I am taking my Air 3S. In particular, it's for the Zoom option and better camera. I don't find the size that bad. Considering I used to travel with the DJI Phantom and then the Original Mavic. I also want something that has good win resistance as well. To each their own, though.
For travel, definitely recommend the 4 mini series, but unless you know you can fly the Air 3 series or bigger don't bother or risk it. They will confiscate it some point. Another idea try to see if you can attach action cam with the Neo maybe you have something.
Here is how I decided, I have both😂 Took the Mini 4 pro to Las Vega and shot video of Red Rock National park. The Portability of the mini is nuts. threw it in the backpack with my Pocket 3 and action 4.
I've been using the DJI Mini 2 daily for work, fast launch and retrieve, move to the next site, on windy days it's the Mavic 2 Zoom. Now it's the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S, the Mini 4 Pro is a huge step up and with the Plus battery and all sensing disabled it flies forever! I'm still waiting on the Air 3S to arrive... One thing of note with the latest DJI Fly upgrade: The issue I found is a Warning "High Altitude. Fly with caution" After Latest Firmware. You can not swipe it off the screen, it sits on the top with an orange background blocking the screen. DJI says it now 'normal' so for anyone that lives above 1,500m or 4,921 feet, enjoy the "High Altitude. Fly with caution" with the orange background or move below what they consider High Altitude. Nice review, adjust the setting to get the 60mph and go have fun with that!
I am still rocking my mini 3 Pro! love the size for travel and I use it for real estate photography and my agents never complain about image quality. Solid stuff!
In the same boat here. Since 2017 been using the Phantom 4 Pro for real estate photography. When the Mini 2 came out, I was still able to shoot 4k video and do raw stills. I’ve been using that ever since and no one has complained either about the quality. I not only like the portable size but it’s so quiet when I do my shoots and doesn’t attract any attention. My only reason to upgrade from the Mini 2 to the Mini 4 Pro would be obstacle avoidance and better radio range (I don’t need more distance, rather better signal penetration through adjoining buildings and objects).
i started watching your channel a couple of years ago, i was looking for vids about specific info, and found that info. then discovered i liked your delivery, and i often get a cup of tea going and sit to watch you, i feel like its just a couple of friends, how you talk to the camera, makes me feel you are talking to me. i enjoy that. you seem so easy to get along with. i never knew i would enjoy a tech channel - but your reviews are amazing... i don't fly drones, will i ever, probably not! but i enjoy your enthusiasm. cameras and drones are interesting to me. always on the look out for new ideas. you are amazing. keep up the epic word my dude.
Wow, what a timely video for me. I’ve just spent the better part of the day researching this same question. I’ve been using DJI camera drones back to when the Phantom 4 Pro was introduced. So, I’ve used DJIs smaller drones as big as the early Mavics and as small as the Mini 3 Pro. I have really loved the portability of the of the Mini 3 Pro, but I first bought a Phantom 4 for photography: landscape photography, often using bracketed shooting. Over the years, as I have ‘upgraded’ my equipment, it’s clear that I have been compromising on the photography for the sake of portability. I don’t post on social media, so the vertical capability really isn’t of any use to me. So, my choice is pretty clear: I’ll be buying the Air 3S and returning to my photographic ‘roots’. Thanks, David. Awesome video.
Dave you can unlock 60mph in your settings when you receive your drone it is set to the 48 mph only. Just an fyi. Keep up the great vids !! Be safe buddy
Tempted with the Air 3s as there are no weight restrictions in NZ and I would mostly fly it on or close to the coast, so the better wind handling would be a big plus. I wouldn't be walking far, so again the bigger/better cameras sound perfect. But, I don't want to get something that will really annoy others, sound wise particularly. At say 50-100m away from it flying past, how much noisier is it than the mini pro 4? I am a noob, so no idea how they compare. Thanks for the great video.
How refreshing. A sensible ‘comparison’ rather than a competition between the two. We all know which one will provide the best end result, but is that really what 99% want? I was going down the A3S route for all the wrong reasons. I bet I would end up leaving it at home because it’s just too ‘unportable’ (is that even a word?!). As such, I’m sure the M4P will get 100% more use. I really appreciate you swaying me in the sensible direction.
