I second that! The only thing that seems cool about the mini 3 to me is how well it shoots at night and how well it auto tracks you. I wouldn’t buy it though simply because the sticker price is too steep and I never shoot videos at night. The hubsan zino mini se so far is pretty good Already for tracking. Does the mini 3 track objects ok? The hubsan does a great job of tracking people but not rc cars or trucks 🛻. So far it seems a lot of the tracking devices do not track objects well only people.
I have the dji mini 2 and on my last flight where I tried for great distance, I went from glass house lookout to mount Tibrogargan in Queensland Australia. It is a rural area and I was mainly flying over farmland and I went out to 5070 metres and still had good connection. I fly to just the other side of the mountain as I didn’t want to lose signal, instead I looked around and down to see how good of a view I’d get on the other side of the mountain. I stuffed around with that for a few minutes just hovering in the one spot. And then I realised that my batteries were getting towards the half way mark. so I just let it self return. Didn’t even bother watching all the way and a friend turned it around to see where it was coming from, which I don’t believe you can do with the mini 3 pro. At one point after I took over I thought it wasn’t still coming back home and then I looked at the screen, and it had a message saying it was auto landing, that was at about 1700 metres out and still over a field. So I stopped the auto descend and started flying it back manually and after a while I noticed that it was starting to drop again, so I had to keep pushing it up. By the time it was about 150 metres out the batteries were reading zero percent, but it still made it back, luckily. If I hadn’t been just hovering over the top of the mountain and looking down the other side and around for a few minutes it probably wouldn’t have started to go down where it started to. I learnt a valuable lesson that day , don’t just sit there hovering for a few minutes. Glad I got it back, but I won’t be trying to get that sort of distance again lol.
Hi Steve, the Mini 2 has one additional advantage over the Mini 3. The Mini 2 can use the Mini 1 Li-Ion batteries that can be kept at full charge so that one can fly immediately without waiting to charge the Li-Pol Mini 2 batteries. This does take the Mini 2 over 250g, but it's not an issue if the Mini 2 is FAA registered in the USA.
I sold my Mini 2 to get the Mini 3 Pro! I knew I had a great drone with the Mini 2 but not once did I regret getting the Mini 3 Pro! The drone is a work in progress but a potent camera drone nonetheless!
I've been flying the Mavic Mini for quite a while now so when it's time for an upgrade, it was an easy choice bet the 2. I drove back home with the Mini 3 Pro in hand! I want to experience the tech and everything my Mini can't do!
What would have been interesting to see: link the mini 2 controller with the mini 3 and fly around the school, to see if it would be as controllable as the mini 2. From videos from other testers one could come to the conclusion that it is the combination of the rc controller with the mini 3 that works less good than the mini2 controller with the mini 3.
DJI owes you for helping clear out their mini 2 inventory. Sage review of the capabilities of both these minis. I think the mini 2 could satisfy 90% of the first time users of a camera drone. Ditto on the prior comment “a drone doesn’t exist until the Captain reviews it”.
I like the Mini 3 because I can adjust a lot of features like iso and shoot D-cinelike which I like over the mini 2. Plus having the obstacle avoidance censor on the mini 3 has saved me a lot.
my takeaway: penetration is better than distance. I've had a Mini 2 for a bit and I'm quite happy with it (with filters and a Yagi-Uda antenna). I may get a mini 3 if I start making money with my drone. In the absence of that, the mini 2 is awesome
Contrary to what a couple of viewers have mentioned recently, I love your opening intros ! I also like the pointer graphics you use when referring to, say, a button or feature. You find ways to make comparisons fun and fair. Thanks for all you do !😃
I appreciate the honest appraisals of everything you present. I currently have the Mini 2 and am looking for reasons to add the Mini 3 with the RC controller. You have given me some good reasons to rob the piggy bank. Thanks for the review and cheers from Wisconsin.
The Mini 3 with the extended battery seems like a great option for a lot of folks in the US. That being said, you start getting close to the cost of an Air 2S. If 250 gram is not an issue, I would love to see night and a deep dive into the camera for both the Air 2S, and Mini 3. I think the sensor size will provide a much better picture at night than the mini 3, but it would be an interesting test. The blues and greens pop more on the mini 3 but I think the 3 has a larger aperture if I am correct. Of course we aren't compensating with nd filters either.
Mini 3 Aperture = 1.7 - largest ever on a DJI Drone (relative to sensor) Mini 2/Air 2S both Aperture = 2.4 a more typical size for DJI Caneras with fixed Aperture. Also interesting is just how big thar Mini 3 sensor is. Measured in surface area vs the antiquated system based on what size 1950's television vaccum tube the sensor would fit in a cross section. Mini 3 is more than DOUBLE the Mini 2. Check out surface area of these DJI Drone model camera sensors: Mini 2: 28.46mm² Mavic Air 2: 30.72mm² Mini 3 Pro: 69.12mm² Air 2S: 116.16mm² Mavic 3: 224.9mm² Of the list, I have had Mini 2, and currently have Air 2, Mini 3 Pro and Mavic 3. Look at the sensor surface area of the Mighty Mavic 3. That's a beefy sensor.
good comparison, for video more natural dji mini 2 and better for signal quality, it doesn't mean mini 3 is bad, there are advantages, there are definitely disadvantages, mini2 has minimal sensor obstacles
Interesting comparison, I've noticed my Mini 3 when recording in hot weather can sometimes begin recording the video out of focus as you have mentioned, hasn't done this in cooler climates...so far....
My Autel with built-in screen on the remote was my normal go to drone for quick video captures. Since this drone is much smaller and has a built-in screen it's perfect for line of site and close captures.
