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DJI Mini 3 Pro Review

A lightweight drone that offers high quality video and photography, especially considering that it fits in your pocket
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DJI Mini 3 Pro Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $759 List
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Manufacturer:   DJI
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 12, 2024
81
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 9
  • Video Quality - 45% 7.8
  • Flight Performance - 35% 8.0
  • Portability - 10% 10.0
  • Ease of Use - 10% 8.2

Our Verdict

The DJI Mini 3 Pro exceeds all expectations of a drone that's this portable. We were impressed with the performance of this travel-friendly model in virtually every metric, exemplifying DJI's reputation as an industry leader in drone design. The flight modes of this option allow you to be a one-person show with an intelligent following, making you the actor, performer, and the director of your own video or photo shoot. This model also provides helpful features for social media, such as true vertical shooting, which allows the onboard camera to quickly switch into portrait mode. The decision to take the Mini 3 Pro on an adventure is always an easy one, given that it literally fits in the pocket of your pants or jacket and its weight rivals a cell phone. Be sure to check out our article on best drones to see how this model stacked up against the competition.
REASONS TO BUY
Very portable
Effective shooting modes
Excellent video and photo capabilities
REASONS TO AVOID
Fewer obstacle sensors than others
Less stable in the wind
Lacks customization

Compare to Similar Products

 
dji mini 3 pro
This Product
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Traveling
Editors' Choice Award
Editors' Choice Award
Best Drone Overall
 Best Buy Award
A Budget Option for Kids
Price $759 List
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$999 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A travel-friendly drone that's small enough to take on almost any tripThis compact drone offer fantastic video, responsive controls, and great programming, making it a go-to for serious drone cinematographersThe is a great do-it-all drone that has 5K video, a highly capable sensor, and user-friendly controls making it one step below the prosumer classA drone that offers a more friendly introduction to first person view pilotingA perfect low cost introduction to flying or incredibly entertaining toy for the kids
Rating Categories DJI Mini 3 Pro DJI Mavic 3 DJI Air 2S DJI FPV Combo DJI Tello
Video Quality (45%)
7.8
9.8
9.6
6.2
4.2
Flight Performance (35%)
8.0
9.4
9.2
6.7
3.0
Portability (10%)
10.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
6.5
Ease of Use (10%)
8.2
9.1
9.0
6.3
3.8
Specs DJI Mini 3 Pro DJI Mavic 3 DJI Air 2S DJI FPV Combo DJI Tello
Video Resolutions 4k, 2.7k, FHD, Slow Motion 5.1K, DCI 4K, 4K, FHD 5.4K, 4K, 2.7K, FHD 4k, FHD 720p
Weight .54 lbs 1.97 lbs 1.31 lbs 1.75 lbs .17 lbs
Maximum Speed 35.7 mph 42.5 mph 42.5 mph 87.2 mph 17.89 mph
Maximum Claimed Flight Time 34 minutes 46 minutes 31 minutes 20 minutes 13 minutes
Diagonal Size (no props) 6 in 8.75 in folded
16 in unfolded
11.9 in 10.5 in 8.12 in
Video Format MP4, MOV MP4 / MOV MP4, MOV MP4, MOV MP4
Maximum Video Bitrate 150 Mpbs 200 Mbps 150 Mbps 120 Mbps
Camera Sensor 1/1.3" CMOS Hasselblad: 4/3 CMOS
Tele Camera: 1/2" CMOS
1" CMOS 1/2.3" CMOS

Our Analysis and Test Results

The DJI Mini 3 Pro emerges as a front-runner in the world of portable drones. If you're seeking a model that can be easily transported but doesn't compromise on crucial components such as video quality, look no further.

Performance Comparison


dji mini 3 pro - the dji mini 3 pro offers exceptional video and flight performance...
The DJI Mini 3 Pro offers exceptional video and flight performance for such a small drone.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Video Quality


While drones are fun to fly, most pilots are seeking video footage or photos from their flights, so video quality is worth 45% of the total score of the Mini 3 Pro. We tested the video quality of each drone by capturing photos and video footage of the same flight path at similar times of day, examining resolution, color quality, color saturation, propeller intrusion and camera stability. We then played each model's footage simultaneously on identical monitors, side-by-side, to get a clear comparison. The Mini 3 scored relatively well in this metric, landing in the middle of the pack, but when considering its portability, this drone offers exceptional video quality.


We were impressed with the photo capabilities of the Mini 3 Pro, with 48 megapixels offering excellent resolution for our high-detail photo tests. All models took nearly identical aerial shots of trees, which demands a great deal from a drone camera. This option was able to handle high-detail shots without oversharpening, where other portable models struggled.

dji mini 3 pro - we were able to capture a great amount of detail with the mini 3 pro.
We were able to capture a great amount of detail with the Mini 3 Pro.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We tested the highlight retention and dynamic range of the Mini 3 Pro by aiming its lens towards the sun. While bright clouds were overexposed, the majority of the image was correctly exposed. Unfortunately, highlights and shadows lacked the detail of other models, though this is to be expected with its sensor size.



