It’s a battle of the “basic” drones! I say “basic” in quotes as a result of neither of those drones are outdated, however you know the way time strikes with expertise. If a chunk of tech is greater than six months outdated, it’s virtually historical.
The birthdates of those drones belie how good they nonetheless are for industrial and leisure functions. Don’t imagine me? Let me persuade you.
Shopping for an older drone is a superb alternative, as you get dependability, reliability, and assist (usually). You may as well be certain all of the kinks have been labored out. But regardless of their age, these are DJI drones we’re speaking about, so you may’t anticipate them to be filth low cost.
On that notice, you most likely solely want one over the opposite – both the Mini 3 Professional or the Mavic 2. How do you select? I’m right here to assist!
Be a part of me on this information to the essential variations between the DJI Mini 3 Professional and Mavic 2, together with in-depth comparisons of their strengths and weaknesses primarily based on in depth private experimentation and testing with each drones. I’ve flown them for a whole lot of hours, particularly the Mini 3 Professional, which is my ride-or-die till the tip.
You should really feel assured that you simply’re making the precise drone buy. That’s precisely what I need to help you with at the moment, so let’s get proper into it.
Transient overview
DJI Mini 3 Professional
Permit me to introduce you to what could also be my all-time favourite drone, the DJI Mini 3 Professional.
The Mini line has all the time been a dependable flight alternative, however DJI solidified that with the discharge of the Mini 3 Professional in Could 2022. This drone has all of it, together with many options the OG Mini 3 lacked.
When the Mini 4 Professional got here out later, it unsurprisingly had many options from the Mini 3 Professional. It’s that a lot of a fan favourite.
Why is that? Just for about 1,000,000 completely different causes. I’ll offer you an important ones.
- It’s tremendous travel-friendly with its weight of underneath 249 grams, small dimension, and folding design. After all, you’ll need to register your drone if you happen to’re utilizing it commercially, regardless of how a lot it weighs, however a lighter drone makes a distinction in all of your duties.
- The choice to increase the battery life to an marketed 47 minutes with the Clever Flight Battery Plus. It’s a bummer it’s a must to purchase it individually, nevertheless it’s price it to get out of 30-minute flight territory.
- A doozy of a digicam that takes 48 MP pictures (in RAW, no much less!) and 4K video (except you’re taking pictures in slow-mo, then it’s 1080p at 120 frames per second). I imply, that type of high quality in a drone digicam continues to be very acceptable at the moment.
- Three cheers for impediment detection and avoidance, each of which the Mini 3 Professional has. The tri-directional impediment sensing works robustly, and the Superior Pilot Help System, version 4.0, continues to be clever sufficient to be up-to-date.
- Solely the good Clever Flight Modes, together with 3 times the Panorama modes and True Vertical Taking pictures, for all you social media aficionados on the market.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite vs. DJI Mini 3 Professional (Which One Is Higher?)
DJI Mavic 2
That brings us to the DJI Mavic 2, an entry in a drone collection launched in 2018 that also stays DJI’s flagship.
Two variations have been launched, the Zoom and Professional editions. I’ll focus on the Professional model, because it’s the higher of the 2 (if you happen to ask me) and extra similar to the Mini 3 Professional.
Right here’s what’s included:
- A high-end one-inch CMOS sensor with 20 million pixels that takes 20 MP pictures and 4K video. This drone got here out after DJI’s partnership started with Hasselblad, so it’s a sublime, spectacular Hasselblad digicam (woohoo!).
- Wonderful omnidirectional impediment sensing and avoidance, with sensors on the precise, left, and beneath (plus an infrared sensor) of the digicam that activate when utilizing ActiveTrack and Tripod modes.
- A still-very-usable ActiveTrack 2.0 introduces the facility of 3D mapping and is an ideal complement when monitoring topics like autos, animals, or folks on your subsequent industrial drone challenge.
- The digicam shoots in RAW, which suggests you get extra element and readability in your pictures proper out of the gate (oh, and fewer noise too, which is all the time nice).
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Mavic 2 Professional (Right here’s My Selection)
Fast verdict
Deciding on the precise drone is hard stuff!
You possibly can belief the suggestions that come courtesy of Droneblog, as they’re backed by a whole lot of flight hours of testing in all eventualities. I can say that as a result of I did it. It was enjoyable, however I did it to avoid wasting you the frustration of constructing the flawed alternative.
