DJI Mini 3 Pro drone: what we know so far

DJI looks set to announce their new generation of consumer drones, which we believe will be called the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Mini 3 Pro. If the rumors are true then the DJI Mini 2 will be updated with not one but two models, following leaked images and video of the device in action. 

The new drones didn't launch on the 28 April as some rumors predicted, and now that same rumor mill is suggesting that 10 May could be the official launch date.

DJI first started off its popular drone series with the DJI Mavic Mini in October 2019, which at the time of release was a pretty unique offering, packing a 2.7K camera into a body under 250g. That family now includes the more recent DJI Mini SE and the DJI Mini 2.

These are some of the best DJI drones around, and these three also take the top spots in our best drones for beginners guide. With that in mind, can we reasonably expect the DJI Mini 3 series to be just as impressive?

Although DJI hasn't put out any official statements about its release dates or specs, the most recent and exciting leak is a DJI Mini Pro 3 spec sheet from Sony Alpha Rumors via Twitter account Jasper Ellens suggesting the model will have a new Sony 48MP sensor. If this is true, the Sony Quadpixel sensor design will be similar to the one used by the OM-1 digital camera. 

From the spec sheet, it looks as if the Mini Pro 3 will have a top speed of 57kmph, while the lens will have an 82.1-degree field of view, which is an equivalent format of 24mm.

Previous leaks from Mirrorless Rumors have also shared photos leaked by Twitter account @DealsDrones  that shows the DJI Mini Pro will only weigh 249g and shares characteristics with the DJI Air 2S like the protruding front sensors at the top of the device and its styling around the gimbal.

Although we don't know for sure, we hope to see features that were missing from previous Mini models, such as obstacle avoidance sensors, which could be those located at the top of this new device. 

The DJI Mini Pro 3 could also have a larger battery with flight autonomy, as well as a 1-inch CMOS sensor with an f/1.7 lens. Would this make the Mini series the perfect drone to use for all your video and aerial photo applications?

The gimbal and camera unit also looks they have received an upgrade by way of a re-design, we are used to seeing the camera held by two arms of the gimbal, yet the new DJI Mini 3 take a more interesting approach, and actually looks like a mini version of the DJI OM 5 - which could be an interesting development. 

The camera also appears to be more of a square design than the more traditional rectangle we have seen from the drone giant, which might be due to keeping the weight down to 249g. 

However, don't get confused, even though this drone weights less than your favorite pack of cookies you will still need to register this drone with your local authorities and keep within the drone laws of state or country. 

From the photos it looks like the remote control (at least in the Pro kit) will have a built-in screen rather similar to that of the new controller for the DJI Matice M30 launched only a month ago, which will make the controller better to handle.

Perhaps the one downside to having the screen included in the controller is that the joysticks are now much further up, which could be less comfortable to hold, but until we get one in our hand we won’t know if that’s the case or not. 

Until we hear more information directly from DJI we can't comment too much about the specs or price of this new drone however, there has been further information leaked from Jasper Ellens suggesting that the DJI Mini 3 could see a price tag of $519, while the DJI Mini 3 Pro will be priced at $676.

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