Mini 3 vs Mini 2 SE vs Mini 4 Pro: DJI Drone Comparison
If you're just starting out on your drone journey or are on a tight budget, you might be tempted to buy a Mini 2 SE or, alternatively, if your finances are definitely more supportive, the Mini 4 Pro. But if you're looking for a compact drone with an excellent camera that will help you showcase your adventures on social media and beyond, you should consider the Mini 3 , currently available, or the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo .
A Matter of Imaging
Compared to the DJI Mini 2 SE, the Mini 3 features significantly improved imaging system, battery life, and more. With a lightweight and compact body under 249g, DJI Mini 3 features a 1/1.3-inch image sensor that supports dual native ISO and chip-level HDR technology, and can record 4K HDR video.
The drone can be used with either its standard battery, with a flight time of 38 minutes, or with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which could extend the flight time up to 51 minutes (but this is an option limited to some countries). In addition, the new gimbal design allows for precise vertical shooting and a wide tilt angle.
4 advantages
In particular, there are four main advantages that the DJI Mini 3 offers compared to the Mini 2 SE model and shares with the Mini 4 Pro, but at a lower price:
Larger image sensor
The Mini 2 SE features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.8 aperture. On the other hand, the Mini 3 is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, just like the Mini 4 Pro. A larger sensor captures more details and, therefore, offers better shots. In addition, the Mini 3's camera has an f/1.7 aperture and larger 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels, ensuring clear details and excellent images even in low-light conditions.
HDR Video
The Mini 3 can capture 4K/30fps video, with excellent contrast in shots thanks to the chip-level HDR technology. On this front, the Mini 4 Pro wins hands down, as it supports 4K/60fps HDR shooting, integrates 4K slow motion at 100fps, and records in 10-bit D-Log M with over a billion colors. Between the two, it’s all a question of budget. The Mini 2 SE, on the other hand, records video at 2.7K/30fps, which is still more than enough for amateurs and beginners.
Vertical shooting mode
If you plan to use your new drone to share content on TikTok and Instagram, you should know that the Mini 3, like the Mini 4 Pro, has a native vertical shooting mode that allows you to get portrait shots without having to digitally crop your footage. This capability is not found in the Mini 2 SE. Additionally, the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro offer a wide gimbal tilt range, providing more shooting angles and more creative freedom.
Longer battery life
The DJI Mini 3's design not only allows the drone to have larger propellers, but also improves the aircraft's propulsion efficiency, essentially providing a longer flight time. Compared to the maximum flight time of around half an hour for older Mini drones, as well as the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 3 can fly for up to 38 minutes on a standard Intelligent Battery. Theoretically, it is possible to upgrade to the 51-minute Intelligent Battery Plus with the Mini 3, but this product is only available in certain countries. Additionally, doing so would increase the weight of the drone to around 290 grams, requiring registration and/or additional licenses in some countries and regions, including Italy. Please note, however, that registration is still required in Europe, since the drone has a camera.
Compatibility with DJI RC
Another point of distinction between the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 3 is that the latter is compatible with the DJI RC remote controller. This lightweight RC features a 5.5-inch Full HD screen with a continuous brightness of 700 nits and comes with the DJI Fly flight app pre-installed. By purchasing the combo Mini 3 DJI RC , you will get the best outdoor flight experience possible with smoother control sticks and customizable buttons and knobs. To have the remote controller with display paired with the Mini 4 Pro , you will have to take the package.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you really want to amaze your followers with breathtaking content without going into debt, the Mini 3 is probably the right choice. However, if you have more serious intentions and almost professional ambitions, the Mini 4 Pro is definitely a higher-end model with a truly considerable quality-price ratio. And then remember, irony and inventiveness cost nothing!
