Welcome and thanks for studying this text on which drone I select: the Evo Lite Plus or the DJI Mini 3 Professional.
Trying on the Evo Lite Plus and Mini 3 Professional, we have now two “greatest at school” drones for what they’re constructed to do, though markedly totally different in design aesthetics.
Each drones had been launched in 2022, with the Autel Evo Lite Plus being launched in January 2022 and the Mini 3 Professional, in Might 2022.
With solely a 5-month age distinction between the 2, Autel and DJI took totally different approaches to those well-loved drones.
I’ve used each the Evo Lite Plus and Mini 3 Professional extensively over the previous yr or so.
This utilization ranged from frequent journey round varied elements of america to industrial work for my shoppers. In all circumstances, each drones did a wonderful job.
On this article, I’ll look at the variations between the Autel Evo Lite Plus and the DJI Mini 3 Professional, my general expertise with every, who would possibly profit from both, and why I personally selected the DJI Mini 3 Professional over the Autel Evo Lite Plus.
If you’re on the lookout for a manageable drone that can be utilized recreationally and for some skilled work, in case you so select, this text ought to allow you to determine.
Temporary Overview
Autel Evo Lite Plus
As talked about, the Evo Lite Plus was launched in January of 2022, making it a bit beneath two years outdated, on the time of this writing.
Like DJI, Autel has discovered a foldable design that works for it and this design flows via all of their newer drones, together with the Nano sequence.
The Evo Lite Plus takes design cues from the bigger, dearer Autel Evo II and Evo II Professional.
Just like the Evo II Professional line, it has a professional-level 20 MP adjustable aperture 1-inch CMOS sensor digital camera. Attempt saying that 3 instances quick.
The Evo Lite Plus, although shut to 2 years outdated, gives:
40-minute flight instances, which, up till the Evo line of drones, was unusual to see in client and prosumer drones
Three-way impediment avoidance sensing, when used appropriately aids in safer flight maneuvers
1-inch digital camera sensor for 20 MP high-resolution skilled high quality photographs
No geofencing, which means no flight restrictions, excellent for flying in areas the place correct airspace authorization has been obtained, however different drones might need issue unlocking
» MORE: Autel Evo Lite+ Evaluation
DJI Mini 3 Professional
Proper on the heels of the Evo Lite Plus, the Mini 3 Professional made its debut as the primary DJI Mini drone with impediment avoidance.
This was certainly one thing unparalleled on the time in 2022 and has solely been matched by the Mini 3 Professional’s successor, the Mini 4 Professional, since then.
What makes having impediment avoidance sensors within the Mini 3 Professional such a giant deal is that it’s nonetheless in a position to retain its sub-250 g weight.
Drone fanatics seeking to hold from registering their Mini 3 Professional, whereas nonetheless flying safer will recognize this.
By way of visuals, the Mini line had regarded fairly the identical for a number of years, beginning with the unique Mavic Mini launched again in 2019.
The Mini 3 Professional broke the design mould with the addition of impediment avoidance sensors and a singular digital camera.
The Mini 3 Professional has a set of fantastic, pro-like options, which embody:
True verticle taking pictures which permits for fast posting to social media within the right picture ratio
10-bit, 4k 60 fps video for content material creators and professionals on the lookout for flexibility when colour grading
Three-way impediment avoidance for added flight security
Weighs lower than 250 g which is ideal for these not desirous to register their drone in america
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional: One-Yr Evaluation (Video)
Fast Verdict
While you first have a look at the Evo Lite Plus and Mini 3 Professional aspect by aspect, though foldable drones, they’re clearly totally different.
The Evo Lite Plus is a bigger, extra strong drone than the Mini 3 Professional. On the flip aspect, the Mini 3 Professional’s sub-250 g weight and tiny footprint are what many search for these days.
each drones for a “does all of it” drone, the Mini 3 Professional is my selection.
This selection was not made frivolously.
As an expert who does plenty of shopper work, and travels fairly a bit up and down the Florida East and Gulf Coasts recreationally, a drone that may do each skilled work and leisure flights is essential to me.
As a result of the Mini 3 Professional is so small, it already checks off the packing containers for a leisure journey drone.
