When comparing the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 3, the DJI Mini 3 stands out for its enhanced features. With improved 4K video resolution, longer flight time, and obstacle avoidance sensors, it’s perfect for those seeking a more advanced flying experience. These upgrades make capturing high-quality aerial footage easier and safer.
While the Mini 2 is still a reliable and budget-friendly option, the Mini 3’s superior technology offers better performance and versatility, especially for content creators and drone enthusiasts looking for more control and precision in their shots.
There are some logical factors thats why I recommend the DJI Mini 3, check it out below.
Side by Side Comparison of DJI Mini 2 Vs Mini 3
| Features/Specifications | DJI Mini 2 | DJI Mini 3 |
| Weight | 249 grams | 249 grams (standard battery), 288 grams (Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
| Dimensions (folded) | 138 × 81 × 58 mm | 148 × 90 × 62 mm |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Video Resolution | 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080p/60fps | 4K/60fps, 2.7K/60fps, 1080p/120fps |
| Photo Resolution | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 |
| Maximum Flight Time | 31 minutes | 34 minutes (38 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
| Maximum Wind Resistance | 8.5-10.5 m/s | 10.7 m/s |
| Obstacle Sensing | Downward vision system | Forward, backward, and downward vision systems |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | QuickShots | QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse |
| Vertical Shooting | Not available | Available (90-degree gimbal rotation) |
| Transmission System | OcuSync 2.0 | OcuSync 3.0 |
| Maximum Transmission Range | 10 km | 12 km |
| HDR Video | Not available | Available |
| Slow Motion | 1080p/60fps | 1080p/120fps |
| Price | Check DJI 2 Price | Check DJI 3 Price |
Why Do I Recommend DJI Mini 3
- The Mini 3 features a larger 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, capturing more detail and performing better in low-light conditions.
- It offers true vertical shooting capability, perfect for social media content creation.
- 4K video recording at 60fps provides smoother footage and more flexibility in post-production.
- With up to 34 minutes of flight time (38 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus), the Mini 3 offers extended opportunities for capturing footage.
- Longer flight times mean fewer battery changes and more efficient shooting sessions.
- The Mini 3 incorporates a more sophisticated obstacle-sensing system, enhancing safety during flight.
- This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners or when flying in complex environments.
- With an expanded ISO range of 100-6400, the Mini 3 performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions.
- This improvement allows for greater flexibility in challenging shooting scenarios.
- The Mini 3 introduces new and improved intelligent flight modes, making it easier to capture cinematic shots.
- Features like MasterShots and QuickShots have been refined for more professional-looking results.
- The ability to rotate the camera 90 degrees for vertical shooting is a game-changer for social media content creators.
- This feature eliminates the need for cropping, preserving image quality for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- The Mini 3 can withstand winds up to 10.7 m/s, offering more stable flight in challenging conditions.
- This enhancement expands the drone’s usability in various environments.
- The DJI RC controller option eliminates the need for a smartphone, streamlining the flying experience.
- The built-in screen offers better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- The Mini 3’s improved HDR performance results in more balanced exposures, especially in high-contrast scenes.
- This feature is particularly useful for landscape and architectural photography.
- With its advanced features and capabilities, the Mini 3 is likely to remain relevant and capable for a longer period.
- This makes it a more sound investment for those looking to use their drone for several years.
What can both do?
Both the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 3 share several capabilities that make them versatile and user-friendly drones:
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: Both models weigh under 250 grams, making them exempt from registration in many countries.
- Foldable Structure: Both drones feature a compact, foldable design for easy transportation and storage.
- 4K Video Recording: Both can capture 4K video, albeit at different frame rates.
- QuickShot Modes: Both offer intelligent flight modes for capturing cinematic shots automatically.
- GPS Positioning: Both drones use GPS for stable hovering and precise flight control.
- Return to Home Function: Both feature automatic return-to-home capabilities for safety.
- Smartphone Control: Both can be controlled using a smartphone app for added convenience.
- Raw Photo Capture: Both support RAW photo format for greater post-processing flexibility.
- Panorama Mode: Both offer panorama shooting capabilities for wide landscape shots.
- Wind Resistance: Both can operate in windy conditions, though the Mini 3 has improved performance.
- Live Video Transmission: Both provide real-time video transmission to the controller.
- Micro SD Card Support: Both use Micro SD cards for onboard storage of photos and videos.
- Intelligent Flight Battery: Both use smart batteries with built-in power management systems.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Both feature 3-axis gimbals for smooth, stable footage.
