I am often asked which affordable model to buy to get started in drone videography and photography. I always recommend DJI models for their reliability
The lightweight segment is by far the most popular due to affordability, portability, and more relaxed regulations. DJI currently proposes five different models below 250 grams; however, two of them don’t exactly fit this analysis:
- The Neo, which is a specialized model for close-range vlogging
- The Mini 4 Pro, which comes at a higher price
In this video, I will focus on the Flip, the Mini 3, and the Mini 4K. I will analyze them in terms of video and photo qualities and functionalities
Other related articles you may find interesting:
- DJI Flip for video
- DJI Flip for photography
- Mini 3 video quality
- Mini 3 photography
- Mini 4k video
- Mini 4k photography
Specs
| Mini 4k | Mini 3 | Flip | |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3″ | 1/1.3″ | 1/1.3″ |
| Aperture | f 2.8 | f 1.7 | f 1.7 |
| Field of view | 24 mm | 24 mm | 24 mm |
| Video resolution | 4k up to 30 fps | 4k up to 30 fps | 4k up to 100 fps |
| Photo resolution | 12 MP | 12 MP (48 MP) | 12 MP (48 MP) |
| Wind resistance | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| Signal transmission | O2 | O2 | O4 |
| Vertical video | No | Yes | Vertical 2.7k |
Camera
The Mini 4 K is a rebranded version of the Mini 2, a successful model released almost four years ago, a geological era in terms of drone technology
The sensor size is 1/2.3”, very small by today’s standard, the aperture is fixed at f2.8, the field of view is equivalent to 24mm
The video resolution is 4k at up to 30 fps, meaning that slow motion cannot be applied to footage. The photo resolution is 12 MP
The Flip and the Mini 3 share the same camera with a 1/1.3” sensor with a wide aperture of f1.7, a field of view equivalent to 24mm, the video resolution is 4k up to 30 fps for the Mini 3, while for the Flip it is up to 100 fps, with good slow motion capabilities
In both models, the real photo resolution is 12 MP, however, both have a 48 MP mode, which works by splitting each pixel into four smaller ones
Some may think that, having the same camera, the two models should deliver the same video and photo quality. It is not the case, as the image processor and the algorithm platform play a major role
Wind Resistance and Speed
The three models have the same announced wind resistance and speed, but the Mini 4 K has inferior aerodynamics compared to the other two, and it feels less powerful. Like most DJI models designed a few years ago, the camera has an annoying jump when the aircraft comes to a halt after a move. This issue has been solved with the redesign of the gimbal for the Mini 3
The Mini 3 is a big improvement in terms of aerodynamics, thanks to a completely redesigned area around the gimbal. It is the most powerful of the three
The design of the Flip has to accommodate the bulky propeller guards and pays a small price in terms of aerodynamics. It is fast in ascending and descending movements, but it struggles in medium frontal winds when flying at high altitude
Signal Transmission
Signal transmission has been constantly improved over the years in the DJI line. The transmission system of the Mini 4k is Ocusynch 2.0, an improvement compared to the Wi Fi system of the original Mavic Mini. It is the same system used by the Mini 3, while the Flip has an improved O4 system
Signal transmission varies considerably in different locations. Here in Southern Europe, the Flip is the best-performing DJI lightweight model in terms of signal strength
The announced flight time is 31 minutes for the Mini 4k and the Flip, while the Mini 3 reaches 38 minutes with the regular battery
Vertical Video
The Mini 3 is the only one of the three models with a gimbal capable of rotating to vertical orientation for video and photos in portrait mode, a useful feature for social media
The Flip has a vertical 2.7k resolution mode to automatically crop video for vertical reels
With the Mini 4k the only way to get vertical video is to crop manually, with an important loss of resolution
Intelligent Features
Mini 4k
The Mini 4k is based on a four-year-old design. Every gram had to be shaved to remain below the 250-gram threshold, so this model offers only the most basic functionalities
Obstacle avoidance detection, a crucial safety feature, is absent. Intelligent flight modes like Active Track, Spotlight, and Point of Interest are also unavailable
The only intelligent feature for video is Quickshots, a series of automated, pre-defined moves:
- Dronie
- Rocket
- Circle
- Helix
- Boomerang
