When it comes to choosing the perfect drone, DJI’s latest offerings Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro are among the most exciting options available. Each drone serves a unique purpose, offering various features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mavic 4 Pro similarities, differences, and key features of these three drones to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Introduction to the Drones
The Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro are all exceptional drones in their own right. While they share many common features, there are significant differences that set them apart. These drones cater to different niches, whether you are a hobbyist, a professional content creator, or someone in need of a more powerful, versatile drone for serious commercial work. Let’s break down these three drones in detail to help you make an informed decision.
- Ultra-Light, Palm-Sized Foldable Design – Compact and foldable, this palm-sized drone slips easily into a pocket and off…
- 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Video – 1-inch CMOS sensor captures 4K/60fps HDR video with sharp detail and vibrant color…
Shared Features Across the Drones
Despite their differences in size and functionality, the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro share several impressive features.
Waypoints and Cruise Control
All three drones feature waypoints, a crucial tool for automated flight paths. There are no major differences here each drone offers a feature packed version of waypoints. Similarly, they all have cruise control, which allows the drone to maintain a steady path while adjusting altitude and direction. This feature functions similarly to cruise control in a car, offering ease of operation.
Master Shots and QuickShot Modes
Master shots, which have been around for a while, are included in all three drones. However, their usefulness may vary depending on the user. All drones also offer quick shot modes, with the notable difference being the “rotate” mode available on the Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro. This mode utilizes gimbals capable of rotating, a feature the Air 3S lacks.
Nightscape and Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance
Another key similarity is the nightscape omnidirectional obstacle avoidance feature. All three drones feature LAR sensors, which are positioned slightly differently across the models but serve the same purpose: providing enhanced obstacle avoidance in low-light conditions.
Amazon Deals: DJI Mini 5 Pro & DJI Air 3S
Augmented Reality Features
All drones come equipped with augmented reality (AR) features, including a return-to-home path and a visual guide to the drone’s landing spot. These AR tools enhance the user experience by providing helpful guidance during flight.
Active Track 360
Another shared feature is Active Track 360, which provides reliable tracking of moving objects. However, the Mini 5 Pro offers additional tracking options, including standard, cycling, and skiing modes. While these are not a major game changer, they add some flexibility to tracking subjects.
RC Pro 2 Compatibility
All three drones are compatible with the new RC Pro 2 controller, which offers an enhanced user experience with a more responsive, professional grade interface. This compatibility ensures a seamless control experience across all models.
- 【Compatibility】 – Supported Aircraft Models: Air 3 Drone,Mini 4 Pro Drone
- 【FHD Screen】 – RC 2 features a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 built-in FHD screen capable of maintaining 700 nits of high brightness…
Flight Performance
Flight performance is another area where all three drones excel. They are faster in ascent, descent, and horizontal speeds than their predecessors, with improved stability and wind resistance. The Mavic 4 Pro is the best performer in terms of wind resistance, but all three drones are highly stable and capable of handling most flight conditions.
Camera Systems: The Heart of the Difference
The most significant differences between these drones lie in their camera systems, which offer varying levels of capability for both video and photo quality.
Mini 5 Pro Camera
The Mini 5 Pro introduces a 1-inch CMOS sensor, marking the first time this sensor size has appeared on a Mini drone. This sensor significantly improves image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Mini 5 Pro can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second in HDR and 4K 120 frames per second in slow motion. Additionally, it supports 10-bit video with 14 stops of dynamic range, offering excellent color grading potential.
The camera system also features true vertical video, meaning the camera physically rotates to allow for high-quality vertical shots. A medium telephoto mode allows for 48mm equivalent shots via digital cropping, providing added flexibility.
Air 3S Camera
The Air 3S offers a dual-camera system, with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and a medium telephoto backup system. While the primary 1-inch sensor is identical to the Mini 5 Pro’s, the backup system on the Air 3S is a 1/1.3-inch sensor with a 70mm equivalent focal length. This dual-camera system offers versatility but lacks the true vertical video feature of the Mini 5 Pro.
Like the Mini 5 Pro, the Air 3S supports 4K 60fps HDR video, 4K 120fps slow motion, and 10-bit video with 14 stops of dynamic range. The Air 3S excels in providing a more robust camera setup with a combination of wide-angle and telephoto lenses, making it a great choice for those who want more flexibility in their shots.
