DJI - Mini 3 Pro

I’ve got the mini 3 pro. Happy with it. One other difference between the mini 3 pro and mini 4 pro is the 4 returns full HD 1080 back to the RC unit while the mini 3 pro returns low res images back to the RC unit.

I bought the mini 3 pro, no regrets. Been flying it for 3 years now and it’s still just fantastic in 4K 60 fps. I think the Pro version gives you the right amount of features for safety and awareness in flight.

DJI Mini3 Pro and Mini4 Pro will both do this, and both are 249g drones. So as you’re not distributing or selling your video, you should not need to get an FCC Part107 license. I don’t know if you’ll find and brand new Mini3 Pro models for sale as DJI may be discontinuing it. As I understand it, what gives you the full “follow me” capability is the fore and aft collision avoidance sensors. My Mini2 cannot do that at it only has downward-facing sensors. The Mini3 Pro and Mini4 Pro drones do all that. Your 90-minute flight-time won’t be possible with these drones— unless you’re ok with landing and swapping batteries twice.

If you want collision-avoidance sensors the Mini4 Pro or Mini3 Pro are best in the sub-250g realm. Otherwise the Mini4k is a great value. Before 2025 tariffs went into effect, they could be found at around $250. I paid $430 for my Mini2 4 years ago. Essentially the same drone. I love my Mini2 (not the SE). I have taken it to Europe and UK 3 times now.

mini 3 pro refurbs are very good deals

just bought a mini 3 pro for $560 (USD) in marketplace FB

''nausea and vertigo from VR headsets.'' me to i get heavy sick from PC vr headsets!! but with the Avata I DONT. That was also something i was scarred about, but i tried it and i wont get sick from that headset. I also have a mini 3 pro ! they are great! and camera wise extremly good!! Easy to use to! You just need to watch out when flying sideways (you can crash into things), otherwise its very easy. I would not recommend the NEO. So if you ask me is the mini 3 a good deal? yeah it is! Like i said i got the pro version. But i THINK the pro version comes only with some more sensors (for following, tracking and obstacle avoidance). But you have to check that one out if the camera is the same. The NEO has worse camera though! I got the controller were you need to use the phone. That works great, but if you can i would suggest go with the inscreen build one. Sorry for my bad english though :)!

Look into the mini 3 pro, you can find it at around 500-600. it has forward and backward sensors and can shoot vertical videos which is really beneficial if you use social media like tiktok or instagram. Sadly it doesnt support 4k60fps, its capped at 4k 30fps but everything else is really good about it. DJI flip is safer for indoors but it doesnt have any sensors so i would either go for mini 3 pro or flip

The Mini 2 has 4K video. I know because I own two of them. They are easily unlocked at Drone Hacks. The Mini 4K is everything the Mini 2 MINUS the front LED, less battery time in the remote, and no ability to unlock. For drone released in 2024 it also has no Remote ID. Hard pass on the Mini 4K unless it was dirt cheap. Use mini 2 goes for anywhere from 200 to 250 used. You can get like new batteries on eBay for 23 bucks. If you can afford it I would get a used Mini 3 pro. They're going for pretty cheap used. I've seen them as low as $400 The larger sensor allows you to capture images in lower light conditions. But also has a vertical mode.

That’s massive 😱, I have mini 3 pro 🤣 it’s a little too small compared to this giant

My mini 3 pro was this for me 3 years ago, still going strong. Holds up to ice fishing conditions and pretty high winds. It's also sub 250g so I can use it in the city to inspect roofs of 3 story+ buildings. I'd say the mini 4 pro will past you a long time but the newest one you can afford so you don't need to upgrade after a few years.

I've basically stopped using my Mavic and use my Mini 3 Pro for most things now. Wind resistance isn't quite as good, but image quality is more than good enough and being under 250 g makes flying a lot easier (in Canada, might be different where you are). Some people assume 'bigger is better'. I've seen that in photography, where my Nikon D800 with huge lens gets more respect than a smaller camera. (So sometimes I'll being the bigger camera for show, use it for a few pictures while mostly using a smaller camera, and let people assume that the best pictures were taken with the bigger camera when in reality all the pictures came from the smaller easier-to-carry camera.)

I'm happy with my Mini 3 Pro. I bought the controller with the built-in screen which has been great, and I'm glad I spent extra for it. I do wish I had 360° obstacle avoidance rather than just front-and-rear, but not enough to buy a new drone. I view my drone as a camera with a 120m tripod (ie. a tool for photography), so your wants may be very different.

