Welcome, and thanks for trying out this comparability I’ve made that will help you determine whether or not the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional or Mini 3 Professional can be higher to your wants.

The DJI Mavic 3 Traditional and Mini 3 Professional are a bit outdated hat by now, so I’ve had sufficient expertise with each of them to have my thoughts solidly made up on which one is a greater drone general.
On this article, I’ll evaluation the similarities and variations between the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional and Mini 3 Professional, my experiences, and why I want to maintain utilizing the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional over the DJI Mini 3 Professional.
Prepared? Let’s see why I’ve made up my thoughts and the way this comparability may help you keep away from spending your hard-earned cash on the fallacious drone.
Overview
DJI Mavic 3 Traditional
Launched about one yr in the past, the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional was a pleasing finances Mavic shock that breaks the value barrier and makes this drone extra accessible to new drone pilots.
After we’re trying to steadiness the value with getting the most effective picture high quality out of a digicam drone, I believe… the truth is, I’m assured of my reply, that there’s no higher drone than Mavic 3 Traditional to interrupt this level.
Right here’s why:
- It’s the most affordable drone from the Mavic 3 collection, which holds the Hasselblad 4/3 inch distinctive digicam, excellent for skilled pictures and filming. It’s the biggest CMOS present in a shopper drone.
- It’s one of many few drones with omnidirectional impediment avoidance sensors, which means you may keep away from obstacles in all instructions.
- Like its larger brothers, the Mavic 3 Traditional nonetheless takes benefit of the APAS 5.0 and Superior Energetic Monitor system.
- It’s suitable with essentially the most superior shopper RC ever created: The DJI RC Professional.
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. Mavic 3 Traditional: Which Drone Ought to You Purchase?
DJI Mini 3 Professional
However, the Mini 3 Professional was one of the bought drones ever. On Amazon alone, it has tens of 1000’s of constructive scores and evaluations.
Profiting from this drone’s lightweightness, it doesn’t must be registered in the USA and can profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines in most international locations worldwide simply because it’s below 250 grams.
So, why the DJI Mini 3 Professional?
- It’s light-weight and moveable. It’s excellent for vacationers, backpackers, and plenty of drone pilots searching for a small drone that can even match into outsized pockets.
- The worth is greater than affordable these days and is a good selection when searching for a finances drone.
- Do you’re keen on drones with follow-me mode? Though many such fashions exist, the DJI Mini 3 Professional performs like a king on this state of affairs.
- For social media content material creators, this drone is likely one of the only a few able to true vertical capturing mode.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional Lengthy-Time period Assessment (Value Shopping for?)
Fast Verdict
Right here at Droneblog, now we have performed intensive testing with each drones and plenty of others and put infinite hours into placing them via their paces.
We’ve got in the end concluded that the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional outperforms the Mini 3 Professional in virtually each facet and is a lot better for hobbyists {and professional} drone pilots alike.
However we should keep in mind that the Mavic 3 Traditional is a part of the “Mavic” collection, which is understood to be costlier, normally double the value or greater than the “Mini” collection.
It is a drone designed for professionals and business purposes, and it excels in all the things else as properly.
However even with this mentioned, we are able to’t ignore the Mini 3 Professional. It’s nonetheless a incredible drone.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re nonetheless itching to amass the Mini 3 Professional, let me redirect you in direction of the most recent “mini” drone, the DJI Mini 4 Professional, which looks like a better option in one million methods whereas sharing comparable costs.
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Selection)
What are the primary variations?
After we have a look at each drones, the important thing variations are those to make the “vs.” comparability.
And consider me, I like evaluating stuff. I’ve been doing it my entire life; even when shopping for a brand new laptop computer, I normally evaluate it to 10 comparable ones to see if I’m making the best selection.
Differentiating qualities is one of the best ways to focus on the profitable elements of a drone. Let’s see what the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional has to supply.
- The DJI Mavic 3 Traditional digicam is the chief of any shopper drone. Though it has just one digicam, whereas the newer Mavic 3 Professional has three, the Hasselblad 4/3 inch shares the identical qualities throughout all of the Mavic 3 collection. The massive sensor will profit the Mavic 3 Traditional with a lot better picture high quality, larger dynamic vary, higher low-light efficiency, glorious post-processing qualities, and even larger decision than the rest we discover in shopper drones from DJI.
