Los Angeles, CA—The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the company’s most powerful, lightweight and portable camera drone. It weighs less than 249 grams (8.8 ounces) to make it policy friendly in many regions as well as countries.
In addition, the mini camera drone delivers advanced features like 4K/60-frames-per-sec video; ActiveTrack; tri-directional obstacle sensing; and 90° gimbal rotation to shoot vertical imaging for social media. DJI also extended its flight time to well over 30 minutes.
“When we launched the Mini drone series in 2019, our goal was to give everyone the easiest way to see the world from above for the first time,” said Ferdinand Wolf, creative director at DJI. “Through their images and stories, we discovered how capable a small aerial camera could be.
“Today, we share the integration of excellent flight capability, intelligence and imaging versatility into our ultralightweight aerial camera. DJI Mini 3 Pro raises the bar on what a portable, powerful camera drone can achieve.”
The drone’s weight is important, because according to the regulations of many countries and regions, drones under 250 grams are placed in the safest drone category.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Features
Based on user feedback, the Mini 3 Pro has more built-in features than any other DJI drone its size. In addition, it adopts enhanced flight performance, camera system, battery life and intelligent features previously only available in the Air and Mavic series.
It also boasts a completely new structural design that brings several performance enhancements. The arms and propellers were adjusted for more aerodynamic flight to increase flight time. The design also mounts forward and backward dual-vision sensors at the very front; this broadens the sensing range for safer flight. What’s more, a complete gimbal redesign unlocks more camera angles, enabling tilt-up shots and vertical shooting.
In a first for the Mini drone series, the Mini 3 Pro features Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing technology. It consists of forward, backward as well as downward visual sensors. The forward and downward sensors have a wider field of view, providing coverage for better route planning and environmental awareness.
These sensors also enable Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 4.0. The system automatically finds a safer path around obstacles during flight. In addition, they enable the entire FocusTrack suite; this allows users to select a subject that the drone automatically keeps within the center of the frame during flight while automatically planning a safe flight route. Consequently, this is the first of the Mini lineup to integrate APAS and FocusTrack.
Pro-Quality Camera System
DJI Mini 3 Pro also brings a completely enhanced imaging system. A 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera sensor has dual native ISO, previously only available on cinema and some micro single cameras. It also has an aperture of f/1.7 and shoots images at 48 megapixels and video at 4K/60 fps.
Moreover, the camera rotates 90º for vertical shooting in portrait orientation without quality-cutting image zooming and cropping. Plus, HDR video recording is available at up to 30 fps. A normal color profile is also provided for quick in-app editing; and D-Cinelike allows for more post-editing possibilities.
Further, 2x digital video zoom is available in 4K; 3x in 2.7K; and 4x in Full HD. What’s more, based on a key piece of user feedback, the drone has improved image performance with 2.4μm pixels that capture more detail in low light and at night.
The drone also introduces an extended flight battery option for the first time in DJI drone history. The intelligent flight battery plus option allows for a maximum flight time of 47 minutes. Pairing with this extended flight time, the drone uses the O3 transmission system. It delivers a 1080p live view from as far as 7.5 miles.
Intelligent Capture Modes
In addition, the camera drone provides a full suite of intelligent capturing modes from the Air and Mavic series. With a single tap, users can benefit from the FocusTrack Suite, QuickShots, MasterShots as well as Hyperlapse.
The FocusTrack suite includes Spotlight 2.0, which keeps the subject in frame while pilots fly manually. Point of Interest 3.0 circles the subject in a set flight radius and speed. And ActiveTrack 4.0 follows the subject in two selectable ways: Trace, where the drone tracks the subject at a constant distance; and Parallel, where it tracks the subject while flying beside it at a constant angle and distance.
QuickShots includes the following capture modes: Dronie, the craft flies back and up with the camera locked on the subject; Helix, it flies up and spirals around the subject; Rocket, it flies up with the camera facing down; Circle, where it circles around the subject; Boomerang, the drone flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away and descending as it returns; and finally, Asteroid, which creates a shot that begins as a sphere panorama high above the subject and ends with a normal shot hovering near the subject.
User can also apply MasterShots to keep the subject in the center of the frame while executing different maneuvers in sequence to generate a short cinematic video. In addition, Hyperlapse creates a dynamic time-lapse where the aircraft flies on set paths during capture.
DJI RC
To meet every level of pilot need, DJI also is expanding its remote controller lineup with DJI RC. The lightweight remote controller sports a 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen. And since the DJI Fly app is already integrated, users don’t need to mount their smartphone to their controller. Thus, their personal device is free during the flying experience.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is available for preorder in several configurations with shipping starting late May. The DJI Mini 3 Pro retails for $669; it includes the mini drone but excludes any remote controller for those who already have a compatible model to control the drone. The DJI Mini 3 Pro with the DJI RC-N1 retails for $759. Additionally, the DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC) retails for $909 and includes the DJI RC.
The company is also offering accessory kits for DJI Mini 3 Pro. The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit retails for $189 and includes two intelligent flight batteries; a two-way charging hub; two sets of propellers; and one shoulder bag.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus retails for $249 and includes two intelligent flight batteries plus; a two-way charging hub; two sets of propellers; and a shoulder bag.
