DJI has two completely different strains of drones which are typically thought of client or one thing for a interest photographer (or maybe knowledgeable photographer on a price range who doesn’t need all of the bells and whistles of a Mavic). These are the DJI Air and DJI Mini strains — and each strains acquired main new editions lately. In July 2023, we had the launch of the DJI Air 3. Shortly after, in September 2023, DJI launched the Mini 4 Professional.  So now it begs the query between the DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Professional, which drone is best? 

The Air 3 has all the time had extra spectacular specs than the Mini line — but it surely’s unsurprisingly costlier. Nonetheless, with the launch of the Mini 4 Professional line, we noticed some key specs that beforehand elevated the Air line over the Mini line arrive within the subsequent technology of the DJI Mini 3 collection.

Associated learn: Learn our DJI Mini 4 Professional assessment right here.

With that, the Mini 3 collection turns into a far nearer competitor to the Air 3 collection. That, coupled with different potential advantages like small measurement, creates a fierce battle between the DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Professional. So with that, listed here are the professionals and cons of each that will help you decide the proper digital camera drone for you:  

DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Professional: Evaluating costs (winner: DJI Mini 4 Professional)

Beginning at $759 versus $1,099 for the Air 3 (assuming you choose the mannequin with the fundamental controller), it’s clear which one wins out in value. You’ll save greater than 30% (that’s $340) by choosing the Mini 4 Professional over the Air 3. 

DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Mini 4 Professional: key specs 

The (largely) higher specs of the Air 3 could make it simple to justify the $340 greater value. So with that, right here’s a comparability of the DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Professional and a breakdown of what every provides you so you’ll be able to resolve the perfect drone to your price range: 

So what do all these specs really imply? Right here’s a deeper dive into the DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Mini 4 Professional drones: 

Evaluating cameras (winner: DJI Air 3)

If we’re evaluating cameras, notice that we’re not evaluating two cameras, however somewhat three. That’s as a result of the DJI Air 3 comes with two built-in cameras (making it the primary of the Air line to supply such a factor). The 2 cameras on the DJI Air 3 are: 

• A 1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle digital camera
  • 24mm format equal
  • F1.7 aperture
• A 1/1.3-inch CMOS 3x medium tele digital camera (can obtain 3x optical zoom)
  • 70mm format equal
  • F2.8 aperture

The wide-angle cameras on each drones exhibit shocking similarities. Whereas the Air 3 stands out as a top-tier digital camera drone, the DJI Mini 4 Professional incorporates its personal 1/1.3-inch CMOS digital camera sensor. These know-how options had been beforehand unique to high-end cinematography drones. 

Each drones boast lively digital camera modes, together with a vertical taking pictures mode particularly tailor-made for creating movies and pictures for platforms like TikTok or Instagram reels. 

Nonetheless, the Air drone outshines the Mini 3 Professional with its further, secondary tele digital camera. This function permits videographers to seamlessly change between zoom and wide-angle pictures throughout the identical flight, eliminating the necessity to convey the drone down to alter lenses–an inconvenience usually encountered with high-end digital camera drones such because the DJI’s Encourage 3. 

Nonetheless, the Mini 4 Professional does supply digital video capabilities, supporting as much as 2x zoom in 4k, as much as 3k in 2.7k, and as much as 4x in full HD. 

For severe photographers looking for an much more superior digital camera, the DJI Mavic 3 is best. This Mavic 3 excels in digital camera efficiency, notable in its aperture flexibility starting from f/2.8 to f/11, a function missing in each the Air and Mini drones. 

Associated learn: DJI Air 3 assessment: probably the most highly effective new addition to Air Collection but
 

Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Professional: Evaluating drone measurement (winner: DJI Mini 4 Professional) 

Whereas the Air 3 has a superior digital camera system, it’s significantly bigger, which can not essentially be a bonus. 

DJI’s client drones have come a great distance from the cumbersome days of the DJI Phantom line, transitioning to sleeker, extra compact designs. The introduction of the DJI Mavic Professional in 2017 was revolutionary resulting from its revolutionary foldable arms, shrinking its measurement to that of a water bottle, although by at this time’s requirements, it might even be perceived as a “giant drone”

Notably, the Air 3 is heavier, tipping the scales at 720 grams, whereas the DJI Mini 4 Professional weighs lower than half of that at beneath 249 grams. 