Nice comparison, and I was torn between these two for my first drone. In the end: the extra weight doesn’t bother me so went Air 3S. A few other pluses tilting the scale were - better wind stability, internal storage capacity, 24 + 70mm lens, 1” sensor, battery life, advanced RTH, camera setting range, and more. A rumored M5P with a 1” sensor would be interesting 🤔😃
Just bought the 3s. Haven’t flown it yet but I’m looking to get my Part 107 so I can fly it commercially. I want to use it to make some money and potentially use it to transition out of my current job
I have the mini 4pro want the air 3s because of return capability of the lanar on point where it took off from like the roof over the pavilion just nuts. Keep on flying my friend. Great video
I always love a new video from David Manning! I'm sticking with my Mini 4 Pro for now... but I'm looking forward to the next iteration of that! (I need a small form factor since I bring it on ebike rides and available space is limited.)
Stoked you're here! And totally agreed, I think the Mini 4 Pro is the way to go unless you really require that larger sensor or medium tele shot. The Mini 4 Pro is just so damn good!
If you can get your Air 3s through customs that is :P Needed a new drone as my old one aged out, was sold on the air 3S, ordered it, and it wound up stuck in customs for a month before ultimately having to be shipped back so I could get a refund. Wound up going with the mini 4 pro simply because they were available through local sources. And so far it's a great little drone. Granted I fly a Mavic Pro and an Inspire for work so my goal for either was to have a good every day carry personal drone for my camera bag, the thing that initially had me leaning for the 3S was mainly that it was a year newer so figured support for it would be available longer, which honestly is what caused my air 2 to age out.
If I leave house knowing I going to be capturing drone video and images, I take the Air 3s with me. But if I plan on capturing video and images, but not specifically drone shots, I will take a few different cameras with me including the Mini 4 Pro, just in case. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Dont forget to factor in the noise they make. I have flown airs and mini's and as soon as people hear a drone, they want to find the pilot and come huddle around the remote and see what you see. Kind of annoying when your trying to concentrate. Just a thought...
Random Q-but how do the noise levels of the props compare? I shoot a lot of weddings, and am always noise conscious of drones for the guest experience.
I'm weighing the issue of wanting the 3s and buying before the 60% tariff hits. We don't have that long! Internationally ,Chinese companies are already gearing up for this and raising their prices for product shipped to wholesalers for mass deliveries that will be shipped mid-year 2025. Thanks for your great video.
Unless I missed something, you mentioned nothing About The second camera and Telephoto lens on the 3s . You noted it, but said nothing about its a😮dvantage. Is it a good camera and lens combo? That would be the reason I would buy it, as I'm so happy with the performance of the Mini4 Pro .
Great video! I want to use it, to be my eyes up ahead in the road. Like if we are going to take a route on the street, I wanna have eyes in the sky to see how its going to be. I saw the air doing it, but do the mini can do it too? Cause if it can...I will go with the mini
how do the light minis do in 5-10 mph winds? I see you had some footage with the mini in this video where you were above the ocean, just offshore, any issues with the winds and holding position? I use drones exclusively for videoing behind the boat, hydrofoiling and wonder on the windy days whether a mini suffers at all
You gotta take the air3s and I know you will, its too cool or a trip to not take your better drone. I traveled with my air 3 and im sure you have, so many cool shots plus better wind resistance
I understand you need to register the air3s but dont you also need an RPC to register and operate the air3s? If you already have an RPC and operate several drones this may be moot, but surely being required to get a flying license to fly the air 3s should factor into the equation no?
Both is the best. I took m4p and air3 to Croatia with 3 batteries each. m4p when I wanted a stealth flight and air3 when it was windy and wanted a quick fly to a spot and return in a hurry. Best is the 1 controller needed do work with both. Wish they update the Mavic air 2 to work with the screen controller not just the Mavic air 2s. @dji
I have the standard Mini 3, used to have the mini 2 but wanted better quality video and longer flight times so sold it and got the mini 3, maybe DJI will make the mini 5 pro with a 1" sensor 🙏
I have an Air 2, I am a Realtor and shoot photos and video for my business, the Air 3s would be an awesome upgrade. However, when it comes to trips I'll bring my drone when I have a car, boat or motorhome. I would not take Air 2 or Air 3S on an airplane it's just too cumbersome. For that reason I am considering the Mini4 because my camera bag gets quite heavy.
Great vid David....well, I love my mini 4 Pro but went for the Air 3s just...because...you are right size and quality wise...I haven't unboxed the 3 as i'm waiting for the goggles 3 (again duped by DJI) to work with a firmware update...took the mini 4 out yesterday and wondering if I made a mistake....one mistake I did make, buying the Avata 2...what a pile of poo that is...I can throw a rock and see where it lands well past where the RC and video crap out! lol....
Amazing video my friend interesting topic if I have to tell you the truth to be honest when I travel I bring both of them because you never know for the wind for many things.😊🌴🇮🇹👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks David... I'm part of a grass roots nonprofit search and rescue group, looking for people missing along the border. We have long wanted to include drones as a second set of eyes... so the more we can learn the better. Thx
No way, I had no idea you were doing that! For something like that, I think I could see the move up to the Air 3S to be totally worth it. Especially with the 70mm lens on there to zoom in on things!
