After the DJI Mini 3 Professional was launched in Might 2022, one of many dilemmas folks had was selecting between it and the Air 2S.
Now DJI has launched a brand new drone, the Air 3.
The Mini 3 Professional was a worthy contender towards the Air 2S, as you bought nearly the identical options with a couple of benefits in every, however how does it maintain up towards the Air 3?
The DJI Air 3 is the higher drone because of its superior flight options, 360-degree impediment avoidance, twin digital camera system, superior imaging capabilities, and longer flight time.
Nevertheless, the selection between the Air 3 and Mini 3 Professional largely is determined by your particular wants and preferences.
When you prioritize superior digital camera capabilities {and professional} options, the Air 3 is the best way to go.
Nevertheless, when you worth portability, simplicity, and a budget-friendly possibility with out compromising on respectable digital camera high quality, the Mini 3 Professional is healthier for you.
Prime Drone Programs
Preserve studying to make the correct selection on which drone you must get.
DJI Air 3 overview
✅ Execs
- Latest DJI drone
- Inexpensive with professional-level efficiency
- It has a novel twin digital camera, able to wonderful low-light images and filming.
- The DJI Air 3 comes with an omnidirectional sensing system.
- Superior ActiveTrack and Comply with-Me options.
- Can fly for a very long time
- Prime-notch transmission system, OcuSync 4.0
- Can fly lengthy vary with out points
❌ Cons
- The DJI Air 3 must be registered (above 250 grams)
- It isn’t the only option for mountain climbing and light-weight touring.
- The digital camera’s sensors are smaller than the one present in its predecessor, DJI Air 2S.
Being the newest addition to DJI’s catalog of client drones, the Air 3 is full of options, a few of which we had hoped to see within the Mini 3 Professional.
Beneath is a short overview of the primary options this drone has.
- Twin digital camera system: The Air 3 contains a twin digital camera system, every with a distinct aperture. This lets you take photographs from two completely different views to mix them later or decide the perfect one. These cameras embrace a 1/1.3, f1.7 24mm vast angle lens and a 1/1.3, f2.8, 70mm 3X telephoto digital camera.
- Vertical taking pictures mode: If you wish to shoot movies in portrait mode and publish them on to social media, the Air 3 can try this by mechanically cropping the footage. I’ll focus on how this compares to the Mini 3 Professional’s vertical taking pictures mode later.
- Superior ActiveTrack: The Air 3 comes with the newest ActiveTrack 5.0, which permits it to trace objects in additional instructions and lets the person change the monitoring route.
- OcuSync 4.0: The Air 3 additionally options the newest transmission from DJI that guarantees a spread of as much as 12 miles and higher efficiency in areas with interference.
- 360-degree impediment avoidance: The Air 3 is the primary Air drone to function 360-degree impediment avoidance, making it usable for extra complicated photographs than its predecessors.
- Extra clever flight modes: Along with the flight modes we’re used to in Mini and Air drones, similar to QuickShots, MasterShots, and FocusTrack, the Air 3 additionally options modes like Night time Mode, Cruise Management, and Waypoints, which had been solely accessible within the Mavic 3 drones.
- Longer flight time: DJI is upping their sport when making batteries. With all of the options and weight of the Air 3, it’s marketed to last as long as 46 minutes within the air, although you’ll be able to count on at the very least 40 minutes because of the numerous elements that have an effect on a drone’s flight time.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 Evaluation – Is This the Drone for You?
DJI Mini 3 Professional overview
DJI Mini 3 Professional (DJI RC)
It’s unbelievable how a small drone can have highly effective options, particularly for aerial images. The compact and light-weight qualities of the DJI Mini 3 Professional make it sturdy sufficient to resist robust winds.
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09/12/2023 07:56 pm GMT
✅ Execs
- One of the standard drones ever.
- It’s small, transportable, and light-weight.
- It weighs underneath 250 grams and should profit from relaxed drone legal guidelines.
- Glorious for images and filming for its worth
- 3-way anti-collision sensors
- Can fly for a very long time
- Can fly long-range
- It has two batteries suitable.
- Good for learners
❌ Cons
- With the clever battery plus, the Mini 3 Professional weights above 250 grams
- It doesn’t have an omnidirectional sensing system.
- The Energetic Observe is inferior to the one present in Air 3.
Launched in Might 2022, the Mini 3 Professional is DJI’s most superior mini drone.
It comes with a variety of options that had been firsts within the Mini drone collection, making it the right drone for learners on the lookout for a flexible possibility. These options embrace:
- Vertical taking pictures mode: Not like within the Air 3, the digital camera within the Mini 3 Professional modifications the orientation to vertical mode, and the utmost decision is 4K.
