MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Hi all,

I have a somewhat dumb question, so please don't "laugh" at me. My son just bought a DJI Mini 3 Pro and was asking me questions re: the camera, and I want to make sure I don't screw him up with an incorrect answer. Soooo, here goes:
Under the Lens section in the manufacturer specs on the DJI website it states: "Format Equivalent: 24mm". What exactly does that mean as far as focal length goes? I fully understand what a 35mm equivalent on a DX DSLR is, but I guess my real question here is, "what the heck is the 24mm equivalent to?".
Many thanks and hoping for a response that makes sense so I can explain it to my 35 y/o son whose "camera" is his cell phone.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have a Mini 2 and it has a similar lens. The field of view is the same as if you looked through a a full frame DSLR with a 24mm lens on it. The DJI Mini sensors are pretty small so the actual focal length is small too. With a quick search I could not find the actual focal length.

For whatever it might be worth, the Mini 3 is an amazing aerial camera.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thanks for that quick response, Bill. Your explanation was perfectly put so I'd understand it. FWIW, our son really loves the Mini 3. He's visiting us here in NJ, and was flying it out over the marshes and even did a quick inspection of our roof with it. Really nice!

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My background includes smaller "General Aviation" airplanes for most of my work life. That means I have been in the FAA system. Congress directed the FAA to manage drones in the sky and (in my always humble opinion) they are doing a terrible job.

I would enjoy knowing what your son thinks of what the FAA is doing to help him manage is drone flying!

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I'll ask him & get back to you. He had some not-very-complimentary comments last night regarding people who fly drones without (required) prior approval & the FAA just basically does nothing. We live near enough to an airport that he needed to get some sort of approval yesterday.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Glad to hear he is taking the airspace seriously. Based on my best estimates of drone sales figures and published FAA test completion numbers, I think that compliance may only be about 10%. It is a huge mess and the FAA is failing. Part of it is that the FAA tried to craft drone regulations around their long time mind set involving airplanes with people in them.

GregS Loc: Central Illinois, USA

He probably did this, but just in case....Make sure he registers his drone with the FAA. Also must take the TRUST test, print, and carry results with you. (Can't fail it)
Must have FAA approval before each flight as a Recreational flier. Download B4UFly app. He can submit data to FAA and get results immediately. Must keep approval on his phone to show if asked. Max altitude is 400' above ground level; AGL
Go here for details:

https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates

Many rules and regs. Huge fines if not followed.
Happy flying.