Hello Captain this is my first time ever leaving you a message I am just curious what kind of results would you get if you use the mini 3 with the mini 2 controller in terms of reception? Would it be the same, worse or better reception?
Nicely done! As someone looking for their first drone (largely to add to some travel and hiking videos) both would work and the $ saved on the 2 make it the best value. I liked the 3’s low light capability, more so for cloudy days however. Leaning more towards the 2 simply for value and it’s overall very similar performance, but the tracking feature on the 3 may sway that!
Great comparison! If someone plans to film in low light definitely go for the mini 3 - I have a mini 2 and can confirm the footage in low light is pretty much unusable. I do have the litchi app and it works well with the GPS follow mode however the "tracking" mode does not so if you are just tracking yourself based on the GPS/Controller it will work fine but tracking other things by "sight" fails easily and better off manually flying those shots.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 TBH I have not used waypoints - I never seem to be in a situation where they would be helpful. I really got litchi for the gps follow to do some bike video. Tested it (video on my channel) a couple times using my convertible but waiting for a cooler spell to shoot the bicycle version now that I have the handlebar mount for the controller.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 waypoints are awesome with litchi. Better with dji drones for photogrammetry using go app so the mission is uploaded to the drone memory so even if you loose the connection, the drone will carry on the mission to the end instead of a rth.
Don't know what other new features DJI will add to the Mini 3 Pro through future updates but I'm pretty sure it will make the drone more worth the money I paid for it!
The Mini 3's 1.7 Aperture produced brighter colors and sky in pretty much every video and photo here, compared to the smaller 2.4 aperture on the Mini 2. Assuming you were shooting in auto, that's noteworthy.
Great subjective review Steve - thanks. The focal length of the Mini 3 will produce a smaller depth of field and I've found that the autofocus on the Mini 2 is much, much faster than the Mini 3. You have to hold the button down until you hear the beep on the Mini 3 before focus will lock and if you just press the button fully down the results are never the best. Interestingly my RTH button didn't work yesterday :-(
DJI was supposed to fix the focus issue so that AUTO FOCUS worked 100%. Unfortunately the AUTOFOCUS is unreliable, but I’m sure one day it will be 100% fixed.
I like the penetration test, and it's the reason I'm keeping my Mini2 and not buying the Mini3. Hopefully the next DJI release will be something with good penetration, great range, and a smart controller with Antenna's again so you don't have to hold it up in the air to get more range. I wonder if someone will get creative and create a way to install antenna's on this new controller, it would be pretty easy to do, and if you got the range and penetration increase that real antennas provide it would be awesome.
FYI, I have the mini 1,2, &3. I love all of them but the mini 2 is very good, the 3 is also very good. They are all okay for what they are. I have never had an issue with any of them. Focus was far better on mini 3. Mini 2 had all in focus but not very good. Zoom were both okay but not excellent. Mini 3 obviously better at low light. I am pleased to know you saved the home because that is more than ANYTHING. Home is #1 and thank GOD you saved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ray C.Thanks for all this work!! P.S. I love the freewell nd's!!!!!
Nice review Steve, however the Mini 3 photo/video is superior to the Mini 2. I have had my Mini 2 flymore for 10 months now, very happy with it. So for now i will have to stick with the Mini 2. Great comparison, on a rather windy day. 👍🙂
it would be nice to see a comparison of mini 3 pro vs mavic air 1, similar size, the same number of sensors, it would give you the opportunity to actually feel the development of technology or it may turn out to be just marketing gimmicks the same technology in a smaller package (if we do not take into account less weight mini 3 and better camera) 😄
once the sdk is out for the mini 3 i can see it being top notch, as long as you dont buy the RC version which cant sideload apps compared to the n1 and a tablet/phone which you can load apps like dronelink, litchi etc so we can do missions.
Well done Captain!; I am sure there are a lot troops out there who were looking for this comparison to make an informed decision as to which Drone suits there needs both technically and financially; just to throw a curved ball into the discussion, I recently purchased a Mini 1 with the updated Firmware (Pro Camera) and have done some comparisons with the Mini 2 (have ordered the Mini 3 so cant compare) and the video results are astounding (in favour of the cheaper Mini1!!) ; yes the Mini 2 is only ever so slightly better at 4k however the Mini 1 with the upgrade is a compelling purchase and the connectivity is still "simple" on the older WIFI transmission with equal (from my tests here in Melbourne ) results to the Mini 2!; last but not least, your opening Video sequences are superb!! ; feels like we about to watch a Cecil B. De Mille movie !!! 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Fantastic review. As my predecessor wrote you can't review a drone until 'captain drone' has reviewed it. That can really be taken as a compliment. Take for example a totally nonsensical distance test that many do, no one cares about that but flying around a building in difficult ambient conditions is of course much more of value. What I noticed is how good the camera of mini 2 is under good lighting conditions.
Wow, very precise comparison! I had been with SE for a while the typical 12mp carries lots noise when englarged view. Just upgraded to 3 pro last weeks hope it will be well utilized while still fond of SE.
Thanks for your recent replies to help me out, I have decided to sell some things "not the kids, no takers" and going to get the Protek R25 and the Jumper T Pro ELRS. Have some cash spare for a couple of batteries too. Thanks again and keep up the good work. Hopefully I wont be too scared to fly it still once I get it.
Hi guys, I think the best deal for tight budgets would be to keep the mini 2 and instead buy the air 2s. Mini 2 if your travel abroad and air 2s for better professional results and more post prod options. Mini 2 with the litchi app is seriously amazing what you can take out of it.
@@dosomestuff1949 Litchi offers the most intuitive yet powerful waypoint mission engine. Share the video feed from your DJI drone to your friend's smartphone or tablet. Easy friendly manual settings for photo and video. Litchi is available for both iOS and Android devices. Supported: Mini 2 Mini SE Air 2S Mavic Mini 1 Mavic Air 2 Mavic 2 (Zoom/Pro) Mavic (Air/Pro) Phantom 4 (Standard/Advanced/Pro/ProV2) Phantom 3 (Standard/4K/Advanced/Professional) Inspire 1 (X3/Z3/Pro/RAW) Inspire 2 Spark DJI RC Pro DJI Smart Controller Crystalsky Enterprise drones (M300 RTK, M2EA, etc) have some level of support but are not officially supported and tested. Not supported yet: Mini 3 Pro: We are waiting for support in the DJI SDK before we can start work on it Mavic 3: We are waiting for support in the DJI SDK before we can start work on it
I already have the mini 2 along with a hard Case hard Cases is better than the bag you get when it comes to protection the travel bag that comes with the combo pack
Both drones should land closer to the pad if you hover them after take off in 3-5m above the start point for 5 secs or so. They somehow do a recording of the takeoff zone and use that as an additional help when auto returning. Or did you use that feature?
That feature does not exist in modern drones. DJI used it in the old days for one of their drones and the only way for it to work was to use the auto takeoff. A DJI drone rarely ever lands on the takeoff point in windy conditions for very obvious reasons. Try it.
@@TMaekler The easy way to see if the drone you have does that is to take off, do your hover thingy, then fly away and engage return to home. No move the landing pad 10 feet away before the drone comes back and see if it finds it.
Another great video, and another one where you fail to mention the remote with the screen is a US$150 option. That makes the difference in price US$500 for the Fly More combos, enough for another Mini 2 as a backup! I'd still like to see a test with the default controller on the Mini 3.
Fantastic comparison testing of both drones Steve helps the newbie flyers and also people without the extra cash to get into the hobby both are excellent 249-gram drones. I am personally still a bit sceptical about the new RC for the Mini 3 Pro which I own I wish they had attached antennas on the RC like the DJI Pro controller.
They have been trying to fix it in every released firmware update. So far it is hit and miss. You have to manually tap on the item you wish to focus on and hope it works.
Since GPS Camera drones move slowly compared to an FPV Drone, judging gaps is just a matter of keeping the gap in the center of the screen and turning off obstacle avoidance.
I would have to guess that if you use the mini 2 and Mini 3 Pro both with the N1 controller that the results would have been better with the mini three Pro rather than using the new controller and it's handicap antenna issue...
Hi Steve....You needed a phone booth to make the transformation into DJI FANBOY....LOL...I was almost afraid there was going to be a crash behind the school due to screen latency. Nice part three video..........👍
Can you please do a review of the Litchi software with the mini 2 (preferably on Android)? I've seen a wide variety of opinions, but would take yours over all others.
I just realized that’s Millennium park. I’ve had my drone out there a few times. I’m closer to the elementary school on Provence and Valin. Howdy neighbour!
Well there's a gotcha I hadn't expected! The DJI Fly App is picky about the android phone specs. Minimum 8Gig RAM and 8 Core CPU. Neither of which mine possess. "bye bye more cash, hello new phone " Yes, fly without the app installed but only to 30 meters altitude as I understand it so far. Once you have a hard case, lanyard, screen protector, lens coverings, landing mat, and finally decided the Fly More Kit makes sense, the outlay is getting well past $2000 CAD. Another matter is the process of installing the firmware update. A full charge for both is wise and also a fan. My rural location makes the download a long process.
Being usable on the RC pro is defintely an attractive feature, so I look forward to adding one (or two) to the fleet. Nice series, and thanks for the quality work.
Well as I heard you said. You have to point the control to the drone position and I don't see you turning to the drone when the drone lost some of the signal on the mini 2. Btw nice drone review channel. Thanks and keep going.
Correction for you list of advantages for Mini 3 Pro. Mini 2 DOES HAVE QUICK TRANSFER. You use it by pushing and holding the button on the drone. Here is DJI tutorial, if you wish to test it, lol! th-cam.com/video/eFchKVoEBvc/w-d-xo.html FYI you were 2 meters higher with the Mini 2 going over the shed (point of transmission loss for the 3) - That said, the RC (RM330) controller seems to be significantly more directional (sensitive to pointing at the drone for people who don't know) Unfair advantage (slightly) Mini 2.
Hello Cap, the Freewell UV Camera Lens Filter you recommended do you use that all the time to protect the camera, and then swap that out if you need a different ND? Thank you.
In some ways yes. On professional camera gear (not drones), every photographer uses a UV lens to protect their expensive glass. So for the few drones that Freewell makes a UV lens for, I use them for the same purpose.
A very nice set of tests, but I suspect the Mini 3 penetration test is hampered by the DJI RC controller. When the Mini 3 is eventually(!) compatible with the RC PRO, I'm guessing it will be much better.
Great review Cap!!! Obstacle Avoidance and the RC controller is the only thing for me. The mini2 is also an older drone, and being a android user. I'm probably better off with the dedicated controller. I also heard if you use the Litchi app on the mini2 it voids out the care refresh. Don't know if that's true or not. I think if you did the penetration test 10 times and on different days. You will get some better results and some worse results, but because of the controller. The mini2 would still probably win.