Coupled with the truth that it shoots unbelievable video footage, footage shoppers are at all times pleased with, it really works for me on a Professional stage.
The Mini 3 Professional permits anybody to have the ability to carry only one drone with them, for a wide range of functions. Just like a Swiss Military Knife, it’s an all-in-one resolution.
» MORE:
What are the Foremost Variations?
The Evo Lite Plus is orange and the Mini 3 Professional is mild grey. No, that’s not all that differentiates the 2!
Whereas each drones are about the identical age, born in the identical yr, there are fairly a number of technological variations that separate the 2, and we’ll have a look at them now.
First, we’ll deal with the Evo Lite Plus.
Dimension and Weight: The Evo Lite Plus weighs in at over 3 times the burden of the Mini 3 Professional, at 835 g. This added weight is definitely a bonus for the Evo Lite Plus, because it aids in it being extra secure within the wind, although rated at across the similar wind resistance because the Mini 3 Professional.
Digicam: That is the place professionals and recreation photographers will need to take discover. The Autel Evo Lite Plus has a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor. Along with a big sensor dimension that enables for extra mild to enter, the digital camera additionally has a completely adjustable aperture, from f/2.8 – f/11. Other than taking wonderful 20 MP photographs, the Evo Lite Plus also can shoot full 6k video, edging out many of the direct competitors, even now.
Colour Decisions: For the reason that early years of the “flying pumpkin”, the Autel X-Star Premium, Autel has provided its drones in orange. The Evo Lite Plus doesn’t stray from this, additionally coming in orange. Nevertheless, it additionally is available in grey and white. For many who would love a bit selection and higher visibility, the three colour selections ought to do the trick.
Lack of Geofencing: For a lot of, it is a make-or-break choice. The shortage of geofencing implies that the Evo Lite Plus can fly anyplace you’d prefer it to. It is not going to be grounded by invisible fences or zones, like DJI and different drone producers will.
The Mini 3 Professional has an important set of stand-out choices as nicely. Together with, however not restricted to:
Dimension and Weight: Whereas the bigger dimension of the Evo Lite Plus was a, nicely, plus, the scale of the Mini 3 Professional is one thing to be admired. The Mini 3 Professional is sufficiently small to place in a small bag or sling. I oftentimes put mine within the pocket of my cargo shorts. With the Mini 3 Professional weighing lower than 250 g, that implies that, in america, it doesn’t must be registered. Extra on this later.
Vertical Capturing: As a nod to the unique Mavic Professional of 2016, the digital camera on the Mini 3 Professional bodily and totally rotates 90 levels. This enables the Mini 3 Professional to shoot portrait-mode photographs and movies and publish them to social media with out the necessity for post-process cropping.
Battery Choices: The Mini 3 Professional was the primary to make use of two different-sized battery choices, Customary and Plus. The Customary battery choice yields flight instances of 34 minutes whereas conserving the Mini 3 Professional beneath the 250 g threshold. The heavier Plus choice takes the burden of the Mini 3 Professional over 250 g however yields 47 minutes of flight time.
10-bit colour: Within the skilled video house, 10-bit colour is a should. The Mini 3 Professional produces over a billion colour variations, versus 8-bit programs which solely seize 16 million colours. This enables for lots extra flexibility and creativity when color-grading footage in video enhancing software program.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional vs. Holy Stone HS720E (Right here’s My Selection)
Autel Evo Lite Plus
The Evo Lite Plus is modeled loosely after the bigger Evo II and Evo II Plus launched prior.
Whereas being a smaller, scaled-back model of these drones, the Evo Lite Plus has most of the advantages of the Evo II Plus, in a smaller, easier-to-manage bundle.
Autel has been recognized for pioneering longer battery life in client and prosumer drones, as seen with the discharge of the Evo II and II Professional.
The Evo II line boasted unheard-of 40-minute flight instances means again in 2020.
That longer battery life subsequently made its approach to the smaller Evo Lite Plus. This was spectacular again when evaluating it in opposition to its then rival the Air 2S, adopted by its smaller and newer rival, the Mini 3 Professional.
Not like the Mini 3 Professional, the Evo Lite Plus has a powerful 20 MP adjustable aperture one-inch SONY digital camera sensor.
