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 collection. I owned and liked the unique, oddly designed DJI Mavic Air and proceed to like and use the following fashions, all the way in which to the most recent iteration, the DJI Air 3.
Likewise, after the discharge of the Mini 3 Professional, together with the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Professional, I grew to become an enormous fan of DJI’s Mini drone lineup and personal all of those as nicely.
As a result of I’m such a fan of each the DJI Air and DJI Mini collection of drones, I assumed 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 possibility for one drone proprietor may not be the very 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 may profit from both mannequin, and why the DJI Mini 3 can 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.
Temporary Overview
DJI Mini 3
The DJI Mini 3, launched in December of 2022, is a number of years newer than the Mavic Air 2 and hits that beneath 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 accustomed to 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 in the present day, nonetheless works capably in lots of conditions.
New to the beforehand launched Mini 3 Professional, the Mini 3 additionally advantages from two completely different batteries. After having used these choices, it’s tough to return to only one kind of battery with solely half-hour of flight time.
The Mini 3 advantages from:
- Vertical capturing to add content material instantly to social media
- The choice to shoot 48 MP RAW photographs, that are excellent 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 nearly 4 years outdated on the time of this text’s publishing. In drone years, that’s nearly a lifetime. Nonetheless, the Mavic Air 2 has aged nicely.
The Mavic Air 2 was an necessary step within the development of the Mavic Air collection. 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 homeowners anticipate in in the present day’s fashions.
Not solely did the Mavic Air collection 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 provides:
- Three-way impediment avoidance sensing, which, when used appropriately, aids in safer flight maneuvers
- APAS 3.0 which permits the Mavic Air 2 to efficiently navigate round, beneath, and over obstacles
- Three completely different monitoring modes: ActiveTrack 3.0, Level of Curiosity 3.0, and Highlight 2.0, for getting the very best automated pictures of topics
- 34 minutes of battery life, which for years was commonplace within the drone trade
» MORE: Do I Have to Register my Mavic Air 2?
Fast Verdict
As a result of the Mini 3 and Mavic Air 2 are so completely different in some ways, whereas having nice options, the decision was a bit tough to return to.
Because it stands, if shopping for a drone for leisure functions, the Mini 3 can be my alternative.
The Mini 3 is a superb all-around drone for newbies and fanatics. Weighing beneath 250 g can also be a really massive deal for a lot of, as we’ll focus on additional.
Whereas, sure, the Mavic Air 2 does have a lot of the related tech now we have all grown to like and anticipate in in the present day’s drones, the Mavic Air 2 can also be 4 years outdated. It’s growing older nicely, 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 necessary to me:
- Worth
- Measurement/Portability
- Picture high quality
- Flight time
If somebody is trying to get a comparatively cheap drone that doesn’t must be registered and likewise takes first rate to excellent photos, then the Mini 3 is the higher of the 2 drones, for my part.
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What are the Fundamental Variations?
We’ll have 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 USA, it doesn’t need to be registered.
- Bigger Digicam Sensor: In comparison with the 1/2″ sensor on the Mavic Air 2, the Mini 3’s bigger 1/1.3″ isn’t solely bigger but additionally takes higher low-light photographs, with its stacked sensor, than the Mavic Air 2.
- Vertical Capturing: As a nod to the unique Mavic Professional of 2016, the digital camera on the Mini 3 bodily and totally rotates 90 levels. This permits the Mini 3 to shoot portrait-mode photographs 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 possibility has producers’ reported flight instances of 38 minutes whereas conserving the Mini 3 beneath the 250 g threshold. The heavier Plus possibility takes the load of the Mini 3 over 250 g however produces 53 minutes of flight time.
Now, trying on the Mavic Air 2, we see it has some stand-out options as nicely.
- Measurement and Weight: The Mavic Air 2 weighs 570 g, greater than double the load of the Mini 3. With this further weight, the Mavic Air 2 is a good bit extra secure 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 perform at present within the drone world, the Mavic Air 2 having them for 4 years now is a superb factor, permitting for lots of the fashionable modes discovered within the newer drones like its successor, the Air 3.
- D-Cinelike Shade Profile: Whereas not a 10-bit coloration profile, the Mavic Air 2 does have the flatter D-Cinelike video coloration 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 individuals 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 nicely.