- Enhanced Camera for Travel Shots – Air 3S’s 1″ CMOS primary camera delivers breathtaking shots with enriched detail in l…
- Capture Footage with Vibrant Detail – Record cinematic 4K/60fps HDR video with up to 14 stops of dynamic range [4] to se…
Mavic 4 Pro Camera
The Mavic 4 Pro is the flagship model and offers the most advanced camera system of the three. It features a triple-camera system, including a large 1-inch CMOS sensor and a micro four-thirds 4/3-inch sensor with variable aperture (f2 to f11). This is the first time DJI has introduced variable aperture on its drones, offering greater control over exposure. The Mavic 4 Pro can shoot 6K HDR video at 60 frames per second and supports 100-megapixel stills.
In addition to the main camera, the Mavic 4 Pro has two telephoto systems. The first is a 70mm equivalent (1/1.3-inch sensor), similar to the Air 3S, while the second is a 168mm equivalent with a 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor. This setup provides a level of flexibility and detail that is unmatched by the other two drones. The Mavic 4 Pro also supports true vertical video, a feature not available on the Air 3S, allowing for high-quality vertical shots in 6K resolution.
Weight and Size Comparison
One of the key distinctions between these drones is their size and weight.
- Mini 5 Pro: Weighs just under 250 grams (depending on the battery used), making it the lightest and most portable option. This makes it ideal for users who need a drone that can easily fit into a camera bag or meet weight restrictions in certain countries.
- Air 3S: Weighs 724 grams, making it a more substantial drone but still relatively lightweight compared to the Mavic 4 Pro.
- Mavic 4 Pro: Weighs 1,634 grams, making it the heaviest and most substantial drone. Its size is reflective of its premium build and camera systems.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mavic 4 Pro Battery Life
Battery life varies significantly between the three drones:
- Mini 5 Pro: Offers flight times of 36 minutes with the standard battery and up to 52 minutes with the Plus battery (though using the Plus battery may push the weight over 250g).
- Air 3S: Provides 45 minutes of flight time.
- Mavic 4 Pro: Offers the longest flight time at 51 minutes.
Range and Transmission
All three drones offer solid range and video transmission capabilities. The Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro both use OcuSync 4 Plus, with a range of 20 kilometers, while the Air 3S uses OcuSync 4 with a range of 20 kilometers as well. The Mavic 4 Pro excels with a 30-kilometer range.
- 100MP Main Camera – DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s 100MP Hasselblad camera with 6K/60fps HDR video captures stunning drone footage wi…
- Versatile Tele Images – Dual tele cameras on this drone deliver crisp, detailed zooms for professional aerial photograph…
Which Drone Should You Choose?
Each of these drones has its place depending on your needs:
- Mini 5 Pro: Best for those who need a lightweight, portable drone with solid performance and camera quality, especially for travelers and hobbyists.
- Air 3S: Ideal for those looking for a balanced option with excellent camera capabilities and solid performance. It offers a great middle ground between the Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro.
- Mavic 4 Pro: The clear choice for professionals and those who need the best camera system, flight performance, and overall capabilities. It’s perfect for serious content creators, real estate professionals, or anyone who needs the top-tier drone experience.
Amazon Deals: DJI Mini 5 Pro & DJI Mavic 4 Pro
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific use case, budget, and the level of professional output you’re seeking. Regardless of which drone you choose, all three offer top notch technology and performance that will make your aerial photography and videography more exciting and dynamic.
Table of Contents
Article Summary
In this detailed comparison, we explore the features, performance, and capabilities of three top DJI drones, the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro. Each drone offers unique advantages depending on your needs. The Mini 5 Pro stands out for its portability, lightweight design, and impressive 1-inch sensor camera, making it ideal for travelers and hobbyists. The Air 3S provides a balanced option with a dual-camera system, solid flight performance, and versatility, making it a great choice for professionals who need a reliable drone for various applications. The Mavic 4 Pro, the flagship model, excels in camera quality with its triple-camera system, including a micro four-thirds sensor, making it perfect for serious content creators and commercial work.
Read More: DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro
