How to turn your DJI Mavic 3 or Mini 3 Pro into an FPV drone

If the idea of a DJI Mavic 3 FPV sounds like your dream drone, well, it’s real.

As DJI expands its product lineup with new drones like DJI FPV and the Cinewhoop-style DJI Avata, it’s added on new accessories like FPV goggles and controllers. And for people who already own DJI’s high-end camera drones including the DJI Mavic 3 series and the Mini 3 Pro, DJI has made many of its FPV goggles and controllers compatible.

Yes, that means you can have a DJI Mavic 3 FPV or a DJI Mini 3 Pro FPV, combining what might be the best of both worlds: the mesmerizing aesthetic and freedom of FPV drone flying, coupled with DJI’s best consumer camera drones.

Here’s what you need to know about turning either of those drones into FPV drones.

How to turn your DJI Mini 3 Pro into a DJI Mini 3 Pro FPV drone

As far as goggles go, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is compatible with DJI Goggles 2 and DJI Goggles Integra.

As far as controllers, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is currently compatible with the DJI RC Motion 2 controller, which is what you’ll want for your FPV setup. The DJI Mini 3 Pro does also support the DJI RC Pro, DJI RC, DJI RC-N1, but you’ll want the DJI RC Motion 2 if you’re also looking to use the DJI Goggles 2 or DJI Goggles Integra.

You can check up-to-date DJI Mini 3 Pro accessory compatibility here (which you should do if you end up reading this piece long after it was first published!).

What to know about the DJI Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a compact, small drone designed for portability, making it ideal for people who are always traveling with their drone or otherwise need a small setup. In fact, it weighs under 249 grams, which is a big deal for two reasons:

1. Drones under 250 grams do not need to be registered with the FAA for recreational operations.
2. Drones under 250 grams do not need to be Remote ID compliant.

Still, it’s powerful, supporting forward and backward obstacle avoidance. And in fact, I consider the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone to be a conglomeration of every coveted drone feature. While not the absolute best in every category (other more powerful DJI drones like the Mavic 3 and Matrice line certainly beat out the Mini 3 Pro on certain individual specs), it is the best overall drone you’ll find on the market today when you factor in the small size and price tag. 

How to turn your DJI Mavic 3 drone into a DJI Mavic 3 FPV drone

Like the DJI Mini 3 Pro, the DJI Mavic 3 Series is compatible with DJI Goggles 2 and DJI Goggles Integra.

And for controllers, it’s also compatible with DJI RC Motion 2, necessary to fly it FPV style. The drones in the Mavic 3 series also support the DJI RC Pro, DJI RC and DJI RC-N1 controllers, but again, you’ll need the DJI RC Motion 2 if you want to pair your Mavic 3 drone to the DJI Goggles 2 or DJI Goggles Integra.

Again, be sure to confirm up-to-date DJI Mavic 3 accessory compatibility here (especially if you end up reading this piece long after it was first published!).

What to know about the DJI Mavic 3 series

There are a handful of drones in the DJI Mavic 3 series, but any of them are ideal for either aspiring or even serious professional photographers and videographers. This series is far more powerful than the Mini 3 Pro, supporting omnidirectional obstacle avoidance.

The first of the DJI Mavic 3 drones was released back in November 2021 with two cameras: a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad sensor with a 20MP resolution, and a secondary 1/2-inch CMOS (12MP) sensor that’s used as its digital zoom lens. A year later, DJI offered up a stripped-down, cheaper version called the DJI Mavic 3 Classic. And in April 2023, DJI gave us the DJI Mavic 3 Pro which is newer and spiffier than its predecessors, including three cameras.

And from there, each of the Mavics also has even higher-end Cine versions. Should you opt to purchase something like the $4,800 DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Premium Combo, you’re in for a FPV and cinematography powerhouse.

• Order your Mavic 3 Pro now from Amazon.
• Order your Mavic 3 Pro now from B&H Photo.

By the way, if you’re deciding between the DJI Mini 3 Pro or the DJI Mavic 3, check out my comparison guide to help you decide which drone is better for you.

How to get the DJI Goggles 2, DJI Goggles Integra and DJI Motion Controller 2

So you got the drone. But to make it FPV-ready, you’ll need either the DJI Goggles 2 or the DJI Goggles Integra, as well as the DJI Motion Controller 2.

The DJI Motion 2 uses motion sensing technology to let you control the flight direction with just a slight turn of the wrist, almost like an intuitive magic wand. It operates in tandem with a built-in joystick so you can also opt to fly in that more traditional RC controller style. Though it sells as a standalone product for about $240, it’s an overall better deal to buy it bundled in one of DJI’s combo kits (more on that later).

If you already have the DJI Avata, you might not need to buy anything else, period, as there’s a good chance you already have these things. That’s because the Avata Pro-View combo comes with the DJI Goggles 2, while the Avata Explorer Combo comes with the DJI Goggles Integra.

If you have the DJI Motion Controller 2 but not the goggles, you can buy the goggles separately. Otherwise, DJI sells standalone combo kits.

• The DJI Goggles 2 Motion Combo includes the DJI Goggles 2 and DJI RC Motion 2 and typically costs $799.
• The DJI Goggles Integra Motion Combo includes the DJI Goggles Integra and DJI RC Motion 2 and typically costs $649.

DJI Goggles 2 vs. DJI Goggles Integra: which is better?

Both the DJI Goggles Integra and DJI Goggles 2 are similar in size, video transmission performance, and screen display. As far as differences between the DJI Goggles 2 and DJI Goggles Integra, here are the standouts:

If this question of “which DJI goggles are best” is directed at your wallet, then the Integra is better, as it’s about $150 cheaper. Unsurprisingly, the Goggles 2 are more powerful and have upgraded features.

Compared with DJI Goggles 2, DJI Goggles Integra adds an integrated battery headband, making it more convenient to wear, and the touch panel has been replaced with physical buttons. So in that regard, it’s better.

But it also has some lesser features that make it lighter, but less powerful. The wireless streaming function, dot matrix display, speaker, 3.5mm audio port, and diopter adjustment function have been removed (though the included corrective lenses can be used to achieve the same effect).

Here’s a quick comparison of the two:

What is FPV?

FPV is short for first-person-view, and it’s a style of flying commonly used by drone racers where you don goggles as if to virtually sit in the drone’s cockpit, only seeing what the drone is seeing. That’s as opposed to most drone photographers, who fly line of sight (looking at both the drone and able to glance at a live feed of the drone’s camera back and forth)

And now, you don’t need a dedicated FPV drone to get into FPV drone flying with one of these drones. Use the DJI Goggles 2, DJI Goggles Integra, and the DJI RC Motion 2 with your DJI Mavic 3 or Mini 3 Pro to experience the true-to-life colors, details, and motion controls that make flying captivating for FPV pilots.

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