Over a year ago I reviewed the DJI Mini 3 and asked if it was still worth it in 2024. Since then I took it to Norway as a backup for my Air 3S (and yeah… it ended up being a really good thing I packed it). In this updated review I break down the real-world pros and cons after traveling with it, including a range test that completely surprised me compared to what I got back home in Canada. In Norway, I finally had better conditions and the Mini 3 pushed way past my old 1,500 ft result—ending up around 8,000 ft before I lost signal and it kicked into its return behavior. I also talk through why native vertical 4K30 is one of the coolest features on this drone (no crop like the Air 3S), plus battery life, RAW photo capability, and why the HDR video looks noticeably cleaner than the Mini 2/2 SE/Mini 4K in a lot of scenes. On the flip side, I’m straight up about what you’re giving up: no 10-bit, no log, no collision sensors (besides bottom), no hyperlapse, and the smaller sensor + tiny body can struggle in low light and high winds. My verdict: if this is your first drone and it fits your budget, you’re going to be blown away—just know where the limits are if you’re shooting professionally.