Since you only get 3 months of outside time in Canada it looked like everyone in your town was in the park, "Git, git, git. Move it, people! Cameras here!" 🤣 Best review yet!
I’m impressed as an 87 year old pro photographer..Your very well versed in your craft and display exceptional editing..The DJI Mini Pro is in my immediate future and sharing your knowledge has given me a leg up… Thank you !!
Hi Steve, at that high price Dji could have included a charging brick and props safety clips on all versions and ND filters on fmc versions...cant wait for your upcoming videos on the comparison of dji mini 3 pro and dji mini 2....thanks!
A tip if you already have the Mini 2 FMC and plan to keep it: Use the Mini 2 bag for the Mini 3 + FMK and the Mini 3 Pro bag for the Mini 2 FMC. The Mini 2 bag is larger than the Mini 3 bag and will accommodate your Mini 3 stuff better!
I have a minor criticism that is not specific to the M3 Pro but is applicable to various DJI drones and concerns the LED lights. I was reminded of this when watching your slo-mo intro footage on the review (superb production values BTW ;)). On each of the M3 Pro arms was a green flashing light and I guess you will be able to choose different colours for these. What I guess you can't do but should be able to is to have these set to mimic the nav lights on full size a/c ie red on port side and green on starboard. On my Mini2 I have a pair of high intensity strobes (Strobon) in these colours and they help enormously when you get used to them in being able to orientate the aircraft just with a glance. Even when it is only just visible you know immediately whether it is facing towards or away from you. I realise the lights on the M3 are no way near as powerful as these after market strobes but it would still be nice to be able to use them in this way when the drone is close.
I see where this is headed - perhaps when the mini X (10) pro comes out in a finite number of years down the line, and dji is still viable and making drones, I'll upgrade.
Thank you very much for another marvelous review Captain Drone, looking forward to part 3 & 4 and *if we are lucky the Autel Lite Vertical/Portrait mode vs the Mini 3 Pro Vertical Mode* ...many thanks.
Hi Steve,the top of the controller has two patch antennas so the way you are holding it is pointing the antennas straight up at the sky,the TOP of the controller should point at the drone not the rear of the controller.Nice review as always.
Unfortunately, all results are the same. Watch in the vid, I purposely did two methods (method two used in signal penetration test). Still, poor results.
Strongest mini drone yet from DJI’s mini series. Mini 3 Pro might be the best mini drone in the market right now. Getting your money’s worth. Thanks for the review!
WOW! I think yours is the BEST Review I have seen across ALL Reviews I have seen. And trust me I have seen hundreds. Yours is also BRUTALLY Honest and truthful in all ways helping me choose what I wish to buy or not!
It seems that you can connect some USB-C Headsets to the Host port to use it as microphone. I'm also using Bluetooth Tethering to my Samsung Phone to get internet connectivity during airborne.
STRONGLY recommend a MATTE SCREEN PROTECTOR. Not to protect, but to MATTE the reflections. 700 Nits is meh in bright sun. Matte film helps, somewhat and reduces fingerprints that REALLY obscure the screen in bright sun. All you SEE is the prints, not what's behind them. These clean up easier than "9H Hardness Tempered Glass" which dies little except work sacrificially to take a hit and save the screen. FYI: The "5'.5" screen here is NOT the same size as the 5.5 in DJI Smart Controller and RC PRO. The DISPLAY may be 5.5" but the SCREEN (the of glass over the display) is about .5" less wide than the previous controllers. Just be sure when you order. Boxwave has a perfect fitting matte protector - 2 for a fair asking price.
Always look foward to a good Captain Drone Video...... I couldnt wait for all four parts. Its coming today!!!!!!!! Thank you for all the valuble info.....
@4:10 after a few flight on my mini 3, I prefer BT hotspot. It is better for phone & RC🔋life, slightly longer usage on a single charge. Bandwidth is good enough for map updates.
I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! The Cap will answer all the questions. Carley Simon should sing her song (Nobody Does it Better) and dedicate it to your channel.😁 I was concerned about the maps as I rely on them if I need to find out exactly where I am. The overheating and overload shutting down the drone is something I guess we will just have to live with. I am thinking about getting the mini3 for something very portable as I have the Evo1 monster. Going to wait a little longer until DJI makes like 10 more firmware updates. Thanks to channels like yours to prepare us.
So...no connection problems tethering the controller to your phone? If you were to do a job where you're not sure if you have cell service, would you 'always' download the maps when in a wifi network anyway? Nice informative review...can't wait to get it.
If you need maps (I rarely use maps) and you are stuck someplace with no data for your phone then it would be best to cache your maps of your flight area ahead of time.
Hi, just purchased the mini 3 pro. What App are you using on your phone to transfer pics and videos? I can find a DJI store App but not a DJI app for transferring data. Cheers
Thanks for the review, very helpful! How much extra weight do you think the Mini 3 could hold with the regular battery and with the plus battery? Obviously not much, but do you think it could carry a small light or two, to help with landing and increased visibility?
Great review! The overheating issue is a real concern on all of these next gen sub 250 drones, especially here in Australia. Hopefully this will be addressed in future models.
Nice video, but would like to see the range tested with the standard controller. I use a tablet, and don't want a screen that small. Or the extra cost.
Hi Steve, I had the same issue with Quick Transfer on the Iphone. Someone suggested to disconnect cellular network before attempting to quick transfer. That worked like a magic for me. No more problems. Try that! Regards, Derek
Simple. Attach your phone, start up drone & DJI Fly, then select Mini 3, it will tell you you need to update firmware on controller, accept and your done.
