Drones have revolutionized how we capture the world, providing a bird’s-eye view of landscapes, events, and even creative storytelling. DJI, a pioneer in the drone industry, continues to lead with its innovative technology. Among their popular models are the Mini series, with the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 being the latest contenders for top compact drone. This detailed comparison will break down their key features, performance, and suitability for different types of users.
1. Design and Build Quality
At first glance, both the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 appear quite similar. They both follow DJI’s signature compact design philosophy, making them easy to carry and travel-friendly. However, there are subtle differences in their build and design that impact functionality.
- DJI Mini 3: This drone continues with the foldable design that the Mini series is known for. It weighs under 249g, which allows it to bypass certain legal restrictions in many countries. The overall build is robust, offering good durability for its size, and the design is streamlined for better aerodynamics.
- DJI Mini 4: While it maintains the same lightweight, foldable form factor, DJI has enhanced its durability with slight improvements in material quality. The Mini 4 also benefits from a more refined gimbal system, offering smoother and more stable footage during windy conditions. Moreover, subtle ergonomic improvements like better grip surfaces on the body make handling it easier when unfolding or packing the drone.
2. Camera Capabilities
One of the most critical aspects of any drone is its camera, and DJI has always been known for delivering high-quality aerial footage. Both the Mini 3 and Mini 4 come equipped with impressive cameras, but they cater to different levels of content creators.
- DJI Mini 3 Camera: The Mini 3 features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, capable of shooting 4K videos at 30fps. This camera delivers crisp images and smooth video, making it a great option for hobbyists and semi-professional content creators. Additionally, the drone supports HDR video, which enhances color depth and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.
The Mini 3’s camera excels in daytime photography, capturing sharp images with good detail and color accuracy. However, its low-light performance, while decent, is not on par with more professional drones. It also supports a maximum photo resolution of 12MP, which is sufficient for social media sharing and even light printing.
- DJI Mini 4 Camera: The Mini 4 a type of drone takes things up a notch with a slightly larger sensor, enhancing its ability to capture more light and detail. The Mini 4 boasts a 1/1.3-inch sensor like the Mini 3 but offers higher video resolution, supporting 4K at 60fps and HDR at 4K. The most notable improvement is its ability to shoot in 10-bit color, which gives professional videographers greater flexibility during post-production editing.
In terms of photography, the Mini 4 offers 48MP stills, a significant upgrade over the 12MP on the Mini 3. This higher resolution makes the Mini 4 a better option for users who need highly detailed images, especially when printing large-format photos or working on high-resolution projects.
3. Flight Performance and Features
Flight performance, including stability, flight time, and range, is another area where these drones differ. While the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 share some similar flight capabilities, the Mini 4 offers superior performance in certain areas due to advancements in hardware and software.
- DJI Mini 3 Flight Features: The Mini 3 is equipped with DJI’s reliable OcuSync 2.0 transmission system, which provides a range of up to 10km and ensures a stable connection between the controller and the drone. The drone is also packed with intelligent flight modes such as QuickShots (Dronie, Rocket, Circle, and Helix), allowing users to capture cinematic shots with minimal effort.
In terms of flight time, the Mini 3 offers up to 38 minutes on a single charge, making it a great choice for longer shoots or exploring wide areas. Its maximum flight speed is 16 m/s, and it handles well in moderate wind conditions, thanks to its level-5 wind resistance.
- DJI Mini 4 Flight Features: The Mini 4 benefits from the newer OcuSync 4.0 transmission system, extending its range to up to 15km. This allows users to explore further and shoot from a broader range of distances while maintaining a reliable signal.
The Mini 4 also has an improved flight time, with a maximum of 45 minutes per charge, making it one of the longest-lasting drones in the Mini series. The increase in flight time is due to more efficient motors and a slightly larger battery. Additionally, the Mini 4 comes with obstacle avoidance in three directions (front, rear, and downward), a feature the Mini 3 lacks. This makes the Mini 4 a safer choice for beginners or those flying in complex environments.
4. Stabilization and Gimbal System
Both drones come with advanced stabilization systems that ensure smooth footage, but the Mini 4 has a few enhancements that make it superior.
- DJI Mini 3: It features a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, which is crucial for achieving stable footage even during fast maneuvers or windy conditions. The gimbal on the Mini 3 is highly reliable, keeping footage smooth during most flight situations. However, it lacks some of the more advanced stabilization algorithms found in DJI’s more premium drones.
- DJI Mini 4: The gimbal system on the Mini 4 is an upgraded version of what’s found on the Mini 3, offering even better stabilization. It features a new 4-axis stabilization system that makes the footage smoother during sharp movements or turbulence. Additionally, the Mini 4 includes improved horizon leveling, ensuring that the video stays aligned even during complex movements or rotations.
5. Intelligent Flight Modes and Software
DJI’s intelligent flight modes make capturing stunning aerial footage easier for users of all experience levels. While both the Mini 3 and Mini 4 offer a suite of these modes, the Mini 4 has a more advanced offering.
