DJI has launched one more drone, the Air 3. This comes after the Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Traditional, and, extra lately, the Mavic 3 Professional, an entire new sport changer.

With much more drones to contemplate, persons are getting extra confused about which to get.
So, between the brand new DJI Air 3, Mavic 3 Professional, Traditional, and Cine, which is best?
- DJI Air 3 is flexible and reasonably priced.
- DJI Mavic 3 Professional is total one of the best drone primarily based on the options. These embody three cameras, superior imaging capabilities, and a Cine model for skilled filmmakers.
- DJI Mavic 3 Traditional completely balances value and performance.
Maintain studying to be taught extra about these drone fashions and which might go well with you.
DJI Air 3 overview
The Air 3 is the latest client drone launch from DJI. It’s an improve to the DJI Air 2S in a number of points, however it additionally has some options that place it within the Mavic 3’s league.
The primary options of the Air 3 embody:
- Two cameras – Similar to the OG Mavic 3, the Air 3 includes a twin digital camera system with totally different apertures, albeit fastened. These embody the f/1.7, 24MM, 1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle digital camera and the f2.8, 70MM 1/1.3-inch CMOS medium tele digital camera.
- Additional flight time – The Air 3 includes a bigger and extra superior battery that gives a flight time of as much as 46 minutes.
- Extra flight modes – In comparison with its predecessor, the Air 2S, the Air 3 options further flight modes resembling course lock, waypoints, and a complicated ActiveTrack function that now movies the topic in additional instructions.
- 360-degree impediment avoidance – You’ll be able to absolutely make the most of the assorted flight modes or fly the drone manually in areas with obstacles since this drone will detect them no matter its orientation.
- O4 transmission – The Air 3 options the latest OcuSync 4.0 transmission system that guarantees a variety of as much as 12 miles and higher efficiency in areas with interference.
- New controllers – This drone additionally comes with the brand new DJI RC 2 and the RC-N2, which now help the brand new OcuSync 4.0.
- 4K 100 fps – This can be a step down from the Air 2 S’s 5.4K most video decision, however it nonetheless holds up effectively in comparison with drones just like the Mavic 3 Traditional.
- Vertical taking pictures mode – Although not as purposeful because the Mini 3 Professional’s vertical taking pictures mode, the Air 3’s vertical taking pictures mode is sweet sufficient for creating and posting social media content material on the go.
- 12 MP and 48 MP picture quality- The Air 3 can shoot from each cameras in 12 MP and 48 MP picture high quality. Nevertheless, the 48 MP isn’t pure 48 MP high quality however a decision achieved by means of the Quadbayer know-how. The controversy on which decision is best has existed for some time since DJI generally makes drones that may take stills in each resolutions, however it’s a superb factor you’ll be able to select. For some customers, the 12 MP model had fewer aberrations, however the 48 MP decision additionally provides you extra element, so it comes right down to what you might be in search of in a picture.
- Zoom – The Air 3 features a 3X optical zoom that may assist you zoom into the topic with out dropping a lot high quality. It additionally has a 9X digital zoom, which lowers the picture high quality and solely works effectively for scouting an space.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 Evaluate – Is This the Drone for You?
✅ Execs
- Good 4K video high quality with 100 fps functionality
- Vertical taking pictures mode for straightforward social media content material creation
- The selection between 12 MP and 48 MP stills
- It’s the lightest among the many fashions, making it appropriate for informal customers and vacationers
- Prolonged transmission vary and dual-camera setup
- Good low-light efficiency and night time mode
- Affords 360-degree impediment avoidance for advanced photographs
❌ Cons
- It’s not one of the best for skilled filmmakers on account of much less superior digital camera choices
- Restricted vertical taking pictures mode capabilities
- 48 MP decision achieved by means of Quadbayer know-how, which can lead to compromises in picture high quality
DJI Mavic 3 Professional overview
DJI Mavic 3 Professional (Fly Extra Combo)
DJI Mavic 3 Professional Fly Extra Combo with DJI RC (display distant controller), Flagship Triple-Digicam Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Digicam, 15km Video Transmission, three Batteries, Charging Hub, and extra.
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08/30/2023 04:06 pm GMT
Launched in Could 2023, the Mavic 3 Professional can also be latest. It’s the identical as the unique Mavic 3; the one distinction is that it has three cameras as a substitute of two.
It prices nearly the identical because the OG Mavic 3, so there can be no cause to contemplate the OG Mavic 3 at this level.
