DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro (Which One is Right for You?)

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DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mini 3 Pro are both fantastic drones with high-end capabilities and astonishing performances.

But as good as these drones are, they target different types of consumers. Therefore, between the DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mini 3 Pro, which one is right for you?

DJI Mavic 3 is a better choice if you aim for professional photography and video making, commercial applications and inspections, or any activities where the Mavic 3 will outperform, as the DJI Mini 3 Pro is more suitable for regular consumers, beginner-friendly, and more portable.

There is a lot to cover on this topic, so keep reading to find out which is better for you between the DJI Mavic 3 and Mini 3 Pro.

Note: There are quite a few versions of DJI Mavic 3, but in this topic, we will reflect on the standard version released in November 2021.

DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro – Common ground & target customers #

It is no doubt that the DJI Mini 3 Pro and DJI Mavic 3 are two different drones built for different types of customers and business purposes.

For instance, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a fantastic drone for beginners to get started with flying drones, aerial photography, and portability.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro brings simplicity and quality in mind and is much more affordable than getting started with a Mavic 3 drone.

As for the DJI Mavic 3, there is an entire production line dedicated to customizing and fitting the DJI Mavic 3 drone under multiple industries.

A few examples would be:

Mavic 3 Cine – Very similar to Mavic 3, but it has a much better performance camera and unique video qualities designed for filmmakers.
Mavic 3 Enterprise – A fantastic series of leading drones for commercial use such as mapping, multispectral surveys (Mavic 3 Multispectral), search and rescue, and much more.
Mavic 3 Classic – A new drone very similar to the original Mavic 3 (not to be confused).

The Mavic 3 drone (standard) and DJI Mini 3 Pro are both fantastic drones that you simply cannot fail with.

Although they are designed differently, both drones are capable of more than excellent photography and video recording for today’s common consumer, with more features than most of us actually need.

DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro features #

FeaturesDJI Mavic 3DJI Mini 3 ProWeight895 grams<249 gramsBattery Life46 minutes34 minutes (intelligent battery)47 minutes (intelligent battery plus)Camera SensorsHasselblad: 4/3 CMOSTele Camera: 1/2 inch CMOS1/1.3 inch CMOSPhotographyHasselblad: f/2.8 to f/11, 20MPTele Camera: f/4.4, 12MPf/1.7, 48MP max resolutionVideo CapabilitiesHasselblad: 5.2k at 50fps, 4k at 120fpsTele Camera: 4k at 50fps4k at 60fps, FHD at 120fpsSafety FeaturesForward, backward, lateral, upward & downward precision sensors; Omnidirectional binocular vision system. Advanced Return To Home FeatureForward, backward & downward precision sensors (tri-directional obstacle sensing). Traditional RTH Feature. Unique FeaturesO3+ Transmission28x Hybrid ZoomDJI O3 Air Unit

Note: DJI Mavic 3 Cine and other variants may have different specs. The Apple ProRes variants are supported only on the DJI Mavic 3 Cine and not the standard version.

Weight & portability #

DJI Mini 3 Pro is lightweight and weighs under 250 grams. In terms of laws and regulations, most states and countries around the globe are less restrictive of drones with a total weight under 250 grams.

For people who travel a lot, either countrywide or internationally, it is favorable to choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro over the DJI Mavic 3 because of its portability and weight.

If you do so, please always check your destination country or state about drone laws and regulations.

Furthermore, the DJI Mavic 3 is a whopping 900 grams, nearly 4 times heavier than the Mini 3 Pro.

Although there are differences in weight and size, each drone packs hardware that will reflect performance, quality, and features.

Although DJI Mini 3 Pro may even fit in your pocket, that’s not the case for the DJI Mavic 3.

For this drone, because of its higher price tier and larger size, we strongly recommend you transport it in a specific rugged case to avoid damaging your drone.

Safety features & flight time #

The flight time of both drones is fantastic, with the DJI Mavic 3 flying up to 46 minutes and the Mini 3 Pro flying up to 34, or 47 minutes, depending on the battery.

Of course that the flight time of both drones is always affected by weather conditions, wind speed, and more factors, but because of the extra weight, DJI Mavic 3 can fly in more hostile wind conditions.

If this will matter a lot to you as you often find yourself flying in places with higher winds, such as on the seaside or high altitudes, then the Mavic 3 may fit your needs better.

