DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro: Which One is Right for You?

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.
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.
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.
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.
Technical specification comparison
Air 3 | Air 2S | Mini 3 Pro | |
Weight | 720g | 595g | < 249 g |
Number of cameras | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Max Video Resolution | 4K/100fps | 5.4K/30fps | 4K/60fps |
Max Effective Pixels | 48MP | 20MP | 48MP |
Colour Profiles | D-Log M/HLG | D-Log M/HLG | D-Cinelike |
Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional | Four-Directional Obstacle Sensing | Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing |
Transmission (CE) | OcuSync 4; 10km | OcuSync 3; 8km | OcuSync 3; 8km |
Flight Time | 46 minutes | 31 minutes | 34 minutes |
Charging Time | 60 minutes | 95 minutes | 64 minutes |
Max Takeoff Altitude | 6,000 m | 5,000m | 4,000m |
Max Takeoff and landing speeds | 10 m/s | 6 m/s | 5 m/s |
Flight Speed | 21 m/s | 19 m/s | 16 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!