None. The mavic 4 pro is coming out this Xmas and the mini 5 pro is coming out first quarter or next year. The mini 4 pro is already like 16 months old.
DJI is monopolizing the game just like iPhone did. One of the problems with their goggles is that they’re not compatible with more than 3 units. That’s monopolizing the industry. I will not be purchasing any goggles because of this.
I'm super curious to hear your thoughts on this because as tempting as the Air 3S is, does the Mini 4 Pro just make more sense?!
I am taking my Air 3S. In particular, it's for the Zoom option and better camera. I don't find the size that bad. Considering I used to travel with the DJI Phantom and then the Original Mavic. I also want something that has good win resistance as well. To each their own, though.
For travel, definitely recommend the 4 mini series, but unless you know you can fly the Air 3 series or bigger don't bother or risk it. They will confiscate it some point.
Another idea try to see if you can attach action cam with the Neo maybe you have something.
Here is how I decided, I have both😂 Took the Mini 4 pro to Las Vega and shot video of Red Rock National park. The Portability of the mini is nuts. threw it in the backpack with my Pocket 3 and action 4.
I've been using the DJI Mini 2 daily for work, fast launch and retrieve, move to the next site, on windy days it's the Mavic 2 Zoom. Now it's the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S, the Mini 4 Pro is a huge step up and with the Plus battery and all sensing disabled it flies forever! I'm still waiting on the Air 3S to arrive... One thing of note with the latest DJI Fly upgrade: The issue I found is a Warning "High Altitude. Fly with caution" After Latest Firmware. You can not swipe it off the screen, it sits on the top with an orange background blocking the screen. DJI says it now 'normal' so for anyone that lives above 1,500m or 4,921 feet, enjoy the "High Altitude. Fly with caution" with the orange background or move below what they consider High Altitude.
Nice review, adjust the setting to get the 60mph and go have fun with that!
I am still rocking my mini 3 Pro! love the size for travel and I use it for real estate photography and my agents never complain about image quality. Solid stuff!
and I'm still rocking my mini 2 Pro.
In the same boat here. Since 2017 been using the Phantom 4 Pro for real estate photography. When the Mini 2 came out, I was still able to shoot 4k video and do raw stills. I’ve been using that ever since and no one has complained either about the quality. I not only like the portable size but it’s so quiet when I do my shoots and doesn’t attract any attention. My only reason to upgrade from the Mini 2 to the Mini 4 Pro would be obstacle avoidance and better radio range (I don’t need more distance, rather better signal penetration through adjoining buildings and objects).
@ the tech is amazing lol 😂 cool stuff!
i started watching your channel a couple of years ago, i was looking for vids about specific info, and found that info. then discovered i liked your delivery, and i often get a cup of tea going and sit to watch you, i feel like its just a couple of friends, how you talk to the camera, makes me feel you are talking to me. i enjoy that. you seem so easy to get along with. i never knew i would enjoy a tech channel - but your reviews are amazing... i don't fly drones, will i ever, probably not! but i enjoy your enthusiasm. cameras and drones are interesting to me. always on the look out for new ideas. you are amazing. keep up the epic word my dude.
Wow, what a timely video for me. I’ve just spent the better part of the day researching this same question. I’ve been using DJI camera drones back to when the Phantom 4 Pro was introduced. So, I’ve used DJIs smaller drones as big as the early Mavics and as small as the Mini 3 Pro. I have really loved the portability of the of the Mini 3 Pro, but I first bought a Phantom 4 for photography: landscape photography, often using bracketed shooting. Over the years, as I have ‘upgraded’ my equipment, it’s clear that I have been compromising on the photography for the sake of portability. I don’t post on social media, so the vertical capability really isn’t of any use to me. So, my choice is pretty clear: I’ll be buying the Air 3S and returning to my photographic ‘roots’. Thanks, David. Awesome video.
Both. Ive had mini 4 pro for a year. Now im shooting professionally, i just pulled the trigger on air3s. Ill use mini 4 as a back up.
Dave you can unlock 60mph in your settings when you receive your drone it is set to the 48 mph only.
Just an fyi.
Keep up the great vids !!
Be safe buddy
ive got 3 DJI drones: the Matrice 350 RTK, the mini 4 pro, and the air 3s. for 95% of my usuage the mini is perfect.
