DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Mini 3: Which Mini Drone is Right for You?
I had the pleasure of taking the DJI Mini 3 as a first step in the world of drones, and I also tried out the improved and now a really cool DJI Mini 4 Pro. I would like to share my personal experience with drones as my basis of this article. I strongly stand by the opinion that drones have reworked photography and videography in a multitude of ways. DJI has been right at the top with its innovation-driven designs and high-tech solutions in the market over the years, and their Mini series is no different.
I wrote this piece of text with the aim to display products from two sides and have you known which of the drones offered is the best one for you. Enter the DJI Mini series through an extensive, hands-on comparison of the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the DJI Mini 3.
Overview
The DJI Mini 3 was put on the market as an affordable, ambitious and drone with many features and a beginner-friendly version. The drone distinguishes itself with its sleek and lightweight design and good camera performance for its size. The awe I gave when I initially flew it was unbelievable, I could not believe that they were able to put so much power in such a small device that I found easy to maneuver around with my kids.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro, which was launched more lately, is the following generation of the Mini series. During my initial trial, I was impressed by the new functions and overall improvements that rank it higher in the flight quality, the video sharpness, and the smart features categories.
Design and Build Quality
Both models without the battery weigh under 249 grams so the two appear to be easily maneuverable in many places that a person would not be required to register the drone. I think that this has been my best choice so far as they have been without a fixed battery, which gives me the joy of spontaneous flights anywhere. The DJI Mini 3 boasts a sleek and foldable design, making it an easy-to-have-on-above device for my fun and explorative outings.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro sustains the lightweight class and just is a bit more stable. I have noticed some small changes in the materials used that made it a little bit harder and a little bit more weather-protected.
Camera Performance
The 1/1.3-inch sensor of the DJI Mini 3 camera has a 12MP resolution with the possibility of HDR support, a 30fps 4K feature, and a dual native ISO for LED light settings. I was amazed at its low-light performance, and especially the dual native ISO setting which assured higher quality images in different scenarios.
Yet, the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a mammoth-sized 48MP camera with the 1/1.3-inch sensor, and now featuring 4K video at 60fps. I had got to see their mini reveal aperture, that one positively, more clearly and more vibrantly frame short films. Plus, this model is a better fit for me, as I am a pro-photographer who works on content creation.
Flight Time
I'm always enthralled with how long DJI Drones can stay in flight. The DJI Mini 3 is a weather-resistant drone that comes with, in my opinion, a solid flight time of 50 to 38 minutes (I think data was provided with the battery except for the latter one) which is an impressive fly time for a small drone.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro affords approximately 34 minutes of lasting flight time. During my checks, I did some flights to compare and it was slightly shorter due to some onboard advanced systems and high power usage. However, the drop was hardly discernable, and besides, the increased features make the difference negligible.
Obstacle Avoidance
A crucial difference between two drones is the obstacle avoidance feature. The DJI Mini 3 has basic downward sensors to help with landing but does not have advanced obstacle avoidance systems. For me, as I sometimes navigate in a space that seems to be very narrow, this can become a disadvantage of using it.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro, however, presents a multi-directional obstacle sensing system, with sensors mounted on the front, back, and bottom of the drone. I felt much safer while piloting my drone in situations, particularly at tight spots, or when in low light conditions being multi-functioning. The APAS 5.0 advanced Pilot Assistance Systems being able to navigate around obstacles automatically was the focal point of the safety measures.
Smart Features
Both come packed with smart shooting options, too. The DJI Mini 3's QuickShots were a nice touch, such as the Dronie, that I made sure to include for amazing video effects. Also, 'spotlight' and 'point of interest' are offered in the QuickShots, and I enjoyed being able to choose from those options for my videos in the DJI Mini 3.
Moreover, the DJI Mini 4 Pro not only elevates the shooting with zoom but brings in the advanced features like- FocusTrack, which together with ActiveTrack 5.0, Spotlight, and Point of Interest form a powerful arsenal. The implementation of these new additions saved me a lot of time in the process of shooting photo-video material. From the above features, the easy-to-handle-for-the-user and time saver for the user is the MasterShots which on its wings automatically sees multiple images, compiles, and edits them to form a cool video.
Transmission Range and Signal Quality
To my mind, the transmission system is the biggest factor that affects flying performance. Over the years the DJI Mini 3 was being upgraded with the Ocusync 2.0 transmission system, which provides a reliable connection at a distance of 10km. As it goes which was usually the case it was enough, however, I occasionally suffered from poor signal strength in crowded places.
