DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3: The Deciding Factor!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2024
- #dji #air3 #mini4pro #aerialphotography
The DJI Air 3 vs. The Mini 4 Pro! These are the 5 reasons for my choice but only one reason really makes the difference!
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CHAPTERS FOR THIS VIDEO:
00:00 The Big Debate
01:23 Flying Range
02:02 Flying Speed
02:48 Battery Life
03:28 Charging Hub
04:42 70 mm Camera
06:41 The Deciding Factor - บันเทิง
What drone are you flying?
he says at the end of the video, he's flying the Air 3 for now
@@Drone_Yorkshire yea for what I need the Air 3 is perfect but as I start to move into other projects I am ok with moving into something else but I’ll keep you all posted if that happens.
I have the original Mavic Air (Version1), I wonder if the Mini 4 Pro would be an upgrade ?
@@AndyM... it certainly would! The mavic 1 doesn’t have omnidirectional sensing, flies for 21 minutes where mini 4 pro doubles that, the follow me mode isn’t as accurate. There are a lot of benefits with the new RC II control but the good thing is that yours at least shoots in 4k 30 FPS. Tech is so good now days that you could do with that generation for a while depending on what you’re doing.
@@Drone_Yorkshiredid you just reply to the guy who posted the video? Haha!
My decision between these two was because of the Air 3’s better wind performance. Living in the Chicago area we have high winds most days. I have and still use my Mini 2. But our weather makes it useless many days. The Air 3 has no problem whatsoever with our winds. The 2nd camera and much larger and longer lasting batteries are icing on the cake.
I think the air 3 will age well because of these as well and more budget friendly
How many videos r u gonna post this comment? R u autistic?
Great video
1. I never seen a dji battery air 3 do 55 min
2. You are correct the camera on air 3 is better
3. The active track on 4 is much better due to its size
4. The distance will be longer with the air 3. due to slightly larger battery
5. It's $420 more I can do a lot with that!
I think I managed to get that much time because I was flying early in the morning and not moving a whole lot with little wind resistance. But yes that price different can go a long way and I am not knocking the mini 4 pro. I was pretty torn when making this decision for myself but thank you again for the kind words.
It's all about the Zoom lens to me.
@@iversonmatthew agreed! Makes all the difference
I'd have to argue point 3. You have more control with the tracking - at least on current firmware. However, as far as tracking, the air can follow faster objects due to its faster speed.
I'm in Canada and up here, the deciding factor is weight. A sub-250g drone can go almost anywhere (Class F restricted areas, National Parks and forest fire management zones are exceptions) and doesn't need registration whether used for recreational or commercial use. An over-250g drone needs licensing (even for recreational use), the op needs certification and you're FAR more restricted in where and how you can use the drone.
Case in point, technically, up here you can fly a sub-250g drone in an airport. (Don't though, CAR 900.06 aka the 'Don't be an idiot.' rule - still applies.)
I guess there it would make sense to go with the Mini 4 Pro and it’s not too expensive but if I was forced to choose the mini 4 pro given it’s specs I wouldn’t mind that because it’s pretty comparable
portability 😉 mini 4 pro all the way
I don’t blame you! 🤘🏼
I just wish it had a zoom lens.
you can also fly in more places because 4 pro is classified an ultralight drone by casa/faa
I had loads of Dji and Skydio drones, and now i was in the process of deciding which one is gonna be my new 2023 drone. Already sold all the minis i owned, and my air2s veteran drone, that was excellent for its time. For the exact same reasons you are saying in the video, i decided to go with the Air 3, and not the smaller mini 4 pro. Having the telephoto lens equipped and doing spotlight circles on mountains and boats really makes the difference. That background hover effect is mind blowing. I have tried both from friends that gave me their drones for a couple of days, and i gotta point out one more major difference between the two, that might be a deal breaker. Flight performance on the Air 3 is WAY better than mini 4 pro. Don't get me wrong, mini 4 pro still flight performance is good... but it still is a light weight machinery on the air, with weaker engine. Unfortunately, this is what you have to loose if you wanna be sub-250g. On the other hand, Air 3 felt more responsive, and handles wind way better than mini 4 pro...
Another point is battery life, especially for Europe. I'm in Greece, and i can't have extended battery on mini 4 pro, unless i wanna dig into retailers outside Europe that might take a month or more to reach me, sending the fly more kit plus from China. Not that flying 25-30 mins is bad, but if you wanna take an extended hyperlapse shot, being able to stay up in the air longer, really makes a difference. Also, in Europe, after 1/1/2024, 120m height from take-off position is going to be the limit for mini 4 pro, since it's a C0 labeled drone. Software will not allow to exceed that height. That's not the case with C1 drones, like air 3, that will still fly higher. I don't know if that rule applies to US though.
I'm waiting for my Air 3 to arrive on post now! Can't wait to fly it.
Greetings from Greece, keep up the good work
Great points about the performance! Yes I agree the Air just feels stronger all around and I definitely feel more confident with it. The parallel affect is definitely a fun one to achieve as you stated. I was not aware of that flight time rule overseas which I guess gives you a better reason to enjoy the Air 3 more. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your drone! 🤘🏼
If you go by the books (you should) then 120m is the limit for ALL drones that fly in the open category inside E.U. (EASA), no matter the class marking.
Also this limit is not something that will take place after 1/1/2024. It is in place even today.
What's different with the C0 class is that it is legal to fly over people (although it should be avoided). All other classes should be not flown above people.
All other points you made stand 100% valid.
PS: It's just DJI (due to another law) that wants Mini 4 PRO to have the C0 class label on it, and therefore complies with the law with the new firmware update that forces max height to 120m
C1 Drones should also fly at max height of 120m, but at the moment DJI does not try to put the C1 label on Air 3. If later down the road they try, then most likely they will also enforce the 120m max height rule on Air 3 as well.
PPS: You can declassify a Mini 4 PRO (DJI has a procedure in place) and remove the C0 label. This will also lift the 120m restriction. But you won't be able to declassify the drone after 1/1/2024 (due to the other law mentioned above)
@@djgeorgetsagkadopoulos C1 label is already on air 3, along with noise emission. Always was. Classified C0 DJI drones cannot fly over 120m from take off point, while C1 labeled drones can fly up to 500m from take off point. According to EASA, manufacturers do not need to put a limit to C1 label height, since for C1 label it is permitted to fly at 120m above ground, and not take off point. C1 labeled drones cannot fly above uninvolved people, that is correct. But again, according to EASA official docs: "No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimised)".
@@kogosgrain To be honest, the 120m limit is from the closest ground point for all classes. Even for C0. It makes you wonder why DJI choose to implement it as a 120m limit from take-off point instead.
That was the reasoning behind my logic (I didn't know Air 3 has C1 certification already). That if they try to comply with the regulations on more classes they might start to introduce this limit (the wrong way, yes) on other models as well.
Time will tell, but really the only difference (in Europe) between a C0 and a C1 drone at this point, is how they are supposed to fly over people.
In other countries (USA/Canada ?) I think you don't need to have a license for a sub 250g drone. Same applies in Europe, as long as the drone cannot capture video/images and it's not a toy.
Therefore in Europe Mini 4 PRO requires a license (because of the camera) and the only remaining difference to a C1 drone is how you fly over uninvolved people.
PS: Even with the 120m from the closest ground point limit, you are still allowed to overpass it on certain occasions and therefore it's even more puzzling why DJI opted to implement this as a hard limit from take off point.
Let's hope that they won't start implementing this on all of their drones sold in Europe.
