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DJI Mini 3: Cheaper than expected 249 g drone arrives with 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera and 38-minute flight times

The DJI Mini 3 starts at US$20 more than the Mini 2. (Image source: DJI)
The DJI Mini 3 starts at US$20 more than the Mini 2. (Image source: DJI)
DJI has launched the Mini 3, a new compact drone that is a shade more expensive than the Mini 2. Offered in five configurations, the Mini 3 shares many of the same core features as the Mini 3 Pro. DJI has made savings in multiple areas to distinguish the Mini 3 from the Mini 3 Pro, which the company has reflected in the Mini 3's surprisingly low starting price.

DJI has revealed the Mini 3, likely the company's last drone release of 2022. To recap, DJI announced the Mavic 3M and the Mavic 3 Classic last month, as well as the Avata in August and the Mini 3 Pro in May. As its name suggests, the Mini 3 is a cutdown version of the Mini 3 Pro. However, the Mini 3 contains more differences than leaks suggested would be the case.

For example, while the Mini 3 has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera with an f/1.7 aperture like the Mini 3 Pro, its resolution drops from 48 MP to 12 MP. Similarly, the Mini 3 peaks at 4K at 30 FPS, half the frame rate that the Mini 3 Pro offers. Additionally, DJI has removed the front and rear obstacle sensors that it includes with the Mini 3 Pro. As such, the Mini 3 can only detect obstacles beneath it, rather than in front and behind it.

Image transmission latency has increased from 120 to 200 ms too, with DJI halving the number of antennas it installs in the Mini 3 Pro. Still, removing the obstacle avoidance sensors boosts the flight times from 34 to 38 minutes on the same 4,000 mAh battery. Incidentally, the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus provides 51 minutes of flight time, up from 47 minutes with the Mini 3 Pro. Unusually, the Mini 3 comes in at US$20 more than the Mini 2, which DJI continues to sell. Already orderable in multiple markets, full DJI Mini 3 pricing is as follows:

  • DJI Mini 3 & no remote controller - US$469
  • DJI Mini 3 & DJI RC-N1 remote controller - US$559
  • DJI Mini 3 & DJI RC remote controller - US$699
  • DJI Mini 3 & DJI RC-N1 remote controller with Fly More Combo - US$718
  • DJI Mini 3 & DJI RC remote controller with Fly More Combo - US$858

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 12 > DJI Mini 3: Cheaper than expected 249 g drone arrives with 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera and 38-minute flight times
Alex Alderson, 2022-12- 9 (Update: 2022-12- 9)