My journey in search of the ultimate travel drone started in 2011, with rudimentary flight controllers soldered onto wooden panels in my garage, aimed at keeping a simple point-and-shoot camera suspended mid-air.
Since then, the drone landscape has shifted dramatically. We've moved from attaching GoPros to TeamBlacksheep Discovery frames to witnessing the game-changing DJI Mavic. Although there have been several iterations, the drone's size remained more or less consistent until the advent of the Mini 3. This device combines all the features that both hobbyists and professionals could ask for in their pursuit of quality b-roll footage.
The Mini 3's impressively compact design is its standout feature, weighing in at just under 250g. This makes it an ideal travel companion, effortlessly sidestepping most regulatory restrictions (subject to the specific rules of the country you are in or traveling to). As always, it is crucial to verify the local drone laws before packing your device.
The drone's camera offers a robust 4k 10-bit video shooting and Raw image capturing capabilities. If you're a photographer with an eye for larger prints, the Mini 3 also boasts a 48-megapixel mode. This feature utilizes the quad bayer sensor pixel shift on the sensor to gather additional data. Moreover, its variety of modes make capturing eye-catching videos and photos easy. The drone can even process the images for you, allowing direct download to your smartphone for instant social media sharing.
For novices, the GPS modes make the Mini 3 exceptionally user-friendly, and its built-in safety redundancies significantly reduce the risk of crashes (although not entirely).
The evolution of drone technology has been such that what was once a bulky addition to our travel gear has now become a must-pack item. With the Mini 3, there really is no excuse to leave a drone behind.
Flight Time
While hovering over water used to be a nerve-wracking ordeal, the drone's 25-minute flight time on a standard battery now makes capturing the perfect shot a stress-free experience. You can take all the time you need to set up your frame without any worry!
Dynamic Range
In the past, the dynamic range was a significant drawback on drones of this size from DJI, often leading to a tough choice between preserving highlights or shadows. Those days are over! Now, you no longer have to make that compromise.
Color
Over time, DJI has significantly upgraded the color fidelity of their cameras, thanks in part to user feedback and, undoubtedly, their recent acquisition of Hasselblad. This enhancement allows you to finely adjust each image straight from the camera, adding your personal touch and truly highlighting the incredible locations you visited on your vacation.
Sharpness
The image clarity is impeccable. With an F1.7 aperture, the drone camera excels in low-light conditions while still preserving sharpness across the sensor. Naturally, there's a slight softness around the edges, but this is a common characteristic that even our larger cameras exhibit.
