How to shoot a hyperlapse with the DJI Mini 3

No, the DJI Mini 3 doesn't have a built-in Hyperlapse mode. DJI's Mini 3 manual lists Photo, Video, QuickShots and Panorama shooting modes, and its firmware updates never added Hyperlapse. You can still make one: shoot a sequence with Timed Shot (every 2 to 60 seconds) and assemble the photos into video on a computer, or record slow 4K video and speed it up in your editor.

Mini 3 hyperlapse options — DJI's Mini 3 manual lists Single, 48MP, AEB and Timed Shot photo modes but no Hyperlapse. You can still build a hyperlapse yourself.

Method 1: Timed Shot photos (best quality)

This is how a hyperlapse works under the hood: photos at a fixed interval, played back as video.

In DJI Fly, open Shooting Modes, Photo, Timed Shot.
Pick the interval. JPEG allows 2 to 60 seconds; JPEG plus RAW allows 5 to 60 seconds.
Switch to Pro mode and lock ISO, shutter and white balance so frames don't flicker.
Start the timer and fly very slowly and steadily, or hover for a static timelapse.
Import the frames into software such as DaVinci Resolve, Lightroom with LRTimelapse, or Premiere Pro and build a 24 or 30 fps sequence.

Plan on 25 to 30 photos per second of finished video. At a 2-second interval, 10 seconds of footage takes about 8 to 10 minutes of shooting, which fits comfortably in the Mini 3's flight time.

Method 2: Speed up 4K video (easiest)

Record 4K at 24 to 30 fps in Cine mode (max 6 m/s) for smooth movement.
Fly a slow, steady line, orbit or climb.
In your editor, speed the clip up 10 to 30 times.

Stabilization is already handled by the gimbal, so this looks smooth. You won't get the long motion blur of a true hyperlapse, but it's quick and great for clouds and traffic.

Best settings

Exposure: Pro mode, ISO 100 in daylight. Auto exposure causes flicker.
White balance: manual, fixed Kelvin value.
Shutter: for frame-based hyperlapses, slower shutters blur moving cars and water. Use ND filters in daylight.
Photo size: 12 MP is plenty for a 4K video and fills the card far more slowly than 48 MP.
Flight: hover or move very slowly. Wind drift between frames shows up as wobble.

Tips

Pick a strong moving element. Clouds, shadows, traffic and sunsets work best.
Keep a static anchor like a building or mountain in frame so motion has a reference.
Watch the battery. Long sequences drain it while hovering; land with margin.
Remember obstacles. The Mini 3 only senses downward, so set RTH altitude above everything nearby.

Want built-in Hyperlapse?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro has Hyperlapse with Free, Circle, Course Lock and Waypoints modes, plus omnidirectional obstacle sensing. If timelapses are a big part of your work, see Mini 3 vs Mini 4 Pro and Mini 4 Pro hyperlapse.

For all other camera settings, see best Mini 3 settings, or shop the DJI Mini 3.