DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

DJI Mini 3 Pro & DJI Mini 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the DJI Mini 3 Pro rather than the DJI Mini 2.

Why Do I Recommend The DJI Mini 3 Pro?

  • The DJI Mini 3 Pro features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with an f/1.7 aperture for improved low-light performance, better dynamic range, and sharper image quality compared to the DJI Mini 2’s smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor with f/2.8 aperture.
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro supports 4K video at 60fps for smoother, more cinematic footage during fast action or panning shots, while the Mini 2 is limited to 4K at 30fps.
  • It includes tri-directional obstacle sensors that help to automatically detect and avoid obstacles from the front, rear, and below for enhancing flight safety in complex environments, while the Mini 2 only has downward sensing.
  • The DJI Mini 3 Pro supports ActiveTrack 4.0 to lock onto and follow moving subjects automatically, making it ideal for hands-free tracking shots, which the Mini 2 cannot perform.
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro features a rotating gimbal that enables true vertical video shooting to create native portrait content for social media without cropping horizontal footage, which is not possible on the Mini 2
  • It uses DJI’s O3 (OcuSync 3.0) transmission system that provides stronger signal stability and up to 12 km range, enabling clearer, low-latency live video feed, while the Mini 2 uses OcuSync 2.0 with shorter range and less bandwidth.
  • The DJI Mini 3 Pro is compatible with the DJI RC remote that has a built-in screen to improve setup speed without a smartphone, while the Mini 2 works with the RC-N1 & need  a phone connection.
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro supports extended flight time up to 38 minutes with the optional Plus battery to capture more footage in a single session, while the Mini 2 is limited to maximum 31 minutes flight time.

Maybe the DJI Mini 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the DJI Mini 3 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureDJI Mini 3 ProDJI Mini 2
Camera Sensor1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
Aperturef/1.7f/2.8
Image Resolution48 MP12 MP
Video Resolution4K at 60fps4K at 30fps
HDR VideoYesNo
D-Cinelike Color ProfileYesNo
Vertical ShootingYesNo
Obstacle SensorsForward, Backward, DownwardDownward only
ActiveTrackYesNo
FocusTrack SuiteYesNo
Hyperlapse ModeYesNo
Max Bitrate150 Mbps100 Mbps
Video TransmissionDJI O3OcuSync 2.0
Max Transmission Range12 km10 km
AntennasDualSingle antenna
Battery OptionsStandard & PlusStandard only
Max Flight Time34 mins31 mins
Gimbal RotationUp to 90° verticalHorizontal only
Remote Controller OptionsRC-N1 or DJI RCRC-N1 only
Weight with Plus Battery289g249g
USB PortUSB-CMicro USB
Photo ModesSingle, AEB, Burst, TimerSingle, AEB, Timer
Color ProfilesNormal, D-CinelikeNormal only
Low Light CapabilityEnhancedStandard
Internal StorageNoNo
QuickTransfer SpeedFasterStandard
Audio in VideoYesNo
SmartPhotoYesNo
PriceCheck Mini 3 Pro PriceCheck Mini 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Lightweight Design (Under 250g): Both drones weigh approximately 249 grams, allowing users to fly them without FAA registration for recreational use in many countries, and making them highly portable for travel.
  • Foldable Frame: Each model features a foldable design, enabling users to easily pack and carry the drone wherever they go, which is ideal for creators on the move.
  • 4K Video Recording: Both drones support 4K video capture, allowing users to shoot ultra-high-definition footage for crisp and detailed visual content.
  • 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization: Each drone is equipped with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, ensuring stable and smooth video recording even in moderate wind or while in motion.
  • RAW Photo Format (DNG): Both models allow still image capture in RAW (DNG) format, giving users more control over post-processing and professional photo editing.
  • QuickShot Modes: Each drone includes intelligent QuickShot flight modes like Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, and Boomerang, enabling users to automatically capture cinematic shots with minimal effort.
  • Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): Both support AEB photo mode, allowing users to take a series of photos at different exposures for enhanced dynamic range during editing.
  • Return to Home (RTH): Each drone includes Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH, providing users with automated safety return functions in case of signal loss or low battery.
  • GPS + GNSS Support: Both drones use GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite systems to maintain accurate positioning, improve flight stability, and support RTH features.
  • DJI Fly App Integration: Each model connects to the DJI Fly app, allowing users to access flight settings, camera controls, tutorials, firmware updates, and video editing tools in one interface.
  • RC-N1 Controller Compatibility: Both drones are compatible with the DJI RC-N1 remote controller, giving users a familiar and consistent flight control experience across models.
  • Wind Resistance Level 5: Each drone is rated for Level 5 wind resistance, allowing stable flight performance in wind speeds up to 10.7 m/s for reliable outdoor usage.
  • Maximum Takeoff Altitude: Both can take off from elevations up to 4000 meters, allowing users to fly the drones in high-altitude locations such as mountains or elevated terrain.
  • microSD Card Storage: Both drones support microSD cards for external storage, giving users the flexibility to record high-resolution photos and videos without relying on internal memory.
  • No Internal Storage: Neither drone includes internal storage, meaning users need to insert a microSD card to store media captured during flights.

