I upgraded from the mighty Mini 2 to the standard Mini 3 last year, the Mini 3 does everything i want from a drone and i have the plus battery for insane flight times lol, the only thing i wish the Mini 3 to have is the option to slow the speed down when doing the "Quickshots" like you can on the Mini 3 & 4 pro versions.
Still flying my Air2S as it's brilliant for photos. I have to say though i do still prefer the RCN1 without the screen. I find the signal to be stronger and i like the fact every shot I take goes straight to the phone for quick edit's. Many thanks for your content this year even between moving homes. You always put a smile on my face. The ebike was hilarious. Have a brilliant festive holiday buddy.
Thanks Ian a great review of what is out there, I still have the Mini 3 pro and love it but might be tempted by the Mini 5 pro obviously after watching your video on it and depending on your thoughts when it does come out. Happy Christmas to you and your lovely doggies . 👍👍🐾🐾🐾🐾
Hi Ian 1:49 Thanks for another year of great info Still got my mini3 pro, which I find perfect for holiday shots etc. For a hobbyist, I find all this talk of 4k yada yada, many times during final edit and subsequent copy to a memory stick for use on 55in tv, I will reduce to 2.7k, or even 1080, the resolution still seems excellent and vastly reduces the size of the file and copy times. Also larger files often clog up my iMac slowing the whole process down
Quick Q. When you film at a high (slow motion) frame rates, does the video produced on the SD card come already formatted in slow motion or do I have to signal somehow on the video that this is a high frame rate clip so I recognise it in the edit to slow it down with the software? I’m thinking in comparison to GoPros or Osmo action cams where the output is already in slow motion. Thanks as ever Ian.
I really don't think u understand this. Everything recorded on SD card above 60FPS will irrefutable be shown in any viewer as slomo. Good night and good luck Sir ma'am 😂 Merry Christmas
If you select a frame rate higher than 60 fps, the file is automatically encoded to play back as slow motion. So 60 fps = normal speed playback; 120 or 200 fps = auto slo-mo play back. :)
As an occasional flier I cannot keep buying the latest mini so I keep it for a couple of years and then start watching UA-cam videos to see what the consensus is on the newest one. I must admit I’ve found the Mini 3 pro to be excellent but found the RC controller to be a bit sketchy at times-it may be my neighbours WiFi canon between their annexe and their house though🤔 Another good video Ian, Happy Christmas to you and yours🎄🎅
Still using the original Mini here wit 3rd party Mavin app for active tracking stuff. Will have to keep using it until it dies. Then maybe buy a Mini 4k or SE 2. Thanks for sharing.
Iv just bought the avata 2, it was that or the air3s. Must say its a totally different perspective on the fpv and one im quite keen on and getting on well with !
For me a good size is the mini 2 you can put it in your pocket. The mini 3 up to mini 4 pro is bigger footprint and a bit bigger and the way you unfold it is a bit delicate not like the mini 1 and mini 2. And one more is they need to redesign the controllers a modular battery on it not build-in like its hard to replace the battery. If you don't have the right tools or knowlegde to replace a battery.
I started with the Mini 2SE, a week later I sent it back and got the Mini 3. Recently upgraded to the Mini 4 Pro RC2 got it from Costco for £551 inc vat on Black Friday with a Samsung 128gb SD card. I feel I got a right bargain as you said it's over £800 for the 4 pro RC2 elsewhere... I've also got two PLUS batteries for it for plenty of power.
Afaik Mini 3 Pro is long gone, not just recently, completely replaced by Mini 4 Pro, which in fact is quite old itself now. It looks like DJI is selling out Mini 3 now, maybe to make room for a new model. They should rather offer a "Mini 3+", still without Actice Track as it has no obstacle avoidance sensors but at least include POI and Spotlight. Both don't need sensors but could easily take the M3 to the next level.
What an excellent video that is. Crammed full with information about the bewildering range of UAS options. Thank you Ian, for helping me to understand the big and small differences between the available Minis. I had a Mini 2,and sold it when I got my Mavic 3 Classic. I also had the Mini 3 for a short time, but then sold that - no particular reason, just wasn't using it. Now, especially with the latest greedy price increases from the CAA for any Specific operations, I'm determined to stay within the Open category. As with all technology, is it best to go for the top of what's now available, or is it worth waiting for the next model/version. I'm stuck - should I go for the Mini 4 Pro now, or wait (for how long?) for the much-rumoured Mini 5 Pro? Money burning a hole in my pocket!
