DJI Mini 3 review

DJI’s latest ultralight drone trims the feature set (and the price) - we take a test flight with the DJI Mini 3

DJI Mini 3
(Image: © Adam Juniper / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

This is DJI’s Mini 3 Pro at a more palatable budget; still not cheap, but by dispensing with the lesser-used features DJI has created a version that is easier to justify for many. It has great battery life and can survive a bit of a breeze, while shooting 4K video in portrait or landscape. Just remember to avoid obstacles yourself!

Pros

  • +

    Camera rotates for portrait or landscape

  • +

    Ultra-light drone below registration

  • +

    4K 30fps HDR video

  • +

    Flight time up to 38 minutes

  • +

    Works with DJI RC or RC-N1 controllers

Cons

  • -

    Price rise compared to Mini 2

  • -

    No collision sensors

  • -

    No subject tracking

  • -

    Looks aren’t for everyone

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Given that, in many places, the ultralights are the most popular drones (they’re portable and have the advantage of sidestepping regulation), it’s not a surprise DJI have added to their range. Having shown the limits of possibility – at least in May 2022 – with the Mini 3 Pro, DJI has followed up with a version of the sub-250g drone without the ‘Pro’ moniker. This is the second drone in a few weeks to offer a cheaper configuration of an existing model (the Mavic 3 Classic arrived in November). In this case, though, the main victim of feature trim is the collision detection system and associated subject tracking. 

The drone does still sport DJI’s cinematic QuickShots (Dronie, Helix, etc.) which will make someone the center of attention for a single shareable shot. Perhaps even more significantly for social media fans the drone retains the rotating portrait/landscape camera from its ‘Pro’ sibling.

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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook