The DJI Mini 3 is a drone I nonetheless fly avidly to this present day regardless of that it was launched greater than a 12 months in the past and has the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional in line after it. It’s one among DJI’s most basic creations.
Then there’s the Air 3, completely different in some ways, similar to its distinctive second digicam and prolonged flight time with out the necessity for a battery improve. I fell in love with it the second I flew it and nonetheless relish each time I take it out.
These two drones are each wonderful selections for business pilots, albeit destined for various audiences.
The Mini 3 is beginner-friendly and appeals to a social media crowd who wish to make a big effect with out being drone specialists. The Air 3 is for the seasoned pilot who needs to step it up.
So, which is healthier?
This text will evaluation the variations between the DJI Mini 3 and Air 3, referring to areas like battery life, efficiency, impediment avoidance, digicam high quality, and all the opposite components affecting your decision-making when shopping for a drone. I’ll share loads of my private ideas and expertise alongside the way in which that will help you see why I chosen the Air 3 as my drone of alternative between these two wonderful DJI fashions.
I do know you’re able to purchase your drone now, so let’s not waste a second.
Transient overview
DJI Mini 3
As talked about, the Mini 3 is an “older” drone in some respects, launched in Might 2022. It was adopted inside that very same 12 months by the Mini 3 Professional, then the Mini 4 Professional in September 2023.
In contrast to these two Professional editions, the Mini 3 has accessibility and inclusivity going for it. That’s what drew me to it.
It seemed just like the type of drone anybody may decide up and fly, and I finally confirmed that to be true once I examined it out. It was really easy to study and grasp, which felt very rewarding.
Listed here are its standout options:
- An ultra-capable 1/1.3-inch CMOS digicam that shoots in 48 MP picture high quality and 4K HDR video. That’s a big step up from the Mini 2’s high quality, and the Mini 3’s high quality nonetheless holds up over a 12 months after its launch. That’s the type of high quality that may spoil you if that is your first drone, particularly should you purchase a drone from a producer aside from DJI.
- An FAA-complementary weight of below 249 grams. When you use this drone recreationally, you don’t need to trouble registering it. It’s all the time good to avoid wasting time and the $5, particularly for rookies who don’t wish to do anything earlier than they will fly.
- The battery life is surprisingly respectable, with 38 marketed minutes with the usual Clever Flight Battery. When you improve to the Clever Flight Battery Plus for an extra charge, DJI says this drone can fly for over 50 minutes!
- A robust suite of Clever Flight Modes that rookies will enjoyment of, together with extra QuickShots modes, Vertical and Horizontal capturing, and entry to DJI’s free, intuitive enhancing app LightCut, which runs on Wi-Fi. You’ll be able to shoot, polish, and put up your footage earlier than you even head residence for the day, sustaining a posting schedule that retains your identify high of thoughts.
- Surprisingly nice Degree 5 wind resistance for a drone so light-weight. DJI recommends flying this drone in winds of 24 miles per hour, however I’ve pushed it previous 25 mph a couple of times with ok outcomes.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Which Drone Is Higher?)
DJI Air 3
Following a few 12 months after the discharge of the Mini 3 was the Air 3, an entry within the long-running Mavic collection.
This drone received popularity of its dual-camera system, which despatched shockwaves by the drone neighborhood.
I used to be so psyched for this drone to return out, and I didn’t wait lengthy after its launch to personally fly it. Since that fateful day, I’ve flown this drone for a whole bunch of hours total, familiarizing myself with its each characteristic.
So, that are essentially the most noteworthy? Right here’s a listing:
- The twin-camera system has a medium tele and wide-angle digicam. Each cameras obtain 12 to 48 MP picture decision relying on the capturing mode. The cameras have completely different format equivalents and apertures in response to your temper and atmosphere. The medium tele digicam additionally options 3X optical zoom.
- Twin 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors can produce 4K HDR video at 60 frames per second. This video high quality is great, and with robust colour grading, the lifelike richness of your movies and pictures will show you how to construct a five-star venture portfolio.
- An marketed baseline battery size of 46 minutes, with out the necessity to improve to a different battery.
- Extra superior options make flying the Air 3 protected, similar to omnidirectional impediment sensing and Good RTH. You’ll be able to fly this drone with fewer worries.
- Wonderful Clever Flight Modes, together with FocusTrack through the medium tele digicam, 2.7K Vertical Taking pictures, QuickShots, and MasterShots. LightCut can also be suitable with this drone for sooner enhancing.
