The DJI Mini 3 just dropped to $439, down from $549. That’s 20% off a drone that delivers genuinely impressive 4K video without the typical beginner drone headaches. You can grab it at this price while the limited-time deal lasts.
This thing weighs under 249 grams. That means no FAA registration for hobby flyers and way fewer restrictions on where you can fly. Toss it in a backpack and forget it’s there until you need it.
What makes the Mini 3 stand out:
- 38 minutes of flight time per battery (51 with the optional Plus battery)
- 4K video at 30fps with solid low-light performance
- True vertical shooting for Instagram and TikTok content
- 10km transmission range keeps your connection stable
- Mechanical gimbal smooths out shaky footage
The 1/1.3-inch sensor punches above its weight class. Colors look vibrant, and the f/1.7 aperture handles dusk shooting better than you’d expect at this price point. Reviewers consistently praise the image quality as a major step up from the older Mini 2.
The honest limitations
No obstacle avoidance sensors except for a downward-facing one. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it means you need to fly carefully near trees or buildings. Many pilots recommend open spaces until you get comfortable with the controls. The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro add full obstacle detection, but they cost $300-500 more.
You’re also limited to 4K at 30fps. The Pro models shoot 4K/60fps, which matters if you want buttery-smooth slow motion. For most casual shooting, though, 30fps works fine.
If you’re serious about aerial photography and want maximum safety features, check out our guide to the best drones of 2025 where we compare the entire Mini lineup alongside alternatives like the Autel EVO Nano+.
The Mini 3 sits in a sweet spot between the budget Mini 4K and the feature-packed Mini 3 Pro. It’s available right now at $439, making it the most affordable way to get DJI’s newer camera tech without sacrificing too much.
Bottom line: if you mostly fly in open areas and don’t need obstacle avoidance, this is excellent value. The money you save versus the Pro models could go toward extra batteries or ND filters. Just respect the limitations and fly smart.
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