I'd even look at the mini 3 pro. I have seen them on Ebay real cheap, and that model does have forward and rear obstacle avoidance. Under 300 Mini 4k won't let you down view the Potensic Atom. Potensic doesn't GEO lock and has a few more follow modes if that's something you want.

Flip isn't FPV, it won't connect to goggles. Mini 3 won't connect to goggles either. Even the Mini 3 Pro, if you could get it connected to goggles won't fly in Manual mode. The Neo is a bit underpowered for anything but cinematic flight and very light freestyle. The Avata 2 is a somewhat more rounded quad, but still mostly a cinematic quad. If you are wanting to fly freestyle, buy a controller (Radiomaster Boxer or Radiomaster Pocket) and start following along with Bardwell's "learn how to fly FPV series". Spend a month doing that and watching other Bardwell videos while you figure out what video system and kind of quad you want to fly. I'd suggest starting with something small like a BetaFPV Meteor 75.

I gotta say I still love my Mini 3 Pro... I mean I've had others (Hubsan) but those were toys compared to this thing... The mini 3 pro is just a fun device to fly!

You're looking at either a used DJI mini 3 pro or DJI Flip. I think Neo will not track dogs.

A used, in good condition, Mini 3 Pro with the RC controller (controller with screen) can be had for under $500 these days. I would then get the DJI Care Refresh. M3P has most of the features the new drones have and also a very good camera. I would start there.

PRO is worth it

Second that. I would go for the 4 pro now since it has obstacle avoidance in all directions- it’s very important to me. But the 3 pro is amazing

Get the dji mini 3 pro, has most of the features of the mini 4 pro and is cheaper. U can get one for $500-$550 on ebay with the rc 2 remote

I had this same question a a month or so ago. To me, it depends on what the goal is with the drone. Did a bunch of research (ok, maybe research isn’t the right word for watching a ton of YT videos lol) and ended up at the Air3. IMO, it was down to the Mini 3 Pro vs Air 3. I liked the Mini 3, if you are shooting for fun. Like to go out to the lake, want to get some nice shots. A point and shoot camera style purchase, where convenience overrides higher end quality. It’s easy to pack, main camera is really good, and the fly more combo with the battery pack really helps. The weight also helps with the license, and it’s cheaper. I picked the Air3 because I plan on using it for my real estate business as well, so I liked the dual camera. I didn’t have issue with getting a license. Since I do real estate I’m used to dragging my heavy laptop with me everywhere, so the added weight wasn’t a big concern. Especially since I’d be pairing it up with a camera, lens, and gimbal set up. However, I don’t think there’s a wrong choice between the two. I oscillated on my decision a few times before making the plunge.

If it’s simply Just photos, stick with the mini. Less regulations and less of a hassle. Mini 3 pro or mini 4 pro just for the obstacle avoidance

So really any DJI will work. You can start cheep with a Mini 4k for around $300, though I'd recommend the Fly More Combo (extra batteries and propellers) which goes up to $450. The Mini 4 Pro is a step up and adds obstacle avoidance, which is helpful but not a must have, and an improved camera, but the price goes to $760 to start and $1,099 for the fly more (which also includes the touchscreen controller). Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro are also options, with the Mini 3 being a little better than the Mini 4k and the Mini 3 Pro being not quite as good as the Mini 4 Pro (the Mini 3 Pro only has front, rear, and below obstacle avoidance while Mini 4 Pro is all around). The Mini series has one big problem when it comes to Part 107 operations. When flying recreationally (not Part 107), drones taking off under 250g (which all DJI Mini drones are without accessories) do not require Remote ID. However, when Part 107, Remote ID is required regardless of weight. The Minis can support Remote ID, but due to the way DJI programmed it, it only turns on Remote ID when using an extended battery (sold separately). They do that because then it is 250g and above so requires Remote ID. So when using it for Part 107, you need to either use the extended battery or attach a Remote ID module (which is around $40). An alternative would be the DJI Air 3 (and soon to be released Air 3S). The Air is a bigger drone (about 2x-3x the size of the Mini series), so it is a little harder to carry (can't throw it in a bag as easily). However, it is more powerful and adds a 3x telephoto camera along with the standard camera (and like the Mini 4 Pro, has full obstacle avoidance). Because of its weight, it always has Remote ID enabled. It is a little higher in price than your budget though, coming in at $1,099 or a fly more combo (without the touchscreen controller) for $1,349. With the Air 3S on the horizon, I would recommend not buying one of these unless they are sale (we have been seeing sales lately as they try to get rid of inventory) or otherwise wait until the 3S comes out.

