DJI MINI 3 vs MINI 3 PRO // BUY CHEAP, BUY TWICE?

[@DroneFilmGuide]

👍Download our DJI drone comparison chart: bit.ly/drone-comparison-chart

[@HeyitsmeSarah]

$100 difference between 2 and 3, and $200 difference between 3 and 3 Pro. Kind of a no brainer that features and performance would differ in degrees in performance proportional to the price, doesn't it? If you've got the Mini 3 Pro, should you downgrade? Maybe if you want a secondary or "fun drone"/ If you've got the Mini 2, should you upgrade? Yes, if you want better image and video quality as well as improved flight time. A beginner? Hands down the Mini 3 is the best drone that you can get.

[@user-jy4ix7dj7p]

The Mini 3 Pro caters to a different market. I'd much rather spend 200 bucks less on an "inferior" product if I were to say just wanna fly around and have fun and have shooting photos or videos as a secondary purposes. It's a beginner drone that is in that sweet spot between the DJI Mini 2 and DJI Mini 3 Pro in terms of both output and performance.

[@InaMopar]

Ordered the Mini 3 (non pro) yesterday and I can’t wait it’s coming Saturday gonna be a massive change from my mini se

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

Finally, an honest review! Not a creator kissing up to DJI trying to sell their latest product, but steering consumers towards the better value and pointing out the true downfalls of the latest offering. Spot on Stewart!👍

[@Brian-ly9xm]

Somewhere in between the Mini 2 and the Mini 3 Pro, we have the Mini 3. And it’s for someone who wants exactly something in between those two drones. You get the point?! Whatever floats your boat. I’m just glad we have more choices now.

[@DanielCrist]

The prices I've seen are $300 cheaper ($639 vs $939) for the sets with the new DJI RC controller. As for APAS, you do use it, that's the system that helps the drone pilot around obstacles when using Active Track or RTH, so that one point back to the pro. As for the obstacle avoidance sensors, there are none on the side of the Pro, and this is the direction that the vast majority of drone collisions occur in. The rear sensors don't seem to work that well unfortunately, as I've seen multiple rear crashes with obstacle avoidance enabled, and the front ones, those are only useful for the APAS system when you are not actively piloting the drone. So the sensors are not much to take into account on their own, however, they enable the possibility of Active Track, which was one of the big things that pushed me towards the Pro. I think for social media content creators who aren't necessarily into color grading and advanced cinematography, the sharper images and the vertical shooting make the Mini 3 a decent option at $300 cheaper and may provide them everything they're looking for. And for them, even Active Track can be hacked out of Quick-Shots for shorter tracking clips, as long as they are sure they have no obstacles around. For anyone who's more into the artistic side of things though, the Mini 3 Pro is the way to go, and was the call I ultimately went with. Looking forward to recieving it soon!

[@timoryan4441]

Great comparison Stewart and glad you referenced the good old Mini2…..

[@RonaldBrown59]

They really hobbled the Mini 3 by removing features from the Pro version to save people around $200. If your on a really tight budget, the Mini 2 is still a good option. Great video Stewart, thanks for sharing.

[@normanq1206]

For a beginner pilot not having obstacle avoidance is a little scary. Better get DJI Care Refresh I suppose.

[@shaf3006]

I start flying drone with zero optical sensor, Hubsan Zino 3 years ago before having the 2s and now the mini 3 pro, start with cheap and basic at least you didnt panic when it crash, I crashed twice on old zino with no physical damaged, but it became crazy, maybe hard knock one the head 😅

[@mattalford3932]

One day all DJI drones will have the same hardware, and you'll have to unlock features through a pay wall lol.

[@Finite-Tuning]

Excellent points! For me it's the mini 3 pro all the way, it's a bit more drone for only a bit more coin. Cheers 🍻

[@lindsayheyes925]

Brilliant review, and mercifully compact. My opinion. When you buy a camera, it may be to get one particular shot - but its real value comes when you want the next 'different shot' - so buy for the videographer you will be, not for the one you can be today.

[@quiet31]

Thanks for the comparison. I love the Mini 3 Pro but I do get what the Mini 3 drone is for. I find it a smart choice for an entry-level drone performance-wise and budget-wise.

[@rickracine9758]

THX for the advise and opinion cause i bought the Mini 3 pro a while back and makes me feel i made the right choice

[@personabovefarts1244]

I think the point of releasing the Mini 3 is to add more variety to the mini series. More options. We all have our preferences and it’s nice to be able to find a drone that will suit one’s specific needs and budget.

[@chiangmaicharlies]

Thanks for another great video Stewart. As a frequent responder to your videos, you may remember that I live in Thailand, where for much of the year temperatures are above 33°C, and can be way above. There have been a number of reports that the Mini 3 Pro has overheating problems - and it is only this that has stopped me buying one up to now. When the Mini 3 was announced I was pleased to see that in place of object avoidance there are now cooling ducts, plus two front legs which increase the ground to drone distance. You haven't mentioned the overheating problem at all regarding the Mini 3 Pro, but I would be grateful to hear your views on the subject, bearing in mind where I am. I wonder what difference you think they make. Thanks.

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Hey! I've only experienced overheating when the drone is not flying and when it's recording. I tried to use it as a handheld camera and it overheated in 2 minutes (whilst recording) in 20°C. I've never had any issues when flying but I've not used it in hot temperatures. Are there reports of it overheating when in the air?

[@chiangmaicharlies]

@@DroneFilmGuide Some, and certainly a lot initially when it was fired up and waiting for satellites before launching. Perhaps there's been an upgrade?

[@Al-Kwadrone]

Cheers Stewart. Doesn’t matter which drone you buy first. Once you got that needle in your arm, you’re gonna be doomed to upgrade. Love your content as much as your accent! 👍🏼👊🏻💪🏼

[@gilbertguerin9080]

Nice and honest review as always Stewart! We shall just hope that the waypoints are soon available to the Mini 3 pro. Been doing for years with Litchi and p3p, p4p. Mini 1. Or at least that dji releases the sdk so Litchi can be used at last for that matter. Why call it 'pro' if it can not emulate what we have been doing for years with older drones. Dji makes nice drones, but these software intended limitations are such a pain...

[@normanq1206]

hopefully the waypoints trickle down to the Mini 3 Pro. Might be wishful thinking.

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Thanks Gilbert - always appreciate your insights!

[@tecwzrd]

@@normanq1206 No reason not to have them for the Mini 3 Pro unless they just want to gatekeep their more expensive drones to have that feature.

[@CAMTechChris]

An important point of clarification that folks need to understand - APAS is DJIs obstacle avoidance system. To say that you’ve never used APAS but say that obstacle avoidance has saved the day many times is, well, not correct. APAS = Obstacle avoidance in DJI drones.

[@UnderwaterPaddy]

I don't understand the connection you're making between the lack of obstacle avoidance sensors and lack of active track or active focus. Both could be included if I take responsibility for ensuring the drone has a clear path as I do when I use litchi to do this on my old mini 1. Since both are available on the mini 3 Pro with no sideways sensors, the lack of sensors excuse looks like bs to me.

[@geecars6263]

The cynic in me gets the feeling the removal of what is an almost “must have” feature for entry level drones and the hobbling of the camera are really designed to push buyers towards the more expensive/profitable Pro version. I suspect, had they wanted, rather than removing the obstacle avoidance technology they could have left it in place and differentiated by use of the Mini 2 camera and gimbal, and that would probably have satisfied most buyers, which leads back to my first point…

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Smart move then because it does shine a light on how amazing the Mini 3 Pro is.

[@tecwzrd]

100% agree that the Mini 3 is not worth saving $200. Spending 1.2K vs 1K (USD) for the Mini 3 Pro (with the screen and fly more combo) is only a 16.6% difference which is fairly small considering you are giving up so much if buying the Mini 3 vs the Pro.

