DJI launches the Mini 3: little change, the price explodes

DJI will end the marketing of its Mini 2 to make room for the Mini 3, an ultra-light drone presented today. Downside: its 249 grams cost 120 euros more. The drone which makes it possible to pass under the restrictions linked to aircraft weighing more than 250 grams has taken care of some details on its technique, but in the end, few changes come to justify the price increase which brings the drone closer to the Mini 3 Pro.

It remains the most affordable model of DJI drones, at 489 euros. But you have to pay 579 euros to be able to have the remote control and the charger, a pack previously available in the basic price of the DJI Mini 2 (459 euros). The difference between the two generations is therefore 120 euros. An increase that DJI does not justify in its press release, but which certainly follows inflation.

The biggest change on the DJI Mini 3 comes from the sensor and the autonomy. Unfortunately, the brand could not correct the weak points of the Mini 2, namely the absence of proximity sensors to circumvent obstacles and the absence of ActiveTrack. As a result, with the QuickShot modes (for scenes with movements made automatically), you have to pay attention to the environment (and the birds!)

Image quality gets even better

In terms of good news, we therefore note the arrival of a new 1/1.3 inch sensor which allows the Mini 3 to offer images in 48 MP. The 4-1 technology makes it possible to merge the pixels to have 12 MP photos of better quality and better brightness. In video, 4K HDR is on the program. Again, with a bigger sensor, the DJI Mini 3 will be more comfortable no matter the conditions.

Unlike models in DJI’s pro range, the Mini 3 has only one sensor. That said, it packs a 2x digital zoom in 4K at 30fps. To go into even more detail, it is possible to zoom in x4 for a resolution of 1080p. Otherwise, the Mini 3 takes over the functionality of shooting in vertical format, in order to record content adapted to mobiles. In engaged mode, the DJI Mini 3 camera thus rotates 90 degrees.

8 minute bonus

The other change that differentiates the Mini 3 from the Mini 2 concerns autonomy. It is a little better: 8 minutes of additional time, for a total of 38 minutes. This is quite remarkable for a drone. The general public now has access to a product that is far from restrictive for flying, with an image stream in 720p and 30 frames per second. Its radius of action (for the range of its remote control) is 10 kilometers. In case of bad conditions, note that the wind resistance is 10.7 m/s (same as the DJI Mini 2).

Staggered launch

For its marketing, it will be necessary to be patient, or to pay very dearly. Indeed, DJI is not targeting the end of the year celebrations, except for its most high-end packs available now. To afford the DJI Mini 3 without accessory or remote control (489 euros) or with charger and remote control (579 euros), you will have to wait until early 2023.

• The DJI Mini 3 (no charger or remote control) will be available in early 2023 at a price of 489 euros.
• The DJI Mini 3 with DJI RC-N1 remote control and charger will be available in early 2023 at a price of 579 euros
• The DJI Mini 3 with the DJI RC radio control will be available in early 2023 at a price of 749 euros.
• The DJI Mini 3 Fly More bundle with the DJI RC-N1 remote controller, a shoulder bag, a two-way charging station and two additional smart batteries is available today for 768 euros.
• The DJI Mini 3 Fly More (DJI RC) bundle with the DJI RC remote controller, shoulder bag, two-way charging station and two additional smart batteries is available today for 938 euros.