DJI Mini 3 In-Depth Review: Real Life Testing!

Here's everything you need to know before you buy the DJI Mini 3 (or, get the Mini 3 Pro instead!)

Today DJI has announced their latest (and least expensive) drone, the DJI Mini 3. This variant takes elements of the previous DJI Mini 3 Pro unit launched this past spring, and packages it up at a $469 price point – which is one of the cheapest price point a drone has ever been launched at from DJI. Albeit, that $469 is without the remote, but if you’ve already got a compatible DJI remote, then this option will save you some money (full pricing down below).

The DJI Mini 3 upgrades a number of features over the Mini 2, in particular by taking the entire camera design/gimbal from the Mini 3 Pro, which has native vertical shooting (meaning the whole camera gimbal rotates 90*), while also improving low-light performance with the new F/1.7 lens. Additionally, it’s got substantially increased battery life – up to 38 minutes with the regular battery, and up to 51 minutes with the higher capacity ‘Plus’ battery.

Of course, the lower price point of the Mini 3 compared to the Mini 3 Pro means a few things didn’t make the cut. Notably, this version has no obstacle avoidance sensors, nor ActiveTrack. It does still retain QuickShots (which has elements of ActiveTrack in it, as I show down below in the ‘Sports’ section. Additionally, the Mini 3 (base) lacks higher frame rates like 4K/60fps and 1080/120fps, while also lacking the higher 48MP still photo mode.

Here's everything you need to know!

0:00 Quick Overview
0:45 Pricing Explained
2:23 Camera Spec Increases
3:09 Gimbal Improvements & Vertical Video
4:09 Battery Times
4:32 No ActiveTrack
5:06 Sub-250 grams
6:04 No Obstacle Avoidance
6:38 Main Features Explained
7:49 Getting it into the air
9:16 Video during flight & Zoom
9:55 Photo modes & options
10:54 Controller Liveview
11:47 Transmission Range Tests
13:02 Battery Testing
13:48 Final Recommendations

#DJIMini3 #DJIMini #DJI

[angeldelgado]

Thank you for talking quickly and clearly. Kept me engaged and learning the entire time. Awesome vid

[vincentvega]

Wow, seems like yesterday i watched the gorgeous footage of the previous iteration of this drone. Thanks for the review and have a nice weekend.

[darkstepwarrior]

So much detailed info like the difference in streaming quality. Good job

[MrHitman]

Really fantastic review - answered all my questions - thank you

[Airbag]

I'm still rocking the mini 1 and remember back when I asked if you could include an anemometer at location for your wind tests and you actually did.. One of the reasons I still get excited and smash the like button whenever you post a new video.
Lucky to have found your great channel!

I wonder if it would fall within your expertise/experience to make a video on how gimbals work :)

[runaway]

Nice! Seems like a good beginners drone. Will watch more reviews on the Mini 3 but this video’s really helpful. Thanks you!

[StressLessCamping]

What a great, concise and thorough review. Thank you!

Also - OH MY GOSH you have some incredibly beautiful places near you. Wow.

[gradybetts]

This video was incredibly helpful. I’m trying to decide whether to purchase one of these and this helped so much. Thank you!

[mlegrand]

I never knew about bringing the sticks inward like that to make the drone take off. 🤯 Thanks for the quick tips Ray! 🙌

[conorrunner]

Always the best reviews! My first thought about so many products is 'what does DC Ray think about this thing!?'

[grahamniven]

Loved the 2CV, had a blue one years ago, a truly superb machine. 👍

[americanpatriot]

Thank you for this amazing video 👍 very helpful. Have a great day

[EpocaLibera]

That's the best review for mini 3 base I have met until now. I should add this to the comparison with the Pro version: While the mini 3 Pro overheats when not flying, the mini 3 base does NOT!

[ihackyourtoaster]

Thanks for the detailed review. I’m thinking of getting a Mini 3 for my brother who’s new to drones. I think this one’s a good choice.

[EdgarSnowSki]

Looks like perfect companion for air2s, in my scenario of skiing videos, I can carry this in the pocket and use it for selfy style shoots, air2s for more quality mountain landscapes.

[andrewbalcombe]

Hello and thanks for the excellent video. I see you're also living on the coast of the Netherlands. I'm in The Hague and also going to purchase the mini 3. Could you give me some advice about what test/paperwork or certificate I would need to pass in order to use the mini 3 for commercial purposes in NL? And also for stock footage and YouTube? Thanks a lot for any advice. Cheers AB

[mmbengs]

Awesome video! Taking your advice and going for the Mini 3 pro. Better controller and better crash avoidance- I hope👍😊

[lioraja]

useful thank you and best wishes for 2024

[rpjwhite]

Fun fact that red boat filmed earlier on has a fully gimballed walk way for working at windfarms.

[HenriVineFishing]

I just ordered the mini 3 to help the quality of my youtube videos. It will be my first drone. Hopefully I don't regret not getting the pro with the obstacle avoiding. Great review! I'm anxious for mine to arrive!