I think Mini 4 Pro was the best mini drone that DJI build.. and with me mini4 pro just for fun while you camping or short distance fly ..🤷🏻♂️.. but honestly mini4 will and can make very nice videos for social media.. 🤓.. I'm just saying .. with me we are love drone we all should own one mini4 pro for collection.. and of course guy.. it's small and light weight how you guy can compare with all big drone in any thing..🤷🏻♂️.. I'm just saying 😂
Thank You 🙏
Excellent review!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I own 4 drones. I own a legacy Spark drone, a Mavic Platinum, an Air 2, and now an Air 3. Your reasons for using the Air 3 are the exact reasons that I went with. My friend owns a Mini 4 pro. I think it's a good drone.. love the 249g no registration thing... BUT... this zoom cam is reason enough for me to use the Air 3. I'll never use a drone without a zoom again.
Right on! I think if I bought the mini 4 I wouldn’t get rid of the air 3 because for its price point you can’t beat it and it’s features.
@@StephenDeLosRios I'm still thinking about getting one for traveling but it would be used only where my 3 can't.. and maybe if I want a portrait mode 4k but I almost never use those. I'm in love with the zoom and the parallax effect. I'll never willfully shoot without that again.
@@iversonmatthew I will have to get a mini pro 3 or 4 for travel soon but I am obsessed with the parallax effect
For me the deciding factor is the zoom lens. For car videography I simply need that. I might still buy a Mini 4 Pro for travel purposes though. Only problem is the Air 3 needs a license to fly here in Europe. Already learning for it.
100%
Mini 4 and 3 pro are great for travel. I have part 107 license and not really the most difficult to pass. Prepware Remote Pilot is the app I used to study and every single question on the test is used for the practice exams on this app. Highly recommend it.
Muito bom, obrigado por compartilhar conhecimento 👊🏼
Of course! Thanks for watching!
looking for a drone to take on bike trips, so definitely going with mini 4 pro, because of the size
You can’t go wrong with the 4 mini pro especially with it’s omnidirectional sensors and yes I agree you can’t beat that size. Just be careful because In the testing I have done, it’s best for it to follow from behind. When you track from ahead it can be choppy and has a hard time remaining consistent and winds up following from the side. Just an fyi but have fun on the trails!
Dji should should come up with future where power generated by the motor KARS are stored in battery while on flight to increase more flight time
That would be a very interesting idea. Or even some sort of solar power tech to prolong the flight time during the day as well.
Why does everyone keep saying the vertical camera function is purely a social media function? As if vertical landscapes haven't been a thing for decades....
Drone shoots in 3:4 and 9:16
Instagram 1:1 or 4:5.
Most APS-C and FF cameras: 2:3.
A standard printed photo: 5:7.
Literally the only things that matche up are 9:16 for Instagram vertical video AND 16:9 for standard youtube/tv/monitors video.
I’m sure it had been but I’m speaking for people wanting to get into this for the first time and what this most conducive for with the current trends.
@@StephenDeLosRios fair enough, but I still struggle to see the justification for this drone to be many people's first drone as there has been a slow but steep price creep happening. The Mini 2 (there was no Pro, only an SE released much later), was way cheaper than the Mini 3 Pro and now the Mini 4 Pro. DJI has shifted its portfolio such that the actual entry level today, is either the Mini 2 SE or Mini 3, which are significantly more affordable than the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro. It's a hobby that people don't know they'll enjoy until they actually buy it, and most people don't dive headfirst into 1000+ for the beginning of a hobby (Any fly more combo at launch). There's a reason why every single one of us knows someone who bought a drone and it sits collecting dust on their shelves in the basement. I myself started with the Mini 2 years ago and now have a Mini 4 Pro as an upgrade to it (debated between it and the Air 3. Decided portability, higher likelihood of no issues when traveling outside of EU, and Vertical shooting are more important to me than the 70mm lens).
The more financially responsible recommendation to a beginner right now would either be go much cheaper first (Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, or something used), or go Mini 3 Pro due to the drop in prices now that M4P has been launched because you can still get that Vertical shooting. And we both know that beginners shouldn't be given a false sense of security with the reliance on obstacle avoidance. They still have to learn to be responsible pilots.
