Thanks for trying out my article on which I believe is best, the DJI Mini 3, or the DJI Mavic Air 2.
I’m an enormous fan of the DJI Air sequence. I owned and beloved the unique, oddly designed DJI Mavic Air and proceed to like and use the following fashions, all the way in which to the latest iteration, the DJI Air 3.
Likewise, after the discharge of the Mini 3 Professional, together with the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Professional, I turned an enormous fan of DJI’s Mini drone lineup and personal all of those as effectively.
As a result of I’m such a fan of each the DJI Air and DJI Mini sequence of drones, I believed I’d share my alternative between each for this 12 months.
We’ve got to do not forget that “higher or greatest” is subjective. What’s the higher choice for one drone proprietor may not be one of the best for an additional.
On this article, we’ll look at the variations between the DJI Mavic Air 2 and the DJI Mini 3, who would possibly profit from both mannequin, and why the DJI Mini 3 could be my more sensible choice over the DJI Air 2 for informal and leisure flyers.
If you’re out there for a brand new leisure DJI drone, this text ought to show to be useful.
Transient Overview
DJI Mini 3
The DJI Mini 3, launched in December of 2022, is a couple of years newer than the Mavic Air 2 and hits that below 250 g candy spot.
The Mini 3 is the logical successor to the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE. As such, it advantages from the airframe redesign handed down from the beforehand launched Mini 3 Professional.
For these conversant in flying DJI Mini drones, the Mini 3 handles equally.
Just like the Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, and even the Mavic Air 2, the Mini 3 runs on the OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system, which, though two iterations behind the OcuSync 4.0 of at present, nonetheless works capably in lots of conditions.
New to the beforehand launched Mini 3 Professional, the Mini 3 additionally advantages from two totally different batteries. After having used these choices, it’s tough to return to only one sort of battery with solely half-hour of flight time.
The Mini 3 advantages from:
- Vertical taking pictures to add content material instantly to social media
- The choice to shoot 48 MP RAW images, that are good for in-depth picture enhancing
- 4k 30 FPS video for making high-resolution recollections
- 51 minutes of flight time on Plus model batteries to maintain you within the air longer
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 – Newbie’s Information
DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 was launched again in 2020, making it virtually 4 years outdated on the time of this text’s publishing. In drone years, that’s virtually a lifetime. Nonetheless, the Mavic Air 2 has aged effectively.
The Mavic Air 2 was an vital step within the development of the Mavic Air sequence. It not solely moved away from the toy-like design of the unique Mavic Air, however in doing so, it additionally laid the inspiration for the strong, much-loved Mavic Air sub-genre.
The Mavic Air 2 appeared extra akin to the bigger, then-popular Mavic 2 Professional and Mavic 2 Zoom whereas together with among the security options drone house owners count on in at present’s fashions.
Not solely did the Mavic Air sequence get a redesign with the Air 2, however the distant controller additionally obtained a much-needed replace.
The Mavic Air 2 moved away from the acquainted distant controller, which on the time positioned cellphones on the backside of the controller. Utilizing the then-new DJI RC-N1, cellphones have been (and nonetheless are) on the prime of the controller, making it simpler and extra snug to fly.
The four-year-old DJI Mavic Air 2 gives:
- Three-way impediment avoidance sensing, which, when used accurately, aids in safer flight maneuvers
- APAS 3.0 which allows the Mavic Air 2 to efficiently navigate round, below, and over obstacles
- Three totally different monitoring modes: ActiveTrack 3.0, Level of Curiosity 3.0, and Highlight 2.0, for getting one of the best automated photographs of topics
- 34 minutes of battery life, which for years was normal within the drone trade
» MORE: Do I Must Register my Mavic Air 2?
Fast Verdict
As a result of the Mini 3 and Mavic Air 2 are so totally different in some ways, whereas having nice options, the decision was slightly tough to come back to.
Because it stands, if shopping for a drone for leisure functions, the Mini 3 could be my alternative.
The Mini 3 is a good all-around drone for newcomers and fans. Weighing below 250 g can also be a really large deal for a lot of, as we’ll talk about additional.
Whereas, sure, the Mavic Air 2 does have a lot of the related tech we’ve got all grown to like and count on in at present’s drones, the Mavic Air 2 can also be 4 years outdated. It’s getting older effectively, however, for a lot of, newer is extra snug when it comes to longevity.
For this fast verdict, when contemplating a brand new solely leisure drone, the next are most vital to me:
- Worth
- Measurement/Portability
- Picture high quality
- Flight time
If somebody is seeking to get a comparatively cheap drone that doesn’t have to be registered and likewise takes first rate to excellent photos, then the Mini 3 is the higher of the 2 drones, in my view.
» MORE: Finest On-line Drone Faculties (Free & Paid)
What are the Predominant Variations?
We’ll take a look at the Mini 3 first.