The new O3 transmission system on the DJI Mini 4 Pro led to better signal strength and a range of 12 km. With the long-range and stable connection enabled by this, I was saved from multiple disconnects caused by the signal interference that was in most cases the result of dense buildings which problem was now sorted out when I flew into the urban area.
Price
The DJI Mini 3 comes with a price tag that is kind to the consumer's wallet, making it an ideal choice for new or exuberant drone pilots. Having spent the last few years in the game myself, I can say that I got something much more than the price I paid through its good camera and flight skills.
On the other hand, the DJI Mini 4 Pro has a higher price but being a substantial part of it is the remarkable technology that the manufacturer has gained through the advancements like improved camera and obstacle avoidance systems. So, I would say the price is a justified upgrade for anyone wanting a more professional-looking drone.
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
From what I saw in both drones, I would go for the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which is a customer's pick that focuses on camera quality, intelligent features, and safety, thus the one that I would endorse to other. The addition of the obstacle avoidance system, 48MP camera, and the complemented by the powerful transmission system makes it the most attractive for me, an almost professional content creator.
furthermore, in the case you were a younger person looking to do something fresh or were on a limited budget, I would propose the DJI Mini 3. It is a good choice for those who are at the basic level of piloting drones and just want a simple, durable, and cheap drone with their own cameras that could be exploited for a longer time.
Final Thoughts
Both cameras have good performance in their divisions, but the DJI Mini 4 Pro, with its all-new features, marks out a distinction in the Mini series. If fancy directing that most of the spectacular innovative tricks can work, take the Jacket off and choose Mini 4 Pro, if you prefer freedom and are not hell-bent on cutting-edge, Mini 3 is your best friend.
New Era of photography with drones
Drones with cameras further have opened up entered the photography field. This is due to their capabilities and the undeniable revolution that they bring to photography in ways that have never been seen before. On the other hand, photographers who have adopted these gadgets have been able to explore new ideas and make art using them firsthand. This tool enables one to effortlessly snatch top-quality aerial shots of scenic places which before were as inconceivable as helicopter and high-tech gadgets rental.
The products were inventive enough to allow for documentations of land and sky, as well as events from an angle that people never knew existed. Many people use drones to get a view into those places that have always been left unexplored, shooting stunning films that would never have been taken this way and being purely creative. The real estate sector, tourists, and eco-conservationists have adopted drone photos as an essentially important medium to show off the place's properties, landmarks, and environments.
Last but not least, the capacity of getting to remote places has pump prime documentary films together with photojournalism, bringing in unprecedented light on the natural processes and human endeavors. As drones are upping their game in terms of image quality, flight hours, and smart features, the development of them is not just a fad but a new form of visual storytelling, a medium that breaks the constraints of photography and videography.
NYC Drone Laws
Having used drones in NYC, I could give the folks some information about the leaf laws. Here are the key points to be remembered:
- The airspace regulations and population density effectively make flying drones in NYC a very restricted paid for the difficult area to be.
- No matter what which you do is illegal, if you fly drones in any of the five boroughs of New York City without having got the required authorization.
- All NYC parks, beaches, and fun places are off limit to all drones.
- Moreover, flying closage of 5 miles of any airport is also not allowed without getting the approval from the air traffic control organization.
- One of the regulations requires a commercial drone operator to have a Part 107 license issued to them by the FAA, and they should also get additional city permits.
- Recreational drone pilots have to register their drones with the Federal Aviation Administration if the weight of them is more than 0.55 lbs (250 grams).
- Breaking NYC drone laws will not only bring a considerable amount of fine and may lead to jail but also it is very likely to be a way of getting a charge of crime.
Note that these laws can change at any time, hence it would be a good idea to keep yourself updated every time you are going to fly. Additionally, even if you find a legal area to fly, you must still follow certain regulations e.g. you must have the visual line of sight and you must not fly over people or vehicles in motion.
For the most recent information, I recommend you look at the official NYC government website or check with local aviation authorities before planning a drone flight in the city.
FAQs
- What are the key differences between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Mini 3?
Amongst the main differences are the camera quality, obstacle avoidance, smart features, and transmission range. The Mini 4 Pro packs a 48MP camera, a multi-directional obstacle avoidance, and another 12km longer transmission range, on the other hand, the Mini 3 possesses a 12MP camera, no obstacle avoidance, and a 10km transmission range.
- Is the DJI Mini 4 Pro worth the extra cost?
Definitely, if the user needs the improved smart functions following better camera performance and obstacle avoidance then the extra charge is justified.
- Can I use DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro without registering them?
Most drones under the 250g-weight categorize in a group that often forgo the drone registration procedure in many countries. Nevertheless, make sure to refer to your area's laws to confirm the same.