Shared by each the Mini 3 Professional and the Mini 3 is similar 1/1.3 digital camera that’s outfitted on the DJI Air 3 and likewise used because the Mavic 3 Professional’s medium tele digital camera.
The Mini 3 can shoot 48 MP photographs utilizing the identical quad-bayer know-how present in these dearer drones, though there may be nonetheless some debate surrounding the effectiveness and general resolutions achieved by this know-how.
Moreover, the Mini 3 is able to capturing 4k 30fps movies, one thing that has not been seen beforehand in commonplace, non-Professional variations of the Mini line.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Which Drone Is Higher?)
Wanting on the bodily digital camera, we see that, along with the brand new 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, the digital camera 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 are going to proceed to see in subsequent Mini fashions, as it’s also on the Mini 4 Professional.
After all, one other standout characteristic of the Mini 3 is its excellent battery life.
At the moment, as of the writing of this text, the Mini 3 has the longest battery life present in a shopper DJI drone. We’ll be this a bit nearer shortly.
Our Decide
DJI Mini 3 Fly Extra
- RC-N1 Controller (No Display)
- Fly Extra Equipment
- Deco Gear Backpack + Equipment
- 4K Video, 38min Flight Time, True Vertical Capturing, Clever Modes
We earn a fee when you 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 homeowners now take as a right.
One in all these can be 48 MP photographs. This was extraordinary on the time, particularly from such a small picture sensor. Even again then, although, many weren’t satisfied that the Quad Bayer 48 MP photographs have been actually sharper than the 12 MP photographs the digital camera natively produced.
» MORE: DJI Mavic Air 2 vs. Holy Stone HS720E (Right here’s My Alternative)
Consistent with the digital camera, the video coming from the Mavic Air 2 was actually good, benefitting from two video coloration profiles: Regular and D-Cinelike.
Though not 8-bit coloration, it’s good that the Mavic Air 2 can nonetheless cater to these eager to take their video coloration 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 largest 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 permits it to profit 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 value level the Mavic Air 2 was then.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly Extra Combo
The Mavic Air 2 digital camera drone takes energy and portability to the following stage. It combines a robust digital camera with clever capturing modes for beautiful outcomes.
We earn a fee when you make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
01/19/2024 04:06 pm GMT
Head-to-Head Comparability
Digicam (Photographs)
Winner: DJI Mini 3
Relating to comparisons between the digital camera on the Mini 3 and Mavic Air 2’s digital camera, the Mini 3 wins out.
On the planet of know-how, oftentimes, newer is best. It’s because, over time, know-how will get higher and higher whereas additionally getting smaller and smaller. This development permits firms 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 Digicam within the Mini 3 is similar used within the Mini 3 Professional, Mini 4 Professional, Air 3, and Mavic 3 Professional‘s medium tele digital camera.
Utilizing a stacked sensor with a really massive f/1.7 aperture, the Mini 3 is able to taking spectacular low-light photographs and even video.
The ensuing blended and low-light photographs are much more spectacular than these produced by the 1/2″ digital camera on the Mavic Air 2.
Digicam (Video)
Winner: DJI Mavic Air 2
The Mavic Air 2, whereas not taking as spectacular photographs because the Mini 3, does shine within the video division.
A preferred decision and framerate mixture many drone homeowners love is 4k 60 fps, which the Mavic Air 2 is able to capturing. If you’re a fan of slow-ish movement, then 4k60 is the proper high-resolution possibility.
Along with capturing 4k 60 fps, the Mavic Air 2 can even make the most of the D-Cinelike coloration profile.
D-Cinelike is a flat coloration profile, retaining extra dynamic vary than the Regular coloration profile. This allows you to get a bit extra inventive when color-grading the Air 2’s video footage.
For these eager to carry their cinematic imaginative and prescient to life, the video capabilities on the Mavic Air 2 can greater than accomplish this.
» MORE: Finest Drones for Evening 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 could be adjusted to fly nearly identically.
The place the Mavic 2 Air edges out the Mini 3 performance-wise all boils all the way down to general 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 isn’t a precedence by any means. Whereas for others, having a sooner top-end means getting the Mavic Air 2 from one location to the following sooner to start filming with the 4k 60 fps digital camera.
