DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Combo: Pros and Cons Compared to Other Models
The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Combo is a premium package for aerial photographers and videographers, combining the compact DJI Mini 3 Pro drone with essential accessories like extra batteries, a charging hub, and a shoulder bag. Launched in May 2022, this sub-250g drone boasts a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 4K/60fps HDR video, and advanced features like tri-directional obstacle avoidance and FocusTrack, making it a standout in the Mini series. The Fly More Combo, priced around $909–$918 with the DJI RC controller, enhances its appeal for professionals and enthusiasts needing extended flight time and portability. This article explores the pros and cons of the DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Combo compared to other models like the DJI Air 3, Mini 4 Pro, and Mini 3, while highlighting personal experiences using the Mini 3 Pro in windy conditions, for extended flights, and during international travel.
Pros: Exceptional Camera and Compact Design
The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Combo excels with its advanced camera and lightweight, foldable design, ideal for capturing high-quality aerial content. Its 12.1MP sensor (up to 48MP in photo mode) and f/1.7 aperture deliver sharp 4K/60fps HDR videos and RAW photos, rivaling larger drones like the DJI Air 2S. Compared to the DJI Mini 3, which lacks 4K/60fps and D-Cinelike profiles, the Mini 3 Pro offers greater post-processing flexibility for videographers. The Fly More Combo includes three 34-minute batteries (or optional 47-minute Plus batteries in some regions), a charging hub, and a shoulder bag, enabling over 90 minutes of total flight time. Its folded size (145 x 90 x 62 mm, 249g) makes it a travel-friendly powerhouse, easily slipping into a backpack. Personally, I’ve traveled to multiple countries, including Japan and Iceland, with the Mini 3 Pro, leveraging its compact size to bypass registration requirements in many regions, allowing spontaneous shoots at landmarks like Mount Fuji and Reynisfjara Beach without logistical hassles.
Pros: Performance in Diverse Conditions
The Mini 3 Pro’s performance in challenging environments sets it apart from competitors like the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 3, particularly for dynamic shooting scenarios. With Level 5 wind resistance (up to 10.7 m/s or 24 mph), it maintains stability in moderate winds, though it’s less robust than the DJI Air 3’s 12 m/s resistance. I’ve flown the Mini 3 Pro in windy coastal areas, such as Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, where it held steady despite gusts, capturing smooth 4K footage of crashing waves. For extended flights, the Fly More Combo’s three batteries enabled over an hour of continuous shooting during a sunset session in Santorini, Greece, without needing to recharge. The tri-directional obstacle avoidance (forward, backward, downward) enhances safety in complex environments like urban rooftops or forests, though it’s less comprehensive than the Mini 4 Pro’s omnidirectional sensing. Compared to the Mini 3, which lacks obstacle avoidance, the Mini 3 Pro’s intelligent modes (QuickShots, MasterShots, FocusTrack) make it a versatile tool for automated cinematic shots.
Cons: Price and Limited Wind Resistance
Despite its strengths, the DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Combo has drawbacks, particularly its price and performance in stronger winds. At $909–$918 with the DJI RC, it’s significantly pricier than the Mini 3 Fly More Combo ($718 with RC-N1) and only slightly cheaper than the Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo (~$959), which offers omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and O4 transmission for a 20km range versus the Mini 3 Pro’s 12km O3 range. Compared to the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo ($1,549 with RC 2), which provides dual cameras, 46-minute flight time, and superior 12 m/s wind resistance, the Mini 3 Pro’s lighter 249g frame struggles in gusts above 24 mph, requiring cautious flying in exposed areas like mountainous regions. I’ve noticed slight vibrations in high winds near Lake Bled, Slovenia, where a heavier drone like the Air 3 would likely perform better. The optional Plus battery, extending flight time to 47 minutes, pushes the weight over 250g, necessitating registration in some countries, which negates its sub-250g advantage.
Conclusion
The DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Combo is a top-tier choice for aerial creators prioritizing portability, image quality, and extended flight capabilities, but its price and wind performance warrant consideration. Its compact, foldable design and robust camera outperform the Mini 3 and Mini 2, while the Fly More Combo’s accessories ensure versatility for long shoots, as proven during my travels and extended flights in diverse settings. However, the Mini 4 Pro’s advanced obstacle avoidance and transmission range make it a better long-term investment for some, while the Air 3’s superior wind resistance and dual cameras cater to professionals in demanding conditions. For travelers and hobbyists like myself, who value the Mini 3 Pro’s ability to capture stunning footage in windy coastal or urban environments and fit into a carry-on for global adventures, the Fly More Combo delivers unmatched convenience and performance, though budget-conscious buyers may opt for the more affordable Mini 3.
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