DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 4: An In-Depth Comparison

The DJI Mini series has established itself as a leader in the consumer drone market, catering to both hobbyists and professionals who seek portable, powerful, and user-friendly drones. With the launch of the DJI Mini 3 and, more recently, the Mini 4, potential buyers are faced with a dilemma: which drone is right for them? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll look at the key differences between the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4, diving into aspects such as design, camera quality, flight performance, features, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which drone best suits your needs.

1. Design and Build Quality

Both the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 retain the compact, foldable design that has become synonymous with the Mini series. These drones are incredibly portable, weighing under 250 grams, which is a significant selling point for those who want to avoid the hassle of registering their drones in many countries.

DJI Mini 3 Design

The Mini 3 is slightly smaller and lighter compared to its predecessor, making it easier to transport. The build quality is sturdy, with well-placed sensors for collision avoidance. The arms and propellers fold inward, allowing the drone to be stored in compact spaces such as backpacks or carrying cases.

DJI Mini 4 Design

The Mini 4 takes the already impressive design of the Mini 3 and enhances it with minor improvements. The drone feels a bit more refined, with slight modifications to the propeller guards and a more robust folding mechanism. While the weight difference is negligible, the Mini 4 exudes a sense of durability and craftsmanship that elevates it above the Mini 3.

Winner: While both drones are portable and well-built, the Mini 4 has a slight edge due to its more refined design and robust build.

2. Camera and Image Quality

Camera quality is arguably one of the most important aspects when choosing a drone, especially for photographers and videographers. Both the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 offer impressive camera systems, but there are key differences in their capabilities.

DJI Mini 3 Camera

The Mini 3 comes equipped with a 12MP camera and a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which is capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps. The wide f/1.7 aperture ensures that it performs well in low-light conditions, making it a solid choice for capturing high-quality images and videos during sunset or sunrise. The 4x digital zoom also allows for flexibility when shooting distant subjects, though the quality does degrade slightly when zooming in.

DJI Mini 4 Camera

The Mini 4 takes things up a notch with a 48MP camera and the same 1/1.3-inch sensor, capable of shooting 4K at 60fps. The larger pixel count allows for more detailed and crisp images, which is ideal for professionals looking to capture high-resolution photos. The Mini 4 also introduces an improved HDR feature, which enhances image quality by balancing light and dark areas in photos and videos. The 6x zoom feature is another upgrade, providing better clarity even when zooming in on distant objects.

Winner: The Mini 4’s improved resolution, frame rate, and zoom capabilities make it the clear winner in this category, particularly for those who prioritize image and video quality.

3. Flight Performance and Battery Life

Flight performance and battery life are two areas in which the Mini series has always excelled. Whether you’re using your drone for recreational purposes or more serious photography and videography, having a stable, responsive, and long-lasting drone is essential.

DJI Mini 3 Flight Performance

The DJI Mini 3 offers up to 38 minutes of flight time with its standard battery and a range of up to 10 km, thanks to its OcuSync 2.0 transmission system. The drone is quick to respond to controls, making it ideal for capturing smooth, dynamic shots. It can handle winds of up to 10.7 m/s, which is impressive given its lightweight build. However, the lack of advanced obstacle avoidance technology means you have to be cautious when flying in more complex environments.

DJI Mini 4 Flight Performance

The Mini 4 builds on the solid foundation of the Mini 3, offering up to 45 minutes of flight time with its upgraded intelligent battery. The range has been increased to 12 km, utilizing OcuSync 3.0 for improved connectivity and lower latency. The Mini 4 can withstand winds of up to 11.5 m/s, making it even more stable in challenging conditions. Additionally, the Mini 4 features an enhanced obstacle avoidance system with sensors on the front, back, and bottom, providing a safer flying experience.

Winner: The DJI Mini 4 outperforms the Mini 3 in both flight time and safety features, making it a better option for those who need longer flights and more reliable obstacle avoidance.

4. Features and Smart Modes

Both the Mini 3 and Mini 4 are packed with intelligent flight modes that make flying easier and more enjoyable. These modes are especially useful for content creators who want to capture complex shots with minimal effort.

DJI Mini 3 Features

The Mini 3 comes with DJI’s popular QuickShot modes, including Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang. These modes allow the drone to autonomously perform cinematic maneuvers, making it easier for beginners to capture stunning shots. The Mini 3 also supports GPS and downward vision sensors for stable hovering.

DJI Mini 4 Features

The Mini 4 introduces a few new features on top of those found in the Mini 3. One of the most notable is the addition of FocusTrack, which includes ActiveTrack, Spotlight, and Point of Interest modes. These features allow the Mini 4 to track subjects autonomously, making it ideal for filming moving objects such as cars, boats, or people. The Mini 4 also includes an upgraded panorama mode that captures more detailed wide-angle, 180-degree, and sphere panoramas.

Winner: The Mini 4 takes the win here with its enhanced smart features, offering more advanced options for creative shots and autonomous flying.

5. Price

Price is always an important factor when choosing between two similar drones. The DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 are both reasonably priced, but there is a difference that could influence your decision.

DJI Mini 3 Price

The DJI Mini 3 is priced more affordably, making it an attractive option for hobbyists or those who are new to drones. You can purchase the Mini 3 for around $499, though prices may vary depending on where you shop and the accessories included in the package.

DJI Mini 4 Price

The DJI Mini 4, with its upgraded features and improved performance, comes at a higher price point. It typically starts at around $699, which may be a bit steep for beginners but justifiable for those who need the advanced features and capabilities that the Mini 4 offers.

Winner: If budget is your main concern, the Mini 3 is the more affordable option. However, the Mini 4 justifies its higher price with improved performance and features.

6. Accessories and Compatibility

When investing in a drone, it’s also important to consider the available accessories and their compatibility across models.

DJI Mini 3 Accessories

The Mini 3 is compatible with a range of DJI accessories, including propeller guards, carrying cases, and the DJI RC-N1 remote controller. However, it lacks compatibility with some of the more advanced accessories released for later models.

DJI Mini 4 Accessories

The Mini 4 not only supports the same accessories as the Mini 3 but is also compatible with newer, more advanced accessories, such as the DJI RC Pro controller, which offers a built-in screen and improved signal transmission. This added compatibility makes the Mini 4 more versatile for serious drone users.

Winner: The Mini 4’s compatibility with a wider range of accessories gives it the edge for those who plan to invest in additional gear.

7. FAQs

Q: Which drone is better for beginners?

A: The DJI Mini 3 is a better choice for beginners due to its lower price and simpler feature set. However, the Mini 4’s advanced obstacle avoidance system makes it a safer option if you’re willing to spend a bit more.

Q: Can both drones shoot in 4K?

A: Yes, both the Mini 3 and Mini 4 can shoot in 4K, but the Mini 4 offers a higher frame rate of 60fps, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Q: Is the DJI Mini 4 worth the extra cost?

A: If you’re a professional content creator or someone who needs advanced features like FocusTrack and improved obstacle avoidance, the Mini 4 is worth the extra investment. However, the Mini 3 remains a solid choice for casual users.

Q: How much flight time can I expect?

A: The DJI Mini 3 offers up to 38 minutes of flight time, while the Mini 4 provides up to 45 minutes with its enhanced battery.

Conclusion

The DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 are both exceptional drones, each with its strengths. If you’re new to drones or on a budget, the Mini 3 is an excellent choice that doesn’t compromise on essential features. However, for those who need more advanced camera capabilities, longer flight time, and enhanced smart features, the DJI Mini 4 is the clear winner. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your needs and budget, but either way, you