On the finish of the day, although, flying any drone at 45 mph is terribly 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 homeowners 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 necessary for 2 predominant causes.
Firstly, being beneath 250 g signifies that the Mini 3 doesn’t must be registered in the USA 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’s not the price of registration however the governmental reasoning behind registration and wanting to remain nameless.
Secondly, because the Mini 3 is beneath 250 g and doesn’t must be registered, it additionally doesn’t must be RID compliant. With the timeframe for RID compliance getting narrower and narrower, that is one much less factor for drone homeowners, new and seasoned alike, to have to fret about.
Moreover, with the Mini 3 being so small and weighing so little, it’s the perfect journey and outside 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.
Relating to DJI’s line of Mini drones, I at all times carry one alongside within the armrest of my SUV simply in case one thing is attention-grabbing to snap when out and about.
» MORE: Does the DJI Mini 3 Have to Be Registered? (Defined for Inexperienced persons)
Battery Life
Winner: DJI Mini 3
Battery life is one other essential side 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 the usage of the 2 completely different capability batteries that the Mini 3 Professional and Mini 4 Professional use: the Customary 2453 mAh possibility and the Plus 3850 mAh possibility.
The Customary possibility battery has reported flight instances of as much as 37 minutes. If you’re planning on staying beneath the 250 g weight for the explanations talked about beforehand, that is the proper battery possibility.
The Plus possibility has flight instances of as much as 51 minutes. That is extraordinary in a DJI drone and is at present the longest-lasting battery possibility of any Mini drone.
If utilizing the Plus possibility battery, beware that the load of the battery pushes the Mini 3 over the 250 g threshold, which would require the drone to be registered in the USA.
After all, in all actuality, most flyers gained’t obtain these flight instances as a result of various outdoors forces equivalent to climate. Nonetheless, the Mini 3 does certainly fly for a really very long time. A lot in order that I typically 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 assume it is among 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 quite a lot of hypothesis concerning which drones would have the ability to use it. The Mini 3 isn’t solely appropriate with the DJI RC however is included in lots of combos offered on-line.
Alternatively, the Mavic Air 2 works with an older DJI all-in-one controller, the DJI Sensible Controller. This was the unique iteration of DJI’s good controller and is unfortunately now not in manufacturing. Nonetheless, loads are nonetheless being offered on-line.
In case you have an older DJI Sensible Controller (not the brand new DJI RC Professional), you possibly can nonetheless profit from an built-in screened controller to be used with the Mavic Air 2.
Present Mini 3 appropriate controller checklist:
Mavic Air 2 appropriate controller checklist:
» 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 technique in place, the Mavic Air 2 scans the instant space and plots its approach above, under, and round obstacles as you fly, when you’ve got these choices toggled on within the DJI Fly app. After all, we advocate being alert at all times 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 lots of the follow-me modes which can be so fashionable in the present day, these being:
These three monitoring modes do a superb job of following topics of your selecting, whether or not individuals, autos, or watercraft.
Moreover, if touring and planning on showcasing a selected landmark, POI (focal point) works fairly nicely.
For these out there trying 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 Inexperienced persons)
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.
Relating to what’s included with every combo, they’re nearly similar. With the Mini 3, nevertheless, you’re getting a more moderen 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 apparent alternative.
» MORE: Finest Reasonably priced Drones for Journey
Conclusion
On the outset of this text, I discussed selecting the higher of the 2 drones, primarily based strictly on getting up and flying as a leisure flyer.
On this explicit 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 very moveable. These are issues leisure flyers oftentimes search for.
Whether or not trying to throw the Mini 3 in a bag for journey or carry it alongside for a nature stroll or hike, it’s loads able to taking nice photos in such locales.
For individuals who would reasonably not register their drone in the USA, the Mini 3 is the one possibility for this. The Mavic Air 2 is twice the load of the Mini 3 and, subsequently, should be registered.
Moreover, when you aren’t trying to zip alongside at 45 mph however need to get probably the most battery life out of any DJI drone available on the market, then the Mini 3 matches the invoice.
For individuals 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 proper possibility for you.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Points: 9 Issues You Ought to Know (Should-Learn)