DJI Mini 3 Pro Gets the “New Tripod Mode” with Firmware Update

Drone News

by Jakub HanApril 6^th, 2023

New firmware update for DJI Mini 3 Pro adds gain and expo tuning. This feature makes it possible to adjust the maximum speeds in each flight mode – cinematic, normal, and sport – the so-called “new tripod mode” – which allows for very slow and smooth movements. Additionally, the firmware update adds Reset All Settings and Clear All Data options.

Back in May 2022, the new drone model in DJI’s sub 250g line – the DJI Mini 3 Pro – was announced. The list of improvements and new features compared to the previous DJI Mini 2 was fairly long (in fact, much longer and more interesting than between the first Mavic Mini and the Mini 2). Later last year, I upgraded from the Mini 2 to the new Mini 3 Pro as I really like the sub 250g drone category.

Shortly after the announcement, DJI made the Mini 3 Pro an even better drone by adding 10-bit color to the D-Cinelike H.265 recording mode. Recently, the Mini 3 Pro received another firmware update that adds a very interesting feature. Let’s take a look at the details.

DJI Mini 3 Pro firmware update adds new “tripod mode”

The new firmware update was launched a few days ago. The full version of the aircraft firmware is v01.00.0500. As always, the new firmware can be loaded into the Mini 3 Pro via DJI Fly App (iOS or Android). The latest version of the app is v1.9.8, which is required for the latest firmware and its features to work. There are basically two new features added to the drone with this firmware:

• Added Reset All Settings and Clear All Data options. This feature can basically return the aircraft and the remote controller back to factory settings. The “Reset All Settings” feature will delete all the data stored in internal storage, microSD card, and SSD – including the flight log. Important – If an accident occurs during flight, it is recommended to provide proof (flight log) when claiming compensation from DJI, so make sure not to delete all the data before sending the flight log to them if something happens. More information about these features can be found in the DJI Mini 3 Pro user manual v1.6.
• Added Gain and Expo Tuning. This is the most exciting new feature that comes with the Mini 3 Pro. The maximum flight speed, brake sensitivity, and other settings can be now adjusted in different flight modes. This is the so-called “new tripod mode”, but because it is adjustable, it is actually even better.

A short side note in case you did not follow “the story of the tripod mode”. The so-called tripod mode was a very useful super-slow mode in older DJI drones that was later replaced with the Cine mode. The new cine mode was, however, still too fast with its 5m/s. Philip Bloom campaigned for the return of the tripod mode or adjustable cine mode and his online petition collected quite a few signatures. DJI thankfully listened and introduced the adjustable cine mode with the DJI Mavic 3 Classic back in November 2022. Anyway, it is good to see this feature getting to other drones via firmware updates as well.

Price and availability

DJI Mini 3 Pro currently sells for $669 (drone only), $759 (drone with the RC-N1 remote controller), or $909 (drone with the DJI RC remote controller). The fly more kit can now be purchased separately for $189. The recent firmware update can, of course, be downloaded free of charge via DJI Fly app.

Do you use the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone for your video work? How do you like the drone and the image quality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.