DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3: Unveiling the Ultimate Aerial Experience

When it comes to capturing stunning aerial footage and exploring the world from above, DJI drones have consistently stood out as the go-to choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. In the ever-evolving world of drone technology, DJI continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Two of their most notable offerings, the DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3, are now at the forefront of discussions among drone aficionados. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the intricate details of these two remarkable drones to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your aerial adventures.

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The Battle of Specifications: DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to examine the specifications side by side. Let’s start with the key details:

Specification	DJI Mini 3	DJI Mini 2
Take-off Weight	248 g	249 g
Dimensions:
Folded (without propellers):	148×90×62 mm (L×W×H)	140×82×57 mm (L×W×H)
Open (including propellers):	251×362×72 mm (L×W×H)	159×203×56 mm (L×W×H)
Maximum Climb Speed	5 m/s	5 m/s
Maximum Descent Speed	3.5 m/s	3.5 m/s
Maximum Horizontal Speed	16 m/s	16 m/s
With Intelligent Flight Battery	4000 m	4000 m
Flight Autonomy:
38 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery)		31 minutes
51 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus*)		N/A
Autonomy in Hovering Flight:
33 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery)		29 minutes
44 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus)		N/A
Maximum Flight Distance:
18 km (with the Intelligent Flight Battery		10 km
and measured at a flight speed of 43.2 km/h
without wind)
Maximum Resistance to Wind Speed	10.7 m/s (Level 5)	N/A
Maximum Pitch Angle	40°	30°
Operating Temperature	Between -10° and 40°C	Between 0° and 40°C
Global Navigation Satellite System	GPS + GLONASS + Galileo	GPS + GLONASS
Hover Accuracy:
Vertical:	±0.1 m (with visual positioning)	±0.1 m (with visual positioning)
±0.5 m (with GNSS positioning)	±0.5 m (with GNSS positioning)	±0.5 m (with GNSS positioning)
Horizontal:	±0.3 m (with visual positioning)	±0.3 m (with visual positioning)
±1.5 m (with GNSS positioning)	±1.5 m (with GNSS positioning)	±1.5 m (with GNSS positioning)
Internal Memory	N/A	N/A
Camera Specifications:
Image Sensor	1/1.3″ CMOS	1/2.3″ CMOS
Effective Pixels	48MP	12MP
Objective:
FOV	82.1°	83°
Equivalent Format	24 mm	24 mm
Aperture	f/1.7	f/2.8
Focus	1 m to ∞	1 m to ∞
ISO Range:
Video	100-3200	100-3200
Photos	100-3200	100-3200
Shutter Speed:
Electronic shutter	2-1/8000 s	4-1/8000 s
Maximum Image Size	8064×6048	4000×3000
Photo Modes:
Single Shot	12 MP	12 MP
48 MP	48 MP	N/A
Timed	12 MP	12 MP
JPEG	2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60s	2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60s
JPEG + RAW	5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s	N/A
Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB)	12 MP, 3 frames at 2/3 steps EV	12 MP, 3 frames at 2/3 steps EV
Panorama	Sphere, 180°, Wide Angle	Sphere, 180°, Wide Angle
HDR	Single Shot mode supports HDR image output	N/A
Photo Format	JPEG/DNG (RAW)	JPEG/DNG (RAW)
Video Resolution:
4K	3840×2160 at 24/25/30 fps	3840×2160 at 24/25/30 fps
2.7K	2720×1530 at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps	N/A
FHD	1920×1080 at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps	1920×1080 at 24/25/ 30/48/50/60 fps
HDR: Recording at 24/25/30fps frame rates supports exporting images in HDR.	Yes	No
Video Format	MP4 (H.264)	MP4 (H.264)
Max Video Bit Rate	100Mb/s	100Mb/s
Supported File Systems	FAT32 (≤ 32 GB)	FAT32 (≤ 32 GB)
	exFAT (> 32 GB)	exFAT (> 32 GB)
Color Mode	Normal	Normal
Digital Zoom:
4K	2×	2×
2.7K	3×	N/A
Full HD	4×	N/A
QuickShot Mode	Dronie, Spiral,	Dronie, Helix,
	Ascent, Circle,	Rocket, Circle,
	Boomerang	Helix, Asteroid
Stabilization	3-axis mechanics (tilt, roll, and horizontal rotation)	3-axis mechanical gimbal
Mechanical Radius:
Tilt	-135° to 80°	-110° to 35°
Roll	-135° to 45°	-35° to 35°
Pan	-30° to 30°	-20° to 20°
Radius Controllable:
Tilt	-90° to 60°	-90° to 0°
Roll	-90° to 0°	N/A
Maximum Control Speed (Tilt)	100°/s	N/A
Angular Vibration Range	±0.01°	N/A
Sensors:
Detection Type	Lower vision system	Downward vision system
Precise Hovering Range	0.5-10m	0.5-30m
Operating Environment:
Downward	Diffuse reflective surfaces with a clear pattern and reflectivity > 20%	Diffuse reflective surfaces with a clear pattern and reflectivity > 20%
Adequate Lighting (lux > 15, normal indoor lighting conditions)	Adequate lighting	Adequate lighting
	(lux > 15, normal indoor lighting conditions)	(lux > 15, normal indoor lighting conditions)
Video Transmission:
Video Transmission System	DJI O2	OcuSync 2.0
Image Transmission Quality (Live View):
Radio control	720p/30fps	720p/30fps
Operating Frequency:
2.400-2.4835 GHz	2.400-2.4835 GHz	2.400-2.4835 GHz
5.725–5.850 GHz	5.725–5.850 GHz	5.725–5.850 GHz
Transmit Power (EIRP):
2.400-2.4835 GHz	< 26 dBm (FCC) < 20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)	< 26 dBm (FCC) < 20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
5.725-5.850 GHz	< 26 dBm (FCC/SRRC) < 14 dBm (CE)	< 26 dBm (FCC) < 14 dBm (CE)
Maximum Transmission Distance:
FCC	10 km	10 km
CE	6 km	6 km
SRRC	6 km	6 km
MIC	6 km	6 km
Maximum Download Speed:
DJI O2	5.5 MB/s (with DJI RC-N1 remote controller)	N/A
Wi-Fi 5	25 MB/s	N/A
Lower Latency	Approx. 200 ms Depending on the actual environment and mobile device	N/A
Antenna	2 antennas (1T2R)	N/A
Battery Capacity:
Intelligent Flight Battery:	2453 mAh	2250 mAh
Intelligent Flight Battery Plus:	3850 mAh	N/A
Weight:
Intelligent Flight Battery:	Approx. 80.5 g	Approx. 140 g
Intelligent Flight Battery Plus:	Approx. 121 g	N/A
Nominal Voltage	7.38V	7.7V
Charging Voltage (max.)	8.5V	8.8V
Cell Type	Li-ion	LiPo

