DJI Mini 3 Pro: The Complete Beginners Guide

Here's your massive DJI Mini 3 Pro complete beginners guide, covering end-to-end all the features, including both the DJI RC as well as the standard DJI RC-N1 controller. Buy the Mini 3 Pro here (amzn.to/3FC9ye9), link helps support the channel!
Here's the full topic list, though in reality, it's far deeper than that, with tons of DJI Mini 3 Tips & Tricks along the way.
Oh, many of you have asked what SD card I use, here's the exact 256GB card I use for all my action cams and drones: amzn.to/3l6Efyo
I've placed some sample photos (JPG/DNG) as well as some sample footage here. All unedited: www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/al6lrp...
0:00 Quick Overview & Intro
0:46 Remote Controller & Battery Options
3:05 Drone Hardware (Gimbal, Sensors, Basics)
5:55 Pre-Takeoff Critical Items
8:07 Taking off & Flying Basics
13:08 Obstacle Avoidance/Sensing & APAS
16:08 Video Modes Explainer
22:25 Photo Modes Explainer
25:56 Vertical Shooting Options
27:33 Spotlight & POI Modes
31:58 QuickShots Usage
34:01 MasterShots Feature
36:27 HyperLapse Modes
39:22 Active Track (Follow-Me)
44:34 Sport Mode (Fast Flying)
45:55 Hand-Catching A Drone
47:39 Gallery and Downloading
48:47 Wrap-Up
---
The Site ► www.dcrainmaker.com
Main Camera ► amzn.to/2EWbhMA
Action Cam ► amzn.to/3zs3QZ2
The Drone ► amzn.to/3FC9ye9
All Camera Gear ► dcra.in/DCRCamera
Instagram ► / dcrainmaker
Facebook ► / dcrainmaker
Twitter ► / dcrainmakerblog
Strava ► / strava
Most Music ► player.epidemicsound.com/#/
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this channel a lot. Thanks!
#DJIMini3 #DJIMini3Pro #Mini3Pro

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hey folks, thanks for watching! Many have asked what SD card I use. Here's the exact 256GB card I buy for all my drones/cams: amzn.to/3l6Efyo

[@LJ-jq8og]

Why not use a larger card ? If we want a larger card what would be the maximum size you would buy ?? And why ? I would think while out "in the field" you would not want to have to be changing cards constantly ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@LJ-jq8og The largest the unit supports is 512GB (officially anyways, perhaps it supports 1TB, but I don't have any of those cards sitting around to try it out). For me, the 256GB cards kinda fit the bill perfectly in terms of storage capacity vs price. The 512 Extreme cards cost about $110 or so, versus these are $35ish. For simple math, at 4K/30 HDR, that gives you about 7.5hrs of footage. Which is a lot of flights, especially since you're likely not shooting 100% of the time in the air in 4K/30. But to each their own!

[@LJ-jq8og]

@@Dcrainmaker Excellent, got it ! Thank you so much ! 🙏

[@JasonScarborough1]

I agree! Any chance you could do a deep dive into the remote controller? It's new and there's not much on KZbin about it yet

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@JasonScarborough1 Yup! I was looking to do perhaps a deep-dive on features, but somewhat comparative to the DJI RC Pro in terms of what's offered there. Or, maybe it'll just be a deep-dive for the DJI RC itself. I've got most of the details written up already, so might be a weekend project.

[@HlGHPlNG]

I don't own a drone, or even have plans to get one in the near future... and yet, I still just spent an hour watching your whole video. I think that says a lot about the quality of the content here. It was very interesting to learn about the current capabilities of a consumer drone. You did an excellent job of conveying all the info. I not only think I have a pretty full understanding of the use of this drone now, but you also gave some great info that seems it would apply to drones in general. Two thumbs up, sir.

[@edwardboyer7102]

Mr I'm gambling I'm 50 + yrs old an I asked my ex wife for one she ain't texted back but I think this guy my get me one

[@joeljewkes2883]

@@edwardboyer7102😂😂😂😂

[@D-Rock21]

Dam wife's can't live w them can't live without. 😂happy wife happy life😅 fuck the women get one of these drones lmao 😂

[@nicksavage4763]

You don’t because of The cost 💲 and your Priorities

[@strikelegend57]

@@nicksavage4763or they just do not want one.

[@poistal0331]

I’m 57 yrs old and still amazed at the speed of technology and the things we can do with it! Im about to get the drone you are flying and thank you for making it simple and easy for me to use!

[@digibloei]

how did you get on? :)

[@oldfisherman5112]

I'm 67 and just ordered the same one today. My first drone. Can't wait to get it in the air

[@ItsJustMeSmiley]

THE most complete functional Video out there!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@memoirsinmotion]

FINALLY! Someone who is not a “color grading” snob!!! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!