@@IaninLondon I must have misled you - I am still flying, with the Mavic 3 Classic, and of course making best use of its C1 classification to fly in the Open Category A1. But I want to supplement it with a sub-250 C0 UAS to take advantage of its portability. I'm torn between getting the excellent Mini 4 Pro now, or chance waiting for the Mini 5 - which might not materialise!
Right; understood. My advice remains though; wait until you're flying a lot more (ie in Spring rather than winter...) and we may have a clearer idea of what's coming then. We usually get 1 - 2 'Mini' releases a year and the last release was April 2024.... We're due one early 2025 I'm thinking :)
I find the best feature the Mini 4 Pro has over the Mini 3 Pro is cruise control. This alone, in my opinion, is worth the extra money for the smoothness it adds to videos
My Mini 3 (non-pro) works great, it only records at 4K 30fps but I’m more into stills so that’s not an issue for me. It flys better more stable and quieter than my Mini 2 (crash repaired). I still have them both and the Mini 3 takes better stills. It’s a pitty DJI hasn’t released a full APK for the Mini 3 as that would have opened up opportunities for more third party apps. I’ve just bought the Air 3S but found the 50mp mode pretty useless as it produces too many artefacts, moire and distortion on stills with complex details eg crops (fields) and roof tops.
Yes; I'm hearing runours of a Mavic 4 soon and the Mavics always have the very best lenses for stills..... Air 3S is brilliant but it could have been even better with a proper large sensor...
Careful thought must go into these choices. What do I need? What will be the consequence of the purchase? Will a Mini 5 Pro be in my future, and will it make me happy? Our choices have consequences-some of great significance. The parents of Romeo and Juliet would have been wiser to choose cheap weddings rather than expensive funerals. And if I were Hamlet, I would have chosen to elope with Ophelia and live happily in her arms rather than dying in the arms of Horatio. --I enjoyed your overview of these drone, my friend.--
Alas poor Mini 3 Pro; I knew him well...... But as for purchase choices, let's jump forwards in time to the words of the great James T Kirk: "Don't look back on your life and worry that you should have turned right when you went left...." Be happy with your choices and live well. Merry Christmas George! :)
In my opinion, the Mini3pro drone is worth buying. It is quieter than the Mini2xx version. It has a better lens that also allows you to look up at a 60 degree angle. You can buy new, lighter Mini4pro batteries (DJI blocks Mini4pro batteries in the Mini3). The Mini3 and Mini3pro have support in the Litchi Pilot app for flying on waypoints. Good comparison of drones. The Dji Neo is an interesting addition to FPV flying. Best regards.
Mini 3 Pro team here
A really good roundup on small drones . This video will come very handy for me to pass on to newbies .
Thanks ❤
Hi Ian, just wanted to say I always watch your videos. They are excellent ! and "Merry Christmas" from Canada !
Thanks for the support and good wishes! You Too :)
Good info and great format!
🙏
I upgraded from the mighty Mini 2 to the standard Mini 3 last year, the Mini 3 does everything i want from a drone and i have the plus battery for insane flight times lol, the only thing i wish the Mini 3 to have is the option to slow the speed down when doing the "Quickshots" like you can on the Mini 3 & 4 pro versions.
Great 1 once again Ian keep up the great work and happy Christmas to you 😁
And to you! Thanks 👍🏻🌲
have a great xmas great info as always still flying mini 3 pro and still amazes me for something so small
Thanks; yep, amazing bit of kit! Have a great Christmas :)
Still flying my Air2S as it's brilliant for photos. I have to say though i do still prefer the RCN1 without the screen. I find the signal to be stronger and i like the fact every shot I take goes straight to the phone for quick edit's.
Many thanks for your content this year even between moving homes. You always put a smile on my face. The ebike was hilarious. Have a brilliant festive holiday buddy.
Cheers fella!! And Happy Hogmanay to you (after a merry Christmas 🌲).
Thanks Ian a great review of what is out there, I still have the Mini 3 pro and love it but might be tempted by the Mini 5 pro obviously after watching your video on it and depending on your thoughts when it does come out. Happy Christmas to you and your lovely doggies . 👍👍🐾🐾🐾🐾
Thanks Karen. Well, as you can see, the Mini 3 Pro is still a brilliant bit of kit! Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025 🌲👍🏻
Great video Ian..have a great Xmas..
Cheers! And you!
Happy New Year Ian. I’m happy with my mini 3 pro. I’m holding out to see what comes next in the mini range 👍
Happy new year! And take a look at this evening's new video.... ;)
I fly the dji SE love it great little drone will invest in the future
Hi Ian 1:49
Thanks for another year of great info
Still got my mini3 pro, which I find perfect for holiday shots etc.