**Let’s have a look at the safety features. **

Both drones have obstacle avoidance sensors. The DJI Mini 3 Pro has 3-directional avoidance sensors, whereas the Mavic 3 has a more complex sensing system that features omnidirectional avoidance.

Therefore, to conclude, the DJI Mavic 3 is, in fact, safer to fly than the DJI Mini 3 Pro, in special locations where sensors should be considered a priority (such as flying inside a forest).

DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro in photography & video recording #

The DJI Mavic 3 has two active cameras, whereas the DJI Mini 3 Pro has a single one.

The Hasselblad camera that belongs to DJI Mavic 3 features a 4/3 inch sensor for outstanding image and video quality. Long story short, it is far superior to the DJI Mini 3 Pro sensor (1/1.3 CMOS).

This means that in terms of photography and video recording, the DJI Mavic 3 has far better results and performance, both in normal light and low light capabilities, than the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro captures with a maximum of 48 megapixels as compared to the 20 megapixels of the Hasselblad camera.

Although the DJI Mini 3 Pro has a higher resolution, the Mavic 3 still wins hands down due to the pixel calibration method and accurate color reproduction of the Hasselblad technology.

But, the DJI Mavic 3 has a secondary camera, as already mentioned – unique of its kind, with a 28x hybrid zoom.

The camera features some decent photography (12mp) and video recordings (4k50fps), but its main attribution is to be able to zoom as no other drones before this.

The tele camera will give you a unique perspective when filming or photographing.

But which is better for you in terms of photography and filming, the DJI Mini 3 Pro or the DJI Mavic 3? #

Both of them. It all depends on the budget and your area of activity.

Although prices may vary, if you are a regular consumer and you’re looking for occasional photography and video recordings, it is more justifiable to simply choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro because of the portability and lower price.

If you can justify paying about double in price for the DJI Mavic 3 and you know you’ll have a return on investment, that’s even a better choice.

If not, I still recommend you choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro for now.

Choosing between Mavic 3 and Mini 3 Pro for YouTube & social media #

If you are often posting on social media (e.g. Instagram) aerial photographs or you run a YouTube channel, both drones will deliver excellency.

Both drones have active tracking, but the DJI Mavic 3 has a better avoidance system.

If your goal is to grow your channel or social media profile, you will benefit more from the DJI Mini 3 Pro because of its size and portability featuring the price with high performance.

However, if you already have an established channel where you are earning and you can justify this expense that may increase your video quality, or in fact, your social media or YouTube channel mainly focuses on photography and filmmaking, then the Mavic 3 would be a better choice for you.

When to choose DJI Mini 3 Pro #

The DJI Mini 3 Pro was created with portability in mind, promoting unique features and performance at affordable prices. It is more beginner friendly and less intimidating when flying a drone due to its small size.

Summarizing this article, we recommend you choose the DJI Mini 3 Pro over DJI Mavic 3 when:

You are just starting in flying drones, aerial photography, or filmmaking.
You will travel a lot, backpack travels, or limited power management. In this case, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is more compact and portable, and the batteries will need less power to fully charge (e.g., from a power bank).
In case you’re just growing your social media account or your YouTube channel.
You’re looking forward to simple travel aerial photographs and videos.
You travel to states or countries where having a drone under 250 grams will benefit you over a larger drone in terms of laws and regulations.
You have a limited budget.

When to choose DJI Mavic 3 #

The DJI Mavic 3 (and as well the enterprise series) will feature unique attributes and are more inclined to professional photographers or filmmakers or commercial use.

**We recommend you choose the DJI Mavic 3 drone over the DJI Mini 3 Pro when: **

You are looking for an absolutely stunning photo and video quality.
You’re working in a professional area or environment (reflecting other DJI Mavic 3 drones such as the Enterprise series).
The drone will be used for inspections (28x hybrid zoom) or if you are looking for unique photography or video styles using the tele camera.
The budget is not an issue for you and you can justify this expense.
You have many followers/subscribers and you’re looking to share the best media you can with your audience.
You are just starting to fly drones, and definitely choosing this drone is not a budget issue for you (choosing for omnidirectional avoidance system and advanced tracking / RTH).

Note: Please keep in mind that, after all, no matter what drone you are choosing, make sure you choose wisely, and you can always justify your expense per your scope of aerial activity.