DJI has announced its latest lightweight drone is launching in South Africa with the introduction of the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
The drone aims to provide pro-grade features in a light form fact. Since it weighs 249 grams, it falls within the safest drone category, according to DJI. This also makes the drone policy-friendly for professional and hobby drone users alike.
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Meanwhile, its ability to shoot 4K video at 60FPS, as well as its vertical shooting mode, make it one of the most advanced drones in its weight category, according to the company.
“DJI Mini 3 Pro raises the bar on what a portable, powerful camera drone can achieve,” Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI, said in a statement.
At a launch event in Cape Town on 27 May, the company demonstrated some of the capabilities of the device for creators and media.
The drone comes equipped with user-friendly features such as tri-directional obstacle sensing and provides a maximum flight time of 34 minutes.
DJI Mini 3 Pro features
So why is the drone’s lightweight and compact form factor so important? Drones under 250 grams are classes in the safest category. This means fewer obstacles to entry for people who want to use the device for shooting video.
In South Africa, you still need a licence to fly drones for commercial purposes. There are also a variety of requirements if you wish to fly a drone in certain spaces.
The drone is foldable, making it easier to carry and transport. But DJI notes that it has more built-in features than any other DJI drone its size. Some of these features were previously only available on DJI Mavic and Air drones.
This includes its tri-directional obstacle sensing, which supports the use of advanced pilot assistance features and the FocusTrack suite.
The drone shoots images at a resolution up to 48MP, with its CMOS camera sensor supporting dual native ISO. Users can also record HDR videos at 30FPS.
If the owner wants an extended flight time, the drone is also compatible with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. This battery extends flight time to a maximum of 47 minutes.
DJI Mini 3 Pro new smart controller
The launch of the drone also comes with the expansion of DJIs remote controller devices. Along with the Mini 3 Pro, DJI has announced the new DJI RC will be available for purchase in South Africa. The remote controller features a 5-5-inch touchscreen and has the DJI Fly app pre-installed.
Users can operate the drone using this remote controller without needing to also use their smartphone to control the drone or launch the DJI Fly software.
The more traditional controller, without a touchscreen, will also be available.
DJI Mini 3 Pro price in South Africa and launch
So when does the device reach local stores and how much will it cost?
Due to shipping constraints and regulatory processes, different kits and bundles will arrive in the country at different periods.
The remote controller and flight battery plus packs will arrive at a later date.
Mini 3 Pro Stand Alone product, with no controller in the box, will cost R15,499 in South Africa. It will arrive in the country by 8 June, according to the latest information from DJI.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro + Standard Controller bundle will cost R17,499 and will arrive locally mid-June. The Mini 3 Pro + SMART Controller bundle will arrive at the same time, costing R19,499.
The Fly More kits, which will be sold separately, will arrive at a later date. The standard Fly More Kit costs R3,499, while the Fly More Kit PLUS costs R4,699.
If you want to purchase the drone, it will be available from a variety of distributors, including the iStore, ORMS, MyDrone.co.za, and Takealot.
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Feature image: DJI