For a hobbyist, I find all this talk of 4k yada yada, many times during final edit and subsequent copy to a memory stick for use on 55in tv, I will reduce to 2.7k, or even 1080, the resolution still seems excellent and vastly reduces the size of the file and copy times.
Also larger files often clog up my iMac slowing the whole process down
Yep. Remember Blu-ray was the ultimate in high definition a few years ago.... 1080p 😅😅😅. More than good enough 👍🏻👍🏻
Merry Christmas Ian!
And to you 👍🏻🌲
Great comparison video Ian
Cheers Lyn Have a great christmas and thanks for your support throughout the year :)
Quick Q. When you film at a high (slow motion) frame rates, does the video produced on the SD card come already formatted in slow motion or do I have to signal somehow on the video that this is a high frame rate clip so I recognise it in the edit to slow it down with the software? I’m thinking in comparison to GoPros or Osmo action cams where the output is already in slow motion. Thanks as ever Ian.
I really don't think u understand this. Everything recorded on SD card above 60FPS will irrefutable be shown in any viewer as slomo. Good night and good luck Sir ma'am 😂 Merry Christmas
If you select a frame rate higher than 60 fps, the file is automatically encoded to play back as slow motion. So 60 fps = normal speed playback; 120 or 200 fps = auto slo-mo play back. :)
Great information 😎🐾🐈⬛🐝👏🍻
As an occasional flier I cannot keep buying the latest mini so I keep it for a couple of years and then start watching UA-cam videos to see what the consensus is on the newest one. I must admit I’ve found the Mini 3 pro to be excellent but found the RC controller to be a bit sketchy at times-it may be my neighbours WiFi canon between their annexe and their house though🤔
Another good video Ian, Happy Christmas to you and yours🎄🎅
Still using the original Mini here wit 3rd party Mavin app for active tracking stuff. Will have to keep using it until it dies. Then maybe buy a Mini 4k or SE 2. Thanks for sharing.
That's great going 👍🏻👍🏻
Iv just bought the avata 2, it was that or the air3s. Must say its a totally different perspective on the fpv and one im quite keen on and getting on well with !
Lost Mavic 3 to the Irish Sea was looking at the mini 3 pro. Think I'll look for something else now. Thanks Ian 👍
Sorry to hear that...... Wait until spring and see what's available then 👍🏻
Mini 3 Pro was the best, semi-affordable drone DJI made
of course they had to discontinue it :P
I tried to get the 3 pro but my local shop couldn't get any more so I got the 3se and end up returning it for the 4 pro
4 Pro is spot on 😎👍🏻
For me a good size is the mini 2 you can put it in your pocket. The mini 3 up to mini 4 pro is bigger footprint and a bit bigger and the way you unfold it is a bit delicate not like the mini 1 and mini 2.
And one more is they need to redesign the controllers a modular battery on it not build-in like its hard to replace the battery. If you don't have the right tools or knowlegde to replace a battery.
Fair point. Not had an issue with the controller batteries tho tbh. 👍🏻👍🏻
I started with the Mini 2SE, a week later I sent it back and got the Mini 3. Recently upgraded to the Mini 4 Pro RC2 got it from Costco for £551 inc vat on Black Friday with a Samsung 128gb SD card. I feel I got a right bargain as you said it's over £800 for the 4 pro RC2 elsewhere... I've also got two PLUS batteries for it for plenty of power.
Yep, the plus batteries are a good addition :) and that was indeed a bargain :)
I still have the Mini 2. Would love a 4 pro but cannot afford one so maybe a Mini 3 ?
Search out a used Mini 3 Pro maybe?
What happens if you lose the mini 3 Pro, with the fly away plan since it's discontinued?
I think they have a fair few refurbished ones which is what you always get with the plans
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 😀
Cheers!! You too 🌲🌲🌲👍🏻
Does the Mini 4K use the same batteries as the mini 2 ?😊
Yes it does
Knowing what we know now from watching this video should buying a mini 3 pro 2nd hand be the first option over buying a new mini 3?
I would defo say so...
Afaik Mini 3 Pro is long gone, not just recently, completely replaced by Mini 4 Pro, which in fact is quite old itself now. It looks like DJI is selling out Mini 3 now, maybe to make room for a new model.
They should rather offer a "Mini 3+", still without Actice Track as it has no obstacle avoidance sensors but at least include POI and Spotlight. Both don't need sensors but could easily take the M3 to the next level.