» MORE: Greatest Digicam Settings for DJI Air 3 (Picture & Video)
Fast verdict
Right here on Droneblog, we solely deliver you the highest drone suggestions primarily based on a whole bunch of hours of flight testing, private expertise, and analysis. So, between the Mini 3 and Air 3, which drone comes out on high?
I really feel assured in concluding that the DJI Air 3 is the higher drone between it and the Mini 3. It doesn’t solely come right down to its dual-camera system, though that was actually a contributing issue. The Air 3 additionally has extra Clever Flight Modes, a sturdy impediment avoidance system, and a stronger battery life out of the gate.
After all, you recognize I may heap praises on the Mini 3 all day. It’s that good of a drone.
It nonetheless stands up effectively towards the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional, though these drones may need some superior options the Mini 3 lacks.
The Mini 3 stays an economical entry within the Mini line for rookies who need top-notch picture and video high quality, starter Clever Flight Modes, and a battery that doesn’t stop. It’s simply not so good as the Air 3.
» MORE: The place Is the Serial Quantity on DJI Air 3 (Answered)
What are the primary variations?
Though each drones are manufactured by DJI, their variations aren’t negligible. These two drones belong to completely different collection, making every a refreshingly distinctive flight expertise.
There’s a lot to interact you irrespective of which of those two drones you choose.
Let’s delve into what makes them dissimilar.
- Variety of cameras: Like many DJI drones earlier than and after it, the Mini 3 is provided with a single digicam. The Air 3 gives two, offering extra versatility.
- Weight: As you’d seemingly determine, the Air 3 is a heavier drone as a result of it has two cameras. It’s additionally not designed to be as light-weight because the Mini 3, which weighs below 250 grams. The Air 3 is 720 grams by comparability, so it’s greater than twice the burden of the Mini 3. They don’t name it a Mini drone for nothing!
- Impediment avoidance: The Air 3 has omnidirectional impediment sensing and APAS 5.0 to detect and dodge obstacles. It’s a wise system and the most effective DJI gives at present (a minimum of as of this writing). By comparability, the Mini 3 has no impediment avoidance. That makes it significantly much less protected to fly, though it’s suited to rookies extra so than the Air 3.
- Clever Flight Modes: Each drones have Clever Flight Modes; these are DJI drones, in any case. Nonetheless, the Air 3 has extra, together with MasterShots and FocusTrack.
- Newbie-friendliness: The Air 3 is an superior drone, however let’s be actual, it’s type of intimidating should you don’t have loads of flight expertise. Despite the fact that it has impediment detection and avoidance, it’s not essentially the most beginner-friendly drone from DJI. The Mini 3 is way simpler to select up and fly by comparability. It has options like auto-launching that I believe are so useful!
DJI Mini 3
The Mini 3 continues an ultra-successful line of DJI drones designed to be flown recreationally with out FAA registration.
These travel-friendly drones below 250 grams have impressed many copycats, however there’s one thing concerning the originals that simply can’t be beat.
The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor is identical discovered within the Air 3. Its highest picture decision is a shocking 48 MP. That’s about pretty much as good because it will get in DJI’s consumer-level drones.
You’d need to improve to an enterprise answer for higher, and that may not suit your wants even when working commercially.
The 4K HDR video high quality is about pretty much as good as DJI does it, too. Certain, a few of its cameras can obtain 5.1K video, however the distinction between the 2 isn’t massive sufficient that you just’d have to think about one other collection apart from the Mini should you love all the pieces else concerning the Mini 3.
Moreover these wonderful digicam qualities, the 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor has twin native ISO, four-in-one pixels, and f/1.7 aperture.
Though an adjustable aperture is all the time extra enjoyable, I discovered the default settings of the Mini 3’s digicam are well-suited for day and evening images and videography.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Mini 3 (Right here’s My Selection)
It is best to count on unimaginable highlights, particulars, and shadows in your work, the type of head-turning high quality that will put a smile on any shopper’s face. Oh, and did I point out this digicam has 4x zoom for getting in shut with out flying your drone too close to the scene?
The three-axis mechanical gimbal helps Vertical and Horizontal capturing alike for social media-friendly pictures.
The QuickShots options are among the most plentiful in any DJI drone, with 5 togglable modes for extra enjoyable: Dronie, Boomerang, Rocket, Circle, and Helix.
These options routinely carry the Mini 3 into the sky, capturing movies because it maneuvers. You’ll be able to develop the Mini 3’s digicam capabilities with the Panorama characteristic, capturing in Extensive Angle, Sphere, and 180-Levels.
