The new DJI Mini 3 is for beginners but packed with pro features

If you are looking for a beginner drone, I highly recommend you check it out Brand new DJI Mini 3the successor to the very popular small 2and a very capable entry-level version Mini3 Pro.

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I make no secret of the fact that out of all my drones, Mini 3 Pro is my favorite (yes, even beat mavic 3). I love the portability and freedom that the sub-249g compact drone offers.

The Mini 3 uses many of the good points of the Mini 3 Pro, adding more battery life and dropping the starting price by $200.

DJI Mini 3 . Specifications

• take-off weight: 248g
• Maximum horizontal speed: 16 meters/second
• Maximum flight time: 38 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery/51 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (sold separately)
• Maximum wind speed: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
• Image sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 12 megapixel
• lens: field of view 82.1°, 24mm equivalent, f/1.7
• Image format: JPEG/DNG (ORIGINAL)
• Maximum video resolution: 4K (3840×2160)@24/25/30 fps
• Sensor: downwards

So what you get when you buy the Mini 3 is a stable, flight-capable 4K/12 megapixel camera with a theoretical range of 10 km (far beyond what you should carry) and a fixed flight time. level is 38 minutes with the included battery and 51 minutes with optional Smart mode Flight Battery Pack Plus.

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In my experience, DJI’s quoted flight times are very upbeat, and I’d say you’ll get real-world flight times closer to 28/40 minutes.

It’s still a very good flight time.

Standard kit comes with DJI RC-N1 the controller does not have a screen (you use your smartphone), but there is an option to upgrade to DJI remote control controller with built-in display increases the price by $140.

There is also a “Extra flight combo” optionally adds two 38-minute Smart Airplane Batteries, a two-way charger, a shoulder bag, a spare propeller, and more.

So, where is Mini 3 different? Mini3 Pro?

Well, in exchange for a few more minutes of flight time, you lose two main things: 4K recording at 60 frames per second and forward facing/reading sensors.

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Yes, like the Mini 2, the Mini 3 does not have an obstacle avoidance sensor and only has a downward sensor for landing. While I never trust sensors, they are great to have, especially when flying near trees or around buildings.

Are those sensors worth the extra $200? That’s for you to decide. Or do you want to save more money and choose small 2starting at $449?