3 Pro reaches speeds up to 57 KM/h and has a flight time of 34 and 47 minutes with the Mini 3 Intelligent Flight Battery and Intelligent Flight Battery Plus respectively. The DJI Mini 3 Pro also performs well in wind with its Level 5 Wind Resistance rating.
DJI Mini 3 Pro is the first and only DJI Mini series drone to feature the new DJI O3 (OcuSync 2.0) transmission system which transmits high-quality video directly from the drone to your connected remote control. DJI O3 supports an extended flight range of 12KM and a transmission bit rate of 18 Mbps through 2.4 and 5.8 GH frequency bands for the most reliable video transmission possible.
Similarities and Differences
Battery life and flight time is one area where the DJI Mini 3 outperforms its pro counterpart. Due to the slightly bulkier design of the Mini 3 Pro, more drag is produced during flight, making the Mini 3 Pro a slightly less efficient flyer. This means that even though they share the same battery, then Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro have different maximum flight times. DJI Mini 3 Pro caps out at 34 minutes of flight time or 47 minutes with a plus battery whilst Mini 3 lasts for 38 and 51 minutes respectively.
When it comes to flight range, the Mini 3 Pro exceeds the range of Mini 3 by 2 KM by utilising the more recent DJI O3 transmission protocol. In reality, this increase in range will make little difference to your flight experience as it is exceedingly rare for pilots to exceed a range of one kilometre, let alone 10.
However, DJI O3 on the Mini 3 Pro does offer a far improved video transmission bitrate, resulting in smoother video. This means that the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s video transmission is more reliable and consistent in terms of video quality.
Read More: Must Have Accessories for DJI Mini 3 Pro