The 2 firmware version examples are for the 3 pro so it says, nice to know the 3 pro will work with the DJI RC-N1 Controller, that will save some money. Good video thanks.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 @CAPTAIN DRONE I guess they had to remove/not include the antenna to ensure that the value of the remote was less than the RC Pro. Otherwise there would be no need to even buy the rc pro.
So, for those of us in the US, he has proven that we can do illegal stuff like continuing to fly BVLOS. Not something I would use as a criterion for choosing which drone to purchase.
Sitting here watching with this, do i buy a 2 or a 3 with screen, without screen? you loose signal not far away? i watched a youtuber fly his mini 3 with the standed controller 10,000 metres plus thats 6 miles plus. which do i buy? just got the holy stone 720g its ok but it aint dji.
Wow, just wow.... I wish I could afford one of these amazing little drones. I'll have to enjoy this one vicariously through TH-cam videos for now. The elephant in the room that everyone is actually talking about.... The controller with the built in display is not as good as using the Mini 2 controller? What would be the benefit of using the Mini 3 controller with the built in display other than then convenience of not having to use a cell phone with the remote?
Hi i watched the daytime fotoshooting results and i'm a little confused. I thought that Dji has much better picturequality compared f.ex. Hubsan mini se (which i bought week ago) Actually pictures looks better from Hubsan. and after one clic windows photo improvement..they look great. But because i'm not expert in this area would somebody explain why i should pay extra for dji quality.
Please make a video with the comparison and similarities between the mjx bugs 20 EIS and mjx bugs 4W 4K done . Please 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺... We all are waiting for this video .
the camera from Mini 3 is much better, but the focus Mini 2 win only focus, Mini 3 in the rest win how the camera see the colors, Mini 2 the colors look without life, the signal power Mini 2 so far. I think depend on the need a person will feel better any, for the costumer is a win
I have the Mini 2 great drone for sure and cheap to buy but am purchasing the Mini 3 { no controller} plus the fly more kit tomorrow and wow is it ever expensive 1250 Cnd $
Nope. DJI restricts all drones no matter the weight. Most countries as well, which is why you'll never see an under 250 gram drone flying near or at an airport.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 wow! What are your thoughts about fimi x8se ver 2 is it recommended for aerial photography if we compare dji mini 2 ? undecided...thanks
Hello captain drone. can you do a review of the new drone called KF106 / DK2 Pro which is similar in shape to dji mavic 3. I want to know if it has a sd-card slot? how long does it fly and how far to fly? thank you
A drone doesn’t exist until it’s reviewed by the Captain. Thank you
Thank you kindly
I second that! The only thing that seems cool about the mini 3 to me is how well it shoots at night and how well it auto tracks you. I wouldn’t buy it though simply because the sticker price is too steep and I never shoot videos at night. The hubsan zino mini se so far is pretty good Already for tracking. Does the mini 3 track objects ok? The hubsan does a great job of tracking people but not rc cars or trucks 🛻. So far it seems a lot of the tracking devices do not track objects well only people.
I have the dji mini 2 and on my last flight where I tried for great distance, I went from glass house lookout to mount Tibrogargan in Queensland Australia. It is a rural area and I was mainly flying over farmland and I went out to 5070 metres and still had good connection. I fly to just the other side of the mountain as I didn’t want to lose signal, instead I looked around and down to see how good of a view I’d get on the other side of the mountain. I stuffed around with that for a few minutes just hovering in the one spot. And then I realised that my batteries were getting towards the half way mark. so I just let it self return. Didn’t even bother watching all the way and a friend turned it around to see where it was coming from, which I don’t believe you can do with the mini 3 pro. At one point after I took over I thought it wasn’t still coming back home and then I looked at the screen, and it had a message saying it was auto landing, that was at about 1700 metres out and still over a field. So I stopped the auto descend and started flying it back manually and after a while I noticed that it was starting to drop again, so I had to keep pushing it up. By the time it was about 150 metres out the batteries were reading zero percent, but it still made it back, luckily. If I hadn’t been just hovering over the top of the mountain and looking down the other side and around for a few minutes it probably wouldn’t have started to go down where it started to. I learnt a valuable lesson that day , don’t just sit there hovering for a few minutes. Glad I got it back, but I won’t be trying to get that sort of distance again lol.
Hi Steve, the Mini 2 has one additional advantage over the Mini 3. The Mini 2 can use the Mini 1 Li-Ion batteries that can be kept at full charge so that one can fly immediately without waiting to charge the Li-Pol Mini 2 batteries. This does take the Mini 2 over 250g, but it's not an issue if the Mini 2 is FAA registered in the USA.
How do you get those batteries,
I do like the obstacle avoidance so I would opt for the 3. Thanks Steve!
Mini 2 is really one of the best drones of DJI like legendary Spark... Thank you Steve for good comparison..
I sold my Mini 2 to get the Mini 3 Pro! I knew I had a great drone with the Mini 2 but not once did I regret getting the Mini 3 Pro! The drone is a work in progress but a potent camera drone nonetheless!
I've been flying the Mavic Mini for quite a while now so when it's time for an upgrade, it was an easy choice bet the 2. I drove back home with the Mini 3 Pro in hand! I want to experience the tech and everything my Mini can't do!
What would have been interesting to see: link the mini 2 controller with the mini 3 and fly around the school, to see if it would be as controllable as the mini 2. From videos from other testers one could come to the conclusion that it is the combination of the rc controller with the mini 3 that works less good than the mini2 controller with the mini 3.
DJI owes you for helping clear out their mini 2 inventory. Sage review of the capabilities of both these minis. I think the mini 2 could satisfy 90% of the first time users of a camera drone. Ditto on the prior comment “a drone doesn’t exist until the Captain reviews it”.
