Dji Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: Which Drone Reigns?
Are you ready to elevate your aerial photography game? The world of compact drones is buzzing, and two titans are vying for your attention. We’re diving deep into the ultimate showdown: the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs. the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Prepare for a comprehensive comparison that will help you decide which drone best suits your needs.
Both the Mini 3 Pro and the newer Mini 4 Pro pack impressive features into incredibly portable packages. These drones are designed for both beginners and experienced pilots, offering a blend of performance and ease of use that’s hard to beat. We’ll explore their key differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision.
From camera capabilities to flight performance, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our quest to crown a winner. Get ready to discover which drone offers the best value, the most advanced features, and the ultimate flying experience. Let the battle of the Mini drones begin!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | dji mini 3 pro | mini 4 pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 249 g | Under 249 g |
| Video Resolution | 4K/60fps | 4K/60fps |
| Max Flight Time | 34 minutes | 34 minutes |
| Obstacle Sensing | Forward, Backward, Downward | Omnidirectional |
| Transmission System | O3 | O4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.7 |
| Digital Zoom | 4x | 4x |
| Slow Motion | 1080p/120fps | 1080p/120fps |
| QuickShots | Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, Asteroid | Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, Asteroid |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | FocusTrack | FocusTrack |
| ActiveTrack | ActiveTrack 4.0 | ActiveTrack 360° |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Camera Sensor
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of 48MP photos and 4K/60fps video. It offers good image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. However, low-light performance can be somewhat limited compared to larger sensors.
- Mini 4 Pro: Boasts a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with dual native ISO, enhancing dynamic range and low-light capabilities, also capable of 48MP photos and 4K/60fps video, and a new video mode. This results in cleaner images and videos in challenging lighting scenarios.
- Winner: mini 4 pro
Obstacle Sensing
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Equipped with forward, backward, and downward obstacle sensing. This provides a good level of safety, helping to avoid collisions. However, it lacks omnidirectional sensing.
- Mini 4 Pro: Offers omnidirectional obstacle sensing, covering forward, backward, upward, downward, and sideways directions. This significantly improves safety and the drone’s ability to navigate complex environments.
- Winner: mini 4 pro
Video Transmission
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Utilizes O3 (OcuSync 3.0) for video transmission, providing a reliable connection with a range of up to 12 km (FCC).
- Mini 4 Pro: Upgrades to O4 (OcuSync 4.0) for improved transmission stability and a longer range, potentially exceeding the Mini 3 Pro’s range in ideal conditions, and offers better signal strength in challenging environments.
- Winner: mini 4 pro
Flight Time
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Offers a maximum flight time of up to 34 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery.
- Mini 4 Pro: Provides a slightly improved flight time, up to 34 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery, but can be slightly lower in real-world conditions due to the added features and weight.
- Winner: Tie
Weight and Portability
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Maintains the sub-249g weight, making it highly portable and avoiding the need for registration in many regions.
- Mini 4 Pro: Also remains under 249g, preserving its portability advantage and regulatory benefits.
- Winner: Tie
Intelligent Flight Modes
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Includes ActiveTrack 4.0, MasterShots, and QuickShots for automated flight and cinematic shots.
- Mini 4 Pro: Improves on the Mini 3 Pro with ActiveTrack 5.0, offering enhanced subject tracking and obstacle avoidance during automated flight modes.
- Winner: mini 4 pro
Design and Build
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Features a compact and foldable design with a slightly different appearance than previous Mini models.
- Mini 4 Pro: Maintains a similar foldable design but may have some minor aesthetic updates, while also offering enhanced stability in flight.
- Winner: Tie
Pricing
- Dji Mini 3 Pro: Typically available at a lower price point compared to the newer Mini 4 Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Mini 4 Pro: Comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its advanced features and improvements.
- Winner: dji mini 3 pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | dji mini 3 pro |
| Obstacle Avoidance | mini 4 pro |
| Transmission System | mini 4 pro |
| Low Light Performance | mini 4 pro |
What They Have in Common
- Weight: Both drones share the same ultra-lightweight design, weighing under 249 grams, eliminating the need for registration in many regions. This makes them highly portable and convenient for travel.
- 4K Video: Both the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro are capable of recording stunning 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality footage. They also both support slow-motion video.
- Sensor Size: They both utilize a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, ensuring good image quality and performance in various lighting conditions. This size provides a good balance between image quality and portability.
- Quickshots: Both drones feature the same suite of QuickShot modes, including Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid, making it easy to capture cinematic shots automatically.
- Intelligent Flight Modes: Both drones include intelligent flight modes like FocusTrack, which allows you to track subjects and create dynamic shots. This feature enhances the ease of use and creative possibilities.
Dji Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro Buying Guide
Camera and Image Quality
The DJI Mini 4 Pro boasts a significant upgrade in camera capabilities compared to the Mini 3 Pro. It features a new image processing system and a wider dynamic range, resulting in improved image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Mini 4 Pro also includes a new video mode for 4K/60fps HDR video, offering more vibrant and detailed footage. The Mini 3 Pro, while still capable, struggles more in high-contrast scenarios, making the Mini 4 Pro the superior choice for professional-grade aerial photography and videography. Consider your image quality needs before deciding.