Common Features

FeatureDJI Mini 3 ProDJI Mini 2
Drone WeightApprox. 249g249g
Foldable DesignYesYes
Max Video Resolution4K UHD4K UHD
Still Photo FormatJPEG + DNGJPEG + DNG
Video FormatMP4MP4
Gimbal Type3-axis mechanical3-axis mechanical
Photo ModesSingle, AEB, TimerSingle, AEB, Timer
QuickShotsYesYes
Return to Home (RTH)Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, Failsafe RTHSame modes
GPS PositioningYesYes
Wind ResistanceLevel 5Level 5
Max Takeoff Altitude4000 meters4000 meters
Max Flight Altitude (limit)120 meters120 meters
App CompatibilityDJI Fly AppDJI Fly App
Controller Model (RC-N1)CompatibleCompatible
MicroSD SupportYesYes
No Obstacle Avoidance in Downward OnlyYesYes
Price Check Mini 3 Pro Price Check Mini 2 Price

FAQ

Is the DJI Mini 3 Pro better for low-light photography than the Mini 2?
Yes, the DJI Mini 3 Pro performs better in low light due to its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor and wider f/1.7 aperture, compared to the Mini 2’s smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor and f/2.8 aperture.

Do both drones support 4K video recording?
Yes, both the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 support 4K video recording, but the Mini 3 Pro supports up to 60fps while the Mini 2 is limited to 30fps.

Can both drones shoot RAW photos?
Yes, both drones can capture still photos in JPEG and DNG (RAW) formats, allowing for better post-processing flexibility.

Do either of the drones have obstacle avoidance sensors?
The DJI Mini 3 Pro has tri-directional obstacle sensors (forward, backward, and downward), while the Mini 2 only has downward sensors for landing assistance.

Is ActiveTrack available on both drones?
No, ActiveTrack is only available on the DJI Mini 3 Pro. The Mini 2 does not have any subject tracking or advanced intelligent flight modes.

Are both drones under 250 grams?
Yes, both the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 2 weigh approximately 249 grams with their standard batteries, making them lightweight and regulation-friendly.

Do both drones work with the DJI Fly app?
Yes, both the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 are compatible with the DJI Fly app for flight control, camera settings, firmware updates, and QuickShot access.

Can I use the same RC-N1 controller for both drones?
Yes, the RC-N1 remote controller is compatible with both the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Mini 2, providing consistent flight experience for users with both drones.

Do both drones support QuickShots?
Yes, both drones support DJI’s QuickShot modes such as Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, and Boomerang, making it easy to capture cinematic footage automatically.

Do either of the drones support vertical video shooting?
Only the DJI Mini 3 Pro supports true vertical video with a rotating gimbal. The Mini 2 does not have this feature and only captures in landscape orientation.

Is the transmission system the same for both drones?
No, the Mini 3 Pro uses the newer DJI O3 (OcuSync 3.0) system with up to 12 km range, while the Mini 2 uses OcuSync 2.0 with up to 10 km range.

Can I fly both drones in strong wind conditions?
Yes, both drones are rated with Level 5 wind resistance and can handle wind speeds up to 10.7 m/s, making them suitable for moderate outdoor flying.

Do both drones have internal storage?
No, neither the Mini 3 Pro nor the Mini 2 has internal storage. Users must insert a microSD card to save their photos and videos.

Is the DJI Mini 3 Pro worth upgrading from the Mini 2?
Yes, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a significant upgrade with advanced features like a better camera, obstacle avoidance, vertical shooting, longer battery options, and subject tracking, making it ideal for more serious content creators.

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