DJI Mini 3, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 38-min Flight Time, up to 32800ft (10km) Video Transmission, True Vertical Shooting, GPS Auto Return Integrated
DJI Mini 3 (GL) Drones with 4K Camera is priced at Kes 51,400 here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya
Key Specifications at a Glance
Feature | Specification |
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Model | DJI Mini 3 (GL) – (Often model: CP.MA-00000430-V01) |
Weight | <249 g (Ultra-lightweight) |
Camera Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS (Large sensor for its class) |
Lens | f/1.7 aperture (Excellent for low light) |
Photo Resolution | 12 MP / 48 MP (Quad Bayer) |
Max Video Resolution | 4K @ 30fps / 2.7K @ 60fps / 1080p @ 60fps |
Video Features | True HDR Video, D-Cinelike Color Profile |
Vertical Shooting | True Vertical Camera Orientation (Not just a crop) |
Video Transmission | O2 (OcuSync 2.0) – 10km max range, 1080p/30fps live feed |
Battery Life | Up to 38 minutes (Standard) / 51 minutes (Plus Battery, >249g) |
Stabilization | 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal |
Key Features | True Vertical Shooting, MasterShots, QuickTransfer, FocusTrack |
Detailed Information Breakdown
1. Camera & Image Quality (The Main Attraction)
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Large 1/1.3-inch Sensor: This is significantly larger than the sensor in the Mini 4K. A larger sensor captures more light, resulting in much better performance in low-light conditions (dusk, dawn, shaded areas) with less noise and more detail.
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True Vertical Shooting: This is the killer feature for social media. The gimbal physically rotates to shoot in a native vertical (portrait) orientation. This means you use the full sensor height for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, resulting in a higher quality image than simply cropping a horizontal video.
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Dual Native ISO & f/1.7 Aperture: These technical features work together to maximize light intake, making the Mini 3 exceptional in various lighting situations.
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True HDR Video: Captages a higher dynamic range, preserving details in both the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows in high-contrast scenes (e.g., a sunny sky over a landscape).
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4K/30fps & 2.7K/60fps: Provides high-resolution video and smooth slow-motion capabilities at 2.7K.
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48MP Photo Mode: Uses a Quad Bayer sensor to capture high-resolution photos, good for cropping while maintaining detail.
2. Flight Performance & Safety
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Weight (<249g): Like all Mini series drones, it benefits from the sub-250g weight class, exempting it from certain regulations in many regions.
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Extended Battery Life: The standard battery offers a solid 38-minute flight time. The optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus extends this to an impressive 51 minutes, but it pushes the drone’s weight over 249g, requiring registration.
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DJI O2 (OcuSync 2.0) Transmission: Provides a stable and reliable HD video feed up to 10km max range (FCC standard).
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Advanced Piloting Features (FocusTrack): This is a significant step up from the Mini 4K’s QuickShots. It includes three automated subject-tracking modes:
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ActiveTrack: Automatically follows a selected subject.
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Point of Interest: Circles smoothly around a subject while keeping it in the frame.
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Spotlight: Locks the camera on a subject while you fly the drone freely.
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3. Ease of Use & Features
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MasterShots: An evolution of QuickShots. You select a subject, and the drone automatically performs a series of complex, cinematic maneuvers and edits them together with music in the DJI Fly app.
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QuickTransfer: Allows you to download photos and videos directly from the drone to your phone via Wi-Fi, without needing the remote controller. Perfect for quick social media sharing.
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DJI Fly App: The intuitive control center for all flight and camera settings.
4. Who Is This Drone For?
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Social Media Content Creators: The true vertical camera makes it the ideal drone for TikTok, Instagram Reel, and YouTube Short creators.
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Enthusiasts Wanting Better Image Quality: Users who want the portability of a Mini drone but are not satisfied with the basic image quality of entry-level models.
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Travelers & Hikers: The compact, lightweight design is perfect for packing, and the excellent battery life means more flight time on the go.
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Upgraders from a Mini SE or Mini 4K: Those looking for significantly better low-light performance, smarter features, and vertical video.
5. Who Is It NOT For?
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Pilots Needing Obstacle Avoidance: The standard Mini 3 does not have forward or backward obstacle sensors. (Note: The Mini 3 Pro does have these sensors).
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Professionals Needing 10-bit Color: While it has a D-Cinelike flat color profile, it does not record 10-bit color like the Mini 4 Pro, limiting color grading flexibility.
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Users on a Very Tight Budget: It is more expensive than the Mini 4K.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros | Cons |
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✅ True Vertical Shooting for social media | ❌ No obstacle avoidance sensors (standard model) |
✅ Superior image quality with large 1/1.3″ sensor | ❌ No 4K/60fps video (only up to 4K/30fps) |
✅ Excellent low-light performance (f/1.7 lens) | ❌ Lacks 10-bit color for professional grading |
✅ Long flight time (up to 38/51 minutes) | ❌ More expensive than the Mini 4K |
✅ Advanced features like FocusTrack & MasterShots | ❌ Using Plus battery requires registration (>249g) |
Verdict
The DJI Mini 3 (GL) is a highly compelling and versatile drone that sits in the sweet spot of the Mini lineup. Its unique vertical shooting capability and large sensor make it specifically tailored for the modern content creator.
Recommendation: If you are serious about creating content for social media and want a portable drone that offers excellent image quality without the premium price of the Mini 4 Pro, the DJI Mini 3 is the perfect choice. It offers the most important prosumer features in a lightweight, easy-to-use package. If obstacle avoidance is a must-have for you, you should consider the Mini 3 Pro or the Mini 4 Pro.
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