Obstacle Sensing and Safety
The Mini 4 Pro incorporates omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a major advancement over the Mini 3 Pro’s tri-directional system. This means the Mini 4 Pro can detect obstacles from all directions, significantly enhancing flight safety and reducing the risk of collisions. This improved safety feature is particularly beneficial for novice pilots or those flying in complex environments. The Mini 3 Pro’s obstacle sensing is still effective, but the enhanced safety of the Mini 4 Pro provides greater peace of mind during flight, making it the safer drone.
Flight Performance and Battery Life
Both drones offer impressive flight performance, but there are subtle differences. The Mini 4 Pro generally offers slightly improved wind resistance and a marginally longer flight time in ideal conditions, though these differences may not always be noticeable. Battery life is quite similar, with both drones providing around 30-35 minutes of flight time per battery. The Mini 4 Pro’s enhanced flight control algorithms contribute to a smoother and more stable flight experience, especially in windy conditions. Consider your typical flying environment when making your choice.
Intelligent Features and Modes
The Mini 4 Pro introduces enhanced intelligent flight modes and features. It includes improvements to ActiveTrack, offering more reliable subject tracking, and other automated flight modes that streamline the creative process. The Mini 3 Pro also has intelligent features, but the Mini 4 Pro’s upgraded system provides more versatility and ease of use. These advanced features are especially useful for capturing cinematic shots and following moving subjects automatically. Consider which features are most important to your workflow.
Design and Portability
Both drones share the same compact and lightweight design, making them highly portable and easy to carry. The Mini 4 Pro maintains the same foldable design as the Mini 3 Pro, so it fits easily into a backpack or travel bag. There are minor cosmetic differences, but the overall design remains consistent. Both drones comply with regulations on weight, allowing for easy travel. Portability is a key selling point of both drones, making them ideal for on-the-go photography and videography.
Pricing and Value
The Mini 4 Pro is typically priced higher than the Mini 3 Pro, reflecting its advanced features and improvements. However, the Mini 3 Pro is often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Consider your budget and the importance of the advanced features when comparing these drones. While the Mini 4 Pro offers superior performance, the Mini 3 Pro still provides excellent value for its price. Analyze your budget versus your requirements.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy dji mini 3 pro If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You primarily fly in well-lit conditions.
- You don’t need the absolute latest in obstacle avoidance technology.
- You value a proven and reliable drone with excellent features.
Buy mini 4 pro If…
- You want the best obstacle avoidance system for added safety.
- You prioritize the latest transmission technology for a more stable connection.
- You often fly in more challenging lighting conditions and want improved low-light performance.
- You desire the most advanced features and are willing to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main camera differences between the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro?
The Mini 4 Pro boasts significant camera upgrades, including a new image processing system and a wider dynamic range, leading to improved image quality, especially in challenging lighting. It also offers 4K/60fps HDR video, resulting in more vibrant and detailed footage compared to the Mini 3 Pro. The Mini 4 Pro excels in low-light situations and offers superior detail.
How does obstacle sensing differ between the two drones?
The Mini 4 Pro features omnidirectional obstacle sensing, providing a significant safety advantage over the Mini 3 Pro’s tri-directional system. Omnidirectional sensing detects obstacles from all directions, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing flight safety, especially in complex environments. This offers greater peace of mind for pilots.
Is the Mini 4 Pro significantly better in terms of flight time?
While both drones offer excellent flight times, the Mini 4 Pro may provide a marginally longer flight time in ideal conditions. The differences are not substantial. Both drones offer approximately 30-35 minutes of flight time per battery. Actual flight time depends on flying conditions, such as wind and temperature.
What are the key intelligent flight mode improvements in the Mini 4 Pro?
The Mini 4 Pro has improvements to ActiveTrack, offering more reliable subject tracking, and other automated flight modes. This enhanced system provides more versatility and ease of use, streamlining the creative process for capturing cinematic shots and following moving subjects automatically. These upgrades improve the pilot’s experience.
Are the dimensions and weight of the drones different?
No, both drones share the same compact and lightweight design, making them highly portable and easy to carry. They both comply with regulations on weight, allowing for easy travel. The foldable design is identical for both models, providing the same portability and convenience for users. They are both designed to be travel-friendly.
Which drone is better for beginners?
The Mini 4 Pro is slightly better for beginners due to its enhanced safety features, especially the omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This feature helps prevent collisions and provides more confidence during initial flights. However, both drones are user-friendly and easy to learn. The Mini 4 Pro just offers more safety.
How does the pricing compare between the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro?
The Mini 4 Pro is typically priced higher than the Mini 3 Pro due to its advanced features and improvements. The Mini 3 Pro is often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. The price difference reflects the technological advancements and enhanced capabilities. Consider your budget versus feature needs.
Final Verdict
The DJI Mini 4 Pro emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced camera capabilities, including improved image quality and HDR video. Its omnidirectional obstacle sensing significantly enhances safety. While the Mini 3 Pro remains a capable drone, the Mini 4 Pro’s advancements provide a more refined and safer flying experience for both professionals and enthusiasts.
Winner: DJI Mini 4 Pro