With the release of DJI's newest drone, the Air 3, taking to the skies and capturing stunning aerial footage is more exciting than ever. But with so many options, how do you decide which drone is best for your needs? In this blog, we compare the DJI Air 3 with its predecessors, the Air 2S and Mini 3 Pro, to help you make an informed decision and find the best drone for your flying adventures.

Design and Portability

One of the most important considerations when choosing a drone is its design and portability. Here is a comparison of the dimensions and weight of each drone:

  • DJI Air 3: 720g, 207×100.5×91.1 mm (Folded)
  • DJI Air 2S: 595g, 180×97×77 mm (Folded)
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro: < 249g, 145×90×62 mm (Folded)

The Mini 3 Pro is the lightest and most portable option, making it a great choice for adventurers on the go. Even though the Air 3 is slightly larger and heavier, it's still very portable for its class.

DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro

Camera Performance

When it comes to camera capabilities, each drone has its own strengths. Let's take a look at the camera specs:

  • DJI Air 3: Dual-Primary-Camera System
    • 1/1.3″ CMOS Wide-Angle Camera, 48 MP, 4K/100fps
    • 1/1.3″ CMOS 3x Medium Tele Camera, 48 MP, 4K/60fps
  • DJI Air 2S: 1'' CMOS, 20 MP, 5.4K/30fps or 4K/60fps
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro: 1/1.3'' CMOS, 48 MP, 4K/60fps

Introducing the revolutionary DJI Air 3, a trailblazer in camera performance boasting an innovative dual-primary-camera system. Seamlessly integrating a wide-angle and medium telephoto camera, it unlocks unparalleled imaging capabilities, delivering astonishing 48 MP photos like never before seen.

DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro

Flight Performance

When it comes to capturing smooth and stable aerial footage, a drone's flight performance is of utmost importance. Let's make a comparison based on flight time and obstacle sensing capabilities:

  • DJI Air 3: 46 mins, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
  • DJI Air 2S: 31 mins, Obstacle Sensing in 4 Directions
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro: 34 mins, Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing

All three drones provide remarkable flight durations, with the Air 3 taking the lead with an impressive 46-minute flight time. Furthermore, the Air 3's omnidirectional obstacle sensing feature guarantees safer flights and enhanced obstacle avoidance capabilities.

DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro

 

Remote Controller

The main connection between the pilot and the drone is established through the remote controller. Now, let's explore the unique features of each drone's remote controller:

  • DJI Air 3: Compatible with DJI RC 2, featuring OcuSync 4 video transmission
  • DJI Air 2S: Compatible with DJI RC, featuring OcuSync 3 video transmission
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro: Compatible with DJI RC, featuring OcuSync 3 video transmission

The Air 3 stands out with its seamless integration with the latest DJI RC 2, providing smoother operation and improved video transmission capabilities.

DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro

Technical specification comparison

 Air 3Air 2SMini 3 Pro
Weight720g595g< 249 g
Number of cameras211
Max Video Resolution4K/100fps5.4K/30fps4K/60fps
Max Effective Pixels48MP20MP48MP
Colour ProfilesD-Log M/HLGD-Log M/HLGD-Cinelike
Obstacle SensingOmnidirectionalFour-Directional Obstacle SensingTri-Directional Obstacle Sensing
Transmission (CE)OcuSync 4;
10km
OcuSync 3;
8km
OcuSync 3;
8km
Flight Time46 minutes31 minutes34 minutes
Charging Time60 minutes95 minutes64 minutes
Max Takeoff Altitude6,000 m5,000m4,000m
Max Takeoff and landing speeds10 m/s6 m/s5 m/s
Flight Speed21 m/s19 m/s16 m/s

Conclusion

To summarize, each drone offers distinct features and capabilities tailored to different needs. If you prioritize portability and prefer a lightweight option, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent fit. On the other hand, for professional-level photography and videography, the DJI Air 3, equipped with its dual-primary-camera system and extended flight time, emerges as the clear winner. However, if you desire a harmonious blend of performance and portability, the DJI Air 2S presents a reliable choice.

It's crucial to consider your specific requirements and intended use when making your decision. Whether you're an avid traveler, a content creator, or a seasoned filmmaker, there's a DJI drone perfectly suited for your aerial pursuits. Select the drone that best aligns with your creative vision and elevate your storytelling to new heights!