I got mine a DJI mini 3 pro for his seventh birthday. Came with a controller with a screen and he only flies when I’m around but he does a great job. Sorry but that level of functionality isn’t available for a toy drone for $100

Mini 3 pro is amazing. You can get jt refurbished directly from DJI

The choice of drone depends on various factors. I own both the Mini 3 Pro and Neo. However, the Mini 3 Pro requires a significant increase in weight and bulk due to the remote controller. This becomes a concern when traveling by air, where space is at a premium. For my upcoming trip to Asia, I have decided to bring the Neo to save space, despite its reduced capabilities as a drone and camera.

Honestly, to the eyes of the public, the Mavic isn't much more impressive than the mini. If you want to look serious, you need an Inspire or an M300. But that's 500% overkill for OP's use cases.

Without a controller, you'll be severely limited in range, and like max 50m above your takeoff point. Maybe that's enough for you, maybe you'll be frustrated. Maybe I'm wrong about the Neo pano options. Mini 3 Pro says: * Panorama: Sphere, 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical The Neo only says "single and timed shots", so no pano or any kind. At least not automated, you can always do manual panos.

I second that. The Mini 3 (non-pro) sells pretty cheap at the moment and I would prefer it over the 4k. Of course, the 3 pro or 4 pro are more expensive but even better. Buy whatever you can afford with an RC controller with a built-in screen to avoid fiddling with your cellphone. The RC2 of the 4 Pro supports DJI‘s latest transmission standard. Unfortunately, they seem to introduce a new one with every drone generation without backwards compatibility. Also set some money aside to get DJI Care Refresh.

With obstacles avoidance? Mini 4 pro, if you can't afford it Mini 3 pro. Without obstacle avoidance(and half the price)? Mini 4K or used Mini 2 if you want to go cheaper.

I'm also backing the mini 3. It's what I have and have had zero problems. Can shoot portrait or landscape and the quality is great. If you need follow or direction tracking mini 3 pro is what you want. Both the mini 3 and mini 3 pro are great and won't break the bank. I would recommend that you get the controller with the built in screen rather than the one you attach your phone to. I've got 4 drones and the mini 3 is the cheapest one I own but it is my go to drone for most general use.

I gor mini 3 as beginner and very happy about that ı recommend fly more combo for 1:30 hour flight time Mini 3 pro will get you obsticle sensors which are great but comes with the price

I just got a an almost unused dji mini 3 pro with the screen remote for 450 as my first drone. I hope I made an ok decision on the mini 3 pro over the 4k.

Hey, I shoot a lot of gardens and homes. I use a combination of the Sony Airpeak, DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine, and the DJI Mini 3 Pro. If you’re just getting started out, probably the Mini 4 Pro. But the new Air 3s would probably be the best if you are prioritizing image quality. The longer lenses in the Air 3s and the Mavic 3 pro really make a big difference. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me. Also, you’ll need a Part 107.

I have had the Mini 3 pro for 6 months, it’s a bit cheaper than the 4 pro and I love it! It’s better to go for the cheaper one in this case because there will be other things to buy; I think definitely get the DJI care (warranty for drone) and if there’s room in the budget get the “fly more kit” which is 2 extra batteries and a charging pod to charge all 3 batteries at the same time, or that’s something he or you can decide to get later, but the dji care is a must. That’s why the mini 3pro is the better option in this case, you don’t wanna break the bank for just a few more features that aren’t really a game changer

Thanks for an honest, qualitative review. I have a Mini 3 Pro, am a pro photographer but am inexperienced and nervous about flying. The only upgrade paths I see are a Mavic for still imaging or an Avata for aerobatics. Thoughts?

