10-bit video recording for DJI Mini 3 Pro through firmware update

Earlier this week, drone maker DJI brought 10-bit video recording to the DJI Mini 3 Pro when recording in D-Cinelike by means of a firmware update. This addition is a big step forward in making the DJI mini drone a more pro-oriented camera drone.

Interestingly enough, however, is that DJI made no mention whatsoever of this new pro-feature in their Firmware Update details as posted on the DJI Forum. Eventhough, it is arguably the most valuable addition for many more serious drone pilots.

The ability to record video in 10-bit is especially important when you want to color-grade the aerial footage in post-production. 10-bit dramatically reduces the banding effect that can happen when you push the colors in post.

For reference, 8-bit video recording distinguishes between 1.67 million different colors, whereas 10-bit video recording allows you to work with up to 1.07 billion color variations.

Many reviewers on YouTube had pointed out that not having 10-bit video recording on the DJI Mini 3 Pro was very much a missed opportunity. Clearly, DJI has listened to its users and in what is a bit of a surprise they now added the option through a simple firmware update. Crazy and awesome!

However, it doesn’t make the drone perfect yet. Is it still missing some other important features.

When shooting video with the DJI Mini 3 Pro you still have no tripod mode to get that really smooth, cinematic drone footage. You cannot change the sensitivity of the control sticks in any meaningful way either. And you cannot adjust the level of noise reduction and sharpness that DJI applies to the video footage. Frustrating.

Philip Bloom talks about 10-bit video recording

Be sure to watch both videos from Philip Bloom below in which he discusses all this in great length and detail.

Philip Bloom’s video also explains why the DJI Mini 3 Pro doesn’t record actual HDR video footage, but instead double conversion gain to create an HDR-like effect. Furthermore, Philip shows us how noise reduction is different between various frame rates, and ISO settings when recording video. Like I said before be sure to watch both videos below for all the detailed information.

Here’s Philip Bloom’s original Review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro that he put out on Youtube days before the firmware update.

Have you updated the firmware on your DJI Mini 3 Pro yet? If so, please let us know your experience. Are you happy with the ability to shoot video recordings at 10-bit? Are there any other features that you would like to see added to this DJI mini drone by means of a firmware update? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Details of the DJI Mini 3 Pro firmware update

Overview:

• Date: 2022.05.17
• Aircraft Firmware: v01.00.0100
• DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller Firmware: v04.14.0117
• DJI RC Remote Controller Firmware: v01.00.0100
• DJI Fly App iOS: v1.6.1
• DJI Fly App Android: v1.6.1

What’s New?

• Added True Vertical Shooting.
• Added FocusTrack.
• Added APAS 4.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems).
• Added Hyperlapse.
• Added MasterShots.
• Added QuickShots.
• Added QuickTransfer.
• Added Panorama.
• Added 4K/48fps, 4K/50fps, and 4K/60fps.
• Added 1080p/120fps to Slow Motion.
• Greatly improved image quality.
• Optimized flight stability.

Notes:

The DJI RC-N1 remote controller can also be used with DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, DJI Air 2S and DJI Mavic 3 (requires DJI Fly v.1.6.1 or later).

Photo: courtesy of Philip Bloom

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