Good RTH is a failsafe in case of low battery or lack of sign. You may also launch the Mini 3 routinely by Auto Takeoff, a characteristic DJI discovered so good, it returned within the later Mini 2 SE.
The infrared sensors, downward imaginative and prescient system, and GNSS hold this drone hovering stably to extend your self-assurance as you find out how this drone maneuvers.
DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC)
Light-weight and Foldable Mini Digicam Drone with 4K HDR Video, 38-min Flight Time, True Vertical Taking pictures, and Clever Options.
We earn a fee should you make a purchase order, at no further price to you.
12/02/2023 07:11 am GMT
DJI Air 3
The Air 3 continues DJI’s esteemed line of drones on this collection, producing a double-camera system that’s one of many producer’s most crowning achievements so far.
When you personal the Mini 3 and also you’re in search of a drone to improve to after you study its options and achieve sufficient expertise, the Air 3 will really feel like a well-recognized companion.
In any case, it has the identical 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor you’re used to, producing wonderful video and picture high quality.
The cameras can shoot in 12 MP in some modes, which isn’t that nice, however with a max high quality of 48 MP, I’m not sweating the 12 MP settings a lot, and also you shouldn’t both.
Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the cameras.
One is a medium tele digicam with an f/2.8 aperture and a 70-millimeter format equal. That is the 3x zoom digicam. The wide-angle digicam consists of f/1.7 aperture and a 24-millimeter format equal.
The cameras seize the identical scenes fairly otherwise. Reasonably than deliver a number of drones on a venture or journey, you should utilize simply the Air 3 to take footage that matches the temper and atmosphere.
» MORE: Does DJI RC Professional Work with Air 3 (Answered)
Plus, with 10-bit HLG and 10-bit D-Log M, the vary of colours in your movies and images will improve your footage so superbly that you just may solely must spend minutes in put up. The twin native ISO and crop-free movies additionally scale back your enhancing time.
You’ll be able to spend extra time flying and importing, good for content material creators who by no means take a day without work.
The Air 3 has security options aplenty, way over you’ll discover within the Mini 3. It makes use of the Superior Pilot Help System or APAS 5.0 to keep away from obstacles and omnidirectional impediment sensing.
That’s a complete security system for rookies and extra skilled pilots alike.
Just like the Mini 3, the Air 3 has Good RTH, Vertical Taking pictures (in 2.7K for each cameras), and QuickShots.
Moreover, it has FocusTrack through the medium tele digicam, with Level of Curiosity 3.0, Highlight 2.0, and ActiveTrack 5.0 for locating topics, locking on, and zooming in.
MasterShots is a social media star’s dream, because it has results and cuts for shortly placing collectively your cinematic masterpiece. You’ll be able to even add music.
Then, between SmartPhoto 3.0 (which selects the scene, hyperlight, and HDR in response to your atmosphere, taking single-shot images), Evening Mode, Sluggish Movement, and Hyperlapse, you’ve acquired all you want.
Head-to-head comparability
Digicam system
Winner: DJI Air 3
The Mini 3 and Air 3 have the identical digicam sensor techniques and picture and video decision. Whereas it will have been a more in-depth battle if these have been single-camera drones, they aren’t.
The Air 3 has two cameras, so it has a bonus. The wide-angle digicam expands the world round you extra superbly than you’ve maybe ever skilled with a drone earlier than, whereas the 3x medium tele digicam zooms and maintains wonderful high quality, whether or not capturing photographs or movies.
Then, between the 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG, you get a blinding array of colours the Mini 3’s digicam can’t fairly reside as much as. It’s shut, don’t get me flawed, and I nonetheless love the colourful movies and pictures you may take with the Mini 3, however they’re not fairly as vibrant.
The element, highlights, shadows, and dynamic vary you may count on within the Air 3 are additionally superior, though I’ll give the zooming capabilities to the Mini 3.
Its digicam can zoom in 4x somewhat than the 3x the Air 3 achieves. It’s a small win, however a win, nonetheless.
» MORE: Digicam Expertise in Drones (Defined)
Efficiency
Winner: DJI Air 3
The Mini 3 is an incredible drone throughout the board, and it excels in efficiency. Nonetheless, it doesn’t excel to fairly the identical diploma because the Air 3, a minimum of not in most classes.
By way of launching and protecting your drone airborne, sure, the Mini 3 wins. It does all this virtually routinely to facilitate confidence in new pilots.