[@mattalford3932]

If you need obstacle avoidance you shouldn't be flying drones lol.

[@garymorris6819]

I think that it's unfair to compare the Mini 3 to the Mini 3 Pro. It's definitely worth it to upgrade from the 2 to the 3 if only for the vertical shooting plus the DJI RC compatibility. Also, longer battery life! I would definitely upgrade in a heartbeat.

[@vasssiliss]

Nice video! All in all which mini comes with quick shots?

[@pacific808]

I bought the Mini 3 Pro, Overall I'm happy with my purchase, I used it during our family Thanksgiving weekend at the beach house

[@Poundy]

very important points, and some of the reasons I would not "drop down" that level if I was buying

[@craigwallace6326]

I'm mostly interested in photos, not video. So seems like the Mini 3 would do the job. Same image sensor and lens as the Pro, so should be similar quality photos? I know the Pro has the '48MP' mode, but is that really much better? Though the Mini 3 still seems a bit expensive just now, hopefully will get some better deals soon.

[@thewhitbyphotographer]

If it was £400 with the fly more kit then it would be worth it. At the price its come to the market at there are no positives of the Mini 3.

[@mervfer1162]

The Mavic 3 Classic and now Mini 3 - two drones that are a waste of time and resources when they should be releasing a Mavic Air 3.

[@camilo8cheryl]

Nope the expensive Mavic 3 zoom is a waste of money..putting a mediocre zoom and a hefty price tag..my beloved air2s is going out the door soon.. and probably get the mini 3 pro for a full feature 250 gram class drone and pair it with the M3 classic and Rc Pro so weight class is covered from heavy weight down to lightweight..

[@mervfer1162]

@@londenard knock yourself out. Companies are in business to make money. As long as people keep buying, they'll keep filling the demand. I'm not a shill that accuses a company of fulfilling it's reason to exist. But I will call out a company when I think they miss a market read to make more sales.

[@mervfer1162]

@@camilo8cheryl it's not a zoom, it's a fixed focal length telephoto lens camera. They should tweak it and call it the Mavic 3S and I'd buy in a heartbeat. A step backwards to just remove that camera. When you only have a 24mm equivalent perspective everyone's videos look the same. You can actually take the video from the telephoto camera and run it through Topaz Video AI and get a nice bump. I've seen good videos from it. It could just be better. Stupid to remove it altogether. What could be a good version would be one with interchangeable lenses in the Mavic frame and M43 sensor.

[@4WingView]

Completely agree! Where's the Air 3?

[@scottmanthey3549]

@@camilo8cheryl completely disagree with your first point, we use that zoom to great effect daily and I can't see any reason why we would ever buy a high end drone without. Our use case might be different than yours as we shoot professionally with our drones.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good comparison video Stuart.

[@maindrones]

Another awesome video. I'm gutted to find the mini 3's camera won't record 10bit or 60fps in 4k. If I do decide to go sub 250g, the mini3 pro will be my choice. For now, the mavic 2 pro will continue to be my work horse. Love that shot of you perched on the rock, (drone descends and gimbal "looks up" to reveal valley below). Very cool!

[@TheBearUK]

I'm new'ish to drones, about 8 month with a decent one (Mavic 2 Air), but less than 10 flights, conscious of people I suppose, but to reduce the hassle I am contemplating the Mini now, being in the North East I wanted something sturdy enough for the "Hoolies", but the Mini3 Pro looks to handle blustery days well, My heart skipped when I saw I could save pennies with the new mini 3.... But I still think i'll get the pro now, question is, do I keep the mini and the air, or sell the air when the new units arrives... great video by the way and thanks for helping me choose :)

[@rui7773]

Aqui no Brasil (mini 3 pro/air 2s) msm valor ! Desisti do air 2s justamente pelo barulho, meus vizinhos são chatos, rsrs... A imagem do Mini também é mais clara que o Air 2s !