I do agree on these points as well. I don’t recommend to people to start on this. In a lot of previous videos I mentioned I started with the mini 2 for all the reasons you mentioned. I only offer this recommendation for people stepping up or wanting to try the next thing. That’s for the discussion though!
You done great video thank you, I do prefer Dji Air3 is better
Thank you! And great selection
not haivng to register/remote id is great. but i need my drone to be small so i can fit it in my backpack and go on a 30 mile bike ride.
I couldn’t agree more! Not the biggest fan of the size of the Air 3 for travel either.
Stephen... I am really on the fence with this decision.
1. Doesn't the Mini 4 Pro have better software/tracking than the Air 3?
2. I passed my Section 107. I am confused about the rules in Europe. Do I have to pass a test AND get the drone re-license AND not fly over people with the Air 3? Hoping to go to Europe next year. I might even NOT get the better battery on the Mini 4 Pro so I stay under the weight restriction.
3. I have a Hover Drone already for very close shots. It goes up about 40 feet max and is perfect for sports and causal selfies, car shots, etc. If I carry the DJI with it, perhaps it is better to get the Air 3?
Great questions! So for #1 they are the same. The appeal is that the mini 4 pro is under the weight restrictions making it the more attractive one for travel and taking around overseas. The Air 3 just tends to be more sturdier due to its weight and wing span. Personally if I was traveling I would take the mini 4 pro. Now for #2, honestly I am not sure only because I haven’t had to travel there. I do know the restrictions are wayyyy tighter. I have my Part 107 license as well and I am not sure if anything else is needed beyond that.
Overall for your purposes I would recommend the mini 4 pro. The weight and 70mm camera is pretty much the only difference.
Have fun on that trip!!!
@@StephenDeLosRios Awesome, detailed response so quickly. Thank you Stephen!
The Mini 4 Pro is worlds better than the Air 3. Unfortunately, the Air 3's zoom loses quality. However, the main reason for many people to choose the Mini 4 Pro is the ease of compliance with laws. It's a blessing to travel and film in crowded areas with the Mini 4 Pro. The drone attracts almost no attention compared to the Air 3 or Mavic 3. It's just more discreet on the move. There's also a 400 euro difference. For that amount of money, I'm happy to give up a zoom that's not perfect.
I’ll have to agree on every point other than the zoom. That’s why I was pretty torn but again if the zoom doesn’t matter to you then I think you made the best call with the mini 4 pro. Thanks for watching!
Yeah your transfering charge from the lease charge battery to fill the highest percentage and ending up draining the other 2 battery. Not good. Lithium ion doesnt like holding full charge for long and doesnt like to be drained either
I have been flying every day and hasn’t seemed to hurt the battery. It just fills up the batteries needing it the most but I’ll do an update if anything changes
this two drones are in the completely different category. and they are not very comparable because of the differences in their size and prices . comparing air 3 to Mavic 3 classic is having more sense. 😃
It’s funny you say that because I released a more recent video where I sorta changed my mind on this subject hehe
@@StephenDeLosRios don't get me wrong, this is your opinions and I respect that. I just share my opinion with you that's all. 😃
Air 3 or mavic 3 classic?
You know, I am revisiting the topic of this video in next weeks drop. I now very much consider the air three a great beginner drone even though most might consider it intermediate. Compared to the Mavic three you don’t really lose a whole lot of features except for some things that I enjoy like maybe the zoom feature for photos on the air three as well as the power transfer feature on the battery bank for the air three. The max speed for the air three is around 45 mph and that’s cut in half with the Mavic three and if you do any kind of video production, the speed helps for certain effects. As a sneak peek, the topic of next weeks video is to address the fact that the air three is really useless when compared to the mini four pro, since it is exactly the same drone, but just smaller, and easier to transport. A better comparison for differences and usage would be the mini series versus the Mavic series since both of those lines are completely different and serve different purposes, based on experience levels.
