DJI Announces A Scaled-Down Mini 3 for Entry-Level Aerial Cinematography

As the rumors predicted, DJI has announced a new ultra-light Mini 3 drone with scaled-down features that make it an ideal UAV for the beginning aerial cinematographer.

DJI designed the Mini 3 just for the new drone user looking to provide a bird’s eye view of their content creation.

“{The Mini 3) follows in the footsteps of its sibling, Mini 3 Pro, and offers many of the same high-performance features,” said DJI Creative Director Ferdinand Wolf. “We created Mini 3 to invite even more new users to take off for the first time.”

Image Credit – DJI

With a 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor and a 12mm f/1.7 lens, the drone’s camera is the same as in the higher-end Mini 3 Pro, save that it can only capture 4K video at 30 frames per second and in HDR.

The Pro model also bumps that up to 60 fps. The Mini 3 can, however, also flip on its side for social media-friendly vertical video capture.

Another distinguishing difference is that the Mini 3 has a maximum flight time of 38 minutes and can handle level 5 gusts of wind, which is 10.7 m/s or 24 mph.

The Mini 3 Pro is capable of up to 51 minutes of flight time with the extended intelligent flight battery, but it also boosts the pro model above the minimum weight of 249g, requiring registration.

Image Credit – DJI

The Mini 3 weighs just 249g, which means users won’t have to register, and since it’s similar in design to the pro model, users can use the extended flight battery to increase its flight time, but it also has to be registered since this optional battery will, like the Mini 3 Pro, send it over the sub 249g weight limit.

Image Credit – DJI

The Mini 3 can be controlled through the DJI Go 4 smartphone app but is also compatible with the new DJI-RC and RC-N1 flight controllers.

Both can send video transmissions up to 6.2 miles (10KM) at 720fps/30p for live view, however, it’s important to keep in mind that FAA regulations require the pilot/observer to keep the drone within line of sight at all times.

Image Credit – DJI

The Mini 3 does now have the DJI Master Shots options, but DJI has provided five of their classic QuickShots to familiarize users with how to grab a good cinematic image. Those QuickShots include Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang.

Navigationally, the Mini3 has a few fewer obstacle avoidance sensors but does rely on GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite navigation, with downward-facing sensors to provide flight data for positioning and assisted landing features.

The DJI Mini 3 has a retail price of $559 and comes with the RC-N1 remote controller, $669 coupled with the RC Remote, or in DJI’s Fly More Combo for $858. The Fly More Combo adds a Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries.

[source: DJI]

Order Links:

  • DJI Mini 3 with RC-N1 Remote (B&H)
  • DJI Mini 3 with RC1 Remote (B&H)
  • DJI Mini 3 Drone Fly More Combo (B&H)

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