Tempted with the Air 3s as there are no weight restrictions in NZ and I would mostly fly it on or close to the coast, so the better wind handling would be a big plus. I wouldn't be walking far, so again the bigger/better cameras sound perfect. But, I don't want to get something that will really annoy others, sound wise particularly. At say 50-100m away from it flying past, how much noisier is it than the mini pro 4? I am a noob, so no idea how they compare. Thanks for the great video.
I have both and fly the M4P more often for a quick back yard flight ,Air 3s on windy days
How refreshing. A sensible ‘comparison’ rather than a competition between the two. We all know which one will provide the best end result, but is that really what 99% want? I was going down the A3S route for all the wrong reasons. I bet I would end up leaving it at home because it’s just too ‘unportable’ (is that even a word?!).
As such, I’m sure the M4P will get 100% more use.
I really appreciate you swaying me in the sensible direction.
Nice comparison, and I was torn between these two for my first drone. In the end: the extra weight doesn’t bother me so went Air 3S. A few other pluses tilting the scale were - better wind stability, internal storage capacity, 24 + 70mm lens, 1” sensor, battery life, advanced RTH, camera setting range, and more.
A rumored M5P with a 1” sensor would be interesting 🤔😃
Your Air3S will do 60 but the setting defaults had mine limited to 48 so you just have to change that if you haven’t, and of course be in sport mode.
It’s always nice to see a comparison video ! Thanks 😊
Making these comparisons also helps me massively sort through the options! I appreciate you watching!
Just bought the 3s. Haven’t flown it yet but I’m looking to get my Part 107 so I can fly it commercially. I want to use it to make some money and potentially use it to transition out of my current job
I have the mini 4pro want the air 3s because of return capability of the lanar on point where it took off from like the roof over the pavilion just nuts. Keep on flying my friend. Great video
I always love a new video from David Manning! I'm sticking with my Mini 4 Pro for now... but I'm looking forward to the next iteration of that! (I need a small form factor since I bring it on ebike rides and available space is limited.)
Stoked you're here! And totally agreed, I think the Mini 4 Pro is the way to go unless you really require that larger sensor or medium tele shot. The Mini 4 Pro is just so damn good!
Having both the M4P and the AIR3S I find spotting the aircraft n the sky is much easier with the AIR3S it is such an amazing aircraft
10/10 video 👏🏻
If you can get your Air 3s through customs that is :P Needed a new drone as my old one aged out, was sold on the air 3S, ordered it, and it wound up stuck in customs for a month before ultimately having to be shipped back so I could get a refund. Wound up going with the mini 4 pro simply because they were available through local sources. And so far it's a great little drone. Granted I fly a Mavic Pro and an Inspire for work so my goal for either was to have a good every day carry personal drone for my camera bag, the thing that initially had me leaning for the 3S was mainly that it was a year newer so figured support for it would be available longer, which honestly is what caused my air 2 to age out.
Great job on the video David! Thanks for making it.
Awesome comparison, sold me on the mini pro. Just curious, what’s the tiny tripod attachment you had on the Pocket 3? Came on screen at around 6:58
All good, I'm waiting for the mini 6 mavic pro2S. It'll be out next april.
How did you know i needed this video?
If I leave house knowing I going to be capturing drone video and images, I take the Air 3s with me. But if I plan on capturing video and images, but not specifically drone shots, I will take a few different cameras with me including the Mini 4 Pro, just in case. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Dont forget to factor in the noise they make. I have flown airs and mini's and as soon as people hear a drone, they want to find the pilot and come huddle around the remote and see what you see. Kind of annoying when your trying to concentrate. Just a thought...
Random Q-but how do the noise levels of the props compare? I shoot a lot of weddings, and am always noise conscious of drones for the guest experience.
I'm weighing the issue of wanting the 3s and buying before the 60% tariff hits. We don't have that long! Internationally ,Chinese companies are already gearing up for this and raising their prices for product shipped to wholesalers for mass deliveries that will be shipped mid-year 2025. Thanks for your great video.
Unless I missed something, you mentioned nothing About The second camera and Telephoto lens on the 3s . You noted it, but said nothing about its a😮dvantage. Is it a good camera and lens combo? That would be the reason I would buy it, as I'm so happy with the performance of the Mini4 Pro .
10:42 both ! 😆
I love the LUT that you are using to edit the drone shots!its for sale?
Hi Dave 🙋🏻♂️, I’m curious, what’s the green transparent box in the background, 3D resin printer ??
Just the video I was looking for! Thanks David.
