DJI Mini 3 review: Vertical video for less

DJI is further segmenting its drone lineup with the DJI Mini 3. This small drone costs less than $500 in the US, yet incorporates some features from the $760 DJI Mini 3 Pro — like recording vertical video and HDR — but at a price closer to that of the $449 Mini 2. 

Like all of DJI’s drones I've tested, the Mini 3 was effortless to fly, and its 4K camera took excellent photos and videos. Moreover, with the right battery, it can fly for nearly an hour — the longest time of any drone of its size. Read the rest of our DJI Mini review to see if this model hits the sweet spot between its price and features.

DJI Mini 3 review: Price and availability

The DJI Mini 3 is on sale as of today (Dec. 9), and will be available in a few configurations:

• DJI Mini 3 (Drone Only): $409 / AU$699
• DJI Mini 3 with the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller: $499 / AU$829
• DJI Mini 3 with the DJI RC Remote Controller: $639 / AU$1,019
• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (includes the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries): $658 / AU$1,188
• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (includes the DJI RC Remote Controller, Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries): $798 / AU$1,378

For the purposes of this review, DJI sent me the pricier of its two Fly More Combos, which includes the DJI RC Remote Controller, which has its own built-in display. The DJI RC-N1 remote does not have a screen, and requires you to use your phone instead.

DJI Mini 3 review: Design

The Mini 3 looks just like DJI’s other pint-sized drones. When folded, it sits neatly in your hand, and is a featherweight 249 grams — just light enough so that you don’t need to register it with the FAA. The Mini 3 is the same battleship gray as the rest of the drones in DJI’s fleet. 

As with the company’s other drones, the Mini 3’s arms fold out for flight; a camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal hangs out in the front, with two forward-looking eye-like sensors just above. 

The drone’s battery slides out the back of the drone; just above it is a microSD card slot and a USB-C port. 

DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. DJI Mini 2: Specs compared

The Mini 3 gets a few of the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s most notable features — mainly, its ability to record vertically-oriented video. Press a button on the remote and the Mini 3’s camera rotates 90 degrees, 

However, DJI does reserve some more advanced features for the Pro. For instance, the pricier model can record 4K video at up to 60 fps, whereas the Mini 3 maxes out at 30 fps. In addition, the Pro can shoot slo-mo 1080p video at 120fps. And, the Pro model has front, rear, and downward-facing sensors, so it can better avoid objects while in flight. 

DJI Mini 3 review: Camera and video quality and features

Like the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3’s camera can rotate 90 degrees so you can take portrait-oriented photos and videos. It’s handy for those who plan to use the drone for social accounts like TikTok, where vertical video is the order of the day. I also found it was really helpful if you’re trying to shoot something that’s very tall, like a skyscraper or a tree.

The 4K videos I shot with the Mini 3 were crisp and clear. On the late fall day I flew the drone, it accurately captured the reds and yellows of the few trees that still had leaves, and the bright green grass of playing fields stood out among the brown and gray trees. 

While not as capable at tracking subjects as DJI’s pricier Mavic series, the Mini 3 has a few flight modes, called QuickShots, where the drone locks onto a subject, and then flies in a pre-set pattern away from the person. It’s nothing new — these have been around for several years — but they’re fun to play around with. Since the Mini 3 doesn’t have as many sensors as the Mini 3 Pro or the Mavic 3, you have to be careful where you use QuickShots, or else the drone will unwittingly crash into a tree. 

DJI Mini 3 review: Flight time

The Mini 3 can fly for up to 38 minutes, or up to 51 minutes with the extended flight battery. That’s the longest of any DJI drone by far. The Mini 3 Pro can stay aloft for up to 34 minutes, or 47 minutes with the extended battery. 

With the regular battery, I was able to keep the Mini 3 aloft for around 30 minutes; your time will vary based on how you fly the drone, how long it hovers, and the ambient temperature. 

Anything longer than 30 minutes is great, and as of late, drones that can stay in the air for up to 40 minutes are becoming more common. 

DJI Mini 3: Verdict

While DJI touts the Pro-like features of the Mini 3 as the major selling point, I would argue that the Mini 3’s amazing flight time (with the extended battery) is one of the best reasons to pick up this drone. Vloggers and influencers who want to film themselves will also like that they can record vertical video for a much lower price than the Mini 3 Pro. 

If you want to save yourself some money among the best drones, I recommend the DJI Mini 2, which starts at $449, or the DJI Mini SE, which is just $299. But if you’re looking for a great balance between features and price, the Mini 3 is definitely a drone to consider.