You could buy it until fairly recently but yeah, even the Mini 4 Pro is in need of a new body shape and upgrade 🤠🤠🤠
What an excellent video that is. Crammed full with information about the bewildering range of UAS options. Thank you Ian, for helping me to understand the big and small differences between the available Minis. I had a Mini 2,and sold it when I got my Mavic 3 Classic. I also had the Mini 3 for a short time, but then sold that - no particular reason, just wasn't using it. Now, especially with the latest greedy price increases from the CAA for any Specific operations, I'm determined to stay within the Open category. As with all technology, is it best to go for the top of what's now available, or is it worth waiting for the next model/version. I'm stuck - should I go for the Mini 4 Pro now, or wait (for how long?) for the much-rumoured Mini 5 Pro? Money burning a hole in my pocket!
My advice would be to wait until you're actually going to start flying again.... so maybe wait until after Easter and see what's avaiable then. :)
@@IaninLondon I must have misled you - I am still flying, with the Mavic 3 Classic, and of course making best use of its C1 classification to fly in the Open Category A1. But I want to supplement it with a sub-250 C0 UAS to take advantage of its portability. I'm torn between getting the excellent Mini 4 Pro now, or chance waiting for the Mini 5 - which might not materialise!
Right; understood. My advice remains though; wait until you're flying a lot more (ie in Spring rather than winter...) and we may have a clearer idea of what's coming then. We usually get 1 - 2 'Mini' releases a year and the last release was April 2024.... We're due one early 2025 I'm thinking :)
@@IaninLondon Thanks Ian - I'll do just that - no urgency - thanks for your time, and for your excellent videos.
Min3pro best atm ......until the mini5pro 😮
I find the best feature the Mini 4 Pro has over the Mini 3 Pro is cruise control. This alone, in my opinion, is worth the extra money for the smoothness it adds to videos
Yes! Easy to forget about that amazing feature :)
My Mini 3 (non-pro) works great, it only records at 4K 30fps but I’m more into stills so that’s not an issue for me. It flys better more stable and quieter than my Mini 2 (crash repaired). I still have them both and the Mini 3 takes better stills. It’s a pitty DJI hasn’t released a full APK for the Mini 3 as that would have opened up opportunities for more third party apps. I’ve just bought the Air 3S but found the 50mp mode pretty useless as it produces too many artefacts, moire and distortion on stills with complex details eg crops (fields) and roof tops.
Yes; I'm hearing runours of a Mavic 4 soon and the Mavics always have the very best lenses for stills..... Air 3S is brilliant but it could have been even better with a proper large sensor...
Careful thought must go into these choices. What do I need? What will be the consequence of the purchase? Will a Mini 5 Pro be in my future, and will it make me happy? Our choices have consequences-some of great significance. The parents of Romeo and Juliet would have been wiser to choose cheap weddings rather than expensive funerals. And if I were Hamlet, I would have chosen to elope with Ophelia and live happily in her arms rather than dying in the arms of Horatio. --I enjoyed your overview of these drone, my friend.--
Alas poor Mini 3 Pro; I knew him well...... But as for purchase choices, let's jump forwards in time to the words of the great James T Kirk: "Don't look back on your life and worry that you should have turned right when you went left...." Be happy with your choices and live well. Merry Christmas George! :)
@ I will remember Kirk’s words this week, celebrate the moments, and keep an optimistic eye to the future. Merry Christmas to you as well, Ian.
In my opinion, the Mini3pro drone is worth buying. It is quieter than the Mini2xx version. It has a better lens that also allows you to look up at a 60 degree angle. You can buy new, lighter Mini4pro batteries (DJI blocks Mini4pro batteries in the Mini3). The Mini3 and Mini3pro have support in the Litchi Pilot app for flying on waypoints. Good comparison of drones. The Dji Neo is an interesting addition to FPV flying. Best regards.
Litchi app says it''s not compatible with Mini 3 series
@ Litchi Pilot 😀 If you have one of DJI's latest drone models (Mini 3, Mavic 3 Enterprise, etc), you will need to use Litchi Pilot instead
@@Piotr-4ask yep litchi pilot doesn't work above mini 2
I don't believe they block the batteries between 3 and 4. I swap them all the time....
@@IaninLondon I also have a Mini3 and the batteries from the mini4pro are blocked :( l
Wtf they done away with the mini 3pro😮 really 😮
Crazy 😖
Makes sense. The M3P was 85% of the M4P for significantly less money.