Great video! I want to use it, to be my eyes up ahead in the road. Like if we are going to take a route on the street, I wanna have eyes in the sky to see how its going to be. I saw the air doing it, but do the mini can do it too? Cause if it can...I will go with the mini
how do the light minis do in 5-10 mph winds? I see you had some footage with the mini in this video where you were above the ocean, just offshore, any issues with the winds and holding position? I use drones exclusively for videoing behind the boat, hydrofoiling and wonder on the windy days whether a mini suffers at all
You gotta take the air3s and I know you will, its too cool or a trip to not take your better drone. I traveled with my air 3 and im sure you have, so many cool shots plus better wind resistance
I understand you need to register the air3s but dont you also need an RPC to register and operate the air3s? If you already have an RPC and operate several drones this may be moot, but surely being required to get a flying license to fly the air 3s should factor into the equation no?
4:10 you will not get 2:15. IRL results will get you 1:30-1:45 TOPS , but still amazing
Great review! I look at the DJI refurbished site and saw that the air 3 is $1,000 including fly more kit.
What type of sunglasses were you wearing during the ad because those look pretty cool
Both is the best. I took m4p and air3 to Croatia with 3 batteries each. m4p when I wanted a stealth flight and air3 when it was windy and wanted a quick fly to a spot and return in a hurry. Best is the 1 controller needed do work with both. Wish they update the Mavic air 2 to work with the screen controller not just the Mavic air 2s. @dji
I have the standard Mini 3, used to have the mini 2 but wanted better quality video and longer flight times so sold it and got the mini 3, maybe DJI will make the mini 5 pro with a 1" sensor 🙏
Here I am watching this video and only thinking of that new DJI Neo or a used older drone. 😄
I have an Air 2, I am a Realtor and shoot photos and video for my business, the Air 3s would be an awesome upgrade. However, when it comes to trips I'll bring my drone when I have a car, boat or motorhome. I would not take Air 2 or Air 3S on an airplane it's just too cumbersome. For that reason I am considering the Mini4 because my camera bag gets quite heavy.
I'm still getting great content with my Air 2 ❤️ but I'm tempted!!!
Just wished you've have had made this vid before I had purchased the Air 3s, just would have stuck with my mini4!
I have the mini 2 and i still enjoy life 😊
Great vid David....well, I love my mini 4 Pro but went for the Air 3s just...because...you are right size and quality wise...I haven't unboxed the 3 as i'm waiting for the goggles 3 (again duped by DJI) to work with a firmware update...took the mini 4 out yesterday and wondering if I made a mistake....one mistake I did make, buying the Avata 2...what a pile of poo that is...I can throw a rock and see where it lands well past where the RC and video crap out! lol....
Amazing video my friend interesting topic if I have to tell you the truth to be honest when I travel I bring both of them because you never know for the wind for many things.😊🌴🇮🇹👍🏻👍🏻
David, what are your thoughts on the DJI ban possibility?
Ask MAGA ;-)
lidar in air3s is what sold me BUT lol its heavy! like a flying brick!
Where’d you get those shades ?
does that mean there won't be a new dji mini pro this year?
how are they in night time?
In Canada you also have to have a license to fly drones over 250g.
Mini 4 Pro for me, my needs are travel and moto vlogging, perfect drone…
I fly the 4 Pro and LOVE IT. But I want the Air 3S. Now I just have to convince my wife why I need another drone HA HA HA. Like # 241
Lidar, baby.
I like the video thx
i got both and regretting the air 3s purchase a bit
@8:02 goes white
Thanks David... I'm part of a grass roots nonprofit search and rescue group, looking for people missing along the border. We have long wanted to include drones as a second set of eyes... so the more we can learn the better. Thx
No way, I had no idea you were doing that! For something like that, I think I could see the move up to the Air 3S to be totally worth it. Especially with the 70mm lens on there to zoom in on things!
@DavidManningvlog for sure... License first...
Mini 4 pro at 249 but being used for commercial must be registered.
Tell the real flying time, not the advertized! Also FAA rules do not apply to Germany or Dubai
None. The mavic 4 pro is coming out this Xmas and the mini 5 pro is coming out first quarter or next year. The mini 4 pro is already like 16 months old.
I shoot surf videos, and birds are a problem. It seems the larger drone would be easier for the birds to see and avoid.
I have 2 air3 pro and am saving for the air4 pro 💯
$1099 vs. $1599 is a LITTLE more than $350
I don't think its allowed to fly a drune in Dubai,
You want to fly a drone in Germany? Good luck finding somewhere it's allowed....
Ettuu
DJI is monopolizing the game just like iPhone did. One of the problems with their goggles is that they’re not compatible with more than 3 units. That’s monopolizing the industry. I will not be purchasing any goggles because of this.
You need to say 1099 USD do you understand United States prices hello wake up and smell the coffee and no I’m not gonna buy one for you.