That is one thing many professionals, and, even, leisure photographers insist on, resulting from publicity flexibility and picture high quality.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite Plus vs DJI Avata (Which One Is Higher?)
This was really an enchancment over the bigger, non-professional stage Evo II 8k, as that digital camera solely had a a lot smaller 1/2-inch sensor.
With the Evo Lite Plus’ bigger digital camera sensor comes the power to shoot wonderful low-light footage. The Evo Lite Plus has varied evening modes, for photographs and movies, that look nice, even by 2023 requirements.
As has been customary with all Autel drones, for the reason that days of the X-Star, the Autel Evo Lite Plus isn’t Geofenced.
Whereas we’ll contact on this extra, having no geofencing means no limitations placed on the place and when you’ll be able to fly your drone.
Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ Premium Bundle
1” CMOS Sensor with 6K HDR Digicam, No Geo-Fencing, 3-Axis Gimbal, 3-Manner Impediment Avoidance, 40Min Flight Time, 7.4 Miles Transmission, Lite Plus Extra Combo.
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11/11/2023 02:41 am GMT
DJI Mini 3 Professional
When the Mini 3 Professional was launched, it was to plenty of fanfare. The Mini 3 Professional was and nonetheless is a much-loved drone amongst all sorts of drone pilots.
It’s simple for learners to choose up and fly whereas remaining enjoyable to fly for knowledgeable drone fanatics.
One of many greatest attracts of the Mini 3 Professional, like its predecessors, is its tiny dimension and sub-250 g weight.
The Mini 3 Professional is the perfect journey drone.
Not like every other client or prosumer DJI drone earlier than it, the Mini 3 Professional managed to retain a really small footprint, weighing beneath 250 g, all whereas having impediment avoidance sensors on board.
This implies the Mini 3 Professional advantages from the myriad of clever flight modes DJI has to supply in its bigger line of drones. A few of these modes are usually not doable with out impediment avoidance.
The Mini 3 Professional isn’t solely small and has visible sensors, nevertheless it additionally has a number of pro-level additions as nicely. These make it splendid for content material creators and videographers.
These embody 4k 60 fps taking pictures in addition to the flatter 10-bit D-Cinelike profile.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional vs. Air 2S (All You Have to Know)
Along with being an important journey drone, the Mini 3 Professional packs sufficient punch for use for some skilled functions, comparable to the true property business.
It makes a viable backup drone for skilled drone pilots. I personally hold a Mini 3 Professional in my tools bag when doing bigger initiatives.
I achieve this particularly when at actual property jobs, simply in case my most important drone fails. Likewise, I take advantage of it usually in tight areas to get that completely framed shot.
Head-to-Head Comparability
Digicam
Winner: Autel Evo Lite Plus
The Evo Lite Plus is the clear winner in relation to the cameras on this comparability.
Whereas the Mini 3 Professional arguably has an important digital camera, the Evo Lite Plus with its 1-inch digital camera sensor appeals extra to the skilled and novice pictures crowd alike.
The digital camera on the Evo Lite Plus has a SONY 20 MP adjustable aperture 1-inch CMOS sensor. The aperture ranges from f/2.8 – f/11.
Because of this the digital camera has few limitations when taking each photographs and movies in varied lighting circumstances.
If you’re one to take evening footage, the Evo Lite Plus has a full suite of evening modes utilizing its extremely efficient Moonlight algorithm.
Nighttime video taken with the Evo Lite Plus is detailed, and sharp, with minimal noise
The 20 MP photographs that come out of the Evo Lite Plus are nothing in need of incredible.
I’ve used the Evo Lite Plus on a number of actual property jobs and the images had been the identical top quality as others I’ve taken with varied prosumer DJI drones.
By way of video, the Evo is marketed to shoot as much as 6k. That is extra realistically 5.4k, which remains to be nice, as it’s a increased decision than the Mini 3 Professional can shoot movies at.
With the ability to shoot in 5k is particularly good for individuals who do a good bit of video enhancing and prefer to zoom in throughout video post-production, with out dropping an excessive amount of decision.
