This might look like an unfair comparison, given the big difference in price between the two models
But there are several reasons why many users can be interested: someone looking into purchasing the Mini 3 might like to know how it performs compared to the benchmark in quality of the DJI prosumer line, the Mavic 3
Also, some professional or prosumer users who already own a Mavic 3 might consider adding the Mini 3 to their bag, because of its weight below 250 grams, with more relaxed regulations in many countries. They might also be attracted by the vertical video shooting for posting on social media platforms
From the specs, we should expect a much higher quality from the Mavic 3, but the Mini 3 Pro has already shown some surprising capabilities
If You Prefer To Watch This As a Video
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 and 3 Classic Video Specs
| Mini 3 Pro | Mavic 3 | |
| Weight | 249 grams | 895 grams |
| Sensor size | 1/1.3″ | 4/3″ |
| Aperture | f 1.7 | f 2.8 – f11 |
| Field of view | 82.1° (24 mm) | 84° (24 mm) |
| Video resolution | 4k at 60 fps | 5.1k at 50 fps |
| Video bitrate | 150 Mbps | 200 Mbps |
| Color profiles | Normal, D Cinelike | Normal, D Loog, HLG |
| Obstacle sensors | Tridimensional | Omnidirectional |
Image quality is only part of the equation. Many professional users might decide to pay the extra price of the Mavic 3 because of some important features reserved for the flagship model that can justify on their own the higher price
- Variable aperture
- Higher video resolution
- Longer battery life
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensors
- Telephoto lens, not available on the Mavic 3 Classic
The Mini 3 Pro has two important extra selling points
- The weight below the critical threshold of 250 grams
- The ability to rotate the camera to shoot footage and photos in vertical format
It is possible to dig deeper into the video quality and capabilities of these two models in my specific articles
Mini 3 Pro: Camera Settings for Video
Mavic 3 and 3 Classic Video Quality
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 and 3 Classic Footage in Normal Mode
The Normal mode in the Mavic 3 is the amazing Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, the true benchmark for ready-to-use color modes in the DJI prosumer line. I tend to use the 10 bits flat profiles whenever they are available, but Normal in the Mavic 3 is so good that I use it very often
Even without color grading, footage taken with the Mavic 3 in Normal mode is excellent, with beautiful colors, great dynamic range, and plenty of detail. The structure of the sky is a thing of beauty. It doesn’t need editing, although a touch of detail and a bit of warmth to the white balance improve things even further
Normal mode in the Mini 3 needs a bit of help from color grading. A bit of contrast and a good dose of saturation are needed. There is a tendency toward a yellowish tone, so we move the temperature toward blue. The dynamic range is slightly lower than the one of the Mavic 3 and at times the shadows are a bit too dark
Let’s put the two side by side. The clips were taken one immediately after the other, they are not graded, and shot with manual exposure. The white balance was set at 5500k for both. We can see a much better sky structure, more detail, more dynamic range, and more info in the shadows for the Mavic 3. The performance of the Mini 3 is not bad at all, but the Natural Color Solution of the Mavic 3 is sensational
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 and 3 Classic Top-Down Video
In top-down views, the sky is taken out of the equation to concentrate on detail and color rendition. Both drones perform very well, but with a little extra detail for the Mavic 3 compared to the Mini 3 Pro, especially in the shadows. The colors are excellent in both models, but once again the ones in the bigger model are richer
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 and 3 Classic 10-bit Color Modes
D Log is the classic 10-bit flat profile meant for heavy post-processing. It is supposed to perform better in situations of high dynamic range and is the one to use to adapt the footage to the color scheme of a specific project
D Log in the Mavic 3 and 3 Classic responds very well to color grading, has very rich colors, plenty of details in the shadows, and no artifacts like color banding in the sky, noise, or chromatic aberrations
HLG, has been recently added to the Mavic 3 by a firmware update. It is a welcome addition and in certain situations, it works really well with a very extended dynamic range and plenty of detail. It has a slight tendency to overexpose, but it is only the first release and will probably be improved in further firmware updates
The Mini 3 has its own flat profile, D Cinelike. It has been improved by firmware updates. It is now a 10 bit profile. The dynamic range cannot match the one of the Mavic 3. Considering the price point and the size of the sensor the performance is good, but cannot compete with the flagship model
The structure of the sky is a bit disappointing and the shadows often tend to be too dark. In situations of medium dynamic range is very difficult to have both the sky and the element on the ground properly exposed
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 and 3 Classic Low Light Footage
Some low footage shot after sunset with the last bit of twilight. As usual, the performance of the Mavic 3 is very solid. Thanks to the huge sensor there is a lot of detail in the shadows and very rich colors. It was very, very dark
There is just a touch of luminance noise in the sky and in the sea, but it is not at all an issue, as I use the excellent Neat Video to get rid of it. More details about Neat Video in my specific article
The Mini 3 in low light performs extremely well, this is the department where it really competes against the Mavic 3. The detail and the colors are excellent, almost as good as in the bigger model, and there is hardly any noise. The huge aperture of the lens manages to gather plenty of light
My in-depth article about Night footage with the Mavic 3 and 3 Classic
DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 and 3 Classic Comparison of Video Features
Both models have their house specialty, their secret weapon, their ace under the sleeve
The Mavic 3 is the only prosumer drone with a dual-lens system. The 162mm telephoto lens with an optical 7x zoom factor adds plenty of possibilities for creative footage. It is possible to achieve sensational parallax shots, get close to subjects that cannot be easily reached, or film wildlife without disturbing them
The quality is not the same as the one of the main wide-angle lens, but after several updates, it is now possible to get quite good results. I find it extremely useful. Find out more in my in-depth article about the Telephoto lens of the Mavic 3
The Mini 3 Pro is the only drone of the actual DJI line able to take vertical video and photos. The main target is users who are active on social media platforms. Vertical panoramas and hyperlapses are also very interesting
For users interested in still images here is my comparison of the MIni 3 Pro vs the Mavic 3 for photography