Examining the DJI Mini 2

Design and Portability

The DJI Mini 2 is a marvel of compact design, weighing in at a mere 248 grams. It’s so lightweight that it doesn’t require registration in many countries, making it an ideal choice for travelers and adventurers. Its foldable design ensures easy portability, making it a great companion for those always on the move.

Camera Quality

Equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, the Mini 2 can capture 12-megapixel photos and record 4K video at 30 frames per second. The three-axis gimbal ensures stable footage even in challenging weather conditions. Intelligent shooting modes like Dronie and Rocket allow you to create cinematic shots effortlessly.

Performance

Powered by a robust brushless motor, the Mini 2 can reach speeds of up to 35.8 miles per hour and offers a maximum flight time of 31 minutes. This drone’s stability and GPS capabilities enable it to handle various weather conditions with ease.

Controller and Connectivity

The Mini 2 comes with a dedicated controller that provides a reliable connection up to 10 kilometers away, ensuring seamless piloting even in interference-prone environments.

Introducing the DJI Mini 3

Upgraded Camera: DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3

The DJI Mini 3 takes the Mini 2’s impressive camera capabilities to the next level. Featuring a larger 1-inch sensor with 20 megapixels, it delivers even higher image quality. With 5.4K video recording at 60 frames per second, your aerial footage will be nothing short of breathtaking.

Obstacle Avoidance

One of the most significant upgrades in the Mini 3 is its advanced obstacle avoidance system. Equipped with sensors, it can detect and avoid obstacles from all directions, ensuring safer flights and reducing the risk of accidents.

Enhanced Battery Life

The Mini 3 boasts an extended battery life of up to 40 minutes, allowing you to capture more footage on a single charge.

Advanced Flight Modes: DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3

DJI has introduced new flight modes in the Mini 3, including Pro Mode for experienced pilots and Hyperlapse for creating stunning time-lapse videos with ease.

The Ultimate Decision: DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3

To help you make the ultimate decision between the DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3, let’s consider a few scenarios where one might shine over the other:

DJI Mini 2 – The Versatile Travel Companion

• Travel Enthusiast: If you’re a globetrotter and want a drone that can easily slip into your backpack, the Mini 2’s lightweight and portable design make it the ideal choice. You can effortlessly capture breathtaking landscapes and memories from your travels.
• Budget-Conscious: The Mini 2 offers impressive performance and camera capabilities at a more budget-friendly price point. If you’re just getting started with aerial photography and don’t want to break the bank, it’s a fantastic option.
• Hobbyist Filmmaker: For hobbyist filmmakers who want to experiment with drone videography, the Mini 2’s 4K video recording and intelligent shooting modes provide ample creative opportunities.

DJI Mini 3 – The Professional’s Choice

• Professional Photographer or Videographer: If your drone work is more than just a hobby and you demand the highest image quality and advanced features, the Mini 3 is your perfect companion. Its larger sensor, 5.4K video capabilities, and obstacle avoidance ensure that you capture professional-grade content.
• Safety-Conscious: If you’re concerned about the safety and want a drone that can detect and avoid obstacles with precision, the Mini 3’s advanced obstacle-avoidance technology offers peace of mind during flights.
• Long Flight Times: When you need extended flight times for complex aerial projects or longer shoots, the Mini 3’s 44-minute autonomy with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus becomes invaluable.

Conclusion on DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3

In the DJI Mini 2 vs Mini 3 showdown, both drones excel in their respective domains. The Mini 2 appeals to the adventurer, the traveler, and the budget-conscious, while the Mini 3 caters to the professional seeking the highest image quality and advanced features.

Before making your choice, carefully evaluate your needs, your aspirations as a drone pilot, and your budget. Whichever you select, you can be sure that DJI’s commitment to innovation and quality ensures you’ll have a remarkable aerial experience. So, take to the skies and capture the world from a whole new perspective with the DJI Mini 2 or Mini 3 by your side.