Quick Overview
- The DJI Mavic Pro offers slightly longer flight times and a higher maximum altitude, while the Air 3 has a faster top speed.
- The DJI Mavic Pro comes with a dedicated controller that features a built-in display, providing a dedicated view of the drone’s telemetry and camera feed.
- While the Mavic Pro remains a solid option for those prioritizing portability and affordability, the Air 3 offers a more comprehensive and future-proof package.
In the ever-evolving world of compact drones, the DJI Mavic Pro and Air 3 stand out as two of the most popular and highly regarded options. Both offer exceptional performance, portability, and ease of use, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the DJI Mavic Pro and Air 3, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Camera Capabilities
DJI Mavic Pro:
- 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- 1080p video recording at 96fps
- Mechanical 3-axis gimbal
DJI Air 3:
- 12MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor
- 4K video recording at 60fps
- 1080p video recording at 240fps
- 3-axis gimbal with enhanced stability
The DJI Air 3 has a slight edge over the Mavic Pro in terms of camera capabilities. Its larger sensor and higher video frame rates allow for smoother motion capture and more detailed footage.
Flight Performance
DJI Mavic Pro:
- Maximum speed: 40 mph
- Maximum flight time: 27 minutes
- Maximum altitude: 4,000 feet
DJI Air 3:
- Maximum speed: 43 mph
- Maximum flight time: 21 minutes
- Maximum altitude: 4,000 feet
The DJI Mavic Pro offers slightly longer flight times and a higher maximum altitude, while the Air 3 has a faster top speed. However, both drones are extremely capable in terms of flight performance, providing stable and responsive handling.
Portability and Design
DJI Mavic Pro:
- Folded dimensions: 6.8 x 3.3 x 1.9 inches
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
DJI Air 3:
- Folded dimensions: 7.0 x 3.9 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
The DJI Air 3 is slightly larger and heavier than the Mavic Pro, but it still remains highly portable and easy to carry around. Both drones feature foldable designs, making them convenient for storage and transportation.
Intelligent Features
DJI Mavic Pro:
- ActiveTrack 2.0
- Obstacle avoidance
- TapFly
- Gesture control
DJI Air 3:
- ActiveTrack 3.0
- Advanced Obstacle Avoidance 2.0
- Spotlight 2.0
- MasterShots
The DJI Air 3 offers more advanced intelligent features than the Mavic Pro. Its improved ActiveTrack and Obstacle Avoidance systems provide enhanced tracking and safety, while Spotlight 2.0 and MasterShots allow for more creative and automated video capture.
Controller
DJI Mavic Pro:
- Dedicated controller with built-in display
- Range: 4.3 miles (FCC)
DJI Air 3:
- Smartphone-based controller (requires compatible device)
- Range: 7.4 miles (FCC)
The DJI Mavic Pro comes with a dedicated controller that features a built-in display, providing a dedicated view of the drone’s telemetry and camera feed. The DJI Air 3, on the other hand, uses a smartphone-based controller, which requires you to connect your device to the drone. However, the Air 3 offers a longer range, allowing for more extended flight distances.
Price
DJI Mavic Pro:
- Starting at $749
DJI Air 3:
- Starting at $799
The DJI Air 3 is slightly more expensive than the Mavic Pro, but it offers a more comprehensive set of features and improved performance.
Which One Is Right for You?
The choice between the DJI Mavic Pro and Air 3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and affordability, the Mavic Pro is an excellent option. However, if you value advanced camera capabilities, intelligent features, and a longer range, the Air 3 is the better choice.
Beyond the Comparison
Additional Features of the DJI Air 3:
- HDR video recording
- 8GB of internal storage
- QuickShots 3.0
Additional Features of the DJI Mavic Pro:
- Longer flight time
- Dedicated controller with built-in display
- Foldable propellers
Factors to Consider:
- Budget
- Intended use
- Desired features
- Portability requirements
Verdict: The DJI Air 3 Reigns Supreme
Based on our comprehensive comparison, the DJI Air 3 emerges as the superior drone overall. Its enhanced camera capabilities, advanced intelligent features, and longer range make it an excellent choice for both recreational and professional use. While the Mavic Pro remains a solid option for those prioritizing portability and affordability, the Air 3 offers a more comprehensive and future-proof package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which drone is better for beginners?
A1: Both the DJI Mavic Pro and Air 3 are suitable for beginners, but the Air 3 offers more advanced intelligent features that can make flying and capturing footage easier.
Q2: Which drone has a longer battery life?
A2: The DJI Mavic Pro has a slightly longer battery life than the Air 3, providing up to 27 minutes of flight time.
Q3: Which drone is more portable?
A3: The DJI Mavic Pro is slightly more portable than the Air 3, with smaller folded dimensions and a lower weight.
Q4: Which drone has a better camera?
A4: The DJI Air 3 has a better camera than the Mavic Pro, featuring a larger sensor, higher video frame rates, and improved stabilization.
Q5: Which drone is more expensive?
A5: The DJI Air 3 is slightly more expensive than the Mavic Pro, but it offers a more comprehensive set of features and improved performance.