I love my Mini 3 Pro, I got it just before the Mini 4 Pro came out and is still about the same price I got it for. Keep in mind you’ll be spending a bit more money for extra goodies. Battery packs, chargers, ND filters, SSD’s, etc.. and that money adds up.. The only thing that seems worthy of the Mini 4 Pro over the Mini 3 Pro are the extra sensors and 4K 60FPS(Mini 4) versus 4k 30FPS(Mini 3)

The Neo drone is primarily designed for capturing videos rather than photographs, which may not align with your preferences. The Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro drones are excellent options that can undoubtedly meet your requirements. While they are more expensive, they are worthwhile investments if you intend to capture more intricate shots. If your budget permits, these drones are worth considering. The Mini 4K and Mini 2 SE drones are ideal for beginners and offer all the necessary features. I personally started with the Mini 2 SE and still use it frequently, even after upgrading to the Mini 4 Pro. Based on your description, either of these drones should suffice. The battery life, in good flying conditions, should last 15- 20+ minutes, but purchasing additional batteries is recommended for extended flight times. In my opinion, the Mini 4K or Mini 2 SE drones are the best options for you. They are stable, capture excellent images suitable for social media, and are enjoyable to fly. I hope this information is helpful.

Most people are going to say the Mini 4 Pro, and they're not wrong, it's a great first drone. A great drone in general. I started with the Mini 3 Pro and loved it. But then I got a Mavic 3 Pro, which is a lot like the Air 3s. It adds a 3x telephoto lens, and once you use a drone with one it's very hard to go back to not having it. So my vote is the Air 3S, it'll skip an upgrading step later on. Just be aware that since it weighs more than 250 grams you'll need to get your TRUST certificate, which is dead simple, takes like 30 minutes online. Those rules are if you're in the United States. Laws for sub 250 gram drones are different in other countries, and Canada has the huge advantage of being able to legally fly a sub 250 gram beyond visual line of sight, which is pretty amazing. Edit: I assume the downvotes are because some people think <250 gram drones in Canada require VLOS. Please post a link! Surprisingly enough it's not required.

For whatever it's worth I have the same drones (mini 3 pro and Mavic 3 pro) and I never use the mini. The quality is way better on the mavic, and the 3x telephoto is magic. But telephoto maybe isn't needed by op for filming buildings.

Mini 3 Pro & Mini 4 Pro over the non 'Pro' variants any day.

I have the mini 3 it’s not bad  Check my videos  If u like maybe subscribe All the best Good luck  https://www.youtube.com/@Droneman-g33

Mini 3 is a great drone for most people. I just bought one a few months ago although I wish I had just bought a M4P or Air3s. I bought it for recreational use, but there’s some features I want and my boy has me interested in Fpv drones now. Now my issue is if I want to buy a Mavic3pro, Air3s as I’m a map nerd and modeling guy or get into FPV drones for fun

If you want to fly drones, mini 4k (or even mini 3 if you can afford it). If you want to get shots for videos, vlogs and maybe fly a little, go for neo (you can record yourself with audio from your phone; you can deploy it with no remote or just the phone; it is resiliant to crashes).

I just got into drones myself. I bought the DJI mini 4. One thing that’s nice about DJI is that they are programmed to not fly in restricted areas. It takes all the guessing out of it. I first bought the DJI mini three and did not get the insurance. That was a big mistake. I broke the camera Gimble and it was too expensive to repair so I had to get the mini 4. One thing I could suggest is that if you get the mini 4 vs the mini 3, you have more obstacle avoidance, which helps you to avoid crashes.

You should keep in mind that to fly fpv on the Neo, you'll also need the goggles (3 or n3) and either the Motion controller for a more restricted fpv flight, or the dji fpv rc 3 to use in full manual mode. Afaik you can't fly the Neo in fpv at all if you don't have the required gear. You're asking for a lot of things in a single Product. The neo has low flight time and only a half decent sensor (worse than the flip) so for photography it's probably not ideal. According to the faq it's also considered more of a "fpv introduction" and should not be flown in manual for extended periods and for aggressive flight. For open source sdk you'd have to look at older dji models or enterprise level stuff that costs thousands. Afaik the most recent one was the mini 3 and pro that had an SDK release.

Air3S is halfway between the two Get what you need for your use case The Mini 3/4 Pro should be fine I do love my Air3S though! :)

DJI anything is more or less the answer. They have their quirks, but everything else comes with less support and more caveats. If you’re just starting out, a Mini is perfect.

