Don’t let the size fool you. The DJI Mini 3 might be small enough to skip FAA registration, but it captures stunning 4K footage like drones twice its price. Thanks to Amazon’s Black Friday 2025 sale, the Fly More Combo is nearly $150 off – just $575 | £459 for the drone, an RC with its own screen, three batteries, a carry bag, and more.
The beginner drone market continues to grow, and the DJI Mini 3 stands out as an ideal option for beginners and budget-conscious buyers seeking a high-quality drone at a more affordable price.
Why the DJI Mini 3 is one of the best drones on the market
I will always vouch that the DJI Mini models are the best beginner drones on the market – and the DJI Mini 3 is no different. The drone folds down small enough to toss in a backpack, but once it’s in the air, it feels stable and confidence-inspiring.
The camera uses the same 1/1.3-inch sensor as DJI’s pricier Mini 3 Pro, so you’re getting genuinely professional image quality. We’re talking crisp 4K footage at 30 fps and sharp 12MP photos that look stunning whether you’re posting on Instagram or printing them.
For you content creators out there, the DJI Mini 3’s camera rotates 90 degrees. That means you can shoot vertical video natively for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts without the awkward cropping later. It’s a small thing that makes a massive difference if you’re creating social media content.
The DJI Mini 3 can fly up to 7.5 miles away – though you’ll probably keep it closer when you’re starting out – and it handles beautifully in different flight modes. Sport mode is great fun when you want to zip around, while Cine mode smooths everything out for those buttery cinematic shots. QuickShots are included too, which are pre-programmed flight patterns that make even beginners look like pros. Pick a move, press go, and the drone executes complex manoeuvres automatically while recording.
DJI Mini 3 Specs
| Weight: | 8.74oz / 248g |
| Dimensions: | Folded 148×90×62mm / Unfolded 251×362×72mm |
| Battery: | Standard battery – 2453 mAh Li-ion / up to 38 minutes Plus battery – 3850 mAh Li-ion / up to 51 minutes |
| Charger type: | USB-C cable / AC Mains DJI 30W USB-C hub (available separately) |
| Modes: | Cine, Normal, Sport |
| Video transmission range: | up to 7.5 miles / 12km |
| Video resolution: | 4K, 2.7K, 1080p (FHD) |
| Frame rates: | 4K up to 30fps / 2.7K at up to 60fps / FHD at up to 60fps |
Why the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is the way to go
I will always recommend the Fly More Combo, and here’s why.
First, the RC controller has a built-in screen. If you know already, trying to pilot a drone while squinting at your phone in bright sunlight is miserable. And there’s nothing worse than arriving at a stunning location only to realise your phone’s at 10% battery (guilty!) The built-in screen eliminates both headaches.
You also get the shoulder bag (which fits everything perfectly), extra propellers, a charging hub, and all the cables you need. If you bought the basic drone and then purchased this stuff separately, you’d probably end up spending more.
The bundle also include three batteries, which may sound like a lot, but 38 minutes in a single flight can fly by (pun intended). Three batteries mean nearly two hours of total flight time in a single outing. You can explore multiple locations, experiment with different shots, and enjoy yourself without constantly watching the battery indicator.
What you’re not getting (and why it’s okay)
The only drawbacks I will say are there’s no collision avoidance, no subject tracking, and no built-in timelapse mode. Video tops out at 4K 30fps instead of 60fps, you don’t get the D-Cinelike colour profile for advanced colour grading, and photos max out at 12MP rather than 48MP.
That said, collision avoidance sounds great, but you should be aware of your surroundings anyway, as goes for controlling anything in public. Subject tracking is cool for following mountain bikers or cars, but it’s not essential when you’re learning composition and basic flight skills.
The 30fps vs 60fps debate? Unless you’re doing slow-motion work or you’re already experienced enough to notice the difference, 30fps looks perfectly smooth for normal playback. And 12MP photos are more than enough for social media and even decent-sized prints. The only feature I occasionally wish it had is timelapse, but you can work around that in editing if you really need it.
Despite minor shortcomings, the Mini 3 is one of the best beginner drones currently available. Plus, at just $575 | £459 for the standard kit with a DJI RC-N1 controller, with two other kits available alongside a Fly More Bundle, it’s great value for beginners who would like to enjoy excellent image quality and DJI reliability on a budget.
The perfect upgrade from the DJI Mini 2
If you’ve been flying the Mini 2, the Mini 3 is a recognisable step up. The rotating camera alone is worth it – the Mini 2 can’t do vertical video, which feels limiting in 2025. You’re also getting better image quality overall, longer flight times, and improved wind resistance.
The Mini 2 was great for its time, but the Mini 3 feels like a current-generation product. The materials feel more premium, the flight characteristics are more refined, and that controller with the built-in screen is such a quality-of-life upgrade that it’s hard to go back.
Why you don’t need to overspend on the DJI Mini 4 Pro
Don’t get me wrong, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent drone. But it costs $759 for just the base model, and over $1,000 for the Fly More Combo. For beginners, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
The Mini 3 gives you about 85% of the Mini 4 Pro’s capability at nearly half the price when you factor in the Fly More bundle. Same camera sensor, same excellent build quality, same DJI reliability. You’re just missing a few advanced features that, frankly, most people won’t use in their first year of flying.
Start with the Mini 3, master the basics, and if you find yourself needing those pro features down the line, you can always upgrade. But I’d bet most people will be thrilled with what the Mini 3 can do.
Bottom line
At $575 | £459 this Black Friday deal on the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is one of the best drone values I’ve seen. You get everything you need in one box, the image quality is genuinely impressive, and it’s approachable enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed on your first flight.
Where to grab your DJI Mini 3 Black Friday deal in the US
Amazon: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (with RC): $575
Amazon: DJI Mini 3 (without RC) – $419
Where to grab your DJI Mini 3 Black Friday deal in the UK
Amazon: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (with RC) – £459
Amazon: DJI Mini 3 (without RC) – £269
Amazon: DJI Mini 3 (with RC) – £359
DJI: DJI Mini 3 (with RC) – £365
Very: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (with RC) – £459