- Having a drone with an omnidirectional impediment avoidance system will make somebody’s job a lot simpler. From a newbie flying this drone to knowledgeable drone pilot, accidents can occur. The anti-collision sensors and drone security options ought to cease the drone earlier than it collides with an object, from any aspect and angle. That’s the Mavic 3 Traditional!
- The Energetic Monitor discovered within the Mavic 3 collection is fifth technology, the most recent one. It’s superior sufficient in order that even if you happen to inform the drone to return to you mechanically, it’s going to carve a path via obstacles if not in direct sight and will safely return to you. Sure, it’s that superior. The Mini 3 Professional Energetic Monitor can not do this with such accuracy.
With all of the fuss across the Mavic 3 Traditional, I really feel I’m not giving the Mini 3 Professional an opportunity.
I like my Mini 3 Professional. And why shouldn’t I?
Right here’s how we are able to differentiate the Mini 3 Professional from the Mavic 3 Traditional:
- It’s so tiny and light-weight that you just’ll even neglect it’s in your backpack. Sure, that’s true. You’ll by no means really feel the extra weight of the drone in your bag if you happen to’re touring. And sure, we did point out the easy benefit of getting a drone sub-250 grams.
- The Energetic Monitor and Observe-me Mode have been improved… and improved… – With so many proudly owning the DJI Mini 3 Professional, it’s possible DJI had greater than sufficient analytical knowledge to enhance the energetic observe of this drone, even when it’s the 4th model, to it’s very best. I don’t like risking my drones, however there are such a lot of movies the place the DJI Mini 3 Professional navigates a complete forest whereas in follow-me mode with none points.
- It’s almost a finances drone. It’s less expensive than the Mavic 3 Traditional and most drones. Whereas preserving this in thoughts, finances has all the time been a problem for a lot of drone pilots. A drone pastime may be pricey, and the Mavic 3 Traditional could make a gap in your finances. The Mini 3 Professional, not a lot, particularly if you happen to’re aiming for the essential model with one battery and the DJI RC-N1.
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Professional vs. Air 3 (Right here’s My Selection)
DJI Mavic 3 Traditional
The Mavic 3 Traditional is a part of the Mavic 3 collection. It’s presently essentially the most superior shopper drone collection created by DJI.
Initially launched in November 2022, this drone is a less expensive model of the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Professional.
However how?
The Mavic 3 Traditional will carry out the identical because the aforementioned drones in each single facet, from flight vary, comparable flight instances, anti-collision capabilities, Energetic Monitor, Waypoints, and so forth.
However there’s one key distinction that makes this drone cheaper than the others.
Initially, with the DJI Mavic 3, we had two cameras, one in all which was the Hasselblad, whereas the opposite was a zoom digicam able to zooming as much as 28 instances. That’s loopy, proper?
Then we had the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional and, afterward, the Mavic 3 Professional.
The Mavic 3 Professional now has three cameras; along with the cameras discovered within the Mavic 3, the Professional model has a medium tele digicam, filling the void between the Hasselblad and the zoom from the telephoto digicam.
Now, what in regards to the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional?
This drone has just one digicam. That’s it.
Stripped of the zoom choice, now we have a lower cost. Not many drone pilots want a zoom digicam, particularly because the authentic one is just not top-notch.
The important thing elements of the Mavic 3 Traditional are:
- Hasselblad 4/3-inch Digital camera
- Omnidirectional anti-collision sensors (complete protection)
- Superior Energetic Monitor & APAS 5.0
- Lengthy flight time, as much as 46 minutes per battery.
- Can simply fly long-range
- Suitable with the DJI RC Professional
- It may be operated in chilly (freezing) environments.
- It might movie in 5.1k at 50fps or 4k at 120fps for very good sluggish movement.
- Wonderful wind resistance and 3-axis gimbal stabilization.
DJI Mini 3 Professional
DJI creates and releases “mini” drones like hotcakes.
Since we noticed the Mini 3 Professional for the primary time in April 2022, the DJI Mini 3 has come out, and now now we have the infamous game-changing DJI Mini 4 Professional.

This drone appeals extra to hobbyists who need a small, light-weight drone that’s excellent for journey and to profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines.
And the Mini 3 Professional has been doing wonders in these circumstances.
However what in regards to the picture high quality? Can it’s used professionally?
With a 1/1.3 inch CMOS, the digicam present in Mini 3 Professional will underperform the Mavic 3 Traditional one.
Nevertheless, the identical digicam outperforms most drones, making the Mini 3 Professional a well-chosen drone for a lot of situations.
Let’s take a look over a couple of key options, we could?