So, bearing all that in thoughts, which is the higher drone between the DJI Mavic 2 and Mini 3 Professional?
The DJI Mini 3 Professional is the clear winner between this and the Mavic 2 Professional or Zoom editions. It has a more moderen digicam that, regardless of not being a Hasselblad, is very succesful. It boasts sterling picture and video high quality, good Clever Good Modes, wonderful impediment sensing and avoidance, and an excellent dimension and weight.
It’s some of the dependable drones available on the market and simply such a very good all-around alternative for getting industrial tasks executed quick.
That’s to not dump on the Mavic 2 Professional. It’s nonetheless a useful drone, even nowadays, however its restricted options do damage it in comparison with the extra trendy Mini 3 Professional.
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Selection)
What are the primary variations?
A number of the drones I evaluate on this weblog are confusingly comparable, making your alternative that a lot more durable. However don’t fear, that’s not the case with the Mavic 2 and Mini 3 Professional. These drones are as completely different as might be.
Have a look, and also you’ll see what I imply.
- Age: The Mavic 2, a minimum of the unique iteration, is from 2018. By comparability, the Mini 3 Professional is from 2022, making it lightyears forward when it comes to options, tech, and developments.
- Weight: The Mavic 2 Professional weighs 907 grams. That weight isn’t dangerous in its personal proper nevertheless it makes the drone really feel like a rock in comparison with holding the ultra-light Mini 3 Professional, which weighs underneath 250 grams.
- Dimension: I’ll admit, the Mavic 2 Professional is smaller than you’d suppose, particularly when folded. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless not as small because the Mini 3 Professional, folded or unfolded.
- Picture high quality: The Mini 3 Professional has superior 48 MP picture high quality, sharp sufficient to seize the wealthy particulars of the world round you for any drone challenge (keep in mind, it additionally shoots in RAW!). By comparability, the Mavic 2 Professional’s 20 MP picture high quality isn’t as nice.
- CMOS sensor dimension: The one-inch sensor dimension of the Mavic 2 Professional isn’t as massive because the 1 1/3-inch CMOS sensor the Mini 3 Professional has. Nevertheless, as you’ll see, one drone permits you to modify the aperture, and the opposite doesn’t.
- Clever Flight Modes: These two drones diverge within the obtainable Clever Flight Modes. On account of its age, the Mavic 2 has fewer of the good modes you’re used to reducing your enamel on whenever you purchase a DJI drone.
- Aperture changes: Right here’s one thing fascinating. You possibly can set the aperture for the Mavic 2 Professional between f/2.8 and f/11. You possibly can’t set the aperture of the Mini 3 Professional. It’s caught at f/1.7, a light-weight setting unachievable by the Mavic 2 Professional.
» MORE: When Ought to You Improve Your Drone? (Learn This First)
DJI Mini 3 Professional
The DJI Mini 3 Professional made a splash upon its debut for its superior security options. Earlier than then, DJI hadn’t carried out them recurrently throughout the Mini collection.
Though these drones are tailor-made towards novices searching for a simple, easy first-flight expertise (and plenty of after, hopefully), the shortage of security options has all the time been their most egregious lack.
Till the Mini 3 Professional.
It’s important to take into consideration the inclusion of APAS 4.0 on the time. That was virtually revolutionary. And at the moment, though not the most recent expertise, APAS 4.0 nonetheless will get the job executed nicely.
It helps that it’s bolstered by the triple-directional impediment sensing system. The twin-vision techniques can learn what’s beneath, behind, and in entrance of the drone, after which depend on APAS to navigate deftly and safely.
This drone’s impeccably good digicam system nonetheless holds up in opposition to any DJI drone launched in 2023.
I’d go as far as to say it holds up in opposition to any new drone at the moment, what with the 48 MP picture high quality and 4K HDR video.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Professional (Which Drone Is Higher?)
That’s simply scratching the floor, by the way in which. The superior digicam and CMOS sensor can take slow-motion movies, albeit on the expense of a top quality discount.
Nevertheless, in on a regular basis taking pictures eventualities, the Mini 3 Professional is greater than well-equipped. Its D-Cinelike Coloration digicam inclusion hundreds this drone with oodles of colours.
The f/1.7 aperture permits extra mild, and whereas it’d be cool if you happen to may modify it, I like how a lot brightness the digicam permits in.
