Check out our new drone course for DJI Mini 3, Air 2s and Mavic 3 owners where you can learn new filming techniques to wow your friends, attract new clients and even sell online: www.all-things-photography.com/courses/creating-and-selling-the-perfect-drone-timelapse/
You say in your review that there isn't much of a difference in the sensor size between the Mini 2 & Mini 3 Pro. There actually is a fair diffferewnce in the sensor size which (Along with the faster aperture) gives the Mini 3 less depth of field when shooting close up. The Mini 2 ia 1/2.3 sensor, and the Mini 3 Pro is 1/1.3 sensor. Or another way to look at it, the Mini 2 sensor size at 6.2mm x 4.6mm (28.5 mm²) compared to the Mini 3 Pro sensor size at 9.6mm x 7.2mm (69 mm²) Anyway, I appreciate the review, I actually prefer the shallower DOF look that the Mini 3 Pro has. I saw the shallower DOF put to good use in this video by Pascal Basel in this video ruclips.net/video/t2vco4QknS8/видео.html
Thanks for the feedback Adam and yes, I realised what I had said after I'd uploaded and watched it through a couple of times. In my head I was probably comparing both to a full frame when I said that but I agree. Compared to "each other" and not full frame, the difference is significant and plays a large part in the shallower DOF (which like you, I am a fan of) 👍
Nice comparison! It's what impressed me most about the Mini 3Pro, the dynamic range is incredible. That's why even at low-light I can still see some details in the shadows.
Thanks Nick - I really appreciate this video - It's the first and only one I've found that explains the autofocus issue with the Mini 3 - a little 'light came on over my head', a 'penny dropped' or an 'Aha moment' happened (depending on how you view those little moments of understanding) as I watched you explain the significance of the aperture size and DOF - Thanks again
You have probably nudged me into buying the mini 3 Pro here in the Philippines soon. Appreciate the info on focus as I have not heard that on the many reviews I have watched.
Yes but NO. Your explains from @08:27 does not work as the tree on the left, that is on same distance as tree on the right, is in focus. Also is pure and simple stupid for DJI to make Tap-2-Focus to work like this in video, as Auto Focus should kick in. So what I believe is a fault in denoise profile they use, is just blurring excesively some areas that might be treated as noise (grass, tree leafes, small textures). Already seen it in my video too, the grass is part out of focus.
Thanks for the helpful info. I've been enjoying my Mini 3 Pro for days now and it's nice that as days come a long I learn something new about this drone.
Hi Nick, I'm venturing into the prospect of a drone, so great to see your video on the subject. I've just returned from a Lake District trip, 1st since the ATP trip years ago. Definitely think I need help spotting locations. A drone could be the answer. All the best.
Howdy Alan, nice to hear from you. I have great memories of that trip to the lakes, a superb weekend away. The Mini 3 is not only the perfect starter drone but it is also good enough for professional work. Opens up a whole new world of photography. You'll love it 👍
Love this drone, had it a couple of weeks. Very impressive. Can’t wait to get my hands on the fly more pack and NDs, Also, different drone, but the firmware they just put out for the Mavic 3 is bloody awesome too. Managed to do a quick test so far. 💪
Nice one, it really is a little powerhouse. And yes, the new Mavic 3 firmware is great, in particular adding raw and other functionality to the second camera is a very welcome addition 👍
@@NickStubbs It’s just great that it works so well, camera is really good AND it shoots in 10 bit D-Cinelike. Absolutely knocking it out the park. Yeah thats what I was thinking. Could get some nice parallax effect with that lens now. HLG profile too, on the main camera. I hear the Mini 3’s RC should work with it soon as well, which is very welcome as I don’t really want to spend ££££ on an RC Pro at present!
@@NickStubbs Absolutely. They’re doing what they should be doing. Just done another sunset/post sunset flight with the M3P, can’t get enough of those! Try doing that with mini 2 and its not so much joy.
Great and fantastic video and explanation!! quick question......how do you set the focus on the Mini 3? and what if you fly from something close by to further distance....do you have to refocus all the time?
Thanks for the feedback and good question. When you tap the screen, a yellow box appears and focuses on that area. If you move away from the object you focused on, the camera will slowly autofocus on the new, wider scene using that yellow square. However, if you then go back to the close up subject, the focus doesn't always lock on so it is a little unreliable. You have to treat it like any autofocus camera. You need to tap again to ensure focus on the new subject. I'm not sure if you can switch to manual focus with tapping the screen being more "focus assist" where the focus stays locked until you tap again. I can't see it in the menu. In a nutshell, when closing in on a subject, it's best to tap to focus to be sure (in reference to the roof inspections etc) as the focus may remain on the background otherwise.
Only if you put it in manual focus when you're high up then it will stay locked on one position. Autofocus works but like I said, it can be hit and miss if you're close to the subject.
Thanks and yes, I was. They're so much easier to put on and take off! It would be nice to have an all in one controller with something like the Tripletek installed. Maybe you could then use the joysticks (or game-adapted versions) for other tablet things such as game playing 😉
@@NickStubbs Hi Nick, thanks for the reply. I was contemplating getting the A2s as an upgrade to my Mavic A2 which I lost last week after some angry Sand pipe birds decided to take it out of their airspace. It plunged into Morecambe bay never to be seen again. I'm just reviewing what happened to it using the Tripletek cache video's. Anyway I've ordered the mini 3 pro now which will arrive next month when they're back in stock. As an A2 CofC pilot I will be taking it around the built up area's where I live, something I could never do with the Mavic A2. Cheers. I've heard that the pro controller isn't great in bright sunlight? The Tripletek is Brilliant.
@@ht6501 Agreed re the Tripletek and sorry to hear about your drone. I had the same with a mini 2 and pigeons. If I were to choose between the Mini 3 and Air 2s today, I may well choose the Mini 3 as well 👍
@@ht6501 The Mini 3 was on "review loan" from the Drone Safe Store in thy UK (link in description) and came with the filters. Not sure if they have any but worth checking.
Somewhat misleading with the mini 3 pro controller regarding capabilities like brightness, range, battery life ,the extra buttons. It is not comparable at all.
@@NickStubbs no worries, I appreciate your clarification. I just wanted people to know mainly the difference in brightness and The range being different for the mini3 pro controller for the USA . With fcc versions come with a supposedly 12km range with occusync 3 the same as the pro controller but in reality I was getting about 30 percent less range out of the mini 3 pro controller vs the pro controller flying the Mavic 3 on both controllers to compare the 2.
One source also mentioned that focus can "pump" during video in AF, which is unwanted. But there's manual infinity focus to work around this, if it really happens.
Thank you. This was filmed before the release of the Mini 3 so the Mini 3 Pro was the only Mini 3 on the market at the time meaning using the word "Pro" wasn't so important.
Thanks. I just had the same thought. I just shoot on the mini3 and the focus was not ok. So I have to touch the screen. Or DJI will make a new software upgrade 👌🏼 What are your settings for evening and night video? Do you leave in total auto ou decinelite?
I don't think they'll do an update for that. I used to have to do the same when focusing with the Inspire 1 and X5 camera. Settings for evening... Try D Cinelike but if no good for you, stick with standard. ISO 400-800 if possible and let the shutter do its thing with auto. If on manual, adjust accordingly. As long as its is under 1 second, the drone should be stable enough to give good, sharp images 👍
@@NickStubbs I have try D-cinélike but even with processing with Davinci in post, I was not sharp. I didn’t take care of that cause with the mini 2 no worries for that. Thanks 🙏🏼 so much
It is yes, but not as necessary. With video, the autofocus is excellent but if you are closer to the subject, it's always good to touch focus on that subject if unsure.
Is the need to "tap to focus" really just the fact that the sharpening is softer on the mini 3? E.g. if you added some sharpening in post are things still out of focus?
No, it's definitely nothing to do with sharpening. Have a look at this photo, I was the same distance to the foreground object with both drones. There is a big difference in depth of field: flic.kr/p/2npcZY8, flic.kr/p/2npcY91
@@NickStubbs Thanks. So AF likely chooses the furthest point....makes sense since drones are usually high up and focussed on the ground. So we need to be cognizant of that when what we're interested in is relatively close. That said, the fact that the trees were slightly out of focus in your video when the drone was high up is a little concerning since there's nothing really that can fix that since you were trying to get a wide angle shot.