- It’s light-weight and moveable.
- Suitable with the DJI RC (distant controller with display)
- Has Energetic Monitor with Observe-me mode
- Can movie in 4k at 60fps
- It comes with 3-way impediment avoidance sensors.
- It might fly for a very long time, particularly with the clever battery plus.
- It’s able to flying long-range.
- Regardless of its small measurement, this drone has first rate wind resistance.
- Vertical mode characteristic.
Head-to-head comparability: DJI Mavic 3 Traditional and Mini 3 Professional
Digital camera system

Winner: Mavic 3 Traditional
Whereas the Hasselblad digicam discovered within the Mavic 3 Traditional is best in any attainable manner than the one discovered on the Mini 3 Professional and different DJI drones, for that matter, you might also be shocked by what the Mini 3 Professional can supply.
With the smaller sensor measurement, we love how the photographs taken with the Mini 3 Professional truly look.
It’s a incredible mini drone and has been the favourite selection for a lot of business drone pilots as a backup drone or the one to decide on when touring.
You positively can not go fallacious with the Mini 3 Professional digicam. It has a vertical capturing mode, and if you happen to love capturing movies or photographs for TikTok, Instagram, or any comparable social media platforms, you then’re in luck.
The Mini 4 Professional digicam doesn’t differentiate a lot from the Mini 3 Professional one. However it’s higher in different elements.
Now, let’s get again to evaluating the Mini 3 Professional digicam with the mega-ultra-winning-kingsize choice now we have within the Mavic 3 Traditional: The Hasselblad.
The 4/3 inch is, the truth is, 1.33(3) inches in measurement. That’s how giant the Hasselblad digicam is within the Mavic 3 Traditional.
To match it with the Mini 3 Professional, this drone has 1/1.3-inch CMOS, which is 0.769 inches in diameter.
With out fussing round with too many numbers (I LOVE NUMBERS!), the Hasselblad sensor is almost double the dimensions of the DJI Mini 3 Professional digicam sensor.
In actuality, does it make that a lot distinction?
Sure, it does certainly. In the event you can’t take my phrase for it, everybody else will inform you a similar: The DJI Mavic 3 Traditional digicam will outperform the Mini 3 Professional in each single facet (aside from vertical capturing).
Certainly, I used to be a bit dissatisfied to see that I couldn’t seize vertical content material with the Mavic 3 Traditional. I imply, possibly you may in a non-traditional manner.
Care to learn how?
» MORE: How one can Produce Vertical Content material with a Drone (That Isn’t the Mini 3)
Efficiency
Winner: Mavic 3 Traditional
While you attempt to fly your DJI Mini 3 Professional for the primary time, you can be shocked by the flight efficiency and stability, even in larger winds. I used to be, at the least.
However the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional is a part of one other degree of drone know-how. It has higher wind resistance, is quicker, can fly farther, and has higher general stability.
Nevertheless, each drones do fantastically, particularly when flying in excessive winds. DJI did a superb job there!
However I don’t suppose this might be the primary promoting level. I imply, if you happen to’re actually searching for a drone with glorious wind resistance, let me introduce you to the DJI FPV in handbook mode.
Imagine me, I’m courageous sufficient to fly this drone near a twister after which break off with out points.
As for utilizing Energetic Monitor, Observe-me mode, and different clever options and flight modes, the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional wins once more in each facet just because it shares the most recent 5.0 model with incredible processing energy, whereas the DJI Mini 3 Professional is left behind.
To share my private expertise once more, I don’t love Energetic Monitor or depend on clever options. They’re glorious and helpful, however I all the time like to fly my drone as manually as attainable and to be in complete management of the drone. I don’t like a pc to fly the drone for me. But it surely’s nonetheless good to know they’re there if you happen to want them.
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Professional vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Selection)
Portability

Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
This class is the one one the place the Mini 3 Professional excels and wins over the Mavic 3 Traditional. Simply wow, do you will have an concept how small this drone is?
I imply, sure, I discussed it will possibly slot in a pocket, however it isn’t bigger than an iPhone Professional Max, solely thicker (when folded).
Any DJI drones of the “Mini” collection are below 250 grams, very small and moveable, can fold, and are excellent for a lot of actions and purposes the place the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional is just too massive to contemplate.
That is the house the place the DJI Mini 3 Professional actually shines.