I like the Mini 3 because I can adjust a lot of features like iso and shoot D-cinelike which I like over the mini 2. Plus having the obstacle avoidance censor on the mini 3 has saved me a lot.
my takeaway: penetration is better than distance. I've had a Mini 2 for a bit and I'm quite happy with it (with filters and a Yagi-Uda antenna). I may get a mini 3 if I start making money with my drone. In the absence of that, the mini 2 is awesome
Does the yagi antenna improves the signal on the Mini 2?
@@NishaanAhmed Yes! But be careful.. I'm scared the battery is not enough to RTH
Contrary to what a couple of viewers have mentioned recently, I love your opening intros !
I also like the pointer graphics you use when referring to, say, a button or feature.
You find ways to make comparisons fun and fair.
Thanks for all you do !😃
Thank you!
Another exceptional Video by the World Renowned Captain Drone!!!! Thank You Steve. Cant wait for part 4!!!!!
Thank you kindly!
That's the best real world comparison I've seen and matches my own findings (I have both drones) well done Steve.
Check our Jake Sloan's Comparison - also really good. th-cam.com/video/Gs6R8pMai2k/w-d-xo.html
I appreciate the honest appraisals of everything you present. I currently have the Mini 2 and am looking for reasons to add the Mini 3 with the RC controller. You have given me some good reasons to rob the piggy bank. Thanks for the review and cheers from Wisconsin.
Thank you
The Mini 3 with the extended battery seems like a great option for a lot of folks in the US.
That being said, you start getting close to the cost of an Air 2S. If 250 gram is not an issue, I would love to see night and a deep dive into the camera for both the Air 2S, and Mini 3.
I think the sensor size will provide a much better picture at night than the mini 3, but it would be an interesting test.
The blues and greens pop more on the mini 3 but I think the 3 has a larger aperture if I am correct. Of course we aren't compensating with nd filters either.
The extended battery will place your mini 3 pro over 250 grams which is not a problem for some people but for others it is.
Mini 3 Aperture = 1.7 - largest ever on a DJI Drone (relative to sensor) Mini 2/Air 2S both Aperture = 2.4 a more typical size for DJI Caneras with fixed Aperture. Also interesting is just how big thar Mini 3 sensor is. Measured in surface area vs the antiquated system based on what size 1950's television vaccum tube the sensor would fit in a cross section. Mini 3 is more than DOUBLE the Mini 2. Check out surface area of these DJI Drone model camera sensors:
Mini 2: 28.46mm²
Mavic Air 2: 30.72mm²
Mini 3 Pro: 69.12mm²
Air 2S: 116.16mm²
Mavic 3: 224.9mm²
Of the list, I have had Mini 2, and currently have Air 2, Mini 3 Pro and Mavic 3. Look at the sensor surface area of the Mighty Mavic 3. That's a beefy sensor.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Yup in the US it is less of an issue than EU, or Canada for that matter. Although the extended flight time makes it insane.
@@BlairAir Thank you for that data! Yeah ok so I am a specs geek. I can't help myself.
good comparison, for video more natural dji mini 2 and better for signal quality, it doesn't mean mini 3 is bad, there are advantages, there are definitely disadvantages, mini2 has minimal sensor obstacles
I bought the Mini 2 flymore combo, goes great with the mavic air 2. Great video Captain 🧑✈️ thanks ☺️
I should have put a protective Freewell filter on my mini. My lens is cracked.
That stinks. Super rare for that to happen
Loving this mini 3 pro series.....this has been the most awaited drone it deserves a muti review
Thank you
Interesting comparison, I've noticed my Mini 3 when recording in hot weather can sometimes begin recording the video out of focus as you have mentioned, hasn't done this in cooler climates...so far....
My Autel with built-in screen on the remote was my normal go to drone for quick video captures. Since this drone is much smaller and has a built-in screen it's perfect for line of site and close captures.
16:00 That's some trippy music Steve .
Hello Captain this is my first time ever leaving you a message I am just curious what kind of results would you get if you use the mini 3 with the mini 2 controller in terms of reception? Would it be the same, worse or better reception?
It would be better than the remote with integrated display.
You would get the better signal with whatever controller/RC is being used to fly the mini 3.
Nicely done! As someone looking for their first drone (largely to add to some travel and hiking videos) both would work and the $ saved on the 2 make it the best value. I liked the 3’s low light capability, more so for cloudy days however. Leaning more towards the 2 simply for value and it’s overall very similar performance, but the tracking feature on the 3 may sway that!
Great comparison! If someone plans to film in low light definitely go for the mini 3 - I have a mini 2 and can confirm the footage in low light is pretty much unusable.
I do have the litchi app and it works well with the GPS follow mode however the "tracking" mode does not so if you are just tracking yourself based on the GPS/Controller it will work fine but tracking other things by "sight" fails easily and better off manually flying those shots.
How do you like the Waypoints in Litchi?
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 TBH I have not used waypoints - I never seem to be in a situation where they would be helpful. I really got litchi for the gps follow to do some bike video. Tested it (video on my channel) a couple times using my convertible but waiting for a cooler spell to shoot the bicycle version now that I have the handlebar mount for the controller.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 waypoints are awesome with litchi. Better with dji drones for photogrammetry using go app so the mission is uploaded to the drone memory so even if you loose the connection, the drone will carry on the mission to the end instead of a rth.
Outstanding review as always. I chose the mini 2 flymore myself. Great buy. Thanks for the review
Great range/penetration test. Fair and honest in a realistic setting.
Fanboys have no grounds to complain.