You are smart to stay away from all of the drones that have sponsored reviews. Buying a drone is fairly easy: 1. Disregard anyone who tells you to buy a cheap drone first "to learn on". That's a complete waste of money. 2. In the U.S., buy DJI or Autel. I have specimens of both and find that Autel is just a little behind the curve, but not by much. DJI typically has much, much better after sales support than Autel. 3. Spend as much as you are comfortable spending. Don't hold back. 4. You can get a brand-new DJI Mini 4K for about $300... but that won't have extra batteries or a remote control with a screen (you'll have to use a smart phone or a tablet as your screen). Even though the battery claim may be 40 minute flight per battery charge, you're really only going to get 20 to 30 minutes. Get at least 3 batteries with your purchase. Adding an RC with a screen to the this package will get you close to $1K, new. 5. DJI MIni (or Autel Nano, or any drone under 250 grams) will allow you to travel to more international destinations and fly legally. That small weight also helps limit fatigue or space for carrying. 6. If you do not plan to travel outside the US, no need to limit your drone to the less than 250 gram category. VERY generally speaking, the heavier, the less affected by winds. That is, a Mavic 3 Pro at nearly 900 grams will handle higher winds and will handle better in winds than a 249 gram mini. 7. Right now the best drone over 250 grams is probably the DJI Air3s. Others will have differing opinions with this and all of the above. 8. These are not exhaustive guidelines but will provide you a start. We haven't even begun to talk about the need for Remote ID capability, for example. 9. So many options, so little time. Enjoy!

Until you've flown a DJI...you haven't flown. Get a Mini. Any generation. That's where you start.

They are very easy to fly and so the prop guards shouldn't be an issue. I'd go for at least the mini - if you can stretch to it the Mavic 3 (a used original Mavic 3 isn't massively more than a Mini 4 new). Though also, it sounds like just getting APS-C or even full frame camera and doing it by hand/cheap wire kit might produce even better results.

I ordered the eonvy air plus £159 and it took 2 weeks to arrive from China, It seems to fly ok but I cannot download an App for it so I can connect it to my android phone to view the cameras etc I cannot connect to the drones wifi and cannot find an app for the drone The site is a con been saying only 4 left for over 2 weeks the one touch return does not work or the obstacle avoidance Should have bought a DJi Mini

Start with a DJI Mini, you won’t regret it

Pay attention to weight class restrictions, especially with the mini. Usually standard batteries are fine but when you use the plus batteries it may put you over to a new weight class and require registration, classes and certification. Check your laws, especially if you're making money with the drones.

That camera will be really low quality, barely usable, and the range will be very short. And despite all the advertising, it will still be difficult to fly, so he’ll probably end up crashing it pretty quickly. I would recommend getting a really cheap indoor drown he can play around with without a camera you do t have to worry if he crashes, or a more expensive drone like a DJI Neo, which is actually kind of useful but you can’t control, or a DJI Mini which I would suggest supervising while he flies.

Your budget would not allow for a camera system with non digital zoom capabilities That said a DJI mini would provide everything else you are looking for. However with a quick google, Canada does require special licensure for flying a drone out side of visual line of sight. Mini's will give you a real time visual of what the drone sees either on the controller directly or on a phone connected to the controller, depending on controller model you get with the drone.

DJI mini meets all those points

DJI mini "whatever is in the budget".

I’d pick the Avata 2 for close inspection (within inches), and with head tracking it’s easy to look up under the soffits or down a chimney. I was actually doing this yesterday with the Neo, could get right up to there with on the 3rd floor and look in, bumping not a problem because propeller guards. I looked at a previous valet patch repair closely, saw a couple shingles that are possibly starting to slide. Went up the roof, probably with a clearance of 3”, and after going over the peak went to the chimney and looked down. Bumped another part of the roof and it crashed in the box gutter, but luckily I could take off again. With DJI Care, replacement for the Neo is only $29, so I don’t have to worry much. (Avata would only cost $49, but I’ve already used 2/4, and would prefer to not be without it for a week.) If you don’t want to get close and are okay with being feet away, then a mini is probably okay. Propeller guards might be good for cases where there are nearby trees or cables. Here’s an example of getting close, with head tracking, and being able to look up or down, or turn your head while you fly past - https://youtu.be/D2ygkUlsemQ?si=kswV-c1XyN1lYi-h

Agree with posts , DJI is market leader at this time based on consumer models. After budget then the choice is camera or FPV model. If your budget is huge and camera focused then it’s the full sized mavic or Inspire models, however its more likely you want a 249g or less weight class to maximize convenience so a mini. I would recommend the refurbished DJI units regardless of budget then you can spend the savings on extra batteries and/or DJIcare (insurance replacement).