One thing notable in regards to the Evo Lite Plus is when taking pictures video in Auto, it really works fairly nicely. This might need one thing to do some with the mixture of the moonlight algorithm and the adjustable aperture.
The Evo Lite Plus does an important job of exposing every part nicely, from the shadows to the highlights. Night time-time video taking pictures is equally as spectacular as daytime taking pictures.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional for Actual Property Images (All You Have to Know)
Flight Efficiency
Winner: Autel Evo Lite Plus
If you’re not an all-out velocity freak, then this is perhaps a little bit of a toss-up. A tie.
In terms of flying horizontally in sport mode, the Evo Lite Plus is a bit beneath 5 mph quicker than the Mini 3 Professional. To some, that distinction in velocity means fairly a bit.
Nevertheless, once you have a look at all the velocity common throughout the board, the drones are just about neck and neck.
Whereas the Mini 3 Professional is rated as a stage 5 wind-resistant drone, the gimbal has to work more durable to stabilize video footage.
The Evo Lite Plus has rather less gimbal work to do in windy circumstances, because it strikes lower than the Mini 3 Professional.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional and Climate
No Geofencing
Winner: Autel Evo Lite Plus
I’ve been in conditions, previously, the place I might be out and about flying recreationally, see an important place to fly, and never be capable to fly there as a result of the drone sees an authorization zone and grounded me.
This can be one thing many have shared when flying once in a while.
With all Autel drones, together with the Evo Lite Plus, there is no such thing as a such geofencing.
Though the newer DJI drones working DJI Fly App are actually so much simpler to unlock than a number of years in the past, with the Evo Lite Plus there are not any unlocks wanted.
As a substitute for pulling out the Aloft or UAV Forecast apps, the Autel Sky app will provide you with a warning to zones close by.
If you happen to occur to be in an authorization zone, you’ll be able to then purchase LAANC authorization onsite via Aloft and proceed to go and fly.
After you have skilled an absence of geofencing in varied zones, you probably is not going to need to return to unlocking these zones in-app.
» MORE: Do Autel Drones Have Geofencing (And Learn how to Unlock)
Portability & Comfort
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
The Mini 3 Professional wins this class palms down.
While you evaluate what the Mini 3 Professional can do technically alongside the Evo Lite Plus, the Plus can not evaluate to the Mini 3 Professional’s portability and comfort.
The Mini 3 Professional is ideal for vacationers and open air varieties who prefer to movie themselves. With it weighing in at beneath 250 g, it’s barely noticeable when in a pictures bag, sling, or purse.
Alongside the traces of weight, the Mini 3 Professional doesn’t must be registered in america.
Nevertheless, if the Mini 3 Professional shall be used for paid industrial work, or the furtherance of enterprise, it is going to must be registered.
Along with the burden of the Mini 3 Professional, with its small footprint (you’ll be able to actually maintain it within the palm of your hand when folded), it’s simply tucked away in nearly all sorts of carrying options.
Including to the comfort issue is the truth that the Mini 3 Professional has the choice to return bundled with the all-in-one DJI RC sensible controller.
Just like the Mini 3 Professional, the DJI RC is ultra-lightweight and might be slipped into any kind of bag with out taking on an excessive amount of house.
If you’re a traveler or solo creator, not having to make use of a smartphone along with the distant controller lets you rise up within the air quicker.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional with DJI RC (Defined for Novices)
Distant Controller Compatability
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
The Mini 3 Professional is the clear winner in relation to the distant controller choices accessible for it.
Whereas the Evo Lite Plus solely makes use of a single distant controller, the Mini 3 Professional might be operated utilizing the next DJI distant controllers:
If utilizing the Mini 3 Professional strictly from an expert standpoint, the DJI RC Professional is the most effective (and most costly) resolution for controlling the Mini 3 Professional, because it has a 5.5-inch display screen with 1000 nits of brightness.
Moreover, third social gathering apps might be put in on the DJI RC Professional, enabling it to be a real all-in-one controller resolution, needing no further sensible gadgets.
If flying the Mini 3 Professional recreationally, then the extra reasonably priced, bundled DJI RC, is a wonderful controller.