[@rodc271]

Superb, DJI should use you for their training videos.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...thanks Rod!

[@midafricam]

Awesome interesting and in depth

[@Gunjji]

Agreed, exceptionally made video guide.

[@vacowboy75]

Wholeheartedly agree!

[@dreamrestore213]

Pathetic.... You did see him land in grass right..?? Moron

[@rudyr5396]

Very informative tutorial . Clear, easy to follow and understand and covers basics to get started with the drone. Excellent !

[@esanford]

Thanks so much..... this is an outstanding video because, unlike so many others, you get to the point quickly without a lot of "wasted talk". Your pace is fast enough to keep me interested and still providing great detail.

[@ramonrodriguez905]

Hands down the best beginner tutorial on KZbin!! Thank you! (I am going keep watching this over-and-over)

[@richardwheeler2410]

Complete beginners guide is an understatement. Thanks for putting this all together. A lot of information to process but easy to follow. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@JustDisc]

There are a lot of videos about the mini 3 breaking things down, and this one is my favorite. You are not annoying and go straight to the points. Thank you!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Great Video Ray! Im tempted by this now, looks to have more than my needs

[@john-paull8608]

Incredibly helpful video, really well done. Thank you for all the tips!

[@zelzele666]

Hands down one of the best tutorial videos I have seen in a loooong time! Amazing job and thanks for sharing. I ordered mine yesterday and this video was the most helpful!

[@superflink]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I've just bought this drone and your video made everything clear to me (much better than the user manual), I'm excited to get it out and make all the shots I want without that feeling of being overwhelmed with modes and settings!

[@tarynkorang8519]

Wow! Great tutorial, covered everything I could possibly need to know and some! Thank you!

[@jeffosborne1147]

Great video. I think I’ll watch it a few times. Very good on learning more on drone and settings. Thanks

[@jwstanley83]

I ordered a drone but was on the fence about it. Wasn’t sure if it was a smart purchase or not. This video is extremely long but I wanted to make sure I knew how to use my new expensive purchase so I sit down and watched this video. I must say, I am blown away by how great of a video this is and all of the features the drone has. This video really sold me on the drone and helped me to see all of the things I can truly do with it. Thank you!!!

[@alilykat]

Thank you for coming out with one of the more thorough guides. So many mini 3 videos coming out at the same time but this one stands out. Pre-ordered my drone!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! Awesome, enjoy it!

[@keithwillis675]

Great tutorial and guide which has been so helpful. I liked the pace you went through everything and will now be able to get a lot out of my drone. Well done and thank you

[@belzvon]

What an awesome video. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!

[@stormboy8544]

I think what makes this such a good tutorial video is you assumed that we know nothing about drones so you covered all areas on how to use this drone and drones in general. I feel like alot of people would say for example "dont take off from metal" where you actually explained why. Thank you

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - much appreciated!!!!

[@Tidomir]

This being my first drone, I must thank you in advance and say you saved me a few blades, as I did not clearly understand obstacle avoidance till I saw your video. Excellent video. Clear, concise and to the point. Keep up the great work!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@grizzle1629]

If i get the mini 4pro for my first drone, do you think that would be good or stick with the 3 mini pro? Do you have a video with a comparison of the 2? Thanks man

[@Tidomir]

@@grizzle1629 newer is always better if money is not a problem, otherwise Mini 3 pro is still a great drone that will give you tons of fun and great shots!

[@mttroutaholic]

Great video! So informative. Thank you for taking the time to put this together for all us beginners!

[@jessiec4128]

Thank you for this video. Very good having all the info you provided.

[@mlegrand]

Great video as always Ray! Beautiful footage of all of the windmills, beach running and cycling. 👌

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Matt!

[@cheesequaked]

Bro, this level of content has covered everything I wanted to learn about this specific drone and I feel sooo much more confident in purchasing it now that I've watched your video! 😭💕💕👏 Thank you so much, I've subscribed!

[@billthomson7468]

Such an excellent comprehensive tutorial, also no frills just straight through all the functions . I’ll be revisiting this a lot! All tutorials should be like this. Many thanks.

[@davecarr7804]

Thank you for this great tutorial. Never realized the drone had so much more options on it. Happy Videoing!

[@gaidin58]

Awesome video, learned more watching you in 49 minutes than hours with other creators. You're great!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!!!

[@lescrumbie2588]

The bestest most informative video I've seen. I've joined groups on Facebook and when you ask a question they get smart and judgemental. Give thanks and please continue with the teaching.