Next time you make a range test, you should hold your RC-controller not only in the direction of the drone, but also vertically in the direction of the drone, it should be better than, i think. I enjoy your videos, thanks for them! Greetings from Austria
Unfortunately that has no effect. It’s just not gonna get from 2 km up to 12 km just by slightly tilting the control. Watch the penetration test and you’ll see that the controller was held in the way you mentioned and results were poor.
May I request that when you get to part 4 and compare with the Nano+ you consider the differences in the video modes. I am a bit ignorant of the issue that concerns me but as I understand it they each use different systems which allow you to colour grade your footage if you are not shooting in auto. The Nano+ uses Log and the M3 Pro uses D-Cinelink. I remember reading a technical discussion on a well known Mavic forum between two guys which highlighted the issue that concerns me. The original poster was raving about the technical superiority of Log which had just been made available with the release of the Air2S and into this discussion comes a guy who has a different take on the subject. He is also an experienced videographer who has built up a business making videos with the Air2 which he has just replaced with the Air2S because of the better camera. He has started to regret his decision because despite accepting that the camera takes better footage he dislikes the work flow involved in post to edit this footage. He explains that working with Log is a lot more time consuming and its complexity can often result in a worse finished product than D-Cinelike despite having the better potential. He argues that he used to be able to edit more footage and in the majority of his work he would end up with better results with the Air2. I see a parallel here which brings me to my dilemma deciding which way to jump - go with the Nano+ or the M3 Pro. There are two reviewers of drones who I have come to trust, one is your good self and the other is a Danish guy who concentrates on the
Don't bother with LOG or D-CINELIKE as it is more of a gimic (selling feature) than anything of real use. When you own an expensive cinema camera with an expensive lens (not like these drones) that costs you as much as a small car, then you will film in LOG format and grade your footage so that you can get more detail in the shadows and recover highlights when needed. This task requires plenty of understanding and knowledge of how to grade footage, but worth it on a PRO camera. On these tiny drones with cell phone cameras, it is certainly not worth the effort. These drones are POINT AND SHOOT drones made to give you family outings footage or vacation footage. Once again the LOG, D-CINE it only exists as a marketing point and as something for people on forums to attempt to convince you that you need it.
I’m in the market of getting the mini 3 but not sure if i should get the controller with screen or just get the regular controller - i was watching your part 1 and gave me good answers on some questions. So if you get the regular controller it goes farther? I used to have a p4 pro version 1 and had the remote controller issue with battery not charging - any issue with the remote if you dont use it for a few months? I hope you can answer few questions of mine - still unsure what to get - mini3 pro or air2s
Yes, the non display controller does improve the range. However, I'm guessing you really don't need a crazy amount of range. So far in my 13 years of being in the hobby I have never met a seasoned drone pilot that needs more than 2 miles in range. However, the first question people new to drones always ask is.... How Far will it travel, How high will it travel, How fast will it go, so I believe that is where the whole "needing" range issue comes from. Watch my PART 3 review and you'll see a bit more about the MINI 3 PRO.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 how about any battery issue on remotes? i had the p4 pro v1 but after not able to use the drone and remote for a few months due i got sick the remote control start having issues to where it stop charging like the normal complaint about p4 pro remotes. On the Mini drones you have - did you ever experience remote battery issues?
Just curious, has your sticker exceeded the 249g ? ;) Do you ever do a round up of your favorite drones? Would be interested to see where the Mini 3 comes in comnparison...
New drones come out almost weekly so there is always something cool to check out. I have found there is no one drone that does it all, so for different purposes I have different drones.
MOST OF THE MODES that said "only available in landscape mode" -WERE WORKING, Steve. The on-screen text was incorrect, and DJI fixed FW V01.00.0200 the next morning with another update: V01.00.0201.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Yes sir. 100% the .0201 was the same changelog, with two additional lines: "Removed text that some modes were unavailable in Portrait Mode", and "Optimized Battery Load Management when flying in environments with strong winds"
I have not, and I should point out .... That is like asking... Hey, you just bought a new car and it has an issue with getting a flat tire on hot days. Have you looked into tire patch kits? The point is that when a person spends big bucks on a drone, it should not overheat.
Always enjoy your review. I'm a beginner and had a DJI Mini 2. Really like Dji. However, you mention EVO a lot. FOr the same price range, is EVO better ?
DJI and AUTEL are like APPLE and ANDROID. They do the same thing but in a different way. So people who already own a DJI drone will always buy DJI Drones, and people who own an AUTEL drone will always by AUTEL drones.
Interesting as ever. In some parts of the world the + batteries are not on sale due to the 250g rule. My only issue with my one is the GPS in the "DJI RC" If I load the android app without the controller connected the app the screen will say top left something like "Recommended Zone" as the DJI RC never seems to say anything other than "Locating" (even if you try it out doors). I have also found sometimes the update to RTH location to controller does not work generating an android error message. It seems to me the inbuilt GPS does not work very well. Any thoughts please.
Hi Steve, Great review as always, I just pulled the trigger and purchased the mini 3 on Amazon, I can't wait to fly this drone and get some good video footage of this area. Thank you for all that you do and keeping all of your reviews interesting and entertaining.
This may be a silly question for drone people, but I currently don't own a drone and find myself wondering: can you buy a second controller and use either with the one drone? This is my scenario: I am going to do a three month canoe adventure with a friend. I'd like us both to have a controller on board. We get out before a rapid, he runs it while I control the drone. He gets out at the bottom of the rapid and I land the drone at his position. Then I turn my RC off, he turns his on and films me running the rapid. I'm sure it is possible, if only for warranty purposes, but is it as easy as turning an RC on and pairing it or is it more involved than that?
