At a Glance
- The DJI Air 3 and Mavic Pro are two of the most popular drones on the market, catering to both hobbyists and professional aerial photographers alike.
- The DJI Air 3 boasts a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels, while the Mavic Pro features a slightly larger 1/2.
- If you’re looking for a drone that can capture high-quality images, handle complex flight environments, and provide a seamless flying experience, the DJI Air 3 is the superior choice.
The DJI Air 3 and Mavic Pro are two of the most popular drones on the market, catering to both hobbyists and professional aerial photographers alike. With their cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features, these drones offer an unparalleled flying experience. However, choosing the right drone for your specific needs can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the DJI Air 3 and Mavic Pro, helping you make an informed decision.
Camera Capabilities:
Sensor Size and Resolution:
The DJI Air 3 boasts a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels, while the Mavic Pro features a slightly larger 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels. However, the Air 3’s larger sensor size allows it to capture images with better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range.
Lens:
Both drones come equipped with a fixed-focus lens, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. The Air 3’s lens has an aperture of f/1.8, providing brighter images in low-light conditions. In contrast, the Mavic Pro’s lens has an aperture of f/2.2, which is still capable of capturing bright and clear images in most lighting situations.
Flight Performance:
Speed and Agility:
The DJI Air 3 has a top speed of 43 mph in Sport mode, while the Mavic Pro‘s top speed is slightly lower at 40 mph. The Air 3 also boasts a faster acceleration rate, allowing it to quickly ascend and maneuver during flight.
Flight Time:
The Air 3’s flight time of up to 21 minutes is slightly longer than the Mavic Pro‘s 20 minutes. However, both drones offer extended flight times with additional batteries.
Obstacle Avoidance:
Sensor System:
The DJI Air 3 is equipped with an advanced obstacle avoidance system that utilizes four sensors to detect obstacles in all directions. This system provides a wider field of view and more accurate detection than the Mavic Pro’s two-sensor system.
Obstacle Detection Range:
The Air 3’s obstacle detection range is approximately 49 feet, while the Mavic Pro’s range is limited to 23 feet. This difference in range gives the Air 3 a significant advantage when flying in complex environments.
Intelligent Features:
ActiveTrack:
Both drones offer ActiveTrack, a feature that allows them to automatically follow a subject while maintaining a safe distance. However, the Air 3’s ActiveTrack 4.0 is more advanced and provides smoother tracking, even in complex scenes.
QuickShots:
QuickShots are pre-programmed flight patterns that allow users to capture cinematic footage with ease. The Air 3 offers a wider variety of QuickShots than the Mavic Pro, including Dronie, Rocket, Circle, and Helix.
Portability and Design:
Size and Weight:
The DJI Air 3 is smaller and lighter than the Mavic Pro, weighing just 570 grams compared to the Mavic Pro’s 734 grams. This makes the Air 3 more portable and easier to carry around.
Foldable Design:
Both drones feature a foldable design that makes them compact and easy to transport. The Air 3’s foldable propellers are also more aerodynamic than the Mavic Pro‘s, reducing wind resistance during flight.
Recommendations:
The DJI Air 3 and Mavic Pro are both excellent drones that offer exceptional performance and features. However, the Air 3’s larger sensor size, faster flight speed, advanced obstacle avoidance system, and wider variety of intelligent features make it a more versatile and capable drone overall. If you’re looking for a drone that can capture high-quality images, handle complex flight environments, and provide a seamless flying experience, the DJI Air 3 is the superior choice.
What You Need to Know
1. Which drone has a better camera for low-light photography?
The DJI Air 3, with its larger sensor size and f/1.8 aperture lens, offers better low-light performance than the Mavic Pro.
2. Which drone is faster and more agile?
The DJI Air 3 has a top speed of 43 mph and a faster acceleration rate, making it more suitable for fast-paced aerial maneuvers.
3. Which drone has a more advanced obstacle avoidance system?
The DJI Air 3’s four-sensor system provides a wider field of view and more accurate obstacle detection than the Mavic Pro‘s two-sensor system.
4. Which drone offers a wider variety of QuickShots?
The DJI Air 3 offers a wider variety of QuickShots, including Dronie, Rocket, Circle, and Helix, providing more creative options for capturing cinematic footage.
5. Which drone is more portable and compact?
The DJI Air 3 is smaller and lighter than the Mavic Pro, making it more portable and easier to carry around.