Develop the parameters of your pictures and videography, because the Mini 3 Professional has a nighttime taking pictures mode that slashes noise to immerse your viewers into your world whenever you shoot after darkish (provided that you’re legally allowed, in fact).
The adjustable gimbal strikes an superior 90 levels for True Vertical Taking pictures, however that’s solely the beginning relating to Clever Flight Modes. Toggle between Vertical, Extensive-Angle, Sphere, and 180-degree Panoramas.
Get nearer to your topics with out transferring your ft with 4x digital zoom.
FocusTrack – which incorporates Highlight 2.0 and ActiveTrack 4.0 – makes it simpler to seek out your targets and hone in on them.
MasterShots is for creating your individual cinematic marvels that would be the speak of social media.
DJI Mini 3 Professional (DJI RC)
Light-weight and Foldable Digicam Drone
- 4K/60fps Video
- 48MP Picture
- 34-min Flight Time
- Tri-Directional Impediment Sensing, Built-in RC and display
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12/30/2023 02:51 am GMT
DJI Mavic 2
Older and a lot wiser, the Mavic 2 (Professional and Zoom editions) is one other stellar drone to contemplate including to your industrial fleet.
You’ll suppose, contemplating its age, that it is perhaps missing in lots of areas, however I discover it extremely competent to this present day.
It has impediment avoidance sensors, similar to the Mini 3 Professional, though its impediment detection and avoidance system isn’t practically as superior.
The omnidirectional detection system that comes with this drone was thought of cutting-edge when it first appeared.
It has 4K video high quality, sufficient to place it on even footing with the Mini 3 Professional in that respect, and 20 MP picture high quality. I’ll be the primary to inform you, that high quality isn’t miraculously nice, nevertheless it’s nonetheless greater than satisfactory.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 2 Professional (Right here’s My Selection)
When you’re starting your drone profession, the Mavic 2 can carry you thru some essential and instrumental early tasks.
You may resolve after some time that you simply want higher picture high quality to go to the following degree. In that case, you can improve to the Mini 3 Professional.
Expertise the Hasselblad distinction with its digicam, which makes any picture and video look crisp and interesting due to its one-inch CMOS sensor and 28-millimeter lens.
The ActiveTrack version included with the Mavic 2 isn’t as new as what you get within the Mini 3 Professional, nevertheless it’s nonetheless wonderful at discovering your topics.
Level of Curiosity permits you to mark occasions and landmarks, sending the Mavic 2 on a predetermined flight route. Hyperlapse, though a normal in DJI drones now, was new on the time of this drone’s launch.
DJI Mavic 2 Professional
Drone with Good Controller, Hasselblad Digicam, 3-Axis Gimbal, HDR 4K Video Adjustable Aperture, 20MP 1″ CMOS Sensor, as much as 48mph, Grey.
We earn a fee if you happen to make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
12/30/2023 07:06 am GMT
Head-to-head comparability
Digicam system
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
Are you prepared for my favourite half, the vicious battle for DJI drone supremacy? I hope so, as a result of right here we go.
It’s uncommon that Hasselblad expertise loses out, however to declare the Mavic 2 the winner simply wouldn’t be proper. Its digicam system is superb, don’t get me flawed, nevertheless it’s inferior to what the Mini 3 Professional provides.
This drone has some of the exceptional digicam techniques round, with high-end picture and video resolutions, noise discount, RAW picture information, pure colours, and night time mode.
Every pictures and videography mode carried out into the Mini 3 Professional reduces the time you spend modifying.
The Mavic 2 has a few of these options, however to not the identical diploma because the Mini 3 Professional. Its newer expertise is superior.
» MORE: Digicam Know-how in Drones (Defined)
Efficiency
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
That’s proper, I’m additionally deciding on the Mini 3 Professional right here.
Many components roll into what makes a drone carry out nicely, equivalent to dimension and weight, of which the Mini 3 Professional has in spades over the heavier Mavic 2.
Impediment detection and avoidance additionally play a task. Each these drones have impediment avoidance techniques, and since they use DJI expertise, they’re higher than the norm.
Nevertheless, that is one other simple age hole. The Mini 3 Professional has a stronger, extra strong impediment avoidance system with newer APAS expertise. It is probably not the most recent APAS version anymore, however its impediment detection continues to be much more up-to-date than the Mavic 2 provides.
Certain, the Mini 3 Professional may not be as wind-resistant as a result of it’s smaller, however its superior expertise makes it simpler to fly.