- Light-weight design: Being a Mini drone, the Mini 3 Professional weighs lower than 250 grams, making it an ideal drone for anybody on the lookout for a light-weight companion or those that don’t wish to register their drone. Nevertheless, it comes with two batteries, and one of many batteries makes the drone heavier than 250 grams by a couple of grams. This implies you’ll have to register it, which is value it contemplating you get further flight time.
- Impediment avoidance: The Mini 3 Professional was the primary mini drone to function impediment avoidance. Whereas it’s not 360-degree impediment avoidance, it detects obstacles in three instructions: entrance, downward, and backward, making extra maneuvers attainable in comparison with a drone with out impediment avoidance.
- First rate sensor: The Mini 3 Professional contains a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. Whereas this is probably not as massive as that within the Mavic 3 drones, it really works properly in optimum lighting however is probably not the perfect for very low-light circumstances.
- Most decision: The Mini 3 Professional can shoot as much as 4K at 60 fps and in each 12 MP and 48 MP, although the 48 MP is enabled by quad Bayer expertise. This decision is nice sufficient for content material creation {and professional} work.
- ActiveTrack: The Mini 3 Professional was additionally the primary Mini drone to formally get ActiveTrack, or the follow-me function, making it excellent for hikers, skate boarders, or every other out of doors exercise fans who may use this function. Nevertheless, this function is proscribed; the drone can solely observe you from behind and from the facet.
- Flight time: As talked about earlier, the Mini 3 Professional has two battery choices: a 34-minute- and a 47-minute.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional: One-Yr Evaluation (Video)
DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Professional – The comparability
Now, let’s dig deeper into the primary options, how these drones examine, and which you must get.
Weight and design
Each drones have a folding design, making them simpler to pack right into a smaller bag. Nevertheless, relating to weight, there’s an enormous distinction.
The Mini 3 Professional weighs 249 grams, qualifying it as a pastime drone, particularly in america.
As such, you don’t need to register it and don’t want a license to make use of it until you’re utilizing it for industrial functions.
Even with the bigger battery, this drone continues to be gentle and ideal for anybody who wants a succesful drone to slot in their backpack as they interact of their favourite actions.
Alternatively, the Air 3 is bigger and weighs 720 grams.
Nevertheless, contemplating the 2 cameras, superior impediment avoidance, and improved and extra flight modes, this further weight feels value it for customers who desire a drone that may do extra.
When you’re on the lookout for a small, gentle, and simply transportable drone that may produce wonderful footage with out the complexities of two cameras, the Mini 3 Professional will fit your wants.
» MORE: Finest 4K Drones Underneath 250 Grams
Pricing and availability
These drones are priced in a different way, catering to completely different markets.
The Mini 3 Professional is cheaper, beginning at $669 with out the controller. This feature is nice for anybody upgrading from the Mini 2 or any drone that makes use of the DJI RC-N1 or the DJI RC controllers.
When you don’t have a controller, you need to pay $759 for the Mini 3 Professional with the RC-N1 controller or $909 for the Mini 3 Professional with the DJI RC controller with a built-in display.
The Air 3, however, begins at $1,099 with the RC-N2 (an improve from the RC-N1) and $1,349 with the DJI RC 2 (an improve from the DJI RC).
The Mini 3 Professional’s Fly Extra Combo is offered individually at $249, whereas the Air 3’s Fly Extra Combo is offered as an entire bundle, together with the drone for $1,549.
» MORE: Finest Digicam Drones Underneath $2,000
Photograph and video recording
Each drone fashions have respectable cameras, however there are some vital variations.
Whereas they each have an identical lens, the Air 3 contains a twin digital camera system.
So, when you get an identical lens within the twin digital camera setup, it comes at completely different apertures and zooming capabilities at as much as 3X within the tele lens.
This enables customers to modify between the vast angle and the tele lens inside the identical flight. Taking footage from completely different views permits you to additionally get artistic in post-production.
Whereas the Mini 3 Professional doesn’t have two cameras, it does help zooming at as much as 2X in 4K, 3X in 2.7K, and 4X in Full HD.
The standard is probably not as nice when zooming like within the Air 3, but it surely’s ok for observing the topic from a distance.
The Air 3 additionally shoots at a most of 4K at 100fps, which is a bit of greater than the Mini 3 Professional’s 60fps, however this shouldn’t be a deal breaker for informal customers since you’ll typically be utilizing the 60fps or decrease until you need some complicated photographs.
One other benefit of the Air 3 is its capacity to shoot in D-Log M and HLG, that are extra superior coloration profiles that offer you extra room for creativity throughout post-processing.
The Mini 3 Professional is proscribed to 10-bit, which is a plus in comparison with drones just like the Mini and Mini 2, however you don’t have as a lot room for enhancing as you’ll get with the Air 3.