Under are the principle options of the Mavic 3 Professional:
- Triple digital camera system – As talked about earlier, the Mavic 3 Professional includes a three-camera system, the primary in DJI drones, apart from the multispectral ones. These cameras embody Hasselblad, 24MM, 4/3 CMOS digital camera, a 70mm, 1/1.3-inch, 48 MP (3x) lens, and a 166mm, ½-inch, 12MP lens.
- Variable aperture – Moreover having totally different cameras, the Mavic 3 Professional additionally has a variable aperture starting from f2.8 to f11. Nevertheless, that is solely out there within the 4/3 sensor. The 1/1.3 sensor has a set aperture of f2.8, whereas the ½ sensor has an f3.4 fastened aperture.
- Zoom – The zooming functionality on the Mavic 3 Professional is likely one of the options that make it stand out. With zooming capabilities of 3X, 7X, and as much as 28X, you’ll be able to observe your topic from a distance and nonetheless take gorgeous photos with out getting too shut.
- Most video decision – The Mavic 3 Professional can shoot as much as 5.1K at 50 fps or 4K at 120 fps with the 4/3 Hasselblad sensor and 4K at 60 fps with the opposite sensors. Nevertheless, it may well additionally shoot footage in DCl, UHD, and FHD. You may as well use HLG for HDR and change between 10-bit, D-Log, and D-Log M, relying on the flexibleness you need in post-processing.
- Impediment avoidance – The Mavic 3 takes impediment avoidance a notch greater with sensors throughout and an APAS 5.0 system that permits the drone to decide on one of the best route when flying in areas with obstacles.
- Gimbal lock – The Mavic 3 Professional includes a gimbal lock mechanism that locks the gimbal from shifting on its axes, including an additional layer of safety to the gimbal when there are too many vibrations. This function isn’t out there within the Mavic 3 Traditional.
- Flight time – DJI advertises the Mavic 3 Professional to have a 43-minute flight time, however we are going to see how this holds in comparison with the opposite drones.
- Controller – The Mavic 3 Professional is bought with the DJI RC, however there’s an choice to get the RC-N1 or the DJI RC Professional.
- Vary – The Mavic 3 Professional options the OcuSync 3+, which guarantees a variety of as much as 9 miles.
» MORE: 21 Finest Lengthy-Vary Drones (2023-2024)
Under is a long-term assessment of the Mavic 3 Professional and its comparability to the earlier OG Mavic 3 and the brand new Air 3.
DJI Mavic 3 Professional Cine overview
The Cine model is much like the Mavic 3 Professional, and so they have been launched on the identical day.
The one distinction is that the Cine model helps ProRes 422 HQ and 422 LT and has 1TB of inside storage in comparison with the Mavic 3 Professional’s 8 GB.
As such, the Mavic 3 Professional Cine’s goal market is skilled filmmakers and cinematographers.
✅ Execs
- Triple-camera system with versatile lenses for various views
- Variable aperture starting from f2.8 to f11
- Gimbal lock mechanism for defense towards vibrations
- 12-bit coloration, HLG, D-Log, HCNS, and D-Log M choices for professional-grade footage
- Superior digital camera capabilities are appropriate for skilled videographers and photographers
- Compatibility with a number of controller choices, together with RC-N1 and RC Professional
- OcuSync 3+ transmission with a variety of as much as 9 miles
- Appropriate for cinematic initiatives with ProRes help and ample storage (Cine model)
❌ Cons
- Heavier weight in comparison with Air 3 and Mavic 3 Traditional
- Greater pricing, particularly for the Mavic 3 Professional Cine model
- Barely shorter flight time in comparison with Air 3 and Mavic 3 Traditional
» MORE: What’s a Cinelifter? (Defined by a Skilled FPV Pilot)
DJI Mavic 3 Traditional overview
Launched in November 2022, the Mavic 3 Traditional is the OG Mavic 3 however with one digital camera.
It was launched as a less expensive model of the OG Mavic 3, making it the proper drone for anybody in search of knowledgeable drone with out the bells and whistles of a twin digital camera system.
Nevertheless, now that we now have the Air 3, is it nonetheless value upgrading to the newer drone or getting the Mavic 3 Traditional model? We’ll talk about that intimately.
However first, beneath is a quick overview of the options that stand out within the Mavic 3 Traditional.
- 4/3 Hasselblad sensor – Hasselblad cameras are identified for his or her high-quality imagery, which is what you’ll be able to count on from the Mavic 3 Traditional. This sensor permits the Mavic 3 Traditional to take stills of as much as 20MP and video resolutions of as much as 5.1K.