Check out our new drone course for DJI Mini 3, Air 2s and Mavic 3 owners where you can learn new filming techniques to wow your friends, attract new clients and even sell online:
www.all-things-photography.com/courses/creating-and-selling-the-perfect-drone-timelapse/
I like that you can choose which to focus on the shot but it's great to know how the feature behaves on different scenarios.
Absolutely. It might throw some people coming from the Mini 2.
You say in your review that there isn't much of a difference in the sensor size between the Mini 2 & Mini 3 Pro. There actually is a fair diffferewnce in the sensor size which (Along with the faster aperture) gives the Mini 3 less depth of field when shooting close up.
The Mini 2 ia 1/2.3 sensor, and the Mini 3 Pro is 1/1.3 sensor. Or another way to look at it, the Mini 2 sensor size at 6.2mm x 4.6mm (28.5 mm²) compared to the Mini 3 Pro sensor size at 9.6mm x 7.2mm (69 mm²)
Anyway, I appreciate the review, I actually prefer the shallower DOF look that the Mini 3 Pro has. I saw the shallower DOF put to good use in this video by Pascal Basel in this video ruclips.net/video/t2vco4QknS8/видео.html
Thanks for the feedback Adam and yes, I realised what I had said after I'd uploaded and watched it through a couple of times.
In my head I was probably comparing both to a full frame when I said that but I agree. Compared to "each other" and not full frame, the difference is significant and plays a large part in the shallower DOF (which like you, I am a fan of) 👍
Good information cheers
Nice comparison! It's what impressed me most about the Mini 3Pro, the dynamic range is incredible. That's why even at low-light I can still see some details in the shadows.
Thanks and yes, it's very similar to the Mavic 3 in that regard. DJI are coming on in leaps and bounds.
Thanks Nick - I really appreciate this video - It's the first and only one I've found that explains the autofocus issue with the Mini 3 - a little 'light came on over my head', a 'penny dropped' or an 'Aha moment' happened (depending on how you view those little moments of understanding) as I watched you explain the significance of the aperture size and DOF - Thanks again
Hi John. Thanks for the comment and feedback, much appreciated 👍
Nice video👍 , liked & subscribed, thanks for sharing ‼️
Many thanks, appreciate it 🙏👍
You have probably nudged me into buying the mini 3 Pro here in the Philippines soon. Appreciate the info on focus as I have not heard that on the many reviews I have watched.
Thanks for the feedback and enjoy the drone. It's an amazing little thing...
Yes but NO.
Your explains from @08:27 does not work as the tree on the left, that is on same distance as tree on the right, is in focus.
Also is pure and simple stupid for DJI to make Tap-2-Focus to work like this in video, as Auto Focus should kick in.
So what I believe is a fault in denoise profile they use, is just blurring excesively some areas that might be treated as noise (grass, tree leafes, small textures).
Already seen it in my video too, the grass is part out of focus.
Good point, might well be denoise or similar. Hadn't thought of that 👍
I guess it is more likely a compression artifact of the lower video bandwidth in the Mini 2.
Great video, as someone who just likes to fly and use the footage I assume as with the mini 2 I can download direct from the mini 3 👍
Thanks and yep, just plug the drone in via USB Type-C and download
Thanks for the helpful info. I've been enjoying my Mini 3 Pro for days now and it's nice that as days come a long I learn something new about this drone.
You're welcome Brian and thanks for commenting. There is a lot to explore with the Mini 3, in fact I'm off out with it again after a quick coffee 😁👍
Hi Nick, I'm venturing into the prospect of a drone, so great to see your video on the subject. I've just returned from a Lake District trip, 1st since the ATP trip years ago. Definitely think I need help spotting locations. A drone could be the answer. All the best.
