My DJI Mini Pro 3 Adventure: Learning, Challenges, and Growth
I’ve always wanted a drone to capture amazing aerial shots, and after getting a small Tello drone to learn the basics, I saved up for the DJI Mini Pro 3. Here’s a peek into my journey with it so far.
.png) |
| Image by Rene Sobeck from Pixabay |
Why Choose the DJI Mini Pro 3?
I was excited to get this drone because I saw it as an opportunity to take my photos and videos to the next level. It was a birthday present to myself, something I'd wanted for a long time and when I first got it, I was confident and ready to fly. But then, something unexpected happened, which we’ll discuss later.
When I was choosing a drone, the DJI Mini Pro 3 stood out because it was priced right and had the features I was looking for. It offered a great balance of affordability and high-quality performance.
One of its standout features is the Point of View (POV) mode. This lets you capture dynamic, immersive shots from your perspective. Simply put, the drone flies around you in a circle, giving you a unique, 360-degree view. I’ve gotten some great footage from this feature, though I do wonder where to place the RC remote during these shots.
The Follow Me function is fantastic for recording you doing something. It uses GPS to track your movement, so you can focus on the action while the drone captures you from a set angle—whether walking along the beach, exploring a forest, or going for a kayak.
Another reason I wanted the mini was its lightweight design.
The DJI Mini Pro 3 is very cute, small and easy to carry around, making it perfect for travel.
At the time of purchase, I didn’t have a specific travel goal in mind. I just loved creating videos and the unique, bird’s-eye view that aerial shots provide. With its 4K camera and simple controls, the DJI Mini Pro 3 promised to help my content stand out and deliver stunning visuals. Now, as we prepare for our travels, I’m excited to have this amazing drone to capture all our adventures.
The Unexpected Splash
As I mentioned, when I first got the DJI Mini Pro 3, I was pretty confident in flying it. I’d fly it all the way out to islands as far as it could go, used it while we were out on the jetski, and followed Morné on his motorbike. I trusted its capabilities completely.
We were at Sullivans Bay in Auckland, a beautiful spot we visited after a trip to the Puhoi Pub. Our goal was to capture a cute couple shot of us holding hands on the beach with the tide out, creating a perfect reflection in a pool of water behind us.
While trying to get a cool shot, the drone was doing a 360 around us. Our backs were towards the drone, and we were facing the water. Suddenly, we heard a splash, and the RC remote went to a black screen. My heart sank as I realised my new drone had splashed into the puddle water. It was a tough moment.
 |
| The shot we were taking with the DJI Mini Pro 3 |
I sent the drone and its flight logs to DJI. After analysing them, they confirmed that the drone was faulty and sent me a replacement. The process took a bit of time, but I’m pleased with DJI’s customer service and the support from Photogear, where I purchased the drone. I also opted to pay extra for care cover to protect myself in case anything went wrong again. Unfortunately, I lost one battery in the incident, but since I had purchased the DJI Fly More Combo, I still have two batteries remaining.
This experience has made me much more cautious about flying my drone, especially over water. I’m now dedicating more time to learning and mastering all the controls to prevent any future mishaps. Thankfully, the DJI app offers free learning videos through the DJI Academy, which is helping me gain the skills and knowledge I need to fly safely and confidently... again!
Why I Still Recommend the DJI Mini Pro 3
Even though my first drone turned out to be faulty, I was very happy to get a replacement and now highly recommend learning to fly a drone, especially if you’re passionate about creating unique content. The DJI Mini Pro 3 has been a fantastic addition to my gear, offering several impressive features.
Features and Specifications of the DJI Mini Pro 3
- Camera: 4K Ultra HD camera with 48MP photos.
- Battery Life: Up to 34 minutes of flight time per battery.
- Range: Up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) transmission range.
- Weight: 249 grams (0.55 pounds), making it very portable.
- Obstacle Avoidance: Advanced obstacle sensing to help avoid collisions.
- Intelligent Shooting Modes: Includes options like QuickShots, Panorama, and SmartPhoto.
- Stabilisation: 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stable footage.
Drone Remote Controller Specs (DJI RC)
- Screen: Built-in 5.5-inch 1080p HD screen that is easy to see even in bright sunlight, which has been a challenge with my phone.
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours of operation.
- Controls: Intuitive layout with dedicated buttons for quick access to essential functions.
- Transmission: Enhanced OcuSync 3.0 technology for reliable video transmission.
- Compatibility: Supports various smartphones and tablets with adjustable clamps.
You don’t necessarily need to purchase the remote controller separately; the drone can be controlled using your phone. However, I opted for the remote controller because it allows me to disconnect from my phone and immerse myself fully in the flying experience. Plus, the remote’s screen is highly visible even in bright sunlight, which solves a common issue I’ve had with my phone’s screen outdoors.
Looking Ahead
The DJI Mini Pro 3 has been fantastic for capturing stunning shots and videos. Even though there have been challenges, it’s been a great learning experience. I’m looking forward to using it more and getting even better at flying. If you’re interested in learning more about the equipment we use for capturing our adventures and creating content, be sure to check out our Our Gear page.