[@ruthless964]

Bestest? What are you 6 years old?

[@nicholasdoneen7860]

This was the best instructional video! I just ordered my mini 3 pro and cannot wait to use it! Thanks for making such an informative video!

[@PatchedBandit]

The software in these things is IMPRESSIVE!

[@robertmauhar3361]

Hi, I also found this video in the link on your high wind video. I’m glad that I did. I just ordered a mini 3 pro yesterday from DJI at it's launch. This will be my first drone. I am a commercially licensed fixed-wing, glider, and free balloon pilot plus I shoot still photography professionally (currently horse racing). Even with this background, I find challenges in learning remote controlled aero video photography stimulating but sometimes overwhelming (and not having the drone in hand to practice with is not making learning easy). Your video instruction is by far the clearest and most complete that I have yet to view, thank you.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@jeffmoore3995]

Excellent video! Watched every second. Mini Pro will be delivered in just a couple days. Thanks for posting this.

[@deadagainjeff]

Such a good video. So much information. Delivered in such a way to not overload the watcher. Thanks.

[@HoustonCanuck]

Super interesting. Subscribed and liked. Thank you! I've been really wanting a drone ever since the first Mavic came out, but never pulled the trigger on my first drone. This one seems like finally is the one for me. I'll be watching your stuff alot while I wait for shipping

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@godkiller3429]

It’s amazing how this tiny drone can have strong functions like a big drone. Mini 3 Pro is good for both beginners and the pros.

[@beeDUB75]

Thanks man, really informative video. I'm a step closer to being tempted into one of these.

[@kevinforth7618]

Thanks, EXCELLENT overview. I just ordered one of these today - should arrive today, too. Will be a fun first photography drone.

[@SLOPPY1001]

Wow, I was glued to this video from bigging to end. Very impressed by your presentation, easy to understand and looks a superb drone to boot. Thanks so much. Subscribed 😁👍

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Me too. So much useful information packed in to this video. I need to watch it another couple of times until it all sinks in to my ancient brain😅

[@williamcherry4598]

L

[@gibsonrocker17]

Thank you so much for this! Just ordered one for myself and am super excited to become proficient with it. Honestly, one of the things I'm most impressed with in your video is how well it's handling the wind and how good the gimbal stabilization is. Given the fact the wind is quite audible in your mic, I'm assuming you probably had 15-20mph winds that day while you were recording. I'll be interested to see how it does in my own usage, since I live in Utah and it's relatively rare to have a calm day out here. I won't use it on any crazy wind days, but I'm very interested in learning this new skill... Plus, I'll need to learn another skill with video editing. Fortunately, I'm already proficient in photo editing, but it's cool to jump head first into a new realm!

[@blacktalkradiotv]

AWSOME! AWSOME!! AWSOME!!! Extremely well done and informative - you are the MAN!

[@alexanderfitzwater9511]

Loved it! Appreciate your clarity & in depth knowledge on all the functions. Time to fly!

[@KarlRock]

Thanks mate! I just upgraded. Mastershots is cool. You shot this in a very beautiful location!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Karl! Good call, and indeed, Mastershots is great for tons of things!

[@Borex2]

Hello Karl Rock I remember watching your video where they took you drone alway in india, I'm going to india too soon.

[@frost7724]

@@Dcrainmakerdoes the drone include an sd card ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@frost7724 Generally not, but it really depends on the exact bundle purchased. I've linked one up above/here, that I use in all my drones: amzn.to/3TakpnJ

[@DanielBerke]

Thanks for this and your other videos, I'm planning on getting the Mini 3 as my first drone (mostly for landscape photography/videography here in Hawaii). I've spent a few minutes flying other peoples' drones, but that's a far cry from owning my own so it's good to have a "first timer" tutorial.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it! And lucky you on the Hawaii choice. I was looking at some drone regulation maps there a few days ago for a potential trip later this year, are there many state-driven no-fly zones to worry about (for parks), that might not show up on the FAA ones?

[@DanielBerke]

@@Dcrainmaker Oh, nice! With the caveat that I'm on Hawaiʻi island (the Big Island), so that's what I know best: the big ones I know of are the two national parks (Hawai'i Volcanoes NP and Haleakalā NP) on Hawaiʻi and Maui islands, which don't show up on either the FAA map or DJI's geofencing as no-fly zones. I also noticed while I was at Maunakea in November that there were no-drone signs posted both at the visitor information station (2.8 km) and the summit (~4 km), so it's possible the entire Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (which covers the area around the summit down to approximately 3 km) is off-limits. DJI's map shows a few more places such as military installations that aren't listed on the FAA map, but that's all the unlisted places I'm aware of at the moment. If I find any more once I'm out and about with my new drone (ordered two days ago!) I'll drop another reply.