Excellent comparison. DJI sets new standards with the mini 2 and 3
Don't know what other new features DJI will add to the Mini 3 Pro through future updates but I'm pretty sure it will make the drone more worth the money I paid for it!
"Looks like a frog"! LOL, that was brilliant! I'm glad you mentioned it as no doubt many people choose a drone based on its batrachian resemblance,
The Mini 3's 1.7 Aperture produced brighter colors and sky in pretty much every video and photo here, compared to the smaller 2.4 aperture on the Mini 2. Assuming you were shooting in auto, that's noteworthy.
Great subjective review Steve - thanks. The focal length of the Mini 3 will produce a smaller depth of field and I've found that the autofocus on the Mini 2 is much, much faster than the Mini 3. You have to hold the button down until you hear the beep on the Mini 3 before focus will lock and if you just press the button fully down the results are never the best. Interestingly my RTH button didn't work yesterday :-(
DJI was supposed to fix the focus issue so that AUTO FOCUS worked 100%. Unfortunately the AUTOFOCUS is unreliable, but I’m sure one day it will be 100% fixed.
I like the penetration test, and it's the reason I'm keeping my Mini2 and not buying the Mini3. Hopefully the next DJI release will be something with good penetration, great range, and a smart controller with Antenna's again so you don't have to hold it up in the air to get more range. I wonder if someone will get creative and create a way to install antenna's on this new controller, it would be pretty easy to do, and if you got the range and penetration increase that real antennas provide it would be awesome.
You had me at “it looks like a frog”
FYI, I have the mini 1,2, &3. I love all of them but the mini 2 is very good, the 3 is also very good. They are all okay for what they are. I have never had an issue with any of them.
Focus was far better on mini 3. Mini 2 had all in focus but not very good. Zoom were both okay but not excellent. Mini 3 obviously better at low light.
I am pleased to know you saved the home because that is more than ANYTHING. Home is #1 and thank GOD you saved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ray C.Thanks for all this work!!
P.S. I love the freewell nd's!!!!!
Thank you
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I still love the work you do for all of us. You are okay feller Cap.
Mini 2 has quick transfer. It was first DJI drone with this function.
Nice review Steve, however the Mini 3 photo/video is superior to the Mini 2. I have had my Mini 2 flymore for 10 months now, very happy with it. So for now i will have to stick with the Mini 2. Great comparison, on a rather windy day. 👍🙂
it would be nice to see a comparison of mini 3 pro vs mavic air 1, similar size, the same number of sensors, it would give you the opportunity to actually feel the development of technology or it may turn out to be just marketing gimmicks the same technology in a smaller package (if we do not take into account less weight mini 3 and better camera) 😄
once the sdk is out for the mini 3 i can see it being top notch, as long as you dont buy the RC version which cant sideload apps compared to the n1 and a tablet/phone which you can load apps like dronelink, litchi etc so we can do missions.
Well done Captain!; I am sure there are a lot troops out there who were looking for this comparison to make an informed decision as to which Drone suits there needs both technically and financially; just to throw a curved ball into the discussion, I recently purchased a Mini 1 with the updated Firmware (Pro Camera) and have done some comparisons with the Mini 2 (have ordered the Mini 3 so cant compare) and the video results are astounding (in favour of the cheaper Mini1!!) ; yes the Mini 2 is only ever so slightly better at 4k however the Mini 1 with the upgrade is a compelling purchase and the connectivity is still "simple" on the older WIFI transmission with equal (from my tests here in Melbourne ) results to the Mini 2!; last but not least, your opening Video sequences are superb!! ; feels like we about to watch a Cecil B. De Mille movie !!! 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Many of my friends still have & use the mini 1 and are very happy with the camera results. Thank you very much for your comment.
Fantastic review. As my predecessor wrote you can't review a drone until 'captain drone' has reviewed it. That can really be taken as a compliment. Take for example a totally nonsensical distance test that many do, no one cares about that but flying around a building in difficult ambient conditions is of course much more of value. What I noticed is how good the camera of mini 2 is under good lighting conditions.
Thank you for the comments
Wow, very precise comparison! I had been with SE for a while the typical 12mp carries lots noise when englarged view. Just upgraded to 3 pro last weeks hope it will be well utilized while still fond of SE.
For a casual flyer in the UK, mini 2 all day long
Thanks for your recent replies to help me out, I have decided to sell some things "not the kids, no takers" and going to get the Protek R25 and the Jumper T Pro ELRS. Have some cash spare for a couple of batteries too. Thanks again and keep up the good work. Hopefully I wont be too scared to fly it still once I get it.
Hi guys,
I think the best deal for tight budgets would be to keep the mini 2 and instead buy the air 2s.
Mini 2 if your travel abroad and air 2s for better professional results and more post prod options.
Mini 2 with the litchi app is seriously amazing what you can take out of it.
I’ve got a mini se(quite similar to the mini2) and I’m thinking of getting litchi. what features come with the litchi app? Other than tracking?
@@dosomestuff1949 Litchi offers the most intuitive yet powerful waypoint mission engine.
Share the video feed from your DJI drone to your friend's smartphone or tablet.
Easy friendly manual settings for photo and video.
Litchi is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Supported:
Mini 2
Mini SE
Air 2S
Mavic Mini 1
Mavic Air 2
Mavic 2 (Zoom/Pro)
Mavic (Air/Pro)
Phantom 4 (Standard/Advanced/Pro/ProV2)
Phantom 3 (Standard/4K/Advanced/Professional)
Inspire 1 (X3/Z3/Pro/RAW)
Inspire 2
Spark
DJI RC Pro
DJI Smart Controller
Crystalsky
Enterprise drones (M300 RTK, M2EA, etc) have some level of support but are not officially supported and tested.
