DJI launches stripped-back Mini 3 drone

Drone manufacturer DJI has announced the DJI Mini 3, a stripped down version of the Mini 3 Pro that loses that drones forward and rear obstacle detection, the company's ActiveTrack following system and the higher-end video specs of its big brother, but starts at a fairly competitive price of just $699.

Like the Mavic 3 Classic DJI launched last month, the Mini 3 is aimed at users who don't need all the functionality of the company's premium models. 

DJI Mini 3 features a 12MP (1/1.3-type) CMOS image sensor combined with a 24mm (f1.7) aperture lens. The onboard camera shoots images in RAW/JPEG mode and videos in 4K HDR at 30 fps, compared to 4K 60 fps on the Mini 3 Pro, and videos can be shot in portrait mode with DJI's True Vertical Shooting mode.

According to DJI, in live feed, a video of 720p can be relayed from a distance of up to 10 kms away. With a wind resistance at up to 10.7 m/s, DJI says the Mini 3 can hover steady and keep a stable image, and standard DJI features like the Return To Home (RTH) mode in event of a signal drop are also included.

The drone weighs just 248gms (which makes it eligible for flying without any registration), and has an estimated flight time of 38 minutes on a single charge of the standard onboard battery. If you want to fly further, the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus accessory takes the total flying time out to a whopping 51 minutes. 

DJI Mini 3 will be available in five different configurations – each one having a different combination of accessories. 

DJI Mini 3 is available for purchase from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners in five configurations. The cheapest form is the DJI Mini 3 (Drone Only), which does not include a remote controller or charger. It will set you back $699. The DJI Mini 3 configuration includes DJI's RC-N1 Remote Controller. It's $829, or the same package with the DJI RC controller is $1,019. 

In addition, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo Plus includes the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus. It's $1,188, and the final offering is the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo Plus (DJI RC), which includes the DJI RC Remote Controller, Shoulder Bag, Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus. Yours for $1,378.

 For more information on all the new features, accessories, and extras, visit dji.com/dji-mini-3.