[@dronedays450]

you only need obstacle avoidance if you fly like a plank and all the other things work fine like active track with litchi, i have had both pro and normal and i cant see the pro is worth the extra money

[@andyklapper8484]

Here is a question for another video - Most reviewers prefer the RC controller because it has a bright built in screen. But I'm looking at the RC and thinking it has the following downsides when compared to the "basic" controller paired with my Samsung Galaxy S22+ phone (or a tablet): My phone has a bigger screen (6.6" vs 5.5") My phone is brighter (1,700nits vs RC 700nits) I can run other flight control apps on my phone (like Litchi) and I cannot do the same with the RC controller. So is it simply that you don't have the hassle of connecting a phone to the controller? Why do people love the RC controller, despite these downsides, over the standard controller? I asked this on Facebook and the only thing that struct me as a significant advantage was addition buttons/wheel on the RC controller. I mostly ask because I wonder if it would be better to spend the difference in price on a better drone, rather than a better controller. Love to hear your take.

[@setadoon]

Because samsung and DJI don't mix. My S22 wouldn't work, my A8 tablet didn't work and a spare samsung I had didnt work either with the N1 remote. So own all apple products or save yourself the asspain and buy the rc remote

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Lots of great points Andy. Convenience is certainly a factor because I can fit the controller in my pocket. This is handy for active track and such like because controller+phone is much bigger. The other factor is phones can't handle extreme cold or heat. We've experienced both extremes where our iPhones are simply unusable and its ruined many outings in the past.

[@andyklapper8484]

@@setadoon I've had no problems with my S22+ or my Samsung tablet. I would have said that maybe you had an old and incompatible phone, but you have the same phone as me, just with a smaller screen.

[@andyklapper8484]

@@DroneFilmGuide I've heard of the phone overheating problem, and I've wondered if that is more of an iPhone issue. I fly a lot in Greece in the summer, which is certainly hot, but I haven't had the phone shutdown because of it, but I've had Samsung phones not Apple. I do get that the phone + controller can be unwieldly however. I can also see the value in the extra buttons/wheels.

[@mattalford3932]

Plus DJI unlocked 48 megapixel RAW photos and 4k 60 video. 10 bit color os cool but not a deal breaker as they can unlock that too.

[@setadoon]

I'd rather buy a mini 2 with a fly more kit than the mini 3. Or a mini 3 pro which I own. The mini 3 just doesn't sit in a good price point to justify buying it.

[@ColmMcCann]

As a couple who regularly film in Spain, would you be able to do a video on guidance for amateur pilots who may be using drones on holiday? Particularly the likes of the DJI Mini range! It seems very confusing and risky to fly in the country and yet I see many people with fantastic footage in areas which (according to the likes of ENAIRE) they shouldn't be able to get footage with a drone! Would be greatly appreciated!

[@vince-n]

I have both and the mini 3 is a backup drone in case i crash the pro plus it only cost me £270 2nd hand

[@CatchavistaAerial]

Great info thanks

[@MrBerenguer67]

Hi I like to see your videos whitch one you recommended DJI Mavic Mini2 or 3 thks also Happy Christmas to you sll❤❤❤

[@andrewlennie8243]

Great review Stewart as always and I agree with you a bit more saving and get the mini 3 which I will be doing next spring

[@ManasPradhant2]

❤️ from India 🇮🇳

[@mattwruff]

I don't know if you know (or care), but I like your channel, but I don't watch it generally because of the bright white of the lights you have on the back that are aimed at the camera, aim them at the back more, and it no longer hurts my eye's. I'm 63, and I am a semi-retired tech-consultant there a lot of us that don't like looking at bright lights it is an easy fix without really hurt the estectic...