Ahhhhh, that is too bad! I was hoping that when you turn the drone on you could pair whatever compatible RC you want to it. Kind of like bluetooth. Thanks for the fast reply.
Steve, wonder how long before a smart individual takes the RC w/screen apart, documents how to add external antenna jacks to increase the range? Also, have you done a range test of the Mini 3 Pro with the other controller (no screen) to see if range and penetration are better ? Thanks for the videos
I’m sure you are correct about the antennas. I also think some companies will come up with an external attachment to increase range. If I had used the other remote with external antenna the range would be similar to the Mini 2.
SORRY For asking under this video but is the autel nano plus better than the evo lite plus in low light? And do you have problems with prop flicker and a drifting on the lite plus gimbal? I take a night shot at 1" and there is motion blur with lite plus. I set it on the floor and watch the picture and looks like it is looking around slightly. I don't know if mine is defective. I want a decent dusk drone and that can do nightscapes or longer exposures and the lite plus just can't 😞. Is the mini 3 pro comparable to the night mode on the lite plus? Thank you so much for your time! I only have a 8 day window left to return lite plus and don't want to get stuck with a drone I can't advance with. Sorry for the long message. Maybe I should get the mini 3 pro instead
I have not tested, head to head, the NANO+ vs the LITE+. Both have a very good image at night. You can't take night shots with drones and leave the shutter open for a full second and expect good results because the drone moves slightly. There would have to be a windless night to get something good.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I definitely agree. I think mine is just defective. Sitting on the floor not moving the gimbal pans on its own. I hope it doesn't happen with yours or anyone's else's. Thanks for your time.
Hello Captain. Do you purchase care policies for your drones? I have read conflicting opinions on the value of these policies. I being a cup half empty kind of guy do purchase DJI care. That crazy tracking turn around in the woods in part 1 makes me think your Mini 3 is likely covered.
I sometimes purchase DJI care refresh but have never had to use it. However my brother-in-law who has no luck with anything electronic has had to use it twice, so he believes in it.
Thanks for the video. Has the range test been done with the newest 0.0201 fw? I wonder because the signal seems to be weak and unstable. Loosing bars in FCC mode at a distance of 700m is not normal (well it was before the update...). I am flying in CE mode and my signal now is very stable and strong. 2km without any problems. I even can turn around with my controller without signal lost. I also recognized that the best signal you do not have if you hold your controller over your head directing to the sky (this also was before the update), but when holding it in a horizontal direction. And also full battery load has gone with the update. Altogether I am wondering if you are flying with the newst software. Remark: 00.0200 did not work for me, but 00.0201 is great.
Yes I agree, great unbiased review 👍🏻 I will be coming to Mexico in 10 days, so so gutted I can’t bring my drone as its illegal to bring them into and fly them in Mexico now unless you are a resident
Excellent review, as are the rest in this series. When this drone was announced with the RC controller I thought it might be the answer to my prayers! I have an aging Fimi A3 at the moment. Its screen also is faint as supplied, but with a shroud and a straightforward electronic mod it's ok. I don't have a smart phone, but the built in screen and menu system work well together. I do have access to a smart phone (my wife got a new one) but I'd much rather have a built in screen - far less hassle! The A3 batteries (I have a few) are all losing capacity - around 8 or 9 minutes is now my limit, and the camera although adequate doesn't bear comparison to the Mini 3 Pro. Which seems to be a superb drone as far as flying and filming are concerned - I was seriously impressed by the way it followed you through the wood, and in general it does pretty well everything one could ask for. BUT the controller is very disappointing. I've always had the impression that DJI do things very well. Not in this case it would seem. Limited communication because of inadequate aerials, and a dim screen. The controller is a nice layout as is, but if a shroud was fitted it would interfere with access to the controls, so not really a workable option. Oh dear. Off my list of options I'm afraid. Thanks again for the reviews.
Having said the above, I've now seen a very practical sun screen, and it appears that holding the controller more level improves the communication. So maybe not off my list of options after all! The sun screen can be found by Googling 'ZJRXM Mini 3 Pro RC Controller Protector Sun Hood' The grey one that protects the joysticks. Cheers, Peter
Thanks Steve! Great review. I’m pleasantly surprised (and very pleased) on the accuracy of the return to home. Up to now, most reviews that I’ve seen the Mini 3 landed at least a few feet away from the starting home point. Something must have got fixed in the last firmware. WRT the map display, how is the resolution of the satellite map? Since the latest firmware, the satellite map is very pixelated. Thanks…Sam
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I tried everything by clearing the cache, reinstalling the firmware on the RC and using both Wifi and a hotspot on my phone and zooming in and out, panning around and the resolution of the Satellite map is nothing near as what it was before this latest firmware update.
Hi Steve.....Been enjoying your video's. Boy if I were there. I'd be trying to make a cameo appearance as well.....LOL....Given that Dji allowed the RC to bind with the Mavic 3. Maybe in a future video test the Mavic 3 with the RC. Hopefully someday RC Pro will be able to bind with Mini 3......👍
A standard remote uses your phone screen and your phone is connected to cell towers, so when you look at maps, they are automatically there. If you need to see your maps with the integrated display controller then you will need either your cell phone or just cache the maps in advance. I never use the maps but many people do.
