As on the Mini 3 Pro, the nacelle is protected by a plastic shell which clips onto the top and bottom, protecting the optical unit during transport. It will of course be necessary to remove it when starting up after having unfolded the arms of the drone. Once started, the Mini 3 goes into hover waiting for departure at about 1.5 meters from the ground and sets its GPS position for the RTH (Return To Home).
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More (DJI RC) bundle contains the DJI RC remote controller along with a shoulder bag, two-way charging station and two additional intelligent flight batteries. © Romane Riesse / Digital
Our test flights took place in different weather conditions, including a series of very windy flights. And despite the absence of certain sensors dedicated to the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 behaves perfectly in flight. Normal mode is very comfortable and responsive and gets even snappier in Sport mode. Here again, the assistances ensure a stable piloting and a safe and pleasant flight comfort within the reach of any apprentice pilot. In Cine mode, the Mini 3 is much more docile and perfectly suited to the production of video shots where the smoothness and maneuverability of the Mini 3 work wonders. The shots are fluid and perfectly highlight the qualities of motor stabilization and digital stabilization. DJI announces wind resistance up to 10.7 m/s with the guarantee of a stable hovering image. During one of our test days, we faced a few moderate gusts of wind, well absorbed by the drone, but visible on the image in the event of strong gusts; nothing surprising, it was already the case with the Mini 3.
A light drizzle did not disturb the Mini 3, but we preferred to bring it back to its starting point carefully so as not to take any risks. The lens, located very slightly set back in the nacelle, is rather well protected from the rain. But here again, caution requires avoiding the rain, even if the brushless motorization of the Mini 3 cashes, too, rather well in the rain.
The nacelle is oriented at 90° downwards and can also quickly switch to vertical mode (True Vertical Shoting), in both photos and videos. A significant plus for Vloggers who will be able to produce video plans for their stories and others reals to post on social media. The nacelle can also be oriented upwards at 60°, which makes it possible to produce quite spectacular video shots when diving.
Faced with the Mini 3 Pro and its 3D sensors (front, rear and under-the-unit obstacle detection), the Mini 3 only has downward detection. It will therefore be necessary to take this into account during the flights, the latter remaining however very safe. The RTH (Return To Home) can be triggered manually or automatically depending on the battery level. In the absence of detectors, it will be necessary to plan your return trajectory and make sure to set the advanced safety parameters to program the altitude and the automatic landing before returning to the starting point.
In flight, be careful not to lose sight of the Mini 3. Very small and silent, it is quickly forgotten despite the LEDs located at the front under the motors.