This drone can also be touted as being beginner-friendly.
Possibly it’s not fairly to the diploma of the Mini 2 SE, which helps you to launch and land your drone with the push of a button, however the dimension, automated options, and simple dealing with of the Mini 3 Professional are nonetheless undeniably traits of a newbie drone.
Oh, and let’s discuss Clever Flight Modes. Each drones have ‘em, however the Mini 3 Professional has extra, and extra modern variations. That’s one more reason I awarded this class to the Mini 3 Professional.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional and How Properly It Handles Winds
Portability
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
This one was a no-contest, and I imply that within the nicest method potential. It’s simply that the Mini 3 Professional is about 600 grams lighter than the Mavic 2 Professional.
I may perceive if we have been speaking a couple of distinction of 90 grams, and even 200 grams perhaps, however this can be a huge sufficient distinction in weight that it would as nicely be a chasm between these two drones.
Okay, perhaps not that dramatic, however you get the purpose.
It’s not just like the Mavic 2 goes to interrupt your again if you happen to journey with it, nevertheless it’s nowhere close to as travel-friendly because the Mini 3 Professional. This DJI drone is mild sufficient that carrying it feels easy, which is why it’s my go-to journey alternative.
I additionally just like the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Professional to journey with, however the Mini 3 Professional is the very best of the three, if you happen to ask me.
It’s airport-friendly, and you may match it in any baggage and carry-on bag your airline permits. Please all the time do this to keep away from getting your drone smashed throughout dealing with!
» MORE: The Final Information to Touring with a Drone
RC compatibility and vary
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
As if I didn’t love the Mini 3 Professional sufficient, it additionally has among the best DJI controllers for on a regular basis flights, the DJI RC.
This engaging, mild, easy-to-handle distant options an HD display at an affordable 5.5 inches. I do know what you’re going to say, it’s not fairly as massive as at the moment’s smartphone screens, however are you aware what?
This distant controller doesn’t make you utilize your cellphone, which suggests you may spare your battery. The DJI RC has a four-hour battery and makes use of DJI’s O3+ transmission system to switch video footage in 1080p high quality at 60 fps.
And, better of all, the Mini 3 Professional’s distant works with many different drones! When you already personal the OG Mini 3, Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Professional, Mavic Air 2, or Air 2S, you should utilize the DJI RC.
You may as well go for the DJI Mini 3 Professional in a bundle with the DJI RC-N1, which is in all methods much like the DJI RC besides that it doesn’t include a display and requires the usage of a wise machine as a display. That is much less handy however makes the drone that rather more inexpensive.
The Mavic 2’s older distant lags behind in lots of the above areas, with a transmission vary of solely 10 kilometers versus 12 kilometers for the Mini 3 Professional.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Have to Know)
Battery life
Winner: DJI Mini 3 Professional
Sure, it’s been a clear sweep, with the Mini 3 Professional successful in each class, together with this one.
The Mavic 2’s base Clever Flight Battery solely flies for 31 minutes, and that’s the marketed time. I by no means hit the 30-minute mark in my many flights with this drone, however I’d get greater than 25 minutes.
The default battery lifetime of the Mini 3 Professional isn’t significantly better, because it’s marketed as 34 minutes. Nevertheless, you may improve the battery to fly for 47 marketed minutes.
As soon as once more, it’s not fairly that lengthy, with the battery logging underneath 45 minutes each time I’ve had the pleasure of flying the Mini 3 Professional.
I do know a few of you studying this really feel prefer it is perhaps unfair to provide this class to the Mini 3 Professional as a result of its further battery doesn’t include this drone by default.
I can see that logic, however even when we examine base batteries, the Mini 3 Professional nonetheless wins.
» MORE: Flight Time of All DJI Drones (Defined)
Conclusion
And now you’re prepared to decide on between these two succesful DJI drones, as you may have all of the information it is advisable to proceed together with your buy.
Whereas the Mavic 2 nonetheless holds up remarkably nicely for its age, the Mini 3 Professional – though not the most recent drone on the market anymore – flies head and shoulders above this Mavic mannequin.
It has a lighter body, a greater flight time, and extra Clever Flight Modes.
There’s a purpose this drone is the basic, the usual, the blueprint in opposition to which most individuals examine DJI drones. The Mini 3 Professional is simply a kind of excellent drones, and it’s actually powerful to beat.