Great vid & I am satisfied with my mini 3. I finally got my pictures to download to my android phone by turning off the mobile data feature on phone. Works perfectly now
people have been having issues with the new update where the RC freezes up during flight, any advice? I heard some rumors going around about SD card cache clearing and im not too sure about what to do so it doesnt happen to me
Crazy idea ! I was interested to listen to your take on the new controller. I could accept the range issue as here in the UK we have similar flying regs to you in Canada and so have to keep the aircraft visual all the time but what rules it out for me is not being able to use 3rd party software. For any attempts at taking good imagery I always use the Litchi app as I can plan out the video/stills footage before flight and use the amazingly powerful waypoint system to control my Mini 2 when in the air. I normally use a tablet connected to the controller on a long USB cable if I need to have a drone's eye view. Having just thought through all this I have had a crazy idea. Do you think it may be possible to have two controllers talking to the aircraft at the same time ? One would be the original Mini2 style screen less controller (running the Litchi app) and the other the new integrated screen using the DJI app. Highly unlikely to work but if anyone has two suitable controllers could they give it a go please - obviously without taking off but just spinning up the motors/gimble control etc ?
Unfortunately two controllers attempting to control all functions would not work. However, there are many drones on the market that use two controllers to divide the tasks. One controller operates the camera and the other controller operates the flight.
Good vid Stevo. If you hold the controller flat …ie parallel with the ground, the signal greatly improves, I don’t think holding it a bit higher helps much. Cheers. It’s a very good drone.
Unfortunately not the case here. I tried many methods with no difference. You can see a different method used in the signal penetration test…. Same result.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 odd…it’s very distinctive for me…I can easily go from orange back to green by just holding it flatter. I fly in open country with little to no interference….maybe the freq. it’s choosing is different considering your environment has more Wi-Fi noise.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Do you have just Drone and the phone switched on not the remote If I remember right from the first time turn the drone on first then switch the phone into the DJI app and the banner should come on your phone screen to say do you want to enter quick transfer mode
@@fj1100mark As shown in the video, the phone connects to the drone after you do the double tap on the drone's power button. You see in the video that I can see the photos/video on the drone. My phone is connected directly to the drone, but when download is selected it doesn't do anything. However, again as mentioned in the video, it works fine on my Android phone.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 That is kind of weird I wonder if you somehow need to remove the connection and try reconnecting I know I did have some trouble with mine at first but I can’t remember what I did to sort it out I think it might of been trying to connect to my keeping the power button depressed for four seconds
Great review, Steve! As usual, and always look forward to them. I like this drone, but can't justify the cost, so won't be getting it, but if I win the lottery? Maybe then. Except I never buy a ticket, so no luck at all! LOL
You sold me on the original mini and now after several crashes I may get the mini 3. thanks Steve
Since you only get 3 months of outside time in Canada it looked like everyone in your town was in the park, "Git, git, git. Move it, people! Cameras here!" 🤣 Best review yet!
I’m impressed as an 87 year old pro photographer..Your very well versed in your craft and display exceptional editing..The DJI Mini Pro is in my immediate future and sharing your knowledge has given me a leg up… Thank you !!
You will enjoy this drone very much
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 thank you.. It will be very exciting to use during 🦌 deer season
Great video. The rc controller does record sound. Open up the small access door and plug a lapel mic into the host port
Hi Steve, at that high price Dji could have included a charging brick and props safety clips on all versions and ND filters on fmc versions...cant wait for your upcoming videos on the comparison of dji mini 3 pro and dji mini 2....thanks!
A tip if you already have the Mini 2 FMC and plan to keep it: Use the Mini 2 bag for the Mini 3 + FMK and the Mini 3 Pro bag for the Mini 2 FMC. The Mini 2 bag is larger than the Mini 3 bag and will accommodate your Mini 3 stuff better!
I have a minor criticism that is not specific to the M3 Pro but is applicable to various DJI drones and concerns the LED lights. I was reminded of this when watching your slo-mo intro footage on the review (superb production values BTW ;)). On each of the M3 Pro arms was a green flashing light and I guess you will be able to choose different colours for these. What I guess you can't do but should be able to is to have these set to mimic the nav lights on full size a/c ie red on port side and green on starboard.
On my Mini2 I have a pair of high intensity strobes (Strobon) in these colours and they help enormously when you get used to them in being able to orientate the aircraft just with a glance. Even when it is only just visible you know immediately whether it is facing towards or away from you. I realise the lights on the M3 are no way near as powerful as these after market strobes but it would still be nice to be able to use them in this way when the drone is close.
I'm not sure exactly why, but so far no consumer drones have strobes on them.
Excellent reviews so far Steve some of the best on TH-cam.
Thank you!
I see where this is headed - perhaps when the mini X (10) pro comes out in a finite number of years down the line, and dji is still viable and making drones, I'll upgrade.
It will be interesting the Mini 3 vs Mini nano plus review on the camera ,there's tons of them out there with mix opinions
Thank you very much for another marvelous review Captain Drone, looking forward to part 3 & 4 and *if we are lucky the Autel Lite Vertical/Portrait mode vs the Mini 3 Pro Vertical Mode* ...many thanks.
Hi Steve,the top of the controller has two patch antennas so the way you are holding it is pointing the antennas straight up at the sky,the TOP of the controller should point at the drone not the rear of the controller.Nice review as always.
Unfortunately, all results are the same. Watch in the vid, I purposely did two methods (method two used in signal penetration test). Still, poor results.
Strongest mini drone yet from DJI’s mini series. Mini 3 Pro might be the best mini drone in the market right now. Getting your money’s worth. Thanks for the review!
It definitely is the best mini drone on the market right now
Steve turn of mobile data on iPhone when downloading to your phone, seems to be a bug with dji devices , action 2 is another example.
Good to know, as a new drone pilot, that my reflexive clutching of the RC up close to my face helps with the signal transmission. :D
WOW! I think yours is the BEST Review I have seen across ALL Reviews I have seen. And trust me I have seen hundreds. Yours is also BRUTALLY Honest and truthful in all ways helping me choose what I wish to buy or not!