- Measurement and Weight: Whereas the bigger dimension of the Mavic Air 2 is a plus (as we’ll quickly see), the dimensions of the Mini 3 is one thing to be appreciated by many. The Mini 3 is sufficiently small to place in a small bag. With the Mini 3 weighing lower than 250 g, that signifies that, in the US, it doesn’t should be registered.
- Bigger Digital camera Sensor: In comparison with the 1/2″ sensor on the Mavic Air 2, the Mini 3’s bigger 1/1.3″ just isn’t solely bigger but additionally takes higher low-light images, with its stacked sensor, than the Mavic Air 2.
- Vertical Capturing: As a nod to the unique Mavic Professional of 2016, the digicam on the Mini 3 bodily and totally rotates 90 levels. This enables the Mini 3 to shoot portrait-mode images and movies and publish them to social media with out the necessity for post-process cropping.
- Battery Choices: The Mini 3 Professional was the primary to make use of two battery choices of various sizes, Customary and Plus. The Mini 3 advantages from this. The Customary battery choice has producers’ reported flight instances of 38 minutes whereas maintaining the Mini 3 below the 250 g threshold. The heavier Plus choice takes the burden of the Mini 3 over 250 g however produces 53 minutes of flight time.
Now, wanting on the Mavic Air 2, we see it has some stand-out options as effectively.
- Measurement and Weight: The Mavic Air 2 weighs 570 g, greater than double the burden of the Mini 3. With this further weight, the Mavic Air 2 is a good bit extra steady within the air than the Mini 3, though they’re each Degree 5 wind-resistant drones.
- Tri-directional Imaginative and prescient Sensors: It is a characteristic missing within the Mini 3, however performs a significant half for the Mavic Air 2. The Mavic Air 2 has entrance, rear, and backside sensors, all attributing to the Mavic Air 2’s security options.
- Clever Monitoring Modes: As follow-me modes are a extremely fascinating operate at present within the drone world, the Mavic Air 2 having them for 4 years now is a good factor, permitting for most of the fashionable modes discovered within the newer drones like its successor, the Air 3.
- D-Cinelike Shade Profile: Whereas not a 10-bit colour profile, the Mavic Air 2 does have the flatter D-Cinelike video colour profile, which is ideal for these wanting to paint grade their video footage.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Air 2S (Which One is Proper for You?)
DJI Mini 3
For many who like the shape issue of the beforehand launched Mini 3 Professional, the Mini 3 retains the look of the Mini 3 Professional, and it handles equally as effectively.
Shared by each the Mini 3 Professional and the Mini 3 is identical 1/1.3 digicam that’s geared up on the DJI Air 3 and likewise used because the Mavic 3 Professional’s medium tele digicam.
The Mini 3 can shoot 48 MP images utilizing the identical quad-bayer know-how present in these costlier drones, though there may be nonetheless some debate surrounding the effectiveness and total resolutions achieved by this know-how.
Moreover, the Mini 3 is able to taking pictures 4k 30fps movies, one thing that has not been seen beforehand in normal, non-Professional variations of the Mini line.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Which Drone Is Higher?)
Trying on the bodily digicam, we see that, along with the brand new 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, the digicam can bodily rotate vertically. This was one thing launched with the unique launch of the Mini 3 Professional and appears to be a characteristic we’ll proceed to see in subsequent Mini fashions, as additionally it is on the Mini 4 Professional.
After all, one other standout characteristic of the Mini 3 is its excellent battery life.
At present, as of the writing of this text, the Mini 3 has the longest battery life present in a client DJI drone. We’ll be this slightly nearer shortly.
Our Decide
DJI Mini 3 Fly Extra
- RC-N1 Controller (No Display screen)
- Fly Extra Package
- Deco Gear Backpack + Equipment
- 4K Video, 38min Flight Time, True Vertical Capturing, Clever Modes
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
01/19/2024 11:22 pm GMT
DJI Mavic Air 2
When the Mavic Air 2 was launched, it was a good bit forward of its time.
In comparison with its predecessor, the Mavic Air, the Mavic Air 2 was, and is, merely head and shoulders above the unique iteration of the Mavic Air.
The Mavic Air 2 was launched with a lot of the tech that drone house owners now take without any consideration.
Certainly one of these could be 48 MP images. This was remarkable on the time, particularly from such a small picture sensor. Even again then, although, many weren’t satisfied that the Quad Bayer 48 MP images have been actually sharper than the 12 MP images the digicam natively produced.
» MORE: DJI Mavic Air 2 vs. Holy Stone HS720E (Right here’s My Selection)
According to the digicam, the video coming from the Mavic Air 2 was actually good, benefitting from two video colour profiles: Regular and D-Cinelike.
Though not 8-bit colour, it’s good that the Mavic Air 2 can nonetheless cater to these desirous to take their video colour grading up a notch or two utilizing the flat D-Cinelike profile.
