DJI Mini 3 Pro shown in video and photos. Release imminent?
This morning, the DJI Mini 3 shows up in a new video and several photos online. The media was first shared by long-time DJI News leaker DealsDrone.
Drone maker DJI has changed the name from what we would expect, i.e. DJI Mini 3, to DJI Mini Pro. When you take a closer look at this DJI mini drone you will understand why.
The name DJI Mini Pro is prominently displayed on the left, front arm of the drone.
DJI Mini 3 Pro has a 3-axis gimbal
The DJI Mini 3 Pro features a 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth and jitter-free video footage. This is a major feat. The previous two versions did not have such a gimbal.
The camera on the DJI Mini 3 Pro has a maximum aperture of f/1.7 for better low-light performance when taking photo or shooting aerial video.
The camera and gimbal are very well protected on the left and right side by extensions of the drone body.
There is a cut-out above the camera indicating that the camera on the DJI Mini 3 might be able to look up as well. This allows for some creative photos and video angles but also makes the drone suitable for inspection work.
We expect that both the photo and video recording capabilities of the DJI Mini 3 Pro will be significantly better than the outgoing model.
Obstacle-avoidance sensors on the DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro has two forward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors to help the drone pilot stay out of trouble. If you look closely at the photo below, you'll see that there are also two backward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors. Do you see the two openings and the cut-outs in the photo?
Forward and backward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors are a first for the DJI Mini series of drones.
There are two additional sensors on the bottom to help with the precision landing of the drone.
DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs less than 250 grams
The DJI Mini 3 weighs less than 250 grams. On the bottom of the unmanned aircraft, it says, ”Ultra Light 249g.”
Overall, it is really impressive that DJI was able to add obstacle-avoidance sensors, and a 3-axis gimbal to such a small drone AND keep the weight below 250 grams. I wonder where the weight savings have come from.
The battery is the heaviest component of the drone. If that is where the weight savings have come from than hopefully the flight time is not negatively impacted too much. I guess we will soon find out.
DJI Mini 3 Pro release soon?
The drone is these photos and video was apparently activated on March 4th according to DealsDrone, which seems to indicate that a launch cannot be far away anymore.
We haven't heard yet from DJI but I would not be surprised if we see the DJI Mini 3 Pro come to the market this month still. Fingers crossed!
Are you excited about the yet-to-be-released DJI Mini 3 Pro? Do you think DJI has maxed out what is possible in the sub-250-gram with this iteration? What features do you think are most important for the DJI Mini 3 Pro? Would you sacrifice obstacle-avoidance sensors over photo and video quality? I know I would. Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below.
DJI Mini 3 video
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
Stay in touch!
If you'd like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or… Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.* We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
Haye Kesteloo
Articles: 2075One comment
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
From the video and pictures I’d hazard a guess that the gimbal on that drone is broken and missing the support arm on the right-hand side (as viewed in the images). Perhaps it’s a crashed development model? It appears to be on a cluttered street display with cheap non-DJI products.
You’re right that the neither the Mini 1 or 2 had a gimbal like that, but the Mini 2 does have a 3-axis gimbal.
The design of the Mini 3 would allow it to retain 3-axis control while also allowing more upward rotation but it doesn’t also add an extra axis.