At 700 nits of brightness, the DJI RC can nonetheless be seen in very brilliant circumstances. That is excellent for touring.
When doing sure shopper work alongside waterfronts, I’ve opted to go together with the RC-N1 controller. It does take a bit longer to get arrange and deploy, however you should use any sensible machine with it.
I take advantage of a Tripletek 1500 nit excessive brightness pill connected to the RC-N1 for such jobs.
If you happen to’d like a unique perspective when flying, and a unique approach to fly, there’s additionally the choice to fly the Mini 3 Professional with the newer DJI Movement 2 Controller w/ DJI Goggles 2.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Have to Know)
Battery Choices
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
Whereas Autel pioneered the longer-lasting, 40-minute battery in leisure drones, DJI has taken this a step additional.
The Mini 3 Professional has two battery choices accessible to it. The Customary model and the Plus model.
If opting to go together with the usual model, there’s an marketed flight time of 34 minutes. The Plus model has an marketed flight time of 47 minutes.
I say “marketed” as a result of the flight instances talked about by producers are when the drone is flying of their optimum take a look at environments.
Actual-world person flight instances will fluctuate by a couple of minutes.
When shifting as much as the higher-capacity Plus batteries, the flight time will increase to about 42 minutes or so. Once more, that is primarily based on real-world utilization.
Regardless, having 40+ minute flight instances in a Mini drone is an accomplishment in itself.
One thing to notice, the Customary clever batteries are tremendous light-weight and hold the Mini 3 Professional at beneath 250 g.
When shifting as much as the beefier Plus choice batteries, the burden of the battery strikes the Mini 3 Professional out of the sub-250 g zone.
Because of this the Mini 3 Professional will then must be registered, whether or not you might be flying it professionally or not.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Professional Battery (All You Have to Know)
Clever Flight Modes
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
Each the Evo Lite Plus and Mini 3 Professional have clever flight modes aboard.
The world most drone fanatics and solo shooters are going to be involved about is Focus Monitor.
The Autel Evo Lite Plus has the same perform referred to as Dynamic Monitor, nevertheless it’s not practically as refined and helpful as Focus Monitor on the Mini 3 Professional.
Comply with Me Mode aka Focus Monitor is a giant deal at present on the earth of drones, and Focus Monitor on the Mini 3 Professional is prime notch.
By merely drawing a sq. round your topic, the Mini 3 Professional will exactly observe mentioned topic.
I’ve used Focus Monitor many instances on the Mini 3 Professional on the seaside following boats and jet skis and it carried out marvelously.
When out on the water, the Mini 3 professional by no means misplaced its topic. When monitoring vehicles, likewise it saved up with them, spot on.
Monitoring individuals who stroll behind obstacles is troublesome oftentimes for the Mini 3 Professional.
It’s because it solely has three-way impediment avoidance and never omnidirectional sensing just like the newer Mini 4 Professional.
It can not fly safely to the edges or beneath objects to precisely monitor topics that stroll or duck behind such obstacles.
Focus Monitor on the Mini 3 Professional does have some limitations however nonetheless far exceeds the Evo Lite Plus with its Dynamic Monitor.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional – Learn how to Use Energetic Monitor (Step-by-Step Information)
Conclusion
After having owned and used each the Autel Evo Lite Plus and DJI Mini 3 Professional for greater than a yr, I’ve to say they’re each incredible drones.
Autel and DJI took totally different approaches to every of those drones, and I really feel that the Mini 3 Professional edges out the Evo Lite Plus within the areas that matter most to me.
The Evo Lite Plus will most certainly attraction to these needing a cheaper industrial workhorse than the Autel Evo II Professional.
It has an honest weight to struggle off the wind whereas taking wonderful high quality 20 MP photos and 5.4k movies.
The Mini 3 Professional, alternatively, is probably the most rounded and balanced drone for these wanting each a journey drone and one thing that may additionally deal with some skilled workload.
With its light-weight physique and small footprint, coupled with vertical taking pictures, pro-like 10-bit colour, and 4k 60 fps video capabilities, the Mini 3 Professional is ideal for many newbie flyers, fanatics, and even professionals alike.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite+ vs. DJI Mini 2 SE (Right here’s My Favourite)