In the low light test, our expectations were low, given the small sensor of the Mini 3 Pro, but we were pleasantly surprised with its performance. We were able to shoot low-light footage with relatively minimal noise- something we expected from a more robust camera. Similar to the highlight retention test, this model loses detail in the shadows.

dji mini 3 pro - in well-lit scenes, this drone performed well. in more dynamic...
In well-lit scenes, this drone performed well. In more dynamic lighting environments, there are other options that beat out the Mini 3 Pro.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The gimbal stabilization of the Mini 3 Pro was incredible, landing just behind much pricier and larger drones. When considering that this model has zero propeller intrusion, the video quality of the Mini 3 is, conclusively, a significant reason to purchase this drone.

dji mini 3 pro - overall, the mini 3 pro outperforms it's weight or size, with 4k...
Overall, the Mini 3 Pro outperforms it's weight or size, with 4k video and 48mp offering crisp content.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Flight Performance


If a drone can't handle a photographer or videographer's flight demands, they might as well use their land-based camera and figure out another way to get the shot, so we rated this metric at 35% of the total score. We put the Mini 3 Pro through the wringer, with extensive flights of varying lengths performed by an FAA pilot. We chased everything from mountain bikers to ridgelines, thoroughly investigating responsiveness, stability, and how smooth the flight itself was. We also tested the Mini 3's following capabilities without a human pilot, to see if this drone can be trusted on its own. We're pleased to share that this drone came in near the top of the pack, beating out some options nearly twice its size.


The Mini 3 Pro offers excellent take-off and landing, though its modest size and weight cause it to be a bit more sensitive to wind. This option's intelligent flight modes kept up with more robust drones, with decent orbit/point of interest capabilities and excellent following- it has fewer obstacle sensors than other models, so be cautious about more demanding follower flights through tight clearances.

This model offers great take-offs and landings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The hover stability of the Mini 3 Pro was exceptional, but once again, its small size makes it more susceptible to wind. It also lacks the customization that larger, more featured options offer, such as adjustable horizontal speed or ascent rates. The max flight time of this model was an impressive 34 minutes, beating out the majority of the competition. Besides a few considerations, the Mini 3 Pro gifts excellent flight performance and will meet the needs of many videographers, photographers, social media influencers, or recreational drone pilots.

The flight performance of portable drones has gotten downright impressive over the years, and the DJI Mini 3 Pro exemplifies this achievement in drone design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Portability


You will, at some point, need to transport your drone to get the shot. Whether it's for an awe-inspiring summit orbit or a beach scene, carrying a drone is a potentially demanding task, so we weighted this metric at 10% of the total score. As a drone that boasts extremely compact dimensions and is a featherweight 249 grams (with the smaller battery), the Mini 3 Pro excels in portability and, rightfully, is at the front of the pack in this metric.


The Mini 3 Pro has an impressive diagonal size of six inches when folded, literally allowing you to put this in your pocket. For fans of the classic Seinfeld TV show, this drone is about the size of George Costanza's wallet, which might be bulky for a wallet, but it's incredibly small for a drone. At 8.7 ounces (or 249 grams), this drone also won't tire you out if you need to carry it long distances. We tried (and failed) to come up with a reason you would leave the Mini 3 at home, it's just too capable and too portable to be left behind on an adventure.

dji mini 3 pro - portability is one of the best aspects of the mini 3 pro. when it...
Portability is one of the best aspects of the Mini 3 Pro. When it fits in your pocket, you have very few excuses to leave it at home.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


We weighted this metric at 10% of the total score of the Mini 3 Pro, examining its overall learning curve, setup time out of the box, and the interface's video quality. Like most metrics, this drone performed well when pitted against the competition and is undoubtedly user-friendly.


Out of the box, the Mini 3 Pro is simple to set up, with the propellers already installed. If the battery has some juice, you could literally be flying your shiny new drone in five minutes after you receive it. The controller interface wasn't our favorite, as it uses your phone for the video feed rather than a built-in monitor, but it does keep the size and weight down on the controller. Unfortunately, the controller with the cell phone attached makes it feel top-heavy and unbalanced, so make sure to keep a solid grip on your controller when piloting.

dji mini 3 pro - the cell phone-controller system does work, but it makes the remote...
The cell phone-controller system does work, but it makes the remote feel top heavy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We were impressed with the learning curve of the Mini 3 Pro and had no issues learning to fly. With a max video resolution of 1080p at 30 fps, the video feed offers clear flight visuals, but if you have an older phone, the resolution and fps may suffer. We were able to transmit 7.4 miles from the controller to the drone, ultimately confirming the Mini 3 Pro is amicable to use.

dji mini 3 pro - overall, you'll find the mini 3 pro easy to set up, and will have a...
Overall, you'll find the Mini 3 pro easy to set up, and will have a blast flying it.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the DJI Mini 3 Pro?


The Mini 3 Pro is the best travel drone we've tested, striking the challenging balance between performance and portability. If you need a content-capturing companion that's easy to fit in any backpack and carry long distances, this is the drone for you. Even if you're staying closer to home, this drone's performance may likely be all that you need, and it's less expensive than higher-end models.

What Other Drone Should You Consider?


If you need premium video quality or flight performance, we'd steer you towards the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, though it costs substantially more than the Mini 3 Pro and isn't as portable. If you're hunting for that increase in performance without breaking the bank, the DJI Air 2S should be on your radar, it's still not as portable as the Mini 3 Pro but it's only slightly pricier.

Zach Lovell