The DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. the Mini 3 comparison guide shows the major gap between the regular and Pro models.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 3 represent DJI’s latest mini drones in its under-250 g product line. However, it’s a bit tricky to decide which one to choose. There is no doubt that the Pro model is more powerful and capable, but the regular DJI Mini 3 is also very competitive, let alone the $200 price difference. Keep reading for a deep dive into the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs DJI Mini 3.
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview:
Get the DJI Mini 3 Pro if:
- You have a big budget for a camera drone
- You want a mini drone that is capable of better 4k videos
- Obstacle Avoidance and Intelligent Flight Modes (Easy for creation) are what you are looking for in a camera drone
Get the DJI Mini 3 if:
- Your budget is small
- You just want the latest entry-level drone
- You are not into a drone that comes with all the latest technology
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3: Price
The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s price starts from $759 which includes a regular RC, if you choose the version that comes with a better remote controller DJI RC, the price will go to $909. There are also two essential accessory bundles available.
There are more options for the DJI Mini 3, the price varies from $559 to $858 depending on which bundle you choose. Unlike the Pro model, there is no accessory combo Fly More Kit, DJI has put it together with the drone which is sold as Fly More Combo.
Please note that there is no Fly more bundle for the DJI Mini 3 Pro, but you can buy the Fly More Kit which is a combination of several essential accessories at a much more competitive price.
|
Price |
||
| Drone | Drone with DJI RC-N1 Controller: $759
Drone with DJI RC Controller: $909 |
Drone with DJI RC-N1 Controller: $559
Drone with DJI RC Controller: $699 Fly more combo with DJI RC-N1 Controller: $718 Fly more combo with DJI RC: $858 |
| Essential Accessories | Regular Battery: $65
Plus Battery: $95 Fly More Kit: $249 Fly More Kit Plus: $189 |
Regular Battery: $65
Plus Battery: $95 |
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3: Camera
If you look at the table below you will see that there is no difference in hardware because they use the same camera.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is capable of up to 4K@60fps videos with a max bitrate of 150 Mbps, the Mini 3 can only shoot videos of up to 4K@30fps with a max bitrate of 100 Mbps. DJI Mini 3 Pro also has more options on Video Format and Color Profile which offers more space for post-production.
Another major gap is that DJI Mini 3 Pro support Slow Motion videos and DJI Mini 3 has no such feature but allows you to record videos in HDR.
The Mini 3 Pro allows you to take 48 MP photos while the Mini 3 only supports 12 MP.
|
Drone |
DJI Mini 3 Pro |
DJI Mini 3 |
| Sensor | 1/1.3″ CMOS | 1/1.3″ CMOS |
| Lens | f/1.7 | f/1.7 |
| Camera | 48 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps Slow Motion: 1920×1080 @ 120fps |
4K: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30 fps
2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps HDR: Recording with the 24/25/30fps frame rate supports outputting HDR images. |
| Max Bitrate | 150 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Video Format | MP4/MOV (H.264/H.265) | MP4 (H.264) |
| Digital Zoom | Yes
4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x |
Yes
4K: 2x 2.7K: 3x FHD: 4x |
| ISO | Video:
100-6400 (Auto) 100-6400 (Manual) Photos: 100-6400 (Auto) 100-6400 (Manual) |
Video:
100-3200 Photos: 100-3200 |
| Photo Format | JPEG / DNG (RAW) | JPEG / DNG (RAW) |
| Color Mode | Normal
D-Cinelike |
Normal |
| Vertical Shooting | Yes | Yes |
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3: Size & Weight
The Mini 3 is slightly larger than the Mini 3 Pro when folded, you almost can’t feel it if you don’t look at the specs. Both of them weigh under 249 g (including the battery, propellers, and microSD card). So you don’t need to register in most countries and regions, but if you go with the intelligent flight battery plus, which gives you more battery life, the weight will reach about 290 g.