[@johnmtb5888]

Hello i have a question regarding the tracing function. I ride downhill bikes, and I would need to set the drone to trace me, and then I need to put the remote inside my backpack to be able to ride. No I will not use a mount on the bike, if I were to crash the remote is dead, and so no. I wanted to know if there was a lock out function on the remote to disable all buttons and screens so when it is shuffling inside my backpack, it will not mess up the drone. I just ordered the mini 3 pro, but I haven't received it yet. Can that be done????

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Great question! I'm not sure there is a solution actually. Anyone else know? What I do is take the sticks off so that when I put the DJI RC in my pocket (during focus track for example), the sticks don't move. Because of this, these days I don't even use the sticks to fly the drone - I just use the little screw heads that poke up. A screen lock would be handy though.

[@johnmtb5888]

@@DroneFilmGuide thanks for the reply! The only thing I have been able to think as a solution is to print a box with my 3d printer for the remote. Inside the box would be ribbed in such a way that it would immobilize the controller so it doesn't move in any axis where the are buttons or the flying sticks. Think of it as a shoe box that has ribs inside that hold the controller in place in specific locations and basically the remote can't move in any direction and isnt touching the walls directly. So once I get the drone, I'll take a look at the controller to start designing a carry box that can accomplish this.

[@mdleongt]

@jonathanley5864 wow this is such a good idea! Gotta try it too, as I don't wanna mount the RC on the bike for the same reason... 👌🏼💯

[@johnmtb5888]

@@mdleongt haha well i hope it is, once I get it I'll try it, do you have a 3d printer too? We can share designs if you want

[@typxxilps]

the mini 3 pro with the big controller and screen has been sold here for 780€ incl. 19% vat That was a bargain but you had to pay 150 for the fly more kit

[@typxxilps]

Mini 3 also can not get goggle support due to the ocusync 2 built in.

[@DroningaboutIreland]

Great video Stewart 👍

[@wargor]

To me, there shouldn't be a mini 3 or Mavic classic. So you don't use the zoom feature now. At some point, you may want it and at least you will have it.

[@Bobster986]

The only drone for me is the DJI Phantom 😊

[@tonijones2187]

hi love you channel would be interested in you comments I own a mini 2 and am really happy with it for photography apart from the lack of sensors so I bought the mini 3 after watching all the positive vids etc -massive dissapointment-the photos are horrible they show all sorts of problems including very soft corners on most images and strange fuzzyiness/out of focus areas mainly along the side(s) which are not consistent and vary from image to image theres no comparison to the quality of the excellent photos of the mini 2. I have seen talk of this problem from others and am wondering about the quality control of DJI and are they playing the game of thinking that only a certain % of people would notice as most will be using the drone for video which is far more forgiving -let me know what you think .PS Ive sent mine back for a refund !

[@francisverhelst9375]

The mini 3 is the best option: obstacle avoidance is indeed for beginners. The price tag of a mini 3 pro is clearly not beginner “friendly” level. The mini 3 has the same sensor as the pro version and thus offers vastly superior video and photo quality than it’s predecessor, the mini 2. I am in photography and am not interested in video, so all the gimmicks and tracking… are totally lost on me.

[@Check_For_Response]

DJI mustn’t be selling enough of the Mini 3 Pro so need to get rid off the excess bodies before the Mini 4 redesign.

[@LarryCarlin]

Quick Q: Why do you prefer 25fps vs 30?

[@DroneFilmGuide]

It's a little bit of a legacy thing for us because everything we have ever filmed here in Europe has been at 25fps. So if we want to blend drone footage with an old piece of regular camera footage from years ago then it needs to be the same frame rate (or a multiple of 25). Also, personal opinion is that 24/25 fps looks better than 30 (cue screeching from those who don't share that opinion...). Also also, a few times our footage has been licensed for broadcast so that's 25fps here in Europe.

[@LarryCarlin]

@@DroneFilmGuide OK, got it. Historically, PAL std was 25 and the NTSC was 30. Thanks. Brilliant presentation BTW.