Relating to photographs, each drones assist you to take stills in 12 MP and 48 MP, although the twin digital camera system and extra up to date imaging capabilities of the Air 3 give it an higher hand.
The Mini 3 Professional does have one vital benefit, although, particularly for content material creators who love posting their footage on social media platforms, and that’s the vertical taking pictures mode.
As talked about within the overview, the digital camera modifications to a portrait place, which suggests you’ll not need to crop the footage to publish in your channels.
Secondly, you’ll be able to movie as much as 4K and even take photographs with this mode.
Whereas the Air 3 comes with the vertical taking pictures mode in each of its cameras, it crops the footage, and you’ll solely get a most decision of two.7K at 60 fps.
This function can be not accessible for photographs.
» MORE: Finest Inexpensive Drones with 4K Digicam
Clever flight modes
These drones function widespread clever flight modes similar to QuickShots, MasterShots, Panoramas, Hyperlapse, and ActiveTrack.
Nevertheless, the Air 3 has extra modes, making it a good higher possibility. These embrace:
- Improved ActiveTrack: With the Mini 3 Professional, the one possibility is for the drone to observe you from behind or from the facet. However with ActiveTrack 5.0 within the Air 3, you’ll be able to select the drone to observe from eight completely different positions and change between these instructions because the drone flies. This enables for some dynamic and higher-quality footage.
- Cruise management: This function permits the drone to fly at a relentless velocity. All you need to do is fly at your required velocity and provoke this function, and the drone will keep that velocity with out a lot enter from you. This function is helpful when it’s essential take a shot however are having hassle sustaining the perfect velocity. This function was solely accessible within the Mavic 3 collection drones. This function can be accessible when utilizing the Highlight function.
- Waypoints: Additionally solely accessible within the Mavic 3 and enterprise drones, the Waypoints function permits you to set a course for the drone to observe whereas taking photos. This function works nice for mapping duties or whenever you wish to automate a particular shot. The Mini 3 Professional has its model of Waypoints, as mentioned right here, however this function solely works within the Hyperlapse mode, and you’ll solely use it to execute a particular Hyperlapse sample.
- Night time mode: When you take pleasure in taking photographs and movies at night time, you’ll love the Air 3’s devoted Night time Mode that mechanically lowers the ISO and reduces the noise, leading to higher night time footage.
» MORE: Comply with Me and ActiveTrack on DJI Drones (Defined for Newbies)
Vary and transmission power
The vary of a drone, or how far it will possibly fly from the controller, in addition to the transmission high quality, are essential since they have an effect on how properly you should use the drone.
That mentioned, the Air 3 comes with the latest DJI transmission system, the OcuSync 4.0, with a spread of as much as 12 miles.
Alternatively, the Mini 3 Professional makes use of the older OcuSync 3.0 that guarantees a vary of as much as 5 miles.
In a contest for the strongest transmission, the 04 system is healthier because of extra antennas and upgraded anti-interference expertise.
Nevertheless, the Mini 3 Professional shouldn’t be that far behind and performs fairly properly.
» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information
Flight options
The Air 3 has higher flight options and efficiency than the Mini 3 Professional. It excels within the following features:
360-degree impediment avoidance
This can be a vital improve from its predecessor, the Air 2S, which has four-way impediment avoidance and a substantial distinction to the Mini 3 Professional, which options three-way impediment avoidance.
Whereas each drones carry out properly in areas with obstacles, you’ll be able to fly in tighter areas with the Air 3 than you’ll with the Mini 3 Professional.
Longer battery life
The Air 3 is marketed to final 46 minutes in flight, whereas the Mini 3 Professional comes with a 34-minute battery.
Whilst you could not get the marketed minutes as a result of numerous elements like wind, battery well being, and temperature, the Air 3 would nonetheless last more.
Nevertheless, you’ll be able to go for the Mini 3 Professional’s Clever Battery Plus, which lasts 47 minutes, however you’ll compromise on weight, particularly when you’re on the lookout for a drone weighing lower than 150 grams.
Getting this battery additionally brings the price of the Mini 3 Professional nearer to that of the Air 3, so you must think about which possibility offers you essentially the most worth in your cash.
Velocity and wind resistance
Being heavier and sturdier, the Air 3 can stand up to winds as much as 12m/s in comparison with the Mini 3 Professional’s 10m/s.
The Air 3 can be sooner, with a most velocity of 42.5 mph in comparison with the Mini 3 Professional’s 35.7 mph.
A sooner velocity permits you to get to a vacation spot sooner and get out of emergencies rapidly.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional and Climate
Controller compatibility
As talked about earlier, these drones include completely different controllers.