Howdy Alan, nice to hear from you. I have great memories of that trip to the lakes, a superb weekend away. The Mini 3 is not only the perfect starter drone but it is also good enough for professional work. Opens up a whole new world of photography. You'll love it 👍
Love this drone, had it a couple of weeks. Very impressive. Can’t wait to get my hands on the fly more pack and NDs, Also, different drone, but the firmware they just put out for the Mavic 3 is bloody awesome too. Managed to do a quick test so far. 💪
Nice one, it really is a little powerhouse. And yes, the new Mavic 3 firmware is great, in particular adding raw and other functionality to the second camera is a very welcome addition 👍
@@NickStubbs It’s just great that it works so well, camera is really good AND it shoots in 10 bit D-Cinelike. Absolutely knocking it out the park.
Yeah thats what I was thinking. Could get some nice parallax effect with that lens now. HLG profile too, on the main camera. I hear the Mini 3’s RC should work with it soon as well, which is very welcome as I don’t really want to spend ££££ on an RC Pro at present!
@@LowryDroneography-Steve It's all good and sounds like DJI are responding to feedback from their consumers!
@@NickStubbs Absolutely. They’re doing what they should be doing. Just done another sunset/post sunset flight with the M3P, can’t get enough of those! Try doing that with mini 2 and its not so much joy.
Great and fantastic video and explanation!! quick question......how do you set the focus on the Mini 3? and what if you fly from something close by to further distance....do you have to refocus all the time?
Thanks for the feedback and good question. When you tap the screen, a yellow box appears and focuses on that area. If you move away from the object you focused on, the camera will slowly autofocus on the new, wider scene using that yellow square.
However, if you then go back to the close up subject, the focus doesn't always lock on so it is a little unreliable. You have to treat it like any autofocus camera. You need to tap again to ensure focus on the new subject.
I'm not sure if you can switch to manual focus with tapping the screen being more "focus assist" where the focus stays locked until you tap again. I can't see it in the menu.
In a nutshell, when closing in on a subject, it's best to tap to focus to be sure (in reference to the roof inspections etc) as the focus may remain on the background otherwise.
@@NickStubbs thank you! This is very helpful
@@WiljanWiljan You're welcome 👍
What are those things on your wall look like amplifiers
They are foam squares that help to dampen/muffle any resonance from my voice bouncing off the walls.
Well done. You are the first I have seen giving any attention to depth of field on the M3P; much appreciated. New sub here.
Hi Kim. Thanks for the feedback and sub, much appreciated 👍
So you cannot set the mini 3's focus just like mini 2 to always focus on everything?!
Only if you put it in manual focus when you're high up then it will stay locked on one position. Autofocus works but like I said, it can be hit and miss if you're close to the subject.
I've just bought the Mini 3 and one of the updates is "Added support for continuous autofocus (AF-C) during video recording" 👍
@@NickStubbs ok that's good, makes it easier to use when you want to film a landscape etc
@@LISTEDGames Absolutely
you didnt really do a 2 vs 3 seems half way though it was all about the 3
Fair enough comment but I do compare the main specs on the main web page if that helps:
www.all-things-photography.com/dji-mini-2-vs-mini-3-pro/
Very nice. Are you using an ND filter on the Mini 3 pro? I love my Tripletek 8 inch pro.
Thanks and yes, I was. They're so much easier to put on and take off! It would be nice to have an all in one controller with something like the Tripletek installed.
Maybe you could then use the joysticks (or game-adapted versions) for other tablet things such as game playing 😉
@@NickStubbs Hi Nick, thanks for the reply. I was contemplating getting the A2s as an upgrade to my Mavic A2 which I lost last week after some angry Sand pipe birds decided to take it out of their airspace. It plunged into Morecambe bay never to be seen again. I'm just reviewing what happened to it using the Tripletek cache video's. Anyway I've ordered the mini 3 pro now which will arrive next month when they're back in stock. As an A2 CofC pilot I will be taking it around the built up area's where I live, something I could never do with the Mavic A2. Cheers.
I've heard that the pro controller isn't great in bright sunlight? The Tripletek is Brilliant.