[@Rock_Snob]

The mini 3 is better to learn to fly without training wheels… it make you either learn its limits or don’t fly at all.

[@eprohoda]

enjoyed- prrofessional !see you later! 👽

[@doctorstrangelove8587]

It s $400 more ?

[@humancaos]

Obstacle avoidance 90% you crass sideways into trees so the Pro does not help there. anyway I see absolutely no reason to go for the mini3 over a used mini2 and not going for the pro even as a beginner. after your first 10 flights you might not feel so much as a beginner anymore.

[@stephboeker7835]

I appreciate the compare review of the Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro. I also appreciate the simplistic and concise way you narrate the info for us older less tech. inclined photo-flyers. Question : a) Which of the 2 is quieter ? b) Is there a limiting distance to the Active Tracking on the Mini 3 Pro ? Thank you for your generous consideration, God bless, Sincerely ..................

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Hey! Both the same in terms of noise, i.e. amazingly quiet. Yes, there is a limit to the tracking distance but it depends on the size of the subject and the ease with which the software can track it. Here is a hack to get round that problem: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3-0p36uitN7fpI

[@KhatiBass]

It should have obstacles sensor in mini 3 😥

[@LifeIsBetterOutside]

Buying mini 2 fly more combo after this video for 500CAD - 370USD 🤣 a lot better option that mini 3 i would say, also what is that music u are using? Love that, is it from epidemic sound? Im looking for similar music to use as well :)

[@DroneFilmGuide]

Sure thing - Epidemic Sound. Affiliate link in description!

[@LifeIsBetterOutside]

@@DroneFilmGuide btw the prices went down so fast that i bought almost a new one for 425cad thats like 310 US dollars:D

[@stevemccrory9130]

For me, the Pro is the right choice. The Mini 3 is a toy rather than a tool, in my opinion.

[@garyr4047]

No Spotlight - No Buy

[@cpurage]

Lol 😂 DJI are very into the marketing things and into making best drones as well so, very soon expect Mini 2S a Frankenstein somewhere in the middle between Mini 3 and Mini 2 😂 or May be they will create Mini 3S Pro with also including side obstacle avoidance and this will become the only drone that anyone would ever need (not counting professional grade Mavic 3/3T/Cine etc. this another level)

[@jimgiraffe5253]

mini 3 non pro makes zero sense. 4k 30 fps and max iso of 3200 is a deal breaker compaqred to 4k60 and iso 6400 of the mini 3 pro. dji are shafting mini 3 buyers

[@daradevlin4093]

The exact same physical camera too

[@babycharliebrown]

It’s a complete waste of money for your first drone. Most drone starters will be more than satisfied with the quality of footage and photos from the Mini 2 for a much cheaper price IMO. The ideal starter drone.

[@relaxvideo3d]

Mini3 videos are way oversharpenes and cannot change. Also no noise reduction settings. Dealbreaker for me..

[@jhonk9351]

The companies are not on fault, the people who keep buying their products are the one on fault.

[@HerrMittmann]

6:24 - "Shitting Environment" 😬

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

You make a Not so good used car salesman.

[@sijilo]

☺️

[@johnclarkbarbasa8370]

Dji does that. 1st the AIR 2s, 2nd is MAVIC 3 CLASSIC and now MINI 3. Dont be fooled. Dji just wanted to take all your money lol. i am just waiting for air 3.

[@kamikazekaos]

Pointless release

[@GregDravenActor]

DJI nerfing thr camera capabilities when it's the EXACT SAME MODULE is absolutely ridiculous and pointless. Let the user decide whether they want to use the full functionality.

[@12vibaba]

it is called marketing.

[@GregDravenActor]

@@12vibaba Yes, I understand that, and it's ridiculous.

[@SpongeBob-xh8ir]

Waste of money

[@มุมมองใหม่ไทยแลนด์]

Is the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro the same camera?