The DJI Mini 3 and DJI Mini 3 Procater to drone enthusiasts, but they do so with different approaches and price points. The DJI Mini 3 is priced about 30% lower than its Pro counterpart, but the decision between the two isn’t just about cost. The Mini 3 Pro offers some enhanced specifications, but the Mini 3 brings its own advantages thanks to its newer design and recent improvements.

Released in December 2022, the DJI Mini 3 benefits from a few additional months of design refinements compared to the Mini 3 Pro, launched earlier in 2022. While the Mini 3 Pro boasts superior specs, including advanced features that justify its higher price, the Mini 3 incorporates some subtle yet significant updates derived from recent advancements in drone technology.

When choosing between the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro, it’s important to weigh whether the enhanced capabilities of the Mini 3 Pro are worth the extra investment. The Mini 3’s more recent design may offer advantages that make it a compelling choice in its own right.

DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro: Price and Specs Compared

Here’s a detailed comparison of the DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro, breaking down both price and specs to help you decide which drone best fits your needs and budget:

Price Comparison:

DJI Mini 3 Pro:

$759 (with controller)

$669 (without controller)

DJI Mini 3:

$469 (with controller)

$379 (drone only, no controller)

Opting for the DJI Mini 3 offers around 26% savings compared to the Mini 3 Pro.

Specs Comparison:

DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro: Camera Comparison

While the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro share many similar camera features, key differences set the two apart.

Common Camera Features:

4K/30fps HDR: Both models offer 4K video recording with HDR for high-quality footage.

1/1.3-inch CMOS Sensor: They both use the same sensor size, delivering good image quality.

f/1.7 Aperture: The wide aperture allows for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.

Dual Native ISO & HDR Technology: Both models feature enhanced dynamic range and noise reduction, ensuring vibrant and clear images.

True Vertical Shooting: Ideal for social media content, this feature allows you to shoot portrait-oriented videos.

Key Differences:

Resolution

Mini 3 Pro: 48 MP effective pixels.

Mini 3: 12 MP effective pixels.

The Pro version captures much higher-resolution images, making it better for professional work like large prints and high-resolution imagery, while the Mini 3 is sufficient for social media sharing.

ISO Range:

Mini 3 Pro: ISO up to 6400.

Mini 3: ISO up to 3200.

The higher ISO on the Pro allows for cleaner, less grainy images in low-light conditions, making it ideal for shooting at sunrise, sunset, or in darker environments.

Max Image Size:

Mini 3 Pro: 8064×6048 pixels.

Mini 3: 4000×3000 pixels.

The Pro version is a better choice for those needing ultra-high resolution images, such as creating art or professional work. The Mini 3 provides more than enough quality for casual photography or online content.

Which One to Choose?

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Best for professionals or creators who need high-resolution imagery, low-light performance, and the flexibility to shoot in darker settings.

DJI Mini 3: Ideal for casual users, social media content creators, or those on a budget who don’t need the advanced camera capabilities of the Pro version.

DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro: Shooting Modes Comparison

The DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro offer impressive shooting modes designed to make aerial videography easier, but the Pro model provides some advanced features that the Mini 3 lacks. Here’s a breakdown of the available shooting modes and critical differences.

Shared Shooting Modes: QuickShots

Both drones include the standard QuickShots modes, which automate cinematic flight paths to help you capture dynamic footage without manually controlling complex maneuvers:

Dronie: The drone flies back and forth, keeping the subject in focus.

Helix: The drone spirals upward around the subject.

Rocket: The drone shoots straight up with the camera pointing downward.

Circle: The drone smoothly circles the subject.

Boomerang: The drone follows an oval path, ascending as it moves away and descending as it returns to the starting point.

These modes are perfect for casual users or those wanting professional-looking shots with minimal effort.

Advanced Features on the Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro adds more advanced shooting options for creators who need extra versatility and precision:

FocusTrack Suite:

Includes ActiveTrack, Spotlight, and Point of Interest modes.