@@ht6501 Agreed re the Tripletek and sorry to hear about your drone. I had the same with a mini 2 and pigeons. If I were to choose between the Mini 3 and Air 2s today, I may well choose the Mini 3 as well 👍
@@NickStubbs sorry to hear about your drone as well lol. Lesson learned there. Where did you get your ND filters from for it?
@@ht6501 The Mini 3 was on "review loan" from the Drone Safe Store in thy UK (link in description) and came with the filters. Not sure if they have any but worth checking.
this professional type of video also clearly stands out in terms of quality and credibility, thanks for that, my decision is made
Thank you. What is your decision?
@@NickStubbs mini3 :-)
@@Heimo784 You'll love it 👍
Somewhat misleading with the mini 3 pro controller regarding capabilities like brightness, range, battery life ,the extra buttons. It is not comparable at all.
I meant as in ease of use, speed of function, not having to attach a phone etc. The practicalities rather than the features. My apologies.
@@NickStubbs no worries, I appreciate your clarification. I just wanted people to know mainly the difference in brightness and The range being different for the mini3 pro controller for the USA . With fcc versions come with a supposedly 12km range with occusync 3 the same as the pro controller but in reality I was getting about 30 percent less range out of the mini 3 pro controller vs the pro controller flying the Mavic 3 on both controllers to compare the 2.
Thanks I don't think I've heard anyone speak about the focus. Can''t wait to get mine.
Thanks. It's a superb drone with tons of features 👍
One source also mentioned that focus can "pump" during video in AF, which is unwanted. But there's manual infinity focus to work around this, if it really happens.
@@falklumo Good point. That certainly happens with ground cameras of mine which is why I use manual focus most of the time. 👍
Good information cheers
You're welcome 👍
very useful and helpful video
Thank you 👍
That’s a MINI 3 PRO NOT a mini 3
Thank you. This was filmed before the release of the Mini 3 so the Mini 3 Pro was the only Mini 3 on the market at the time meaning using the word "Pro" wasn't so important.
Thanks. I just had the same thought. I just shoot on the mini3 and the focus was not ok. So I have to touch the screen.
Or DJI will make a new software upgrade 👌🏼
What are your settings for evening and night video? Do you leave in total auto ou decinelite?
I don't think they'll do an update for that. I used to have to do the same when focusing with the Inspire 1 and X5 camera. Settings for evening...
Try D Cinelike but if no good for you, stick with standard. ISO 400-800 if possible and let the shutter do its thing with auto. If on manual, adjust accordingly. As long as its is under 1 second, the drone should be stable enough to give good, sharp images 👍
@@NickStubbs I have try D-cinélike but even with processing with Davinci in post, I was not sharp. I didn’t take care of that cause with the mini 2 no worries for that.
Thanks 🙏🏼 so much
Thank you for the video. Can manual focus be done with a DJI RC-N1 controller?
Not fully manual but you can focus by half pressing the camera button on the remote before fully pressing to take the photo 👍
I’m waiting on delivery of my Mini 3 and wondered if it is touch focus for video as well as for photos?
It is yes, but not as necessary. With video, the autofocus is excellent but if you are closer to the subject, it's always good to touch focus on that subject if unsure.
Is the need to "tap to focus" really just the fact that the sharpening is softer on the mini 3? E.g. if you added some sharpening in post are things still out of focus?
No, it's definitely nothing to do with sharpening. Have a look at this photo, I was the same distance to the foreground object with both drones. There is a big difference in depth of field: flic.kr/p/2npcZY8, flic.kr/p/2npcY91
@@NickStubbs Yep, that makes it clear. So were you in manual focus mode or auto focus?
@@KayakFishingAddict Autofocus...
@@NickStubbs Thanks. So AF likely chooses the furthest point....makes sense since drones are usually high up and focussed on the ground. So we need to be cognizant of that when what we're interested in is relatively close. That said, the fact that the trees were slightly out of focus in your video when the drone was high up is a little concerning since there's nothing really that can fix that since you were trying to get a wide angle shot.
@@KayakFishingAddict Indeed, as I said in the video, it could be the filter so I may try today with no filter on and check the result.
Oh nooo! My wallet!!!
Lol...you're not the first 😅