Not supported yet:
Mini 3 Pro: We are waiting for support in the DJI SDK before we can start work on it
Mavic 3: We are waiting for support in the DJI SDK before we can start work on it
@@archiplanservices3746 Alr I gotta check it out
Been waiting for this. Thanks. Think I'm gonna stick with my Mini 2 for now
I already have the mini 2 along with a hard Case hard Cases is better than the bag you get when it comes to protection the travel bag that comes with the combo pack
Great video, btw mini 2 gets better night performance if you set it on 24 fps !
Great photo comparisons! The noise on the Mini 2 is real but the Mini 3 never seems to focus!
Both drones should land closer to the pad if you hover them after take off in 3-5m above the start point for 5 secs or so. They somehow do a recording of the takeoff zone and use that as an additional help when auto returning. Or did you use that feature?
That feature does not exist in modern drones. DJI used it in the old days for one of their drones and the only way for it to work was to use the auto takeoff. A DJI drone rarely ever lands on the takeoff point in windy conditions for very obvious reasons. Try it.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Oh, thanks for the info. I thought (and I imagined to have observed it) that the new drones still do that.
@@TMaekler The easy way to see if the drone you have does that is to take off, do your hover thingy, then fly away and engage return to home. No move the landing pad 10 feet away before the drone comes back and see if it finds it.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 practical test, I like it.
Another great video, and another one where you fail to mention the remote with the screen is a US$150 option. That makes the difference in price US$500 for the Fly More combos, enough for another Mini 2 as a backup! I'd still like to see a test with the default controller on the Mini 3.
Mini 3 almost dive bombed by the bird at 11:56
Great test, I've been weighing up getting a mini 3 but the mini 2 does what I need for now.
Excellent production and editing. Very informative. Thanks.
Fantastic comparison testing of both drones Steve helps the newbie flyers and also people without the extra cash to get into the hobby both are excellent 249-gram drones. I am personally still a bit sceptical about the new RC for the Mini 3 Pro which I own I wish they had attached antennas on the RC like the DJI Pro controller.
Great!, can't wait to see nano Evo plus vs dji mini 3 comparison
I wonder if the Mini 3 would do better with the standard controller.
Yes, it does better.
Man I love that intro music
Wow the Mini 3 auto focus is jacked. Hope they can fix it in an update.
They have been trying to fix it in every released firmware update. So far it is hit and miss. You have to manually tap on the item you wish to focus on and hope it works.
Excellent video,mini 2 seems overall a very good option
How do you judge gaps & What's the best advice for judging gaps from fly app screen other than practising.
Since GPS Camera drones move slowly compared to an FPV Drone, judging gaps is just a matter of keeping the gap in the center of the screen and turning off obstacle avoidance.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I still struggle with only one plane of control to worry about 🤦
I would have to guess that if you use the mini 2 and Mini 3 Pro both with the N1 controller that the results would have been better with the mini three Pro rather than using the new controller and it's handicap antenna issue...
Hi Steve....You needed a phone booth to make the transformation into DJI FANBOY....LOL...I was almost afraid there was going to be a crash behind the school due to screen latency. Nice part three video..........👍
Thank you & the phone booth is on back order
It’s unfortunate the signal penetration of the 3 is weaker…I’ve never owned the 2, but I have and like the 3. Good vid again. 🍻.
But that was with the rc pro. Im pretty sure the results would be better with the standard one.
Can you please do a review of the Litchi software with the mini 2 (preferably on Android)? I've seen a wide variety of opinions, but would take yours over all others.
I just realized that’s Millennium park. I’ve had my drone out there a few times. I’m closer to the elementary school on Provence and Valin. Howdy neighbour!
Back at ya neighbour
Well there's a gotcha I hadn't expected! The DJI Fly App is picky about the android phone specs. Minimum 8Gig RAM and 8 Core CPU. Neither of which mine possess. "bye bye more cash, hello new phone " Yes, fly without the app installed but only to 30 meters altitude as I understand it so far.
Once you have a hard case, lanyard, screen protector, lens coverings, landing mat, and finally decided the Fly More Kit makes sense, the outlay is getting well past $2000 CAD.
Another matter is the process of installing the firmware update. A full charge for both is wise and also a fan. My rural location makes the download a long process.
8 core cpu yes but minimum of 4gb memory. You find android phones with those specs under 200$.
Cap could you do a in-depth vid. Of the Dji mavic 3?
I have done several vids on it
Being usable on the RC pro is defintely an attractive feature, so I look forward to adding one (or two) to the fleet. Nice series, and thanks for the quality work.
can you do a hubsan mini pro and the mini pro 3 cap
Hey how much do you think I could get for a original mavic mini with a couple of extra props and a hardcase?
A few hundred
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 hm alr thank you
Well as I heard you said. You have to point the control to the drone position and I don't see you turning to the drone when the drone lost some of the signal on the mini 2. Btw nice drone review channel. Thanks and keep going.
Correction for you list of advantages for Mini 3 Pro. Mini 2 DOES HAVE QUICK TRANSFER. You use it by pushing and holding the button on the drone. Here is DJI tutorial, if you wish to test it, lol! th-cam.com/video/eFchKVoEBvc/w-d-xo.html
FYI you were 2 meters higher with the Mini 2 going over the shed (point of transmission loss for the 3) - That said, the RC (RM330) controller seems to be significantly more directional (sensitive to pointing at the drone for people who don't know) Unfair advantage (slightly) Mini 2.