However remember that if you happen to’re searching for the Mini 3 Professional Clever Battery Plus (for prolonged flight time), your drone will bypass the 250-gram mark, and also you’ll be at an obstacle in some ways, aside from longer flight time.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Professional Battery (All You Must Know)
RC Compatibility and long-range flights

Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Traditional
The DJI Mavic 3 Traditional comes with the OcuSync 3+, whereas the Mini 3 Professional comes with the OcuSync 3. It locations the Mavic 3 Traditional over the Mini 3 Professional in a number of extra elements.
Flight Vary: The DJI Mavic 3 Traditional can fly as much as 18.6 miles or 30km, way over 11.1/15.5 miles (18 or 25 km, relying on the battery) from what DJI Mini 3 Professional can supply.
I by no means fly my drones that far. In actual fact, in Europe, we’re restricted from flying drones long-range simply because we’re so restricted by “CE” as in comparison with the “FCC” within the USA.
The final time I flew a long-range drone, I couldn’t get a lot past 2 miles and a bit earlier than severely shedding video sign. Sure, it’s that unhealthy.
So it wouldn’t matter, O3+ or O3, it’s not a lot distinction right here. Perhaps for sign penetration, sure, the Mavic 3 Traditional will do a lot better.
However one other important distinction can be the controller compatibility.
Controller: The DJI Mavic 3 Traditional is absolutely suitable with the DJI RC Professional, essentially the most superior shopper DJI controller ever launched. It’s a Ferrari by way of drone distant controllers.
So, are you shocked to seek out that the DJI Mini 3 Professional is just not suitable with the DJI RC Professional? It’s not as a result of it can’t be {hardware} supported, however just because DJI doesn’t need to create compatibility.
They prohibit many gadgets from being suitable.
We’re delighted to see now we have at the least the DJI RC, a distant controller with a display. I like how compact it’s and the way a lot time it saves me when getting ready to fly a drone.
I don’t have to attach a cell phone anymore to the DJI RC-N1, open the app, attempt to fly, after which obtain a video name on my telephone when the Mini 3 Professional is within the air.
Ugh! I merely hated that!
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Must Know)
Battery Life

Winner: Tie
While you’re outside filming, each single minute the drone is within the air issues.
DJI charges the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional to fly as much as 46 minutes and the DJI Mini 3 Professional as much as 34 minutes with the easy battery and as much as 47 minutes with the clever battery plus.
It’s a tie between the Mavic 3 Traditional flight time and the Mini 3 Professional with the battery plus. But when we evaluate it with the usual battery, the Mavic 3 Traditional wins once more.
Nevertheless, simply to let you already know, these numbers are arbitrary, and also you’ll by no means be capable of fly these drones for therefore lengthy.
Not less than, not until you fly to 0 %. This may by no means occur.
In actuality, we are able to pull about 6-8 minutes much less flight time on each drones to land with about 20% battery left. That is customary throughout most drones.
However my recommendation would all the time be to land above 20%. Don’t overdrain your battery, as it could endure in cycles. And it’s dangerous to land it on the final second.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional Clever Flight Modes (Defined for Freshmen)
Conclusion
In the event you’re questioning whether or not the Mavic 3 Traditional or Mini 3 Professional is the higher drone for you, after testing each, now we have a solution for you.
Decide the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional if you happen to can. You’ll be able to’t go fallacious with that.
In actual fact, the Mavic 3 Traditional has the most effective price-camera high quality ratio of all of the DJI drones presently out there.
You gained’t discover some other drone able to such good high quality photographs and movies at this value. Not less than not proper now.
At present, I don’t even need to advocate the DJI Mini 3 Professional. Not anymore after the Mini 4 Professional launch. In the event you’re searching for a “mini” drone as an alternative, get the newer DJI Mini 4 Professional.
It has an omnidirectional sensing system and Superior Energetic Monitor (Energetic Monitor 360), which is able to outperform the Mini 3 Professional in each single facet for almost the identical value.
If I’ve managed to boost your curiosity within the DJI Mini 4 Professional, right here’s a hyperlink to our evaluation:
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional Assessment (Is It Value to Improve?)
But when I made you confused about which one you must select, the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional or DJI MINI 4 PRO, let me break this down for you:
- Select the Mavic 3 Traditional if you happen to’re strictly searching for higher high quality photographs and movies, evening or low-light pictures and filmmaking, and business purposes.
- Select the Mini 4 Professional if you happen to’re searching for essentially the most superior light-weight drone ever created for a a lot lower cost for some other sort of exercise, particularly for touring.
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Air 3 (Right here’s My Selection)