ActiveTrack: Automatically follows the subject while keeping them in the frame.

Spotlight: You manually control the drone while the camera locks onto the subject.

Point of Interest: The drone circles a set point while keeping the camera focused.

Master Shots:

Automatically creates a series of complex shots with just a tap. It stitches together different QuickShots and transitions into a polished, professional-looking video.

Hyperlapse:

Allows for stunning time-lapse videos where the drone moves while recording, giving a dynamic flow to your time-lapse scenes.

Which One to Choose?

DJI Mini 3 Pro: Ideal for videographers who need advanced filming modes like FocusTrack and MasterShots, offering more creative control for professional or regular video production.

DJI Mini 3: Great for casual users who are satisfied with the QuickShots modes and don’t need the extra complexity of advanced shooting features. It’s perfect for more straightforward projects or social media content creation.

DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro: Differences in the Aircraft Itself

When comparing the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro, there are critical differences in the aircraft design and functionality, particularly in obstacle avoidance systems. Despite being more affordable, the Mini 3 outperforms in some areas, making this an interesting comparison.

Obstacle Avoidance Vision Systems (Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro)

The obstacle avoidance system is one of the most noticeable differences between the two drones.

DJI Mini 3:

Equipped with a downward vision system only. This helps land and maintain stability but won’t prevent crashes from obstacles in front or behind the drone.

DJI Mini 3 Pro:

It features a forward, backward, and downward vision system, dramatically increasing the drone’s ability to detect and avoid obstacles in multiple directions. This makes the Pro version essentially crash-proof in regular operation, as it can hover when it detects objects like trees, walls, or other barriers, even if you try to fly it into something.

Which One is Better?

The Mini 3 Pro is the clear winner in this category. Advanced multi-directional obstacle sensing is a considerable advantage, providing an extra layer of protection and allowing pilots to fly more confidently, especially in areas with obstacles.

If you’re flying in tight spaces, near trees, or other potential hazards, the Mini 3 Pro is the better option. It acts as an insurance policy against accidents, giving you peace of mind, especially if you’re a beginner.

Is Obstacle Avoidance Worth the Price?

Whether the obstacle avoidance system on the Mini 3 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on how you fly:

Obstacle Avoidance Is Essential If:

You fly in areas with many obstacles (trees, buildings, etc.).

You’re a beginner or feel uncertain about your flying skills.

You want extra protection to reduce the risk of crashes.

Obstacle Avoidance Isn’t as Important If:

You mainly fly in open spaces (fields, beaches, etc.) with few obstacles.

You’re confident in manual flying and don’t need automatic protection.

The Mini 3 Pro’s advanced obstacle avoidance system offers significant safety and ease of use advantages, especially in obstacle-rich environments. However, if you’re flying in open areas or feel comfortable with manual control, the Mini 3 may provide all the functionality you need at a lower cost.

Transmission Systems (Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro)

Another significant difference between the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro lies in their video transmission systems, where the Mini 3 Pro comes out on top.

DJI Mini 3:

Uses the older O2 transmission system. This system is reliable but offers a more limited range and lower video quality for live feeds than the Pro version.

DJI Mini 3 Pro:

Equipped with the newer O3 transmission system, an upgrade that includes a dual antenna setup.

Capable of transmitting FHD video (1080p) up to 12 km away (under optimal, FCC-compliant conditions with no obstructions).

This system is the same as used in the higher-end DJI Mavic Air 2S, ensuring a more robust connection, a more evident video feed, and an extended transmission range.

Why Transmission Matters:

O3 Transmission (Mini 3 Pro):

The newer system ensures better stability, extended range, and higher-quality video feeds while flying. This is especially important if you fly in environments with interference or at great distances.

O2 Transmission (Mini 3):

While it offers decent performance, the range is shorter, and video quality may degrade over longer distances or in areas with signal interference.

Which One is Better?

