If you are new to the world of drone photography, particularly for personal use, the DJI Mini 3 presents an excellent starting point. Despite being priced at less than half the cost of our top pick, the DJI Air 3, it boasts impressive features such as a 4K camera, an extensive battery life of 38 minutes, and a sleek and lightweight design that falls well within the FAA’s 250-gram limit. This means that you can enjoy high-quality aerial photography without the need for a heavy-duty and expensive drone. The DJI Mini 3 is a great choice for beginners who are looking to explore the possibilities of drone photography without breaking the bank.
The camera and sensor of the Mini 3 may not match the sophistication of the Air 3, yet the f/1.7 aperture on the Mini 3 proves to be a pleasant surprise by delivering commendable image quality, especially in settings with low light availability.
This particular model is equipped with essential functionalities that are typically sought after in a video drone, including features like image and flight stabilization, a controller that is part of the package, and intelligent flight modes that enable the drone to navigate autonomously, facilitating the effortless capture of cinematic sequences. However, it is important to note that this model does not incorporate obstacle-avoidance sensors, a feature commonly found in higher-end and more costly drone models.
By utilizing DJI’s Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, users are presented with the opportunity to prolong the drone’s battery life to 51 minutes. However, it is important to note that opting for this battery extension option adds extra weight to the drone. Consequently, the increased weight requires the drone to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).