Back in May, DJI introduced its Mini 3 Pro model — an approachable professional-grade drone with a slew of impressive features for its sub-$1,000 price. And as Q4 of the 2022 year comes to a close, the Chinese-owned tech outfit has now released an even more affordable non-Pro-spec of the DJI Mini 3 that retains many of its more high-end predecessor’s features and amenities.
Sold without a controller, with a regular controller, or with a DJI RC controller with a 5.5” HD display, the DJI Mini 3 is based on its Pro-spec counterpart, though loses its ActiveTrack capabilities and front and rear obstacle detection. Thanks to the onboard camera’s combination of a 1/1.3-inch sensor and dual native ISO, the Mini 3 can record 4K HDR videos with true-to-life colors in both day and night settings/conditions.
The drone packs 38 minutes of flight time that can be extended to 51 minutes, making it DJI’s longest-lasting drone to date, plus a Level 5 wind resistance rating, with the ability to withstand gusts of up to 24mph. Even more impressive is the fact that the drone can transmit 720p 30fps video up to 6.2 miles. Alongside downward obstacle sensing, the drone is also equipped with an innovative — and protected — gimbal design that allows for large-angle camera tilt as well as True Vertical Shooting and a QuickShots Panorama mode. Extremely mobile and travel-friendly, the drone is also foldable and weighs in at just 249 grams (or 8.7oz).
Starting at $469 for the drone without a controller, $559 for the drone with a regular remote controller, and $699 for the drone with the screen-equipped controller — the latter of which is the same starting MSRP on the Mini 3 Pro — the DJI Mini 3 drone is available for purchase now.