- Downward Vision Sensing: Both include downward vision sensors for precise hovering and landing.
Common Strengths
The DJI Mini 2 and Mini 3 share several strengths that have made the Mini series popular among drone enthusiasts:
- Portability: Both drones are incredibly lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting.
- Ease of Use: Both models are designed with user-friendliness in mind, making them accessible to beginners.
- High-Quality Imaging: Both drones capture impressive 4K video and high-resolution photos.
- Stable Flight Performance: Both offer stable flight characteristics, even in moderately windy conditions.
- Long-Range Transmission: Both provide long-range video transmission, allowing for extended flight distances.
- Intelligent Flight Modes: Both include automated flight modes for capturing cinematic shots with ease.
- Regulatory Compliance: Both fall under the 250-gram weight limit, simplifying usage in many jurisdictions.
- DJI Fly App Integration: Both are fully compatible with the user-friendly DJI Fly app for control and editing.
- Quick Setup: Both can be unfolded and ready to fly in a matter of minutes.
- Robust Build Quality: Both drones feature durable construction to withstand minor crashes and daily use.
- GPS-Assisted Flight: Both utilize GPS for precise positioning and flight stability.
- Return to Home Feature: Both include automatic return-to-home functionality for added safety.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Both use 3-axis gimbals to ensure smooth, stable footage.
- Raw Photo Capture: Both support RAW photo format for professional-grade image editing.
- Social Media Integration: Both allow for easy sharing of content directly to social media platforms.
Here are some FAQs about DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3
How does the Mini 3’s vertical shooting capability impact social media content creation?
The Mini 3’s vertical shooting allows creators to capture native vertical content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok without cropping, preserving image quality and composition. This feature saves time in post-production and ensures optimal content for mobile viewers.
What are the practical implications of the Mini 3’s improved wind resistance compared to the Mini 2?
The Mini 3’s enhanced wind resistance (up to 10.7 m/s) allows for more stable flights in challenging conditions. This means users can capture smoother footage in coastal areas, open fields, or urban environments where wind is often a factor, extending the drone’s usability.
How does the Mini 3’s larger sensor affect night photography compared to the Mini 2?
The Mini 3’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor captures more light than the Mini 2’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. This results in cleaner, less noisy images in low-light conditions, making the Mini 3 more suitable for twilight or night photography.
In what scenarios would the Mini 3’s extended flight time make a significant difference for videographers?
The Mini 3’s longer flight time (up to 38 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) is particularly beneficial for capturing time-lapse footage, following moving subjects over longer distances, or filming events that require extended aerial coverage without frequent battery changes.
How does the Mini 3’s improved obstacle avoidance system benefit real estate photography?
The Mini 3’s forward, backward, and downward vision systems make it easier to navigate around buildings and trees. This allows real estate photographers to capture more dynamic property shots with reduced risk of collisions, even in tight spaces or complex environments.
What impact does the Mini 3’s higher frame rate capabilities have on action sport videography?
The Mini 3’s ability to shoot 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 120fps allows for smoother slow-motion footage of fast-moving subjects. This is particularly useful for capturing action sports, allowing videographers to create more dramatic and detailed slow-motion sequences.
How does the Mini 3’s expanded ISO range affect its performance in challenging lighting conditions like golden hour?
The Mini 3’s ISO range of 100-6400 provides greater flexibility during golden hour shoots. It allows for better exposure balance between bright skies and shadowed areas, resulting in more detailed and aesthetically pleasing footage during these high-contrast lighting conditions.
What advantages does the Mini 3’s OcuSync 3.0 transmission system offer for documentary filmmakers?
OcuSync 3.0 provides a more stable and longer-range connection (up to 12 km), allowing documentary filmmakers to capture footage from greater distances. This is particularly useful when filming wildlife or in situations where maintaining distance from the subject is crucial.
How does the Mini 3’s True Vertical Shooting feature benefit architectural photographers?
True Vertical Shooting allows architectural photographers to capture tall structures in their entirety without the need for multiple shots or extensive post-processing. This feature is especially useful for shooting skyscrapers, monuments, or other vertical structures that are challenging to capture with traditional drone cameras.
In what ways does the Mini 3’s improved HDR capability enhance landscape photography?
The Mini 3’s enhanced HDR performance allows landscape photographers to capture more balanced exposures in high-contrast scenes. This means more detail in both shadow and highlight areas, resulting in more vibrant and realistic landscape images, particularly useful for scenes with bright skies and darker foregrounds.