- Zoom – Because it solely options one digital camera, it helps a zoom of as much as 3X, which remains to be nice however not as nice as within the Mavic 3 Professional.
- Adjustable aperture – Moreover the professional-grade Hasselblad digital camera, you’ll be able to regulate the aperture between f2.8 and f11, providing you with plenty of room to regulate the digital camera settings relying on the lighting situations. This function additionally permits you to get inventive together with your photographs.
- Clever flight modes – The Mavic 3 Traditional contains modes like ActiveTrack, Night time Mode, Hyperlapse, Panorama, Waypoints, QuickShots, and MasterShots, permitting you to create cinematic footage simply.
- Prolonged flight time – With a flight time of as much as 46 minutes, you’ll have sufficient time to report your footage, and with three batteries and a 96-minute charging time, you’ll be able to fly with out working out of juice.
- 360-degree impediment avoidance – The Mavic 3 Traditional senses obstacles in all instructions, permitting you to tug off advanced photographs in areas with a number of obstacles.
- Vary – Due to the OcuSync 3.0, the Mavic 3 Traditional can obtain a variety of as much as 9 miles.
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. Mavic 3 Traditional: Which Drone Ought to You Purchase?
Under is a quick overview of how the MAVIC 3 Traditional compares to the Air 3.
✅ Execs
- Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS sensor for high-quality imagery
- Adjustable aperture for inventive management over photographs
- Appropriate stability between weight and performance
- Longer flight time in comparison with Mavic 3 Professional and Cine variations
- Variable aperture for flexibility in several lighting situations
❌ Cons
- Lacks the triple-camera setup and superior digital camera choices of the Mavic 3 Professional
DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 3 (Professional/Traditional/Cine) – The comparability
Let’s see how these drones evaluate in varied points.
Pricing and availability
Pricing is likely one of the most vital elements to contemplate when getting a drone. With that in thoughts, beneath are the costs of those drones:
- DJI Air 3 – $1,039 with RC-N2, $1,349 with the DJI RC 2, and $1,549 for the Fly Extra Combo with the DJI RC 2.
- DJI Mavic 3 Traditional – $1,599 with the DJI RC-N1 and $1,749 with the DJI RC controller. The Fly Extra equipment is bought individually and prices $649. This equipment contains two extra batteries, a charging hub, a automobile charger, further propellers, and a carrying bag.
- DJI Mavic 3 Professional – $2,199 with the DJI RC, $2,999 for the Fly Extra Combo with the DJI RC, and $3,889 for the Fly Extra Combo that features the DJI RC Professional.
- DJI Mavic 3 Professional Cine – $3,715 with the DJI RC Professional and $4,799 for the Fly Extra Combo, together with the DJI RC Professional.
When evaluating these DJI drones primarily based on pricing, the Air 3 and Mavic 3 Traditional present reasonably priced choices for customers trying to entry superior options and high-quality imaging.
The Mavic 3 Professional fashions, together with the Professional Cine variant, cater to professionals and filmmakers who prioritize distinctive digital camera capabilities and are prepared to spend money on a premium drone expertise.
The selection between these fashions is dependent upon your particular wants, price range, and desired stage of digital camera efficiency.
» MORE: Finest Digicam Drones Beneath $2,000
Picture and video recording
Primarily based on the overviews above, all these drones have wonderful digital camera capabilities, so it can come right down to what you’re in search of.
The Mavic 3 Professional is a superior selection for skilled videographers and photographers who demand top-notch video high quality.
Its 5.1K video decision, a number of zooming choices, and variable aperture settings present unparalleled flexibility in capturing footage underneath various lighting situations.
The triple-camera system, together with the Hasselblad 4/3 digital camera, additionally empowers creators to discover numerous views.
Some customers have claimed the one drone that may match the Mavic 3 Professional’s video and photograph high quality is the Encourage 3, which fits for $17,000, so the Mavic 3 Professional is at the moment one of the best drone you will get in order for you the very best high quality footage with out spending a number of thousand {dollars}.
Alternatively, the Air 3 presents an prolonged transmission vary of as much as 12 miles, making it excellent for aerial lovers who prioritize distant exploration and long-distance flights.
Its dual-camera setup and superior flight modes additionally cater to hobbyists looking for a flexible but user-friendly expertise.
The vertical taking pictures mode can also be a wonderful addition for individuals who need to shoot and publish content material on their social media channels on the go with minimal edits.