Moreover, the Mavic Air 2 is able to filming movies in 4k 60 fps, which have been resolutions and framerates reserved for DJI’s then top-tiered prosumer drones just like the Mavic 2 line and Phantom 4 Professional.
Lastly, one of many greatest issues going for the Mavic Air 2, even now, is its three-way impediment avoidance system. This not solely retains the Mavic Air 2 safer when flying but additionally allows it to learn from numerous monitoring modes.
It’s onerous to consider that a lot know-how was really out there 4 years in the past, particularly on the worth level the Mavic Air 2 was then.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly Extra Combo
The Mavic Air 2 digicam drone takes energy and portability to the subsequent stage. It combines a strong digicam with clever taking pictures modes for beautiful outcomes.
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
01/19/2024 04:06 pm GMT
Head-to-Head Comparability
Digital camera (Photographs)
Winner: DJI Mini 3
In terms of comparisons between the digicam on the Mini 3 and Mavic Air 2’s digicam, the Mini 3 wins out.
On this planet of know-how, oftentimes, newer is best. It is because, over time, know-how will get higher and higher whereas additionally getting smaller and smaller. This pattern allows corporations to pack extra tech of their gadgets in both the identical and even smaller footprint.
The tech that has gone into the 1/1.3″ CMOS Digital camera within the Mini 3 is identical used within the Mini 3 Professional, Mini 4 Professional, Air 3, and Mavic 3 Professional‘s medium tele digicam.
Utilizing a stacked sensor with a really massive f/1.7 aperture, the Mini 3 is able to taking spectacular low-light images and even video.
The ensuing combined and low-light images are way more spectacular than these produced by the 1/2″ digicam on the Mavic Air 2.
Digital camera (Video)
Winner: DJI Mavic Air 2
The Mavic Air 2, whereas not taking as spectacular images because the Mini 3, does shine within the video division.
A well-liked decision and framerate mixture many drone house owners love is 4k 60 fps, which the Mavic Air 2 is able to taking pictures. If you’re a fan of slow-ish movement, then 4k60 is the right high-resolution choice.
Along with taking pictures 4k 60 fps, the Mavic Air 2 may make the most of the D-Cinelike colour profile.
D-Cinelike is a flat colour profile, retaining extra dynamic vary than the Regular colour profile. This allows you to get slightly extra artistic when color-grading the Air 2’s video footage.
For these desirous to convey their cinematic imaginative and prescient to life, the video capabilities on the Mavic Air 2 can greater than accomplish this.
» MORE: Finest Drones for Night time Time Use (Pictures & Video)
Flight Efficiency
Winner: DJI Mavic Air 2
Utilizing the EXP settings inside the DJI Fly app, each the Mini 3 and Mavic Air 2 fly will be adjusted to fly virtually identically.
The place the Mavic 2 Air edges out the Mini 3 performance-wise all boils right down to total pace.
The Mavic Air 2 is quicker than the Mini 3.
The Mini 3 can fly in Sport mode at 35.7 mph or 16 m/s, whereas the Mavic Air 2 can fly as much as 42.5 mph or 19 m/s in Sport mode.
For some, the distinction in top-end pace just isn’t a precedence in any respect. Whereas for others, having a sooner top-end means getting the Mavic Air 2 from one location to the subsequent sooner to start filming with the 4k 60 fps digicam.
On the finish of the day, although, flying any drone at 45 mph is very enjoyable!
» MORE: What’s the Quickest DJI Drone?
Portability and extra
Winner: DJI Mini 3
That is the place the Mini 3 wins palms down. There’s a lot concerned on this, and it might be the only deciding issue why drone house owners would decide the Mini 3 over the Mavic Air 2 any day.
The Mini 3 is a sub-250 g drone and might match within the palm of your hand. That is vital for 2 primary causes.
Firstly, being below 250 g signifies that the Mini 3 doesn’t have to be registered in the US whether it is getting used solely for leisure functions.
Whereas the price of registering a drone within the US is barely $5, for a lot of, it isn’t the price of registration however the governmental reasoning behind registration and wanting to remain nameless.
Secondly, because the Mini 3 is below 250 g and doesn’t have to be registered, it additionally doesn’t have to be RID compliant. With the timeframe for RID compliance getting narrower and narrower, that is one much less factor for drone house owners, new and seasoned alike, to have to fret about.
Moreover, with the Mini 3 being so small and weighing so little, it’s the splendid journey and open air drone. You possibly can merely toss the Mini 3 in a bag, backpack, or perhaps a pair of unfastened shorts and be in your approach.
In terms of DJI’s line of Mini drones, I all the time convey one alongside within the armrest of my SUV simply in case one thing is fascinating to snap when out and about.
