Just in time for the holidays, DJI released a tiny, more affordable version of its DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. Just subtract the world “Pro” from the name.
The new DJI Mini 3 weighs in at a svelte 249 grams (8.78 ounces) or less and shoots detail-rich, 4K HDR video, the company said.
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DJI Mini 3 camera drone
The foldable DJI Mini 3 is a compact and lightweight camera drone that can add striking aerial photography to your repertoire. You can take still shots and film in 4K HDR. And at this small size, the drone isn’t likely to fall afoul of flight regulations.
Mini 3’s camera is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with dual native ISO and chip-level HDR technology for video shot during daytime or nighttime. It shoots at 30fps whereas the Pro model shoots at 60fps (and costs $200 more).
“During the day, capture highlight and shadow details for more nuanced visual results with greater depth,” DJI said. “Continue to capture clearly and vividly, even as day turns to night.”
Camera details from DJI:
Photo: DJI
The camera’s f/1.7 aperture and larger 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels record clear details and present exceptional imagery even in low-light scenarios. And with 4x zoom, you can explore further and scout locations before you shoot.
An innovative gimbal design gives the camera more options with a large-angle tilt. And with a quick switch to True Vertical Shooting, even casual shots are striking and ready to share.
Extended battery life and simple shot modes
Photo: DJI
DJI said it has extended the drone’s battery life over previous models, with Standard Intelligent Flight Battery good for flights up to 38 minutes and Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, sold separately, good for flights up to 51 minutes (the longest of any DJI drone, the company said).
And you can “get advanced shots with just a tap” with preprogrammed flight pattern and shooting modes called QuickShots. They include Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket and Boomerang, DJI said.
And you can send the results to your mobile device for saving or sharing just as quickly with QuickTransfer.
“Equipped with the DJI O2 digital video transmission, Mini 3 features strong anti-interference capability and a 10-kilometer maximum transmission range,” the company said.
The drone supports Wide Angle, 180-degree and Sphere panorama photos, so you can get plenty of scenery into every frame.
The new drone features 38kph (Level 5) wind resistance in flight.
Buying options
You can get the DJI Mini 3 from the company for $559 or in a bundle with spare parts and accessories for $858 from Amazon.