For photography, Automatic Exposure Bracketing and Panorama are available; Hyperlapse mode is sadly missing
Mini 3
The Mini 3 was released in December 2022, six months after the Mini 3 Pro, as an affordable alternative. To compensate for the lower price, many important features were taken away
There is no obstacle avoidance system. The three intelligent flight modes grouped under the name Focus Track, Spotlight, Point of Interest, and Active Track are also unavailable; the same applies to Mastershots and Hyperlapse. The only automated mode offered by the Mini 3 for video is Quickshots
For photography, the 48 MP mode has been added by a firmware update, Panorama mode is available
Flip
The Flip is a true powerhouse in terms of intelligent features, with practically the same functionalities as the mighty Mini 4 Pro. The main difference concerns the Obstacle avoidance system, consisting of a frontal LIDAR sensor and a downward infrared one
All intelligent modes are present, including Active Track, Spotlight, Point of Interest, MasterShots, Quickshots, Hyperlanse, and even Cruise Control. The only significant intelligent mode missing is Waypoint
The Flip is the only model of the three analyzed here to have a second color profile, besides the 8-bit Normal mode. D Log M is a 10-bit flat profile, particularly useful in high dynamic range situations, and for adapting the footage to the color scheme of a specific project
The Flip is a hybrid model capable of flying autonomously or controlled by a smartphone to perform some basic moves suitable for vlogging. Its design includes fixed propeller guards that reduce the aerodynamics; however, they are useful when flying indoors or in confined spaces at a low altitude and protect surrounding people in case of collisions
Video and photo quality
Mini 4k
The Mini 2, which is identical to the Mini 4k, introduced a new processor yielding a noticeable improvement in video and photo quality compared to previous models
In easy lighting conditions, the image quality is still decent, although the colours are not as rich as those of the two other models analyzed here, and the detail is a bit weak
In images taken in the direction of the sun, this model shows its age: the dynamic range is limited, the highlights tend to be overexposed, while the shadows contain little information. When the sun is near the edges of the frame, there are often nasty flares, chromatic aberrations, and loss of detail and saturation
In low light conditions, the image quality falls apart. The small sensor is unable to collect enough light. It is simply unusable at night
Mini 3
In easy light conditions, the Mini 3 shows the result of three more years of research and experience: the colors are richer, and the sky structure has more contrast and depth. The only relatively weak point is the amount of detail, especially in elements in the background
Against the sun, flares, chromatic aberrations, and loss of saturation are well controlled by the new improved lens, although the shadows are still a bit dark
The very wide aperture of the lens gathers plenty of light, and the results in low light conditions are stunning. It is hard to believe that the footage was taken at night
Flip
In easy light conditions, the Flip shows more detail, richer colors, and better sky structure compared to the Mini 3, despite having the same lens. Some users may even find this model to have too much detail; if this is the case, it is possible to tune down the sharpness in the settings
The second color profile, D Log M, pays big dividends in high dynamic situations and for color grading: footage taken in the direction of the sun preserves plenty of information in the shadows while keeping the highlights under control
Footage taken in low light is astonishing, a big improvement over the already excellent results of the Mini 3. For video and photo quality, the Flip is in the same league as the mighty Mini 4 Pro
Summing up
The Mini 4k, or should I say the Mini 2, was an excellent model a few years ago, but I am frankly surprised that it is still in DJI’s catalogue. It cannot compete with the more recent models, and I would not recommend purchasing it despite the slightly lower price
The Mini 3 delivers good video and photo quality, but lacks most intelligent functionalities. These features are mostly relevant to footage, so this model could be an affordable choice for users interested mostly in photography
The higher price of the Flip is justified by the features offered and the quality of video and photos. I would recommend it to users who can afford the higher price. For many, it could be an interesting alternative to the Mini 4 Pro despite the higher noise level