DJI Mini 3 review and specs

DJI Mini 3 price

Drone DJI Mini 3

DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC), Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 3 Batteries for 114-min Flight Time, Vertical Shooting, 32800ft (10km)

Excellent

$719.00See It On amazon

DJI Mini 3 Review: The Ultimate Lightweight Drone for Creators on a Budget

Let’s be real: drones are cool. But they’re also intimidating. Between FAA rules, price tags, and tech jargon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Enter the DJI Mini 3—a drone that’s lightweight, regulation-friendly, and packs a punch for its size. But does it live up to the hype? After testing it on hikes, cityscapes, and even a chaotic family reunion (more on that later), here’s my take.

Key Specs at a Glance17

• Weight: 249g (sub-250g = no FAA registration in the U.S.)
• Camera: 12MP, 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/1.7 aperture
• Video: 4K/30fps, HDR support, vertical shooting mode
• Flight Time: 38 mins (standard battery), 51 mins (Plus battery)
• Price: Starts at 469(drone−only),469(drone−only),559 with RC-N1 remote

Wait, 51 minutes?! That’s longer than my attention span during a Zoom meeting. But specs alone don’t tell the whole story. Let’s dig deeper.

Design & Portability: Small but Mighty

The Mini 3 is tiny. Folded, it’s about the size of a soda can—perfect for tossing into a backpack. I took it on a weekend camping trip, and honestly? Forgot it was there until I needed it. The folding arms and compact build make it a no-brainer for travelers.

But here’s the kicker: despite its size, it feels sturdy. One windy day, a gust sent it wobbling near a tree (oops), but the 3-axis gimbal kept the footage buttery smooth. DJI claims it handles winds up to 24 mph, and I’d say that’s… mostly accurate. Just don’t try storm-chasing with it.

Camera Performance: Better Than Your Phone?

The Mini 3’s camera is its star feature. The 1/1.3-inch sensor and f/1.7 lens let in more light than its predecessor, the Mini 2. During golden hour, shots of the Colorado Rockies looked crisp, with vibrant colors and minimal noise. Even at night, the results were decent—though streetlights got blown out unless I manually adjusted settings.

Vertical shooting mode is a game-changer for Instagram Reels and TikTok. Rotating the camera 90° takes seconds, and the 24mm equivalent lens captures wide angles without distortion. My only gripe? No 48MP photo mode like the Mini 3 Pro. But hey, 12MP is plenty for social media.

Pro Tip: Grab ND filters if you’re serious about videography. They’ll help manage shutter speed in bright conditions—trust me, your sunset timelapses will thank you.

Flight Experience: Easy for Newbies, Fun for Pros

Flying the Mini 3 feels intuitive, even for first-timers. The DJI Fly app walks you through setup, and the three flight modes—Cine, Normal, Sport—let you toggle between cinematic pans and speedy zooms. My nephew (age 12) mastered it in 10 minutes, though he did almost crash into a picnic table. No obstacle avoidance sensors, folks! You’ll need to keep those thumbs alert.

Battery life? amazing. With the Plus battery, I filmed a 45-minute kayak trip without swapping packs. Just remember: the Plus battery pushes the weight over 250g, so FAA registration kicks in. For most casual pilots, the standard battery is plenty.

Who Should Buy the DJI Mini 3?

1. Travelers & Hikers: Its portability and vertical shooting make it ideal for capturing adventures.
2. Social Media Creators: 4K HDR + vertical mode = endless content options.
3. Upgraders from Older Models: Mini 2 users will love the improved sensor and flight time.

Not for: Pros needing 10-bit color or obstacle avoidance. That’s what the Mini 3 Pro (or Mini 4 Pro) is for.

Real-Life Testing: Chaos Edition

At my cousin’s wedding, I used the DJI Mini 3 to film the ceremony. The quiet propellers (seriously, it’s whisper-quiet) didn’t distract guests, and the 38-minute battery lasted through vows, toasts, and an awkward dance-off. The highlight? Aerial shots of the venue’s garden—everyone thought I’d hired a pro videographer.

But let’s keep it 💯: Without obstacle sensors, I white-knuckled it through a tree-dense afterparty. If you’re filming in tight spaces, consider DJI’s 360° Propeller Guard. It’s saved my drone from more than one beer-pong-related disaster.

DJI Mini 3 vs. Competitors

Verdict: The Mini 3 sits in a sweet spot. It’s cheaper than the Pro but offers better specs than the Mini 2. If you don’t need tracking modes or 10-bit color, save the cash.

Practical Advice: Getting the Most Out of Your Mini 3

1. Bundle Smartly: The Fly More Combo ($718) includes extra batteries and a charger. Worth it if you’re shooting all day.
2. Master Manual Mode: Auto settings blow out highlights at night. Dial in ISO and shutter speed for cleaner shots.
3. Practice Indoors: Use the propeller guard to hone skills without risking a crash. My cat still hasn’t forgiven me, though.

The Quirks (Because Nothing’s Perfect)

• No Hyperlapse: Bummer for time-lapse lovers.
• Slow GPS Lock: Takes ~30 seconds on cold starts. Patience, young Padawan.
• RC-N1 vs. DJI RC Remote: The built-in screen on the DJI RC is brighter but lacks live maps. Phone tethering fixes this, but it’s a hassle.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you want a lightweight, no-fuss drone for travel and social media, yes. The Mini 3 delivers pro-level footage without the pro-level price. Just know its limits: no obstacle avoidance, no 4K/60fps. For beginners and casual flyers, it’s a stellar pick.