The Mini 3 Pro wins in this category due to the superior O3 transmission system. It offers a stronger, more reliable connection and the ability to fly farther while still receiving a clear, high-definition video feed.

The Mini 3 still performs well for shorter-range flights, making it suitable for casual users flying nearby or in open areas.

Battery Life (Winner: DJI Mini 3)

Regarding battery life, the DJI Mini 3 has the upper hand, offering longer flight times compared to the more advanced Mini 3 Pro. Here’s why the Mini 3 comes out ahead in this category.

DJI Mini 3:

Standard Battery: Up to 38 minutes of flight time.

Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: Up to 51 minutes of flight time.

DJI Mini 3 Pro:

Standard Battery: Up to 34 minutes of flight time.

Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: Up to 47 minutes of flight time.

Why the Mini 3 Lasts Longer:

The Mini 3 offers a longer flight time because it contains less tech—specifically, fewer sensors and no advanced obstacle avoidance system. This reduction in internal hardware makes it more efficient, allowing for extended flight durations.

Mini 3 Pro: While the Mini 3 Pro has features like advanced obstacle avoidance and a more robust transmission system, these additions require more energy, reducing flight time.

Which One to Choose?

Mini 3: Ideal for those who prioritize longer flight times. If your goal is to stay in the air as long as possible, the Mini 3 delivers the best performance in this category.

Mini 3 Pro: Despite slightly shorter flight times, it’s still suitable for those who want advanced features, but the battery life trade-off might be noticeable if you need to fly for extended periods.

Build Quality (Winner: DJI Mini 3)

When it comes to build quality, the DJI Mini 3 surprisingly outshines the Mini 3 Pro in several aspects. Here’s a closer look at why the Mini 3 may be the better choice in this category.

Leg Design

The Mini 3 features a shorter pair of legs designed for compactness. This design allows for smoother takeoffs and landings.

In contrast, the Mini 3 Pro lacks these legs, often resulting in awkward landings as it tends to land flat on its belly. This can increase the risk of damaging the drone on rough surfaces.

Visibility:

The Mini 3 includes green forward lights, enhancing visibility during flight. This can be particularly useful in low-light conditions or when flying in complex environments.

Refined Design:

Since the Mini 3 was released after the Pro, it benefited from feedback and improvements made during the development of the Pro. This has likely resulted in better overall build quality and durability.

Which One to Choose?

DJI Mini 3: If you value a more refined build, smoother landing experiences, and enhanced visibility, the Mini 3 is the better option. It showcases thoughtful engineering that improves usability and safety.

DJI Mini 3 Pro: While it offers more advanced features, the build quality may feel less polished compared to the Mini 3. It might still be worth considering if you prioritize tech over build design.

How to Select Between the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 3

Choosing between the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 3 can be challenging, especially since each has its strengths. Here’s a guide to help you decide based on your needs and budget.

When to Choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro:

Opt for the Mini 3 Pro if:

Budget Is Not a Concern:

If the $200 price difference doesn’t significantly impact your budget, the Pro version offers enhanced features that justify the cost.

You Need the Highest-Quality Prints:

With its 48 MP camera, the Mini 3 Pro is ideal for photographers looking to create large, high-resolution prints.

Videography Is a Priority:

If you plan to produce professional-quality videos or films, the Pro’s advanced shooting modes and higher video bitrate make it a better choice.

Safety Is Paramount:

If reducing the risk of crashes is crucial for you, the Pro’s comprehensive obstacle avoidance system provides significant peace of mind.

When to Choose the DJI Mini 3:

Consider the Mini 3 if:

You’re on a Budget:

If you want a quality drone but need to keep costs under $500, the Mini 3 provides excellent performance for recreational use without breaking the bank.

Casual Use:

If your primary goal is to capture fun drone videos for social media or personal enjoyment, the Mini 3 offers ample features at a more accessible price point.

You’re Confident in Your Flying Skills:

If you’re comfortable flying without advanced obstacle sensors and are willing to take on some risk, the Mini 3 still delivers excellent value.