It’s no secret that I am in love with the DJI Mini 3 drone. It’s one of the best quality drones give the low price tag. And right now, that low price tag is lower than ever.
Sharp eyes from Drone Girl readers have spotted the DJI Mini 3 drone with RC-N1 Remote going for just $419. That’s a $50 discount from the latest low price we’ve seen of $469.
And that’s massively lower than the $559 price that the same RC-N1 configuration of the DJI Mini 3 was set at when it launched at the end of 2022. What was a 16% (or $90) discount is now an even more impressive 25% ($140) discount. All that at a time when the general rate of inflation over the same perio (from December 2022 to now) is 8%.
Imagine practically everything else being 8% more expensive, while one of DJI’s best drones on the market is actually 25% cheaper.
The DJI Mini 3 drone deal seems to be available on most major retailers. That includes Amazon, B&H Photo, Drone Nerds and Adorama.
I’ve also spotted some other configurations that offer potentially an even-better deal. For example, for just $20 more, Adorama is selling a $439, upgraded DJI Mini 3 drone with basic accessories kit that also throws in a SanDisk Extreme microSD card, Slinger shoulder bag and a Corel software kit. The software kit alone is considered a $200 value.
Related read: DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic Air 2 and Air 2S: which is better?
Why I love the DJI Mini 3 drone
Now that this drone is under $500, the price tag alone is relatively easy to grapple with. But here are other reasons why the DJI Mini 3 drone is great:
- Excellent image quality: The DJI Mini 3 packs a punch with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and dual native ISO. That enables true-to-life colors in both bright and low-light conditions.
- Easy to fly: With an extended battery life of up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (or 38 minutes with the standard batter), you’ll have ample time to fly. The intuitive and user-friendly controls also make it easy to fly, even for beginners.
- Ultra-lightweight: The sub-250 gram weight of this drone has all sorts of practical reasons beyond just portability. Weighing in at under 250 grams, the DJI Mini 3 falls into a weight class that exempts it from certain drone regulations in many countries, including the United States. You don’t even have to register this drone in the U.S.
- Made for social media: TikTokers and Instagram Reels makers, rejoice! The DJI Mini 3 features a unique tilt mechanism that allows for true vertical shooting. That’s ideal for capturing vertical photos and videos specifically formatted for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
While the latest version in the Mini lineup, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, is overall a far better drone than the DJI Mini 3. That’s given improved features like a more powerful transmission system and obstacle avoidance. Still, it’s tough to justify the Mini 4 Pro’s $759 price tag now that the Mini 3 is just $419.
Related read: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro: is it worth the upgrade?
Is buying the DJI Mini 3 now a smart move?
I wish I could say I had a crystal ball. And if I did, I’d use it to see how prices will change. With Amazon Prime Day coming on July 16 and 17, we tend to see prices on tech products fall further on all sites, not just Amazon.
But it’s impossible to say if the DJI Mini 3 will end up on a Prime Day deals list. It’s also impossible to predict if it’ll go lower than this $419 price tag if it does.
Then there’s another factor to consider: the potential that the U.S. bans future DJI drones. Yes, a proposed ban on DJI drones that has already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives has sent shockwaves through the drone industry. It’s not entirely clear whether the ban would apply only to new drones, or if existing drones would be grounded too.
For what it’s worth, it’s unlikely the ban would apply to already-purchased drones. Plus, that assumes it even passes in the Senate and that the president signs it into law, which is perhaps even more unlikely. But, it has left some drone pilots wondering if now is a good or bad time to buy DJI drones. Assuming the ban only applies to new drones, though, it could be a golden opportunity to scoop up a cheap drone that you resell on eBay
That said, what if you’ve been eyeing the DJI Mini 3 but the price tag was a bit too high? This sale is the perfect time to take the plunge. With its excellent image quality, long flight time, portability, and user-friendly features, the DJI Mini 3 is a great value at its regular price. At this record low price, it’s an absolute steal.
And hey, if future drones do get banned, then you could always sell this one. On the bright side, you might potentially even turn a profit.
Looking for even more deals? And yes, that means deals on more drone stuff beyond just the DJI Mini 3! Check out my guide to the best drone deals of summer 2024.