DJI today has officially launched the Mini 3 Pro, the latest iteration of its compact sized aerial drone. On top of several obligatory upgrades to its hardware, this new model also features a significant change in design over its predecessors – a detail that some of us are already aware of by now, thanks to a leaked hands-on video that was released in early April this year.
To recap on its new design, the DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs less than 249 grams and features a dual prong-like front profile, where each one houses its forward obstacle avoidance sensors. Just beneath this is its primary camera and mount, which looks different from what was showcased in the leak. Nevertheless, featured in this system is a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor with f/1.7 aperture that is capable of recording 4K videos at 60 fps, HDR at 4K up to 30 fps, and capture photos up to 48MP. Paired together with the shooter is a new 3-axis gimbal mount that can rotate 90-degrees for filming and capturing vertical images. Found underneath its body are two more sensors, completing its Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing system, allowing for enhanced autonomous flight and safety.
Speaking of which, featured onboard the Mini 3 Pro are numerous autonomous flight modes such as Spotlight 2.0 that keeps a subject in frame while the user pilots, Point of Interest 3.0 that orbits people or buildings in a set radius and speed, and ActiveTrack 4.0 that lets the drone autonomously follow subjects from behind or parallel to them. MasterShots, a feature that was introduced in the DJI Air 2S which allows the drone to autonomously create a short edited clip based on pre-programmed flights, is also available. Besides that, you can expect the typical modes already offered on DJI’s other products such as hyperlapse and more, as well as OcuSync 3.0 which promises connectivity up to 30 km.
In terms of flight time, the new drone is offered with two battery options: the standard pack that offers a maximum flight time of 34 minutes, and the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus pack which allows for an impressive maximum flight time of 47 minutes. However, DJI notes that equipping the latter option on the Mini 3 Pro will increase its overall weight to over 250 grams.
Launched alongside the compact-sized aerial drone is the brand’s latest controller, the DJI RC, which is a lighter, stripped-down version of its DJI RC Pro. The new device features a 5.5-inch built-in LCD screen, sparing you the need to attach your smartphone. The company notes that the DJI RC is only offered together with the Mini 3 Pro at launch, as part of the Picture Perfect View combo. The standard package, on the other hand, only comes with the more familiar DJI RC-N1 controller.
As for pricing, DJI Sunway Pyramid’s official website lists the standard Mini 3 Pro package at RM 3,399, while the Picture Perfect View combo is priced at RM 4,199. Based on this, the new drone launches at a steeper price when compared to its predecessor (RM 1,899), as well as last year’s DJI Mini SE (RM 1,349).
Also, keep in mind that the options mentioned above do not include the Fly More Kit, which tops at RM 5,199 when included together with the DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI RC controller and extra accessories. Those interested are able to purchase the new drone now via DJI Sunway Pyramid’s online store, though the website did not state whether it is readily available or is slated for shipping at a later date.
(Source: DJI Global [1] [2] / DJI Sunway Pyramid)