The Mini 4’s compact measurement is best for pilots looking for to journey with their drone whereas minimizing baggage house, or just these continuously on the transfer, needing to stow their drone in a backpack with out it monopolizing house.

Nonetheless, the burden of the DJI Mini 4 Professional being beneath 250 grams holds extra vital implications — the federal government. Many international locations categorize drones primarily based on their weight, implementing various laws or restrictions on giant drones Drones weighing beneath 249 grams usually get pleasure from exemption from quite a few types of regulation, together with the necessity for registration.

Smaller, light-weight drones, such because the DJI Mini 4 Professional, not solely cut back the executive burden on the pilot but in addition theoretically improve security within the occasion of a crash, with much less pressure exerted upon influence. 

Evaluating plane energy: (winner: DJI Air 3…however simply barely)

Earlier than the Mini 4 launched, the Air line was the superior and extra highly effective drone. However now that the Mini 4 Professional is extra highly effective than some other Mini drone, it’s a fiercer struggle.

Impediment Sensing (tie): Each drones use omnidirectional impediment sensing, providing consciousness in all instructions, thus eliminating blind spots. Additionally they each make the most of APAS 5.0 tech. This permits the drone to detect obstacles after which plan an alternate route round them. Each options are new to the Mini line for the reason that launch of the Mini 4 Professional. 

Video Transmission (tie): Each drones supply O4 video transmission, bringing a most transmission distance of 20 km (assuming low interference, corresponding to flying at most seashores). 

Battery life (barely DJI Air 3): Right here’s the place the DJI Air 3 (kind of) beats out the Mini 4 Professional. The DJI Air 3 provides as much as 46 minutes of flight time. In the meantime, the bottom model of the Mini 4 Professional provides 34 minutes of flight time. With the DJI Air 3, you get an almost 50% improve in battery life.

The DJI Mini 4 Professional can come near that 46 minute flight time, with somewhat additional assist from one of many three batteries that include the Mini 4 Professional. The “Clever Flight Battery Plus,” provides an extra 11 minutes of flight time (totaling 45 minutes of flight time). 

One other downfall of the Clever Flight Battery Plus is that it’s decently heavy (and heavier than the usual Mini 4 Professional battery). When utilizing your Mini 4 Professional with the Clever Flight Battery Plus, it’ll find yourself weighing greater than 249 grams, which is in any other case one of many key explanation why folks select the Mini 4 Professional drone over the DJI Air 3.

Who’s the DJI Mini 4 Professional finest for? 

There isn’t a ‘one finest’ drone. There’s merely the perfect drone to your scenario. 

So with that, the DJI Mini 4 Professional is finest for a couple of varieties of folks together with: 

• Entry-level drone pilots 
• Frequent vacationers 
• Social media content material creators 
• Price range-conscious photographers 

The Mini 4 Professional is nice for brand spanking new drone pilots, the scale and omnidirectional sensing make it one of many most secure drones available on the market. It’s a dream for vacationers, bloggers, outside journey fanatics, and athletes who desire a drone that they’ll throw of their bag, however gained’t get in the best way of no matter else they’re doing. 

And with the worth distinction, that $340 financial savings is likely to be a saving grace for probably the most price-sensitive drone pilots. 

Associated Learn: DJI Mini 4 Professional: each function a newbie drone want

Who’s the DJI Air 3 finest for?

The DJI Mini 4 Professional is the proper match for the drone photographer prioritizing mobility. Then again, if you’re knowledgeable photographer looking for a extra reasonably priced different to the Mavic 3, then the DJI Air 3 presents an interesting possibility. 

If having spectacular digital camera specs are most vital, (however measurement and portability aren’t a priority), then the DJI Air 3 is finest.

Consider it this manner: in case you think about your self an athlete, content material creator, or traveler first (and a drone photographer second), get the Mini 4 Professional. Should you think about your self a drone photographer first after which the sports activities, excursions, and adventures come second to that, then get the DJI Air 3. 

Between the DJI Mini 4 Professional versus Air 3 drones, which one would you somewhat have? Share your remark under!

Are you additionally contemplating the DJI Mini 3 Professional or Mini 3? Take a look at our information to the DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Mini 3 Professional vs. Mini 3!

Associated