Thank you. Since I buy most of the items I review, I can be very honest in my reviews.
It seems that you can connect some USB-C Headsets to the Host port to use it as microphone. I'm also using Bluetooth Tethering to my Samsung Phone to get internet connectivity during airborne.
STRONGLY recommend a MATTE SCREEN PROTECTOR. Not to protect, but to MATTE the reflections. 700 Nits is meh in bright sun. Matte film helps, somewhat and reduces fingerprints that REALLY obscure the screen in bright sun. All you SEE is the prints, not what's behind them. These clean up easier than "9H Hardness Tempered Glass" which dies little except work sacrificially to take a hit and save the screen. FYI: The "5'.5" screen here is NOT the same size as the 5.5 in DJI Smart Controller and RC PRO. The DISPLAY may be 5.5" but the SCREEN (the of glass over the display)
is about .5" less wide than the previous controllers. Just be sure when you order. Boxwave has a perfect fitting matte protector - 2 for a fair asking price.
Always look foward to a good Captain Drone Video...... I couldnt wait for all four parts. Its coming today!!!!!!!!
Thank you for all the valuble info.....
Thank you
@4:10 after a few flight on my mini 3, I prefer BT hotspot. It is better for phone & RC🔋life, slightly longer usage on a single charge. Bandwidth is good enough for map updates.
I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! The Cap will answer all the questions. Carley Simon should sing her song (Nobody Does it Better) and dedicate it to your channel.😁 I was concerned about the maps as I rely on them if I need to find out exactly where I am. The overheating and overload shutting down the drone is something I guess we will just have to live with. I am thinking about getting the mini3 for something very portable as I have the Evo1 monster. Going to wait a little longer until DJI makes like 10 more firmware updates. Thanks to channels like yours to prepare us.
9:25 LOL the way he was looking around. Eh? In front of the camera eh?
Thanks for the tips about the controller will try flying now with my body facing the drone and my hands up thank u 🙏
So...no connection problems tethering the controller to your phone? If you were to do a job where you're not sure if you have cell service, would you 'always' download the maps when in a wifi network anyway? Nice informative review...can't wait to get it.
If you need maps (I rarely use maps) and you are stuck someplace with no data for your phone then it would be best to cache your maps of your flight area ahead of time.
Convenience of having a mini drone but with big drone level performance. So far been highly impressed with the Mini 3 Pro’s capabilities!
Great review, Steve! I received my mini 3 on Monday...which explains the rain and wind we're experiencing...lol.
I've got my dji mavic mini (first mini) to go 13,000 feet out over the ocean!! it almost didn't make it back!! 😅
Hi, just purchased the mini 3 pro. What App are you using on your phone to transfer pics and videos? I can find a DJI store App but not a DJI app for transferring data. Cheers
I remember this place from your Mavic Mini 1 and Mini 2 penetration test
Thanks for the review, very helpful! How much extra weight do you think the Mini 3 could hold with the regular battery and with the plus battery? Obviously not much, but do you think it could carry a small light or two, to help with landing and increased visibility?
A local flyer here in Australia gets about 1700 meters range which is much less than the Mavic 2 zoom or my DJI FPV drone in the same location.
Great review! The overheating issue is a real concern on all of these next gen sub 250 drones, especially here in Australia. Hopefully this will be addressed in future models.
If it a concern in Australia, what we say here in Persian gulf countries
Wht they over heat ?
Not sure what the advantage is of this controller when you need to bring your phone to access important features.
Nice video, but would like to see the range tested with the standard controller. I use a tablet, and don't want a screen that small. Or the extra cost.
“No, no, no! Sir, sir,sir…sir, you’re standing in front of the camera; don’t do that”! 😆 It looked like that guy was kidding the way he looked around.
He was just a passing spectator that came to the field to watch all the RC fun. I think he was looking for the drone I was flying.
Seems like an Expensive Beta toy Steve!
Hi Steve, I had the same issue with Quick Transfer on the Iphone. Someone suggested to disconnect cellular network before attempting to quick transfer. That worked like a magic for me. No more problems. Try that! Regards, Derek
You are the second person to mention that. I will have to give it a try, thanks.
You can use a USB-C microphone and record audio while doing a screen recording.
Do you know, if I already have the DJI RC for my mini 3 pro, can I still connect the RC-N1, and how would I do it?
Simple. Attach your phone, start up drone & DJI Fly, then select Mini 3, it will tell you you need to update firmware on controller, accept and your done.
Thanks for another review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro Steve. I'm enjoying mine now and will keep in mind your insights.
Next time you make a range test, you should hold your RC-controller not only in the direction of the drone, but also vertically in the direction of the drone, it should be better than, i think.
I enjoy your videos, thanks for them!
Greetings from Austria
Unfortunately that has no effect. It’s just not gonna get from 2 km up to 12 km just by slightly tilting the control. Watch the penetration test and you’ll see that the controller was held in the way you mentioned and results were poor.
On my bucket list. Travel + DJI Mini 3 Pro!!!
May I request that when you get to part 4 and compare with the Nano+ you consider the differences in the video modes. I am a bit ignorant of the issue that concerns me but as I understand it they each use different systems which allow you to colour grade your footage if you are not shooting in auto. The Nano+ uses Log and the M3 Pro uses D-Cinelink. I remember reading a technical discussion on a well known Mavic forum between two guys which highlighted the issue that concerns me. The original poster was raving about the technical superiority of Log which had just been made available with the release of the Air2S and into this discussion comes a guy who has a different take on the subject. He is also an experienced videographer who has built up a business making videos with the Air2 which he has just replaced with the Air2S because of the better camera. He has started to regret his decision because despite accepting that the camera takes better footage he dislikes the work flow involved in post to edit this footage. He explains that working with Log is a lot more time consuming and its complexity can often result in a worse finished product than D-Cinelike despite having the better potential. He argues that he used to be able to edit more footage and in the majority of his work he would end up with better results with the Air2.