Nonetheless, when you’re within the sky, the Air 3 offers a greater expertise.
It has extra Clever Flight Modes than the Mini 3. I like the Mini 3’s good options, however sure, after some time, you need extra. The Air 3 delivers.
The Air 3 can also be a safer drone to fly, because it has impediment detection and avoidance. The Mini 3 has a downward sensing system, however that’s not fairly impediment detection, and it actually can’t keep away from obstacles. That’s all on you.
It’s a curious omission on this beginner-friendly drone made curiouser by the truth that some Mini drones haven’t any impediment avoidance in any way, and others do. Go determine.
» MORE: Drone Security Options (All You Must Know)
Portability
Winner: DJI Mini 3
The Mini 3 is the clear winner on this class. This drone is designed to journey right here, there, and in every single place. It’s light-weight, small, foldable, and the final word in portability.
You’ll be able to carry it in a small bag, a bigger one, a backpack, or absolutely anything, and it received’t weigh you down.
The Air 3 additionally folds, however it’s bigger than the Mini 3 and in addition weighs extra. It’s the type of drone you’re taking in your travels with a knot in your abdomen, hoping it reaches its vacation spot in a single piece.
Touring with it received’t be a back-breaking expertise or something of that kind, however this drone isn’t precisely that mild, and also you may really feel it after some time.
» MORE: The Final Information to Touring with a Drone
RC compatibility and transmission vary
Winner: DJI Air 3
The Mini 3 makes use of the DJI RC, a modern, good controller with a big, 5.5-inch display for accessing the DJI Fly app, LightCut, flight diagnostics, and extra.
This light-weight, easy-to-use controller is suitable with the Mini 3 Professional, Air 2S, Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Professional, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Traditional, and Mavic 3 Professional Cine.
The touchscreen is tremendous responsive, and you may customise the management buttons to fly the Mini 3 (and different suitable drones) how you want. What’s to not love?
The Air 3 consists of the DJI RC 2, which DJI calls a “next-generation” distant.
This controller has a display dimension the identical because the DJI RC, however it’s acquired an FHD show. The processor can also be new and improved, as is the transmission system and antenna system, the latter of which boasts 4 receivers and two transmitters.
It’s a nicer-looking controller that handles effectively, after which there’s that wonderful display. It’s the final word approach to see how your drone is dealing with all of the flight controls.
This controller debuted with the Air 3 and is to this point solely additionally suitable with the Mini 4 Professional, so the Mini 3 wins within the controller compatibility division.
Nonetheless, the DJI RC can solely transmit video knowledge 10 kilometers away, whereas the O4 video transmission system included within the RC-N2 doubles that, making it the higher distant.
» MORE: DJI Transmission System (The whole lot You Must Know)
Battery life
Winner: DJI Mini 3
The Mini 3 has an ordinary flight time of 38 minutes with the bottom Clever Flight Battery. Properly, that’s the time DJI advertises. I acquired round 35 minutes, which is okay however not so long as a few of DJI’s rivals today.
The bottom battery lifetime of the Mini 3 doesn’t need to be excessively lengthy, contemplating you may improve to the Clever Flight Battery Plus to get an marketed 51 minutes of flight time.
Now, it’s a bummer this battery doesn’t include the bottom Mini 3, however it’s price upgrading. I acquired round 47 minutes of time within the sky with this battery, which is effectively over 10 minutes greater than what the bottom battery will get you.
The Air 3 doesn’t have an upgradable battery. Its battery life is an marketed 46 minutes, so round 42 minutes. It’s a a lot better battery life for a 2023 drone.
I’d have picked the Air 3 if not for the Mini 3’s ultra-tempting 51-minute flight time, even should you don’t get it with the bottom drone.
» MORE: Drone Batteries (In-Depth Info)
Conclusion
Deciding on between the DJI Mini 3 and Air 3 doesn’t produce a loser both manner. Your alternative ought to come right down to what you’re in search of in a drone.
When you search an ultra-lightweight mannequin, the Mini 3 received’t disappoint. Its high-quality digicam, base Clever Flight Options, and on-the-go enhancing make it a powerhouse. That stated, it’s lacking impediment detection and avoidance.
The Air 3 is for the professional drone photographer and videographer who needs to simplify their fleet.
This drone has two cameras in a single to swimsuit extra moods and images and videography eventualities, to not point out nice Clever Flight Modes and top-line impediment avoidance.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Air 2S (Which One is Proper for You?)