- DJI Mini 3: The drone supports essential intelligent flight modes like QuickShots, which include automated shots like Dronie, Rocket, and Circle. While these are great for getting creative shots effortlessly, the Mini 3 lacks advanced features like ActiveTrack (for tracking moving subjects) or MasterShots, which are available in higher-end models.
- DJI Mini 4: The Mini 4 includes the same QuickShots modes, but it also features ActiveTrack 5.0, which allows the drone to follow and focus on moving subjects seamlessly. This feature is a game-changer for users who want to shoot action sequences or follow subjects without manually controlling the drone. Additionally, MasterShots is included, enabling users to capture a series of automated, professional-grade clips with just a few taps. This is perfect for creators looking for more dynamic footage without needing advanced piloting skills.
6. Obstacle Avoidance and Safety
Safety features are crucial, especially for novice pilots, and DJI has continuously improved its obstacle avoidance systems across its drone lineup. The Mini 4 introduces better safety features compared to the Mini 3.
- DJI Mini 3: The Mini 3 does not come with obstacle sensors, relying on the pilot to manually avoid obstacles. While it has return-to-home (RTH) functionality for safer landings, its lack of obstacle sensing could make it more challenging for beginners or those flying in cluttered environments.
- DJI Mini 4: The Mini 4 comes with tri-directional obstacle sensing (forward, backward, and downward), making it significantly safer than its predecessor. This feature not only prevents crashes but also allows for smoother navigation through complex environments like forests or urban landscapes. For users flying in close quarters or tight spaces, the Mini 4’s obstacle avoidance is a game-changer, especially when combined with ActiveTrack.
7. Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is crucial when capturing aerial footage, and both the Mini 3 and Mini 4 offer significant flight times, but with some key differences.
- DJI Mini 3: The Mini 3 provides up to 38 minutes of flight time with its standard battery. It also supports a 47-minute extended battery pack (sold separately), which is ideal for longer sessions. The charging time is reasonable, with about 60-80 minutes required for a full charge depending on the charger used.
- DJI Mini 4: The Mini 4 takes battery life further, offering up to 45 minutes of flight time with its standard battery, and the option to extend it to 51 minutes with an upgraded battery. This extra flight time is ideal for longer shoots, reducing the need to land and swap batteries mid-flight. The Mini 4’s battery also charges more quickly, thanks to improvements in the power management system.
8. Price and Value for Money
Pricing is always a critical factor when choosing a drone, and the Mini 3 and
Mini 4 offer different price points that reflect their respective features and capabilities.
- DJI Mini 3: As the older model, the Mini 3 is more affordable, typically priced around $469 for the standard version. This makes it an attractive option for hobbyists or casual flyers who don’t need the latest features. The price is even more appealing when considering its impressive 4K video recording and solid flight performance. However, users will need to weigh the limitations, such as the absence of obstacle avoidance and lower camera resolution.
- DJI Mini 4: With more advanced features, the Mini 4 comes with a higher price tag, around $599 for the base version. While this is a significant jump, the improved camera, better obstacle avoidance, and extended flight time justify the cost, especially for users seeking more professional capabilities. For those who require advanced flight modes like ActiveTrack or higher-quality footage for post-production work, the Mini 4 offers excellent value.
9. Who Should Buy the DJI Mini 3?
The DJI Mini 3 is a great option for beginners and casual drone users who want a reliable, easy-to-use drone without breaking the bank. Its affordability and decent camera capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of use over advanced features. Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the drone’s compact size and long battery life for capturing everyday moments and stunning aerial views.
If you’re a content creator focused primarily on social media or casual YouTube videos, the Mini 3’s 4K video and solid stabilization will meet your needs. It’s also an excellent option for those who don’t need professional-grade color profiles or in-depth post-production editing.
10. Who Should Buy the DJI Mini 4?
The DJI Mini 4 is geared toward more advanced users, including semi-professional photographers, filmmakers, and drone enthusiasts who want the latest technology in a compact package. With its higher resolution (both for photos and videos), advanced intelligent flight modes, and obstacle avoidance, the Mini 4 is perfect for users who want to take their drone footage to the next level.
For professionals or those looking to create cinematic content, the Mini 4’s 10-bit color, 4K 60fps video, and extended flight time offer significant advantages. Additionally, if you plan to fly in more challenging environments—like forests, near buildings, or around people—the Mini 4’s obstacle avoidance system provides a safer and more reliable experience.
Conclusion: Which Drone is Right for You?
Both the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 are excellent drones, each suited to different types of users. If you’re new to drones, don’t need advanced features, and want something portable, the Mini 3 is a fantastic choice, offering good value for its price. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a simple, high-quality drone for travel, personal projects, or casual video shooting.
On the other hand, if you need more advanced capabilities, are into professional-level content creation, or require extra safety features like obstacle avoidance, the DJI Mini 4 is the superior option. Its enhanced camera, longer flight time, and additional flight modes make it well worth the higher price for those who need the best in a compact drone.
Ultimately, your choice between the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 depends on your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use the drone. Both models offer the quality and reliability DJI is known for, so you’re in good hands regardless of your decision.