I see a parallel here which brings me to my dilemma deciding which way to jump - go with the Nano+ or the M3 Pro. There are two reviewers of drones who I have come to trust, one is your good self and the other is a Danish guy who concentrates on the
Don't bother with LOG or D-CINELIKE as it is more of a gimic (selling feature) than anything of real use. When you own an expensive cinema camera with an expensive lens (not like these drones) that costs you as much as a small car, then you will film in LOG format and grade your footage so that you can get more detail in the shadows and recover highlights when needed. This task requires plenty of understanding and knowledge of how to grade footage, but worth it on a PRO camera. On these tiny drones with cell phone cameras, it is certainly not worth the effort. These drones are POINT AND SHOOT drones made to give you family outings footage or vacation footage. Once again the LOG, D-CINE it only exists as a marketing point and as something for people on forums to attempt to convince you that you need it.
I’m in the market of getting the mini 3 but not sure if i should get the controller with screen or just get the regular controller - i was watching your part 1 and gave me good answers on some questions. So if you get the regular controller it goes farther? I used to have a p4 pro version 1 and had the remote controller issue with battery not charging - any issue with the remote if you dont use it for a few months? I hope you can answer few questions of mine - still unsure what to get - mini3 pro or air2s
Yes, the non display controller does improve the range. However, I'm guessing you really don't need a crazy amount of range. So far in my 13 years of being in the hobby I have never met a seasoned drone pilot that needs more than 2 miles in range. However, the first question people new to drones always ask is.... How Far will it travel, How high will it travel, How fast will it go, so I believe that is where the whole "needing" range issue comes from. Watch my PART 3 review and you'll see a bit more about the MINI 3 PRO.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 how about any battery issue on remotes? i had the p4 pro v1 but after not able to use the drone and remote for a few months due i got sick the remote control start having issues to where it stop charging like the normal complaint about p4 pro remotes. On the Mini drones you have - did you ever experience remote battery issues?
@@gman68103 Normally there are far less battery issues with the remote battery.
Please find out if the original smart controller can be use with this drone.
Just curious, has your sticker exceeded the 249g ? ;) Do you ever do a round up of your favorite drones? Would be interested to see where the Mini 3 comes in comnparison...
New drones come out almost weekly so there is always something cool to check out. I have found there is no one drone that does it all, so for different purposes I have different drones.
MOST OF THE MODES that said "only available in landscape mode" -WERE WORKING, Steve. The on-screen text was incorrect, and DJI fixed FW V01.00.0200 the next morning with another update: V01.00.0201.
Are you certain? Next vid (Part 3) I may jump back and try again.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Yes sir. 100% the .0201 was the same changelog, with two additional lines: "Removed text that some modes were unavailable in Portrait Mode", and "Optimized Battery Load Management when flying in environments with strong winds"
Excellent Test Review Video Of The DJI Mini 3 Pro. Thank You Steve.
Captain I bought the mini 3 non pro flynore kit am I good will I be enjoying it? You have the best video and it makes you buy stuff lol
Enjoy!
another informative video, waiting for Parts 3 and 4.
Great reviews 👌. I come here for all my info. Which brings me to this question, what case do you use for your mini 3 pro?
Just a cheap case I made by buying a case off Amazon Basics and modifying the interior
You mentioned overheating. Have you looked into the cooling fan kits they sell on Amazon?
I have not, and I should point out .... That is like asking... Hey, you just bought a new car and it has an issue with getting a flat tire on hot days. Have you looked into tire patch kits? The point is that when a person spends big bucks on a drone, it should not overheat.
Always enjoy your review. I'm a beginner and had a DJI Mini 2. Really like Dji. However, you mention EVO a lot. FOr the same price range, is EVO better ?
DJI and AUTEL are like APPLE and ANDROID. They do the same thing but in a different way. So people who already own a DJI drone will always buy DJI Drones, and people who own an AUTEL drone will always by AUTEL drones.
Interesting as ever. In some parts of the world the + batteries are not on sale due to the 250g rule.
My only issue with my one is the GPS in the "DJI RC" If I load the android app without the controller connected the app the screen will say top left something like "Recommended Zone" as the DJI RC never seems to say anything other than "Locating" (even if you try it out doors). I have also found sometimes the update to RTH location to controller does not work generating an android error message. It seems to me the inbuilt GPS does not work very well. Any thoughts please.
Good video, thanks ! I don't remember seeing that penetration test, which other drones did you do it for ?
Mini 2 & Mini 1
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Well that wasn't easy to find... th-cam.com/video/PwMsrJfQLOY/w-d-xo.html
Hi Steve, Great review as always, I just pulled the trigger and purchased the mini 3 on Amazon, I can't wait to fly this drone and get some good video footage of this area. Thank you for all that you do and keeping all of your reviews interesting and entertaining.
Excellent BUY! Enjoy!
Is the DJI RS Pro compatible with the mini 3 pro? If so it would solve a lot of issues!
I actually just did a hyperlapse tracked on portrait mode, not sure why yours doesnt.
Watch the video again… hyperlapse is not available in vertical.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 watch my footage for portrait mode (vertical) hyperlapse looool
th-cam.com/users/shortsPzh29MX5uoY?feature=share
This may be a silly question for drone people, but I currently don't own a drone and find myself wondering: can you buy a second controller and use either with the one drone?