[@Andre_Zanella]

Amazing video. Thank you for putting some time into that. Give us more confidence to buy one.

[@ahmetaygun1834]

Very clear explanations to all of our questions. Thanks for taking the time buddy. loved it!

[@skysurfmedia]

Fantastic insight to the Mini 3, this IS the most thorough content I've seen on the M3, well done!! Masterclass of information, correctly reemphasising the risk of no side sensors for all newcomers. Suberb 👏👏

[@Dcrainmaker]

Much appreciated!

[@tatish4k]

@@Dcrainmaker hello. can i buy this drone and also buy goggles and let it fly and experience like fpv drones?

[@Rob_1010]

Really great video, I’m switching from the Mavic 2 Pro to Mini 3 Pro due to UK regulations etc and so wanted to learn more about how the DJI Fly app worked. Only thing I would say is that I wouldn’t recommend flipping the drone to stop it when hand landing, it puts extra strain on the motors which isn’t needed. I generally hold my hand underneath, then push down on the stick to land it directly into my hand, keep holding down until the motors stop, as if it were a normal ground landing. Other than loved the video and very helpful.

[@TekMonkHD]

+1 for landing in hand and pressing down on thumb stick to land. It shuts the motors off almost immediately and dont risk catchin your wrist with a prop too.

[@temax]

@@TekMonkHD COuld you guys explain this better? What exactly do you press down? What is the thumb stick? Thanks!

[@TekMonkHD]

@@temax it’s the left joystick, pulling towards your body (down). Just keep holding it down after you put your hand out and it will land in your hand and props turn off. Hope that helps!

[@keithstewart7514]

I GRASP my m3pro from the backside on each side by the battery compartment.

[@steveholland2742]

Excellent beginners guide. Its given me a heap of useful info and now I'm going to go and give it a try. Thanks

[@thebimblingphotographer]

Fantastic beginner video! I have just bought my first mini 3 pro and this will help me no end! Thank you !!

[@cdflong]

The DJI Mini 3 will be my first drone and this video has given me so many great tips and tricks, and the confidence that'll be able to master it in no time!! Thank you so much!!

[@Joe-kx7bl]

My first drone was the DJI FPV about two months ago. Love it but now I’m ready for the further capabilities of the mini 3

[@LairdDavidson]

It will be my first one also. When I read the onerous restrictions on flying the larger drones in the UK I cancelled my order. The mini 2 didn't cut it for me but the mini 3 has almost everything I want, all that's missing is side and top avoidance

[@daisysedano7264]

Just got one today

[@blakewilliams5165]

The massive amount of valuable information you provide per minute is simply amazing and impressive 😊 Premium Content 🎉

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Blake - very muhc appreciated!

[@hasanrizvanovic1058]

Thank you very much for spending time to make this video. You explain so good in details that anybody can understand. Good job ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@DrewMcArthurPhotography]

What an incredible resource, many thanks for making

[@mjklein]

A really great tutorial for someone considering getting a Mini 3. One thing I don't understand is that, if the camera is mounted on gimbal and can point in virtually any direction, why doesn't the drone position itself to fly diagonally for side shots so the object avoidance system is at least partially covering the direction of flight?

[@LeesChannel]

depending on your speed it probably does

[@ldemoses]

What an awesome and detailed guide! Amazing

[@hemidancer64]

AWESOME video. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@inidiaz3]

Fantastic breakdown on all the features, especially the different modes. You really go into depth while viewer see where & how to find everything you cover. We use our drone mostly when on the boat, thus catching it is the logical choice. Is there an option to RTC (Return to Controller) instead of RTH? ⚓

[@benozidaric]

controller does not have builtin gps ?! :)

[@vanik67]

Hey Ray, I recall that you a long time ago tested active tracking while you were skiing. It wasn’t really successful for the drones at that time. Do you think that the Mini 3 would be a useful drone for skiing and snowboarding videos with the active tracking option? Thanks for the great video

[@R00RAL]

Yes, in side or rear view. Sports mode. Only thing is, no side to side avoidance sensors on the drone. But it will track you to 60km/hr.

[@vanik67]

@@R00RAL Great, thanks. Too bad it can’t track you from the front view. I hope also that the drone descends at the same rate and doesn’t keep the same elevation

[@R00RAL]

@@vanik67 i have not received my drone yet. Acend & descend I will look into, I believe it does. Perhaps someone else who knows could comment.