» MORE: Does the DJI Mini 3 Must Be Registered? (Defined for Novices)
Battery Life
Winner: DJI Mini 3
Battery life is one other essential facet of drone possession, and the Mini 3 wins palms down.
With the Mini 3, gone are the times of swapping batteries out each 20 or so minutes (if touchdown at 25%).
The Mini 3 advantages from using the 2 totally different capability batteries that the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional use: the Customary 2453 mAh choice and the Plus 3850 mAh choice.
The Customary choice battery has reported flight instances of as much as 37 minutes. If you’re planning on staying below the 250 g weight for the explanations talked about beforehand, that is the right battery choice.
The Plus choice has flight instances of as much as 51 minutes. That is remarkable in a DJI drone and is at present the longest-lasting battery choice of any Mini drone.
If utilizing the Plus choice battery, beware that the burden of the battery pushes the Mini 3 over the 250 g threshold, which would require the drone to be registered in the US.
After all, in all actuality, most flyers gained’t obtain these flight instances attributable to various exterior forces similar to climate. Nonetheless, the Mini 3 does certainly fly for a really very long time. A lot in order that I usually end flying earlier than the third battery is exhausted.
» MORE: Flight Time of All DJI Drones (Defined)
Distant Controller Compatability
Winner: Tie
The Mavic Air 2 was launched alongside the then-new DJI RC-N1. I’m a diehard fan of the RC-N1 and suppose it is likely one of the better-built and better-designed distant controllers available on the market. The RC-N1 can also be appropriate with the Mini 3.
When the all-in-one DJI RC was launched, there was a number of hypothesis concerning which drones would be capable of use it. The Mini 3 just isn’t solely appropriate with the DJI RC however is included in lots of combos bought on-line.
However, the Mavic Air 2 works with an older DJI all-in-one controller, the DJI Good Controller. This was the unique iteration of DJI’s sensible controller and is unfortunately now not in manufacturing. Nonetheless, lots are nonetheless being bought on-line.
You probably have an older DJI Good Controller (not the brand new DJI RC Professional), you’ll be able to nonetheless profit from an built-in screened controller to be used with the Mavic Air 2.
Present Mini 3 appropriate controller record:
Mavic Air 2 appropriate controller record:
» MORE: Finest Drone Controllers
Impediment Avoidance
Winner: DJI Mavic Air 2
That is the place the Mavic Air 2 actually has a bonus.
The Air 2 has a three-way impediment avoidance system, with cameras detecting obstacles to the entrance, rear, and backside.
With this method in place, the Mavic Air 2 scans the rapid space and plots its approach above, beneath, and round obstacles as you fly, when you’ve got these choices toggled on within the DJI Fly app. After all, we suggest being alert all the time when flying and never solely relying on the impediment avoidance system.
As a result of the Mavic Air 2 has impediment avoidance on-board, it likewise advantages from most of the follow-me modes which can be so fashionable at present, these being:
These three monitoring modes do a wonderful job of following topics of your selecting, whether or not folks, autos, or watercraft.
Moreover, if touring and planning on showcasing a selected landmark, POI (focal point) works fairly effectively.
For these out there wanting on the Mini 3 or Mavic Air 2 and wanting topic monitoring, the Air 2 is the drone of alternative.
» MORE: Impediment Avoidance in DJI Drones (Defined for Novices)
Pricing
Winner: DJI Mini 3
Between the Mini 3 and Mavic Air 2, the Mini 3 is the least costly drone at present by $200.
Concerning what’s included with every combo, they’re virtually an identical. With the Mini 3, nonetheless, you’re getting a more recent drone for a good bit much less, whereas additionally getting much less within the video and system security departments.
If you’re on a funds, the Mini 3 is the plain alternative.
» MORE: Finest Reasonably priced Drones for Journey
Conclusion
On the outset of this text, I discussed choosing the higher of the 2 drones, primarily based strictly on getting up and flying as a leisure flyer.
On this specific case, the Mini 3 is that drone for me.
The Mini 3 is ideal for anybody pretty new to Drone Life with a funds. The Mini 3 can also be newer, simple to fly, and intensely transportable. These are issues leisure flyers oftentimes search for.
Whether or not seeking to throw the Mini 3 in a bag for journey or convey it alongside for a nature stroll or hike, it’s lots able to taking nice photos in such locales.
For many who would relatively not register their drone in the US, the Mini 3 is the one choice for this. The Mavic Air 2 is twice the burden of the Mini 3 and, due to this fact, have to be registered.
Moreover, for those who aren’t seeking to zip alongside at 45 mph however wish to get probably the most battery life out of any DJI drone available on the market, then the Mini 3 suits the invoice.
For many who need to movie in 4k 60 fps and achieve this whereas monitoring topics with the added safety of three-way impediment avoidance, then the Mavic Air 2 is the right choice for you.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Points: 9 Issues You Ought to Know (Should-Learn)