Nevertheless, the vertical taking pictures on the Air 3 is restricted to 2.7K at 60 fps and doesn’t work in addition to within the Mini 3 Professional. That’s as a result of the digital camera doesn’t change to portrait mode.
As a substitute, the drone robotically crops the footage, however in a comparability between the Air 3 and the Mavic 3 drones that lack this function, the Air 3 has the higher hand.
Because it has a set aperture, you have to to price range for ND filters to compensate for when there’s an excessive amount of mild. However some ND filters are included within the Fly Extra Combo.
The Mavic 3 Professional Cine caters particularly to skilled filmmakers, providing ProRes help and ample storage for intensive cinematic initiatives.
In the meantime, the Mavic 3 Traditional offers an economical answer for individuals who worth high-quality imaging and Clever Flight Modes with out the complexity of a triple-camera system.
That’s since you get all the different options which might be within the Mavic 3 Professional, apart from the triple digital camera system.
The flight modes, flight time, aerodynamics, 4/3-inch Hasselblad digital camera, adjustable aperture, and 5.1k decision are all helpful for skilled or high-end content material creation.
» MORE: What Is Drone Pictures? (Defined for Inexperienced persons)
Design and weight
These drones function a folding design, making them simpler to pack in a smaller bag. Nevertheless, they’ve some weight variations.
The Air 3 is the lightest, weighing 720 grams, adopted by the Mavic 3 Traditional, which weighs 895 grams, and the Mavic 3 Professional and Mavic 3 Professional Cine, weighing 958 grams and 963 grams, respectively.
As such, the Air 3 makes the proper selection for informal customers and vacationers preferring a lighter drone since they transfer round so much.
The Mavic 3 Traditional balances weight and performance, making it a great selection for most individuals.
The Mavic 3 Professional and Mavic 3 Cine are for professionals who don’t thoughts the additional weight since they are going to be getting wonderful digital camera performance that they may not get from some other drone inside this value vary.
It’s additionally vital to notice that these drones would require FAA registration since they weigh greater than 250 grams, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty contemplating what you can be getting from them.
Within the UK, nevertheless, the principles are fairly totally different. These drones are categorized from C0 to C4 relying on their weight.
Drones weighing lower than 900 grams, such because the Air 3 and Mavic 3 Traditional, are within the C1 class and may fly in additional areas in comparison with drones weighing greater than 900 grams (C2), such because the Mavic 3 Professional and the Mavic 3 Professional Cine.
» MORE: Finest 4K Drones Beneath 250 Grams
Vary
The Mavic 3 drones use the O3+ transmission that gives a variety of as much as 9 miles, whereas the Air 3 options the latest transmission know-how, the OcuSync 4, which guarantees a variety of as much as 12 miles.
Nevertheless, in most filming purposes, it’s possible you’ll by no means need to fly that removed from the controller, however the Air 3 would carry out higher in circumstances the place you must.
The newer O4 system additionally guarantees higher efficiency in areas with interference, however the 03+ isn’t that far behind.
On this case, the vary in any of those drones shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information
Controllers
The Mavic 3 drones are appropriate with the DJI RC N1, DJI RC, and DJI RC Professional.
The DJI RC and DJI RC Professional have built-in screens, eliminating the necessity for a smartphone, however the DJI RC Professional is brighter and extra versatile.
Alternatively, for the reason that Air 3 comes with a extra superior transmission system, it additionally has new controllers: the DJI RC 2, an improve to the DJI RC, and the RC-N2, an improve from the RC-N1.
These newer controllers have extra antennas and improved total efficiency, making them higher than the earlier variations.
Nevertheless, they appear related and really feel much like the older fashions, so you’ll not be compromising on consolation or ergonomics by selecting both.
Nevertheless, there’s one challenge: controllers that function the O3+–the DJI RC, RC Professional, and RC-N1–are incompatible with the O4, so if you happen to get the Air 3, you’ll be able to’t use its controllers with different drones, or vice-versa.
DJI did state that they could make these newer controllers extra appropriate with different drones. In case you’re in search of a drone whose controller is appropriate with different DJI drones, at the moment, the Air 3 wouldn’t be a great selection.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Must Know)
Flight time
The Air 3 and the Mavic 3 Traditional have a flight time of about 46 minutes, although, in precise flying, it’s possible you’ll get round 35 to 40 minutes, which remains to be a very long time for a digital camera drone.
Nevertheless, because of the further weight and cameras, the Mavic 3 Professional and Mavic 3 Professional Cine final 43 minutes on paper and about 30 to 40 minutes in an precise flight.
Contemplating the high-end options you get from the Mavic 3 Professional and the Cine model, the shorter flight time shouldn’t be a difficulty.
Simply ensure you purchase further batteries by getting the Fly Extra Combo.
» MORE: Prime 5 Drones with the Longest Flight Time
Flight options
The Air 3 stands out for its superior transmission vary and dual-camera setup, excellent for aerial lovers and people looking for versatile taking pictures capabilities.
It additionally has the highest ascending and descending pace (10m/s), which can turn out to be useful when it’s worthwhile to get your self out of emergencies.
The Mavic 3 Professional fashions excel in skilled imaging with triple-camera techniques, variable apertures, and enhanced impediment avoidance, catering to photographers, filmmakers, and professionals.
The Mavic 3 Traditional balances high quality and options, making it an economical selection for individuals who worth clever flight modes and high-quality imaging.
These drones function related clever flight modes like Cruise Management, ActiveTrack, Waypoints, Night time Mode, and MasterShots, and so they additionally all have 360-degree impediment avoidance, so you can be getting only a few new options by selecting both.
» MORE: Finest Comply with Me Drones (Final Information)
DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 3 (Professional/Traditional/Cine) – Which drone is best?
The DJI Mavic 3 Professional is one of the best drone due to the triple digital camera system, superior imaging capabilities, and a Cine model that helps ProRes and added storage for skilled filmmakers.
With out the triple digital camera system, many different options usually are not that totally different from the opposite drones on this comparability.
The flight time, although shorter than that of the Air 3 or Mavic 3 Traditional, remains to be sufficient to perform your duties, and there’s at all times an choice to get further batteries.
Nevertheless, selecting one of the best drone for you’ll rely in your wants.
The Air 3 presents a extra versatile, reasonably priced, and transportable possibility for informal customers, with the added benefit of twin digital camera capabilities.
The Mavic 3 Traditional is an economical possibility with superior imaging capabilities, wonderful flight time, and nice total efficiency with out the complexities of a twin or triple-camera system.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S (Right here’s My Selection)
Finest SD playing cards
As you’ll understand, these drones don’t include adequate inside storage, so you have to to get exterior storage, often known as SD playing cards.
» MORE: The right way to Format SD Playing cards in DJI Drones (Fast Steps with Images)
When getting an SD card, search for the next elements:
Reminiscence dimension
You must take into account the scale of footage you can be recording earlier than getting an SD card.
If you can be taking pictures in 4K or 5.1K more often than not, it’s excellent to get a minimum of 64 GB, however I favor the 128 GB or 256 GB. It’s at all times higher to get pairs of SD playing cards.
As an example, if you need a 256 GB SD card, get two 128 GB SD playing cards and again up the footage so that you just don’t lose all of the footage if you lose the drone.
Write pace class
That is the pace at which the SD card shops the footage.
The upper the pace, the higher.
An SD card labeled U1 or C10 means the SD card can write at speeds of as much as 10MB/s.
An SD card labeled U3 can write at speeds as much as 30MB/s. The Air 3 reportedly has a most video bitrate of 150 Mbps, translating to about 18MB/s.
Alternatively, the Mavic 3 collection drones have a most bitrate of about 24MB/s (200 Mbps). As you’ll be able to see, a U3 card might be adequate for all of the drones on this comparability.
» MORE: Finest SD Playing cards for Mavic 3
Video pace class
This metric can also be used to indicate the minimal pace at which an SD card can write footage and is proven by a capital V.
An SD card with a V6 label means it may well write at 6 MB/s, V10 is 10 MB/s, and so forth.
Since all of the drones on this comparability have a bitrate of 18 MB/s or extra, an SD card labeled V30, V60, or V90 might be excellent.
Primarily based on these elements, one of the best SD playing cards for these drones are beneath.
Finest SD playing cards for the DJI Air 3
» MORE: Finest SD Playing cards for DJI Air 3
Finest SD playing cards for the DJI Mavic 3 Traditional
Finest SD playing cards for the DJI Mavic 3 Professional and three Professional Cine
Our Choose
SanDisk Excessive 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC
- As much as 130MB/s write speeds for quick taking pictures
- 4K and 5K UHD-ready with UHS Pace Class 3 (U3) and Video Pace Class 30 (V30)
- Rated A2 for sooner loading and in-app efficiency
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08/30/2023 04:41 am GMT