[@bardiwestin]

Thanks a million for this 👏 been watching the official tutorials and other similar videos but your take cuts through the core 🥳 Brilliant 🇮🇸

[@MrDaveB123]

Thanks for the time you put into this. Great info and easy to understand

[@leoniepratt6347]

Excellent video tutorial in my opinion and as a beginner, I learnt so much. I will revisit your video to pick up on what I didn’t quite grasped first time round. Thankyou. Cheers

[@skipmcilvaine]

Is there a way to do long exposure photos?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup. You'll toggle into 'Pro' mode in the lower right corner, and then from there you can set the exact parameters you want. That's useful not just for night photos, but also day photos with an ND filter.

[@skipmcilvaine]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks!!

[@elangrafe]

U the man! Many thanks for sharing your knowledge with a beginner!

[@folaAkinmolayan]

your tutorial here is the best. Thanks for taking time to do this.

[@dklindsey1952]

Very good tutorial. I enjoy almost all your stuff. Thanks

[@Robert.Dickson]

This video answered so many questions for me. Thanks. 🙌🏻

[@Chrisgrogan2]

Thanks for the detailed video. Awesome!

[@eszterdomina]

Excellent user manual, covers everything and some more! Thank you so much! (also its very well edited etc :))❤

[@90Dishant]

I love your Videos and the in-depth guide.. I watched your go Pro 10, and 11 video before buying it and now doing the same before buying this drone.. Your tips and tricks do help out alot when handling our devices. Thank you so much..👍👍

[@uginiopaka3376]

That last tip is AWESOME!!!! This whole video should come with the drone. VERY informative! Nothing beats experience.

[@dallasfortworthfoundationr8215]

My mini just arrived. Thanks for the video tutorial, very good presentation and concise info. Thank you.

[@roshanmenon7820]

Amazing tutorial video. Great job as always

[@sarahmcmaster2534]

Amazing. Thanks so much. Simple and easy to follow.

[@arikirk8213]

amazing! thank you! just purchased. very excited :D

[@roe14waco]

This is great!! I’ve always wanted a drone and I purchased one of these that I will be picking up this morning. Thank you for this video! Very very helpful 🙏

[@lenvincenti1363]

I'm so glad I found this video. I just upgraded and was intimidated by the new features on the Mini 3. I feel more confident now and can't wait to try them out. Thanks.

[@kimvergil4866]

In the process of a purchase. This video was PERFECT. So much info to learn and absorb.... For sure a return to video. You did an amazing job and helped take all the doubts about doing this away. I am so pumped about getting started now. Thank you very much.❤❤❤

[@jdish976]

This video was so insightful! Thank you so much!

[@chickenclips]

You are amazing at what you do. Thanks once again for a superb video!

[@myonedaytrips]

Thanks for the videos it's so useful! I just bought mine and about to start practicing 😁😁

[@harivishnu1]

Excellent video ! Covered everything I wanted to know as a beginner, quickly and cleanly. Cant wait to try these out now.

[@ILeftRules]

Only seen 6 minutes but already know this is a great video tutorial. Thank you for getting right to it and not 5 minutes of introductions and bs talk. ❤

[@luminous-fx2mj]

Genuinely, this video has helped me so much. It's great content keep making good stuff ♡

[@boselecta]

This is an awesome guide! Thanks mate

[@maxz.4388]

Super useful :) Thanks so much. Also, love your cargo bicycle

[@TerryWaggoner]

Thanks - very helpful. Waiting for mine to arrive and I'm sure I'll be referring back to the video.

[@Badingu]

Simply an amazing drone and tutorial!!!

[@user-xu6wo3wi8r]

Great video for beginners mate! Really liked it

[@SrikumarRamanan]

Very elaborate and to the point explanation.. one of the best tutorial video I have seen in a while.. kudos..

[@cachaoni]

Thank you very much for such a nice detailed video.

[@paulsimmons4794]

Thank you for the video! First flight with my mini 3 pro today! Wish I had ran across this before I took flight. Excellent info.

[@totoosarts]

cheers, mate, well done, keep them coming and stay awesome :)

[@Paul_Dalangpan]

I appreciate your help so much! Thank you. Beyond helpful.

[@dzidzej6110]

A great review ! Now I'm convinced - and I was thinking about mini2

[@CBR-Spikes46]

Excellent video thank you so much for taking the time to create it. I’ve recently purchased this drone/controller combo and after watching I’ve learnt so much. Your way of explaining and showing works perfectly, subscribed and looking forward to watching more of your content 🤙🏼

[@julioalvarado6516]

Awesome video. Keep up the great work!

[@michaellefevers4248]

Thanks very much. I'm looking to pick one of these up and simply watching your video has clarified so many thoughts I had about flying one.