This is my scenario: I am going to do a three month canoe adventure with a friend. I'd like us both to have a controller on board. We get out before a rapid, he runs it while I control the drone. He gets out at the bottom of the rapid and I land the drone at his position. Then I turn my RC off, he turns his on and films me running the rapid.
I'm sure it is possible, if only for warranty purposes, but is it as easy as turning an RC on and pairing it or is it more involved than that?
Unfortunately for safety reasons that is not possible and does not exist in consumer drones.
Ahhhhh, that is too bad! I was hoping that when you turn the drone on you could pair whatever compatible RC you want to it. Kind of like bluetooth. Thanks for the fast reply.
Steve, wonder how long before a smart individual takes the RC w/screen apart, documents how to add external antenna jacks to increase the range?
Also, have you done a range test of the Mini 3 Pro with the other controller (no screen) to see if range and penetration are better ?
Thanks for the videos
I’m sure you are correct about the antennas. I also think some companies will come up with an external attachment to increase range. If I had used the other remote with external antenna the range would be similar to the Mini 2.
SORRY For asking under this video but is the autel nano plus better than the evo lite plus in low light? And do you have problems with prop flicker and a drifting on the lite plus gimbal? I take a night shot at 1" and there is motion blur with lite plus. I set it on the floor and watch the picture and looks like it is looking around slightly. I don't know if mine is defective. I want a decent dusk drone and that can do nightscapes or longer exposures and the lite plus just can't 😞. Is the mini 3 pro comparable to the night mode on the lite plus? Thank you so much for your time! I only have a 8 day window left to return lite plus and don't want to get stuck with a drone I can't advance with. Sorry for the long message. Maybe I should get the mini 3 pro instead
I have not tested, head to head, the NANO+ vs the LITE+. Both have a very good image at night. You can't take night shots with drones and leave the shutter open for a full second and expect good results because the drone moves slightly. There would have to be a windless night to get something good.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I definitely agree. I think mine is just defective. Sitting on the floor not moving the gimbal pans on its own. I hope it doesn't happen with yours or anyone's else's. Thanks for your time.
I brought this Dji mini 3 pro last week and I am still exploring.
Hello Captain. Do you purchase care policies for your drones? I have read conflicting opinions on the value of these policies. I being a cup half empty kind of guy do purchase DJI care. That crazy tracking turn around in the woods in part 1 makes me think your Mini 3 is likely covered.
I sometimes purchase DJI care refresh but have never had to use it. However my brother-in-law who has no luck with anything electronic has had to use it twice, so he believes in it.
Ok so if I don't want this controller how do I go about getting the pro with antenna
Thanks for the video. Has the range test been done with the newest 0.0201 fw? I wonder because the signal seems to be weak and unstable. Loosing bars in FCC mode at a distance of 700m is not normal (well it was before the update...). I am flying in CE mode and my signal now is very stable and strong. 2km without any problems. I even can turn around with my controller without signal lost. I also recognized that the best signal you do not have if you hold your controller over your head directing to the sky (this also was before the update), but when holding it in a horizontal direction. And also full battery load has gone with the update. Altogether I am wondering if you are flying with the newst software. Remark: 00.0200 did not work for me, but 00.0201 is great.
As shown in the video, the most recent firmware update was applied before all the tests.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 well then I missed it. But then something is probably wrong with the drone.
As always, the most unbiased and honest reviews are with El Capitán! Greetings from Mexico!
Thank you very much!
Yes I agree, great unbiased review 👍🏻 I will be coming to Mexico in 10 days, so so gutted I can’t bring my drone as its illegal to bring them into and fly them in Mexico now unless you are a resident
Loving the detailed videos hope to see more soon keep it up
Thank you
Excellent review, as are the rest in this series. When this drone was announced with the RC controller I thought it might be the answer to my prayers! I have an aging Fimi A3 at the moment. Its screen also is faint as supplied, but with a shroud and a straightforward electronic mod it's ok. I don't have a smart phone, but the built in screen and menu system work well together. I do have access to a smart phone (my wife got a new one) but I'd much rather have a built in screen - far less hassle! The A3 batteries (I have a few) are all losing capacity - around 8 or 9 minutes is now my limit, and the camera although adequate doesn't bear comparison to the Mini 3 Pro. Which seems to be a superb drone as far as flying and filming are concerned - I was seriously impressed by the way it followed you through the wood, and in general it does pretty well everything one could ask for. BUT the controller is very disappointing. I've always had the impression that DJI do things very well. Not in this case it would seem. Limited communication because of inadequate aerials, and a dim screen. The controller is a nice layout as is, but if a shroud was fitted it would interfere with access to the controls, so not really a workable option. Oh dear. Off my list of options I'm afraid. Thanks again for the reviews.
Having said the above, I've now seen a very practical sun screen, and it appears that holding the controller more level improves the communication. So maybe not off my list of options after all! The sun screen can be found by Googling 'ZJRXM Mini 3 Pro RC Controller Protector Sun Hood' The grey one that protects the joysticks. Cheers, Peter
Thanks Steve! Great review.
I’m pleasantly surprised (and very pleased) on the accuracy of the return to home. Up to now, most reviews that I’ve seen the Mini 3 landed at least a few feet away from the starting home point. Something must have got fixed in the last firmware.
WRT the map display, how is the resolution of the satellite map? Since the latest firmware, the satellite map is very pixelated.
Thanks…Sam
If you cache the maps at a not so detailed resolution (I.e., not super zoomed in), then yes, but with using a wifi hotspot, no pixelization.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I tried everything by clearing the cache, reinstalling the firmware on the RC and using both Wifi and a hotspot on my phone and zooming in and out, panning around and the resolution of the Satellite map is nothing near as what it was before this latest firmware update.
