DJI Air 3 vs Mini 4 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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DJI Air 3 & DJI Mini 4 Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the DJI Air 3 Fly rather than the DJI Mini 4 Pro. 

Table of content hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The DJI Air 3?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The DJI Air 3? 

  • The DJI Air 3 has a dual-camera system with a Wide Camera and a Medium Tele Camera offering 3x optical zoom for capturing both wide landscapes and detailed close-ups, compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s single camera with only digital zoom.
  • DJI Air 3 features a 46-minute flight time with its 4241mAh battery for extended shooting sessions and greater flexibility during complex flight paths, compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s 34-minute battery life.
  • It supports Waypoint Mode to allow precise, pre-planned flight paths for complex video sequences and automated navigation, which the DJI Mini 4 Pro lacks.
  • The DJI Air 3 has 12 m/s wind resistance for superior stability in windy conditions and ensuring smoother footage, compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s 10.7 m/s wind resistance.
  • DJI Air 3 has 100W fast charging to reduce downtime between flights and ensuring faster battery replenishment, compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s slower 30W charging.
  • It can achieve a top speed of 21 m/s for faster travel between shooting locations and improved dynamic shots in action scenes, while the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s speed caps at 16 m/s.

Maybe the DJI Mini 4 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the DJI Air 3 Fly. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Check DJI Air 3 Best Price

Check DJI Mini 4 Pro Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureDJI Air 3DJI Mini 4 Pro
Camera SystemDual-camera systemSingle-camera system
Main Camera Sensor1/1.3-inch CMOS (Wide) + 1/1.3-inch CMOS1/1.3-inch CMOS
Main Camera Resolution48MP (Wide) + 48MP48MP
Optical Zoom3x Optical ZoomNo Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom3x (Wide Camera), 3x (Medium Tele)4x Digital Zoom
Flight TimeUp to 46 minutesUp to 34 minutes
Max Flight Speed21 m/s16 m/s
Wind Resistance12 m/s10.7 m/s
Battery Capacity4241mAh2590mAh
Battery Weight267g162g
Charging Power100W Fast Charging30W Fast Charging
Weight (with Battery)Approx. 720gApprox. 249g
Dimensions (Folded)207×100.5×91.1 mm148×94×64 mm
Dimensions (Unfolded)258.8×326×105.8 mm298×373×101 mm
PriceCheck DJI Air 3 PriceCheck DJI Mini 4 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Camera Sensor & Resolution: Both drones feature a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with 48MP resolution, delivering high-quality photos and videos with enhanced detail and dynamic range, even in low-light conditions.
  • Video Capabilities: Both models support 4K/60fps HDR for vibrant colors and rich contrast, as well as 4K/100fps slow motion for smooth and detailed slow-motion footage.
  • Color Profiles: Each drone offers D-Log M and HLG color profiles, providing improved dynamic range and better flexibility for professional color grading in post-production.
  • Photo Formats: Both drones capture still images in JPEG and DNG (RAW) formats, ensuring photographers have access to high-quality files with greater editing potential.
  • Transmission System: Both utilize O4 (OcuSync 4) transmission technology, offering a stable connection with a maximum range of 20 km (FCC) for seamless video transmission even in challenging environments.
  • Max Transmission Quality: Each drone supports a 1080p/60fps live feed, providing a clear and responsive view directly on the DJI RC 2 controller.
  • Obstacle Avoidance: Both models feature omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, ensuring enhanced safety by detecting objects in all directions to reduce the risk of collisions.
  • ActiveTrack 5.0: Both drones support ActiveTrack 5.0, an intelligent subject-tracking feature that keeps moving subjects in focus, ideal for tracking people, vehicles, or pets in motion.
  • Intelligent Flight Modes: Each model includes MasterShots, QuickShots, and Hyperlapse, providing automated shooting modes for dynamic and professional-grade video content.
  • DJI RC 2 Controller: Both drones come equipped with the DJI RC 2 controller, featuring a bright built-in screen that eliminates the need for a smartphone, ensuring quick and convenient operation.
  • Storage Support: Both drones support microSD cards up to 512GB, providing ample storage capacity for extended recording sessions.
  • Video Bitrate: Each model supports a 150 Mbps bitrate, delivering sharp, clear footage with improved detail and minimal compression artifacts.
  • Gimbal System: Both drones utilize a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, ensuring stable footage with smooth motion control, even during fast maneuvers or windy conditions.