Both drones support microSD cards that are UHS-l Speed Class 3 or above, though the Pro version comes with 1.2 GB built-in memory.
|
Drone |
DJI Mini 3 Pro |
DJI Mini 3 |
| Dimensions (Folded) | Folded: 145×90×62 mm (L×W×H) | Folded: 148×90×62 mm (L×W×H) |
| Weight | < 0.54 lbs/ 249 grams | < 0.54 lbs/ 249 grams |
| FAA Registration | No (With the intelligent battery)
Yes (With the Intelligent Battery Plus, about 290 g) |
No (With the intelligent battery)
Yes (With the Intelligent Battery Plus, about 290 g) |
| Gimbal | 3 Axis | 3 Axis |
| Internal Storage | 1.2 GB onboard | N/A |
| SD Card | UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required. Learn more >> | UHS-I Speed Class 3 or above is required. Learn more >> |
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3: Flight Performance & Battery Life
The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 3 share the same flight performance, the same Max flight distance, speed in sport mode, and the ability to resist wind. They use the same battery too, but the max flight time is slightly different, the Max flight time of the Mini 3 is 4 minutes longer than that of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, regardless of which version of battery you use.
In terms of Obstacle Avoidance, the Mini 3 only packs downward sensors while the Mini 3 Pro is loaded with forward, backward, and downward ones. That is to say, the Mini 3 has no such ability, and this is one of the biggest differences between these two models.
|
Drone |
DJI Mini 3 Pro |
DJI Mini 3 |
| Max Flight Distance | 18 km (with Intelligent Flight Battery)
25 km (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
18 km (with Intelligent Flight Battery)
25 km (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
| Wind Resistance | 23.9 mph (Level 5) | 23.9 mph (Level 5) |
| Battery Life | up to 34 minutes: With Intelligent Flight Battery
up to 47 minutes: with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus |
up to 38 minutes: With Intelligent Flight Battery
up to 51 minutes: with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus |
| Max Speed (Sport Mode) | 35.8 mph (57.6 km/h ) | 35.8 mph (57.6 km/h ) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Forward, Backward, Downward | Downward |
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3: Transmission System
Another major difference between these two drones is Transmission. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is equipped with DJI’s latest transmission technology DJI O3, which gives you a max transmission range of 12 km (FCC), the Mini 3 comes with DJI O2 which also has a decent max transmission distance of 10 km (FCC).
The live-view video quality also differs, the Mini 3 offers 720p/30fps videos, and the Mini 3 Pro’s live-view video has a resolution of 1080p/30fps.
|
Drone |
DJI Mini 3 Pro |
DJI Mini 3 |
| Transmission System | DJI O3 | DJI O2 |
| Live View Quality | Remote Controller:
1080p/30fps |
Remote Controller:
720p/30fps |
| Max Transmission Distance | FCC: 12 km
CE: 8 km SRRC: 8 km MIC: 8 km |
FCC: 10 km
CE: 6 km SRRC: 6 km MIC: 6 km |
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3: Intelligent Flight and App
Since the DJI Mini 3 has no forward sensors, so it’s not as sophisticated as the Pro model regarding intelligent flight modes.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is capable of MasterShots, beginner pilots can use this easy-to-use feature to create short cinematic videos. FocusTrack allows you to track and follow your subjects like bikes, cars, or animals, including ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0.
APAS 4.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems) enables the drone to avoid obstacles in real time even in complex environments.
|
Drone |
DJI Mini 3 Pro |
DJI Mini 3 |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | MasterShots
FocusTrack Hyperlapse APAS 4.0 |
N/A |
| App | DJI Fly | DJI Fly |
In Closing
Both DJI Mini 3 Pro and DJI Mini 3 are top models in the mini drone series. No matter which one you choose, you won’t be regretful, so the question becomes simple, just pick one according to your budget and then go fly!
Get the DJI Mini 3 if:
- Your budget is small
- You just want the latest entry-level drone
- You are not into a drone that comes with all the latest technology
Get the DJI Mini 3 Pro if:
- You have a big budget for a camera drone
- You want a mini drone that is capable of better 4k videos
- Obstacle Avoidance and Intelligent Flight Modes (Easy for creation) are what you are looking for in a camera drone