Hi Steve.....Been enjoying your video's. Boy if I were there. I'd be trying to make a cameo appearance as well.....LOL....Given that Dji allowed the RC to bind with the Mavic 3. Maybe in a future video test the Mavic 3 with the RC. Hopefully someday RC Pro will be able to bind with Mini 3......👍
really really GOOD review!!
Thank you!
Will the DJI rc work for the Mini 2?And i can't wait for part 3!
Not at this time
Thanks captain drone, It seems like the dji Mini 3 pro remote RC keeps having updates and bit buggy is it still worth having ?confused!!!! 🇬🇧 💷
I still like & use it
Thanks again for replying. It means a lot.
Part 4 is what I’m waiting for…..I think your audience will be surprised. So far so good, Steve-0.
Staying with my Air2S. Waiting for Air3S and Avatar FPV.
excellent review Steve am luvin the features of this mini
So you still need your phone to use in the field. So I fail to see how this would be better than a standard remote like the mini2 has.
A standard remote uses your phone screen and your phone is connected to cell towers, so when you look at maps, they are automatically there. If you need to see your maps with the integrated display controller then you will need either your cell phone or just cache the maps in advance. I never use the maps but many people do.
Great vid & I am satisfied with my mini 3. I finally got my pictures to download to my android phone by turning off the mobile data feature on phone. Works perfectly now
I ordered my DJI mini 3 pro 2 weeks ago. Not expected to receive it until the end of July. Why such a long back order? I ordered through DJI
You have to order on the day it is announced or else you go to the back of the line.
people have been having issues with the new update where the RC freezes up during flight, any advice? I heard some rumors going around about SD card cache clearing and im not too sure about what to do so it doesnt happen to me
I have not had such issues so I have no input on the subject
Crazy idea !
I was interested to listen to your take on the new controller. I could accept the range issue as here in the UK we have similar flying regs to you in Canada and so have to keep the aircraft visual all the time but what rules it out for me is not being able to use 3rd party software. For any attempts at taking good imagery I always use the Litchi app as I can plan out the video/stills footage before flight and use the amazingly powerful waypoint system to control my Mini 2 when in the air. I normally use a tablet connected to the controller on a long USB cable if I need to have a drone's eye view.
Having just thought through all this I have had a crazy idea. Do you think it may be possible to have two controllers talking to the aircraft at the same time ? One would be the original Mini2 style screen less controller (running the Litchi app) and the other the new integrated screen using the DJI app. Highly unlikely to work but if anyone has two suitable controllers could they give it a go please - obviously without taking off but just spinning up the motors/gimble control etc ?
Unfortunately two controllers attempting to control all functions would not work. However, there are many drones on the market that use two controllers to divide the tasks. One controller operates the camera and the other controller operates the flight.
Nice intro and review. Btw can you lock the screen same way as you would on the smartphone?
Not that I’m aware of (there is no password option)
Good vid Stevo. If you hold the controller flat …ie parallel with the ground, the signal greatly improves, I don’t think holding it a bit higher helps much. Cheers. It’s a very good drone.
Unfortunately not the case here. I tried many methods with no difference. You can see a different method used in the signal penetration test…. Same result.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 odd…it’s very distinctive for me…I can easily go from orange back to green by just holding it flatter. I fly in open country with little to no interference….maybe the freq. it’s choosing is different considering your environment has more Wi-Fi noise.
One thing for sure the penetration and range is not as good as the mavic 2.
Has master airscrew put out propellers yet for pro 3?
Not yet
How do you get the drone to land in the same spot it took off from, it came back in the area but not the same spot?
If the drone has a good GPS lock, it will return to the same spot.
Super great review, capt. Thanks 😊
The quick transfer always works on my mini 3 connected to my iPhone 11 Pro Max
I as well have the 11 pro Max & no luck.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 Do you have just Drone and the phone switched on not the remote If I remember right from the first time turn the drone on first then switch the phone into the DJI app and the banner should come on your phone screen to say do you want to enter quick transfer mode
@@fj1100mark As shown in the video, the phone connects to the drone after you do the double tap on the drone's power button. You see in the video that I can see the photos/video on the drone. My phone is connected directly to the drone, but when download is selected it doesn't do anything. However, again as mentioned in the video, it works fine on my Android phone.
@@CAPTAINDRONE798 That is kind of weird I wonder if you somehow need to remove the connection and try reconnecting I know I did have some trouble with mine at first but I can’t remember what I did to sort it out I think it might of been trying to connect to my keeping the power button depressed for four seconds
Would you recommend this over the mavic air 2?
Yes
An how how extra will it cost me,it's already like a 1,000.00 pre-order I saw 909.00
Fantastic review Cap. Thank you.
So it doesn't have type C video output for sure?
Correct
EXCELLENT job Captain! Thank you!!
Thanks for the review. What will happen if the drone overheats while up on the air, is it going to shut off and fall or return to home?
In flight, it should never overheat.... at least it shouldn't.
Why there is no propeller guard for this drone? Will there ever be one?
Adding prop guard would put it over 250g
Another nice review/ test on mini3pro!
Thank you
Ok, for what I'm going to do with this, I'll be fine, I fly for fun, when I think about it, I should of bought the FPV, but I wear glasses 🥸😛🤔
Great review, Steve! As usual, and always look forward to them. I like this drone, but can't justify the cost, so won't be getting it, but if I win the lottery? Maybe then. Except I never buy a ticket, so no luck at all! LOL
Why no Acro mode? 😭
In Canada the range is less because it's a bigger country.
Good second part review Steve.
Thank you