Hello Cap, the Freewell UV Camera Lens Filter you recommended do you use that all the time to protect the camera, and then swap that out if you need a different ND? Thank you.
In some ways yes. On professional camera gear (not drones), every photographer uses a UV lens to protect their expensive glass. So for the few drones that Freewell makes a UV lens for, I use them for the same purpose.
A very nice set of tests, but I suspect the Mini 3 penetration test is hampered by the DJI RC controller. When the Mini 3 is eventually(!) compatible with the RC PRO, I'm guessing it will be much better.
I think it’s cuz the antennas aren’t exposed as well on the dji rc. I’ve heard it does better using the standard controller
Great review Cap!!! Obstacle Avoidance and the RC controller is the only thing for me. The mini2 is also an older drone, and being a android user. I'm probably better off with the dedicated controller. I also heard if you use the Litchi app on the mini2 it voids out the care refresh. Don't know if that's true or not. I think if you did the penetration test 10 times and on different days. You will get some better results and some worse results, but because of the controller. The mini2 would still probably win.
The 2 firmware version examples are for the 3 pro so it says, nice to know the 3 pro will work with the DJI RC-N1 Controller, that will save some money. Good video thanks.
I need it to look like a frog so I'm buying the mini 3
Nice rewiew.
I stick with my Mini2. I dont’t fly that much so an upgrade it not worth it for me. My Mini 2 i good enough.
All they needed was some fold out antennas and it would increase the range… sorta surprised by DJI they didn’t do this.
Due to the DJI RC being low cost to produce compared to the expensive Smart Controller and RC Pro, the antennas had to go.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 @CAPTAIN DRONE I guess they had to remove/not include the antenna to ensure that the value of the remote was less than the RC Pro. Otherwise there would be no need to even buy the rc pro.
So, for those of us in the US, he has proven that we can do illegal stuff like continuing to fly BVLOS. Not something I would use as a criterion for choosing which drone to purchase.
Occusync 3 is a 1080p feed to the controller, OC 2 is 720p
The screen is so small, unless using a bright screen tablet, that one would never notice.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 it's definitely noticeable, I've used both one after the other
Great review of penetration test on bothe drone+controller and video photo comparisons!
One the best comparison videos I've ever watched.. thanks
Glad you liked it!
Great Review Steve, I have to admit I still love my MINI 2 👊💯
I think i've made a wrong choice on dji rc, because a bad range.. I should get the mini 3 pro with the dji rc n1
If you ever wish to use a tablet, then the remote with no display is the one you need.
Sitting here watching with this, do i buy a 2 or a 3 with screen, without screen? you loose signal not far away? i watched a youtuber fly his mini 3 with the standed controller 10,000 metres plus thats 6 miles plus.
which do i buy? just got the holy stone 720g its ok but it aint dji.
For me, I like the screen. My phone needs to be used for other things.
Wow, just wow.... I wish I could afford one of these amazing little drones. I'll have to enjoy this one vicariously through TH-cam videos for now. The elephant in the room that everyone is actually talking about.... The controller with the built in display is not as good as using the Mini 2 controller? What would be the benefit of using the Mini 3 controller with the built in display other than then convenience of not having to use a cell phone with the remote?
It is exactly that.. the convenience of not having to use your phone. Many people have a low quality phone display, so this helps.
Hi i watched the daytime fotoshooting results and i'm a little confused. I thought that Dji has much better picturequality compared f.ex. Hubsan mini se (which i bought week ago)
Actually pictures looks better from Hubsan. and after one clic windows photo improvement..they look great.
But because i'm not expert in this area would somebody explain why i should pay extra for dji quality.
Please make a video with the comparison and similarities between the mjx bugs 20 EIS and mjx bugs 4W 4K done . Please 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺... We all are waiting for this video .
Hello from Ottawa and a recent M3P owner.
Hello Ottawa neighbour
Why didn't you keep the antenna pointed at each drone? That is a much better test.
My super man X-Ray vision for seeing through buildings was not working that day.
the camera from Mini 3 is much better, but the focus Mini 2 win only focus, Mini 3 in the rest win how the camera see the colors, Mini 2 the colors look without life, the signal power Mini 2 so far. I think depend on the need a person will feel better any, for the costumer is a win
Awesome video captain drone, please also review dji mini 4 pro thank you
I have the Mini 2 great drone for sure and cheap to buy but am purchasing the Mini 3 { no controller} plus the fly more kit tomorrow and wow is it ever expensive 1250 Cnd $
You are awesome dude. I thought that mini 2 because it's so light you can fly in no fly zones ?
Nope. DJI restricts all drones no matter the weight. Most countries as well, which is why you'll never see an under 250 gram drone flying near or at an airport.
Hats off too you Captain Drone - that was a great video and not seen anything like this on TH-cam - Brilliant & Thanks fpr your hard work (UK)
Thanks a ton
ultimate review sir between the 2 drones! what happened to the drones that you had reviewed did you sell it?
I have a small storage area so I sell off or give away the many products I review to make room for new ones. I only sell to people I know locally.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 wow! What are your thoughts about fimi x8se ver 2 is it recommended for aerial photography if we compare dji mini 2 ? undecided...thanks
@@nim358 These are my thoughts: th-cam.com/video/-giv7cjrOdQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi when you buy a Drone at the DJI store when you are living in Canada do you pay American or Canadian money
You pay US price shown on site.
Hello captain drone. can you do a review of the new drone called KF106 / DK2 Pro which is similar in shape to dji mavic 3. I want to know if it has a sd-card slot? how long does it fly and how far to fly? thank you