The Mini 3 Professional is suitable with the DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC, customary controllers which might be additionally suitable with a number of different Mavic and Mini drones.
The Air 3 comes with the RC-N2 and RC 2 controllers designed for the brand new 04 transmission.
As such, whereas they appear much like the earlier fashions, they’ve extra antennas and carry out higher. Sadly, these controllers are presently solely suitable with the Air 3.
Until DJI makes them suitable with different drones, when you’re on the lookout for a drone suitable with different controllers you’ll have, the Mini 3 Professional can be the best choice on this case.
Alternatively, future drones from DJI could function the 04 system, making the brand new controllers suitable with different drones.
Contemplating the options you’re on the lookout for, you should use the Mini 3 Professional and the older controllers or get the brand new Air 3 and anticipate an replace on compatibility.
One fascinating compatibility that DJI made attainable by means of an replace is between the Mini 3 Professional and the Goggles 2, Goggles Integra, and the Movement Controller 2.
This lets you expertise FPV with out getting an precise FPV drone.
So, if you wish to do this, you’ll be able to go for the Mini 3 Professional. This function shouldn’t be but accessible for the Air 3.
» MORE: FPV Drones vs. Common Drones (Defined for Newbies)
DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Professional – Which must you select?
Each are succesful drones, have wonderful options, and would attraction to completely different folks. Beneath is why you’ll select both of them.
Why select the DJI Air 3?
The Air 3 is good for individuals who prioritize superior images and videography capabilities. Right here’s who ought to think about it:
- Fanatic filmmakers and photographers: The twin-camera system with various apertures and zoom capabilities, together with 4K at 100fps and superior coloration profiles like D-Log M and HLG, makes the Air 3 excellent for creators who demand the utmost in picture high quality and adaptability.
- Skilled content material creators and filmmakers: The Air 3’s superior taking pictures modes, together with Night time Mode, enable professionals to seize high-quality footage even in difficult circumstances. Its versatile flight modes and longer flight occasions additionally make it appropriate for skilled use.
- Drone pilots needing superior monitoring: The ActiveTrack 5.0 function with multi-directional monitoring and the power to alter monitoring instructions is a big benefit for drone pilots who require exact object monitoring in numerous situations.
- Customers in windy areas: With its greater wind resistance and sturdier construct, the Air 3 can deal with stronger winds, making it appropriate for customers in windy areas.
- These wanting prolonged flight time: If longer flight time is a precedence, the Air 3’s marketed 46-minute flight time (although real-world flight time could also be barely much less) is a big benefit over the Mini 3 Professional.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 3 (Right here’s my Selection)
Why select the DJI Mini 3 Professional?
The Mini 3 Professional is designed for customers who prioritize portability and ease of use whereas nonetheless demanding good picture and video high quality. Right here’s who ought to think about it:
- Informal photographers and videographers: When you’re on the lookout for a drone that’s simple to hold round and offers good-quality footage with out the complexity of a number of cameras and superior settings, the Mini 3 Professional is a superb selection.
- Hikers and out of doors fans: Its light-weight design and compact kind issue make the Mini 3 Professional an amazing companion for out of doors actions. The impediment avoidance system in three instructions enhances security throughout out of doors adventures.
- Social media content material creators: The Mini 3 Professional’s vertical taking pictures mode permits for straightforward creation of portrait-oriented movies and photographs, excellent for sharing on social media platforms.
- Customers on a funds: The Mini 3 Professional is extra budget-friendly than the Air 3, making it an acceptable selection for these on the lookout for a cheap drone with out compromising an excessive amount of on options.
- FPV fans: When you’re desirous about experiencing FPV (first-person view) flying with out investing in a devoted FPV drone, the Mini 3 Professional is suitable with the DJI Goggles 2, Goggles Integra, and the Movement Controller 2, providing an FPV-like expertise.
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Professional (Which One is Proper for You?)
DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Professional – Which one’s higher?
If I had been to decide on between these drones, the Air 3 would is the higher total drone.
Its higher digital camera, extra taking pictures choices, sturdiness, further clever flight modes, higher vary, and higher total efficiency deliver it nearer to drones just like the Mavic 3 collection, making it an amazing bang for the buck.
To see each drones in motion, here’s a detailed video:
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Professional: Which One is Proper for You?
Finest SD playing cards for the DJI Air 2 and Mini 3 Professional
Whether or not you go for the Air 3 or Mini 3 Professional, one of many equipment you’ll rapidly notice you want is an SD card.
And never simply any SD card, however an SD card with the suitable write and browse speeds and sufficient storage. To make it simpler, under are some SD playing cards you should buy in your drone.
Finest SD playing cards for the DJI Air 3
Finest SD playing cards for the DJI Mini 3 Professional
