In 2022, the drone market began to shrink mainly due to higher prices and tighter regulations. Higher production costs, Remote ID, the 250 gram weight limit, no-fly zones and more made us think twice before pulling the trigger on a new drone. DJI's new Mini 3 drone is aimed at those who don't want to invest a fortune in a drone and fly legally for non-commercial recreational purposes without having to register with the FAA.

When the DJI Mini 3 Pro arrived in May of this year, it disappointed those who were used to the attractive price of the MINI series. The new MINI 3 non-Pro is $200 cheaper ($669 vs. $469) in a drone-only package. The cost reduction comes with the loss of the ability to avoid obstacles. Without the front and rear obstacle detection sensors, DJI has removed the active tracking and APAS 4.0 features from its new budget drone.

The design of the Mini 3 is almost identical to that of the Mini 3 Pro. The 3-axis gimbal and the 4K camera are virtually identical. They can rotate to capture TikTok-friendly vertical videos as well. It also supports Quick Shots (Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle and Boomerang), which delivers cinematic-grade results and gives you a break from manual control. Unfortunately, the Mini 3 "Classic" can only record 4K videos at 30fps, not 60fps like its Pro sibling.

DJI Mini 3: Scope and Controller Options
Equipped with a DJI O2 digital video transmission system, the MINI 3 Standard's advertised range is up to 10KM in FCC mode and 6KM in CE mode. The Mini 3 is compatible with DJI's RC remote control with built-in FPV screen, as well as the entry-level RC-N1.

DJI MINI 3: Battery and Flight Time Options
The DJI MINI 3 was announced with two battery options. While the standard 2s 2453 mAh pack provides up to 38 minutes and the 2s 3850 mAh Pro up to 51 minutes. Of course, if you're fighting against the wind or flying in high-speed sport mode, you'll reduce battery life. You should keep in mind that when the MINI 3 is powered by a higher capacity battery, the take-off weight is around 290 grams.

DJI Mini 3: Key Features

  • Budget drone with 4K camera under 249 grams;
  • True vertical photos and 4K HDR video;
  • 3-axis gimbal stabilization;
  • Creative QuickShots (Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket and Boomerang);
  • Wide-angle, 180° and panorama mode Sphere;
  • DJI O2 system for digital video transmission with a range of up to 10 km;
  • Two controller options (DJI RC and RC-N1);
  • Level-5 wind resistance;
  • Up to 51 minutes of extended battery life.

Technical specifications:

Takeoff Weight Standard battery: 248 grams
Plus battery: 290 grams
Dimensions Folded: 148×90×62 mm
Unfolded: 251×362×72 mm
Camera 4K@30fps or 2.7K@60fps
Image sensor 1/1.3-inch CMOS
Effective Pixels: 12 MP
Max Video Bitrate 100 Mbps
True vertical shot Yes
FPV 720p/30fps
Communication OcuSync 2.0
Max FPV Distance FCC: 10 km \ CE: 6 km \ SRRC: 6 km \ MIC: 6 km
Wind level 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
Intelligent flight modes Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang
Active tracking No
Obstacle sensing Downward vision system
Remote controller DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC
Flight battery Intelligent Flight Battery: 2453 mAh
Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: 3850 mAh
Battery life 38 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery)
51 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus)
Release date 9 December 2022
Price Standard: $469 (PNP), $559 (DJI RC-N1), $699 (DJI RC)
Fly more combo: $718 (DJI RC-N1), $858 (DJI RC)