Check DJI Air 3 Best Price

Check DJI Mini 4 Pro Best Price

Common Features

FeatureDJI Air 3DJI Mini 4 Pro
Camera Sensor Size1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
Camera Resolution48MP48MP
Video Resolution4K/60fps HDR, 4K/100fps slow motion4K/60fps HDR, 4K/100fps slow motion
Color ProfilesD-Log M, HLGD-Log M, HLG
Photo FormatsJPEG/DNGJPEG/DNG
Transmission SystemO4O4
Max Transmission Range20 km20 km
Max Video Transmission Quality1080p/60fps1080p/60fps
Obstacle Avoidance SystemOmnidirectionalOmnidirectional
ActiveTrack VersionActiveTrack 5.0ActiveTrack 5.0
Intelligent Flight ModesMasterShots, QuickShots, HyperlapseMasterShots, QuickShots, Hyperlapse
Controller IncludedDJI RC 2DJI RC 2
Max SD Card SupportUp to 512GBUp to 512GB
Video Bitrate150 Mbps150 Mbps
Gimbal3-axis mechanical gimbal3-axis mechanical gimbal
RC 2 Controller FeaturesIntegrated screen with precise controlsIntegrated screen with precise controls
Price Check DJI Air 3 Price Check DJI Mini 4 Pro Price

FAQ

How do the flight times compare between the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro?
The DJI Air 3 offers a maximum flight time of 46 minutes, thanks to its larger 4241mAh battery, while the DJI Mini 4 Pro provides up to 34 minutes per battery charge. The Air 3’s extended flight time is ideal for longer shooting sessions.

Are both drones equipped with obstacle avoidance systems?
Yes, both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro feature omnidirectional obstacle avoidance systems, which use sensors to detect objects in all directions, enhancing flight safety and reducing the risk of collisions.

Do both drones support 4K video recording?
Yes, both drones can record in 4K/60fps HDR for rich color details and improved dynamic range. Additionally, both support 4K/100fps slow motion for capturing smooth, cinematic slow-motion footage.

Which drone offers better wind resistance?
The DJI Air 3 is designed to withstand stronger winds with a resistance rating of 12 m/s, while the DJI Mini 4 Pro handles winds up to 10.7 m/s. The Air 3’s improved resistance makes it better suited for challenging outdoor conditions.

Is the DJI RC 2 controller included with both drones?
Yes, both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro come with the DJI RC 2 controller, which has a bright, integrated display that eliminates the need for a smartphone connection.

What is the difference in battery charging speed between the two models?
The DJI Air 3 supports 100W fast charging, significantly reducing downtime between flights. The DJI Mini 4 Pro supports 30W fast charging, which is slower but still efficient for its battery size.

Do both drones support automated shooting modes?
Yes, both drones offer intelligent shooting modes like MasterShots, QuickShots, and Hyperlapse, allowing users to capture dynamic content with minimal effort. However, the DJI Air 3 also includes Waypoint Mode, which is unavailable on the Mini 4 Pro.

Which drone is better suited for travel and portability?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is significantly lighter at 249g, making it ideal for travel and exempt from FAA registration in the United States. The DJI Air 3 weighs 720g, requiring registration but offering more advanced features.

Do both drones offer internal storage?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro includes 2GB of internal storage, which provides limited space for emergency recording when no microSD card is inserted. The DJI Air 3 does not have internal storage and relies entirely on external microSD cards.

Can both drones shoot in low-light conditions?
Yes, both the DJI Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro feature 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors, known for their excellent low-light performance. This ensures clear, noise-free footage even in dimly lit environments.

What is the maximum video bitrate for both drones?
Both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro support a maximum video bitrate of 150 Mbps, ensuring high-quality, detailed footage with minimal compression artifacts.

Are both drones compatible with DJI Fly app updates?
Yes, both models are fully compatible with the DJI Fly app, allowing users to access flight controls, update firmware, and utilize intelligent flight modes with ease.

Which drone is better for professional videographers?
The DJI Air 3 is generally better for professionals due to its dual-camera system, improved 3x optical zoom, longer battery life, and support for advanced shooting modes like Waypoint Mode. The Mini 4 Pro is better suited for casual users and travelers seeking a lightweight, user-friendly option.

Is the DJI Mini 4 Pro exempt from FAA registration?
Yes, the DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs 249g, which falls below the FAA registration requirement for recreational drones in the United States. The DJI Air 3, weighing 720g, requires registration before flight.

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