I was really disappointed with the Air 3 due to the tracking. It would lose the subject over and over. And if it was following you from the front and you started going forward, the drone would circle around to behind you. This was a big fail.
Then the Mini 4 Pro was introduced and the tracking is perfect. Even if the subject get blocked by a tree or other object, it will reacquire the subject after passing it. The M4P will stay at any angle you want it to no matter how much you move around. In my book, the Air 3 is obsolete.
The front legs of the Air 3 (the part that touches the ground) are hollow and extremely fragile. Mine ripped off the 2nd day after running into a leafless tree branch and falling 15 feet into the grass below.
I wouldn’t say the air 3 is obsolete but the tracking doesn’t work as well as it should so you’re right on that one. Sorry about that crash through. Hate when that happens
@@StephenDeLosRios I was able to get a refund because there was a defect right out of the box (it wouldn’t fly), but the DJI tech told me a way to bypass the error, but then the obstacle avoidance wouldn’t work (why I flew into a tree branch). They said to return it for full refund. After seeing how fragile the drone was, I didn’t want another one.
Since active track doesn’t work very well, the Air 3 is just a plain camera drone that has to be flown manually. Not worth paying that much money for what you get.
The Mini 4 Pro is like a Skydio drone on steroids. I set it to track my parked car and orbit around it at the fastest speed. The drone had to fly around trees in my front yard and up over the roof of my house, then back down. I knew that I would be pushing the drone in such a difficult course, but it did so flawlessly. I was very impressed and thrilled with my investment. Since then I have flown it up to 2.5 miles away in a pitch black night sky (able to see the drone because I mounted a ‘Firehouse” strobe light to the underside forward of the battery). Was looking down at lit homes in this mountainous country. The ‘H” was very helpful for finding my way back home. I fly every other night and every day (retired).
@@Diantane yes I love the H feature to come back home to but I see what you’re saying! Thanks for the feedback and glad you were able to switch over. I keep telling people that if not for the Mavic series I may switch to the mini 4 pro sometime soon
@@StephenDeLosRios Just picture a completely black screen on your controller. You would be flying blind. How would you be able to find your way home? That little AR “H” is a godsend. When I first went up in the drone at night, it was nothing like the night flying videos you see on TH-cam looking at a lit up city. In the country (nearest neighbor is 1/2 mile (805 meters) away), it’s pitch black at night. When I raised the drone high up over the mountains, I could see distant lights and flew towards them. It was very exciting! After 30 minutes of this, it’s time to come home, but where is that? Without that little “H”, I wouldn’t be able to see my house beyond the mountains.
@@Diantane lol I’m right there with you!
hey dude can u sponsor me a drone preferably the dji mini 3 pro
One day if I ever get to 100k subscribers I’ll do a giveaway like that to celebrate
Sorry but you compare Apple with Pears. The mini 4 pro for hobby pilot's are the best choice.
I have seen “pros” use both and they haven’t made that distinction. In fact if you are at the pro level most times they are using the mavic series.
@StephenDeLosRios sure, I'm agreeing, if you have to make professional videos is a differentstory. Again, for a hobby pilot, the minni 4 is a great choice, my experience.
@@detlefschramm5005I totally agree!!
Bro how much did dji pay you
Nothing. I purchased this myself out of enjoyment of this tech
Believe me, if dji paid for this, the video would be in favor of mini 4 pro, and not air 3... since mini 4 pro is where the big money is for them, and this is what we see in most paid youtube videos. The air 3 is more expensive, offers more, but most people will get mini 4 pro in the end, especially beginners. Same thing is happening since mini1 era.
I just bought a mini 4 pro, and I'm a beginner. I choose because of the
One big reason for this is the Mini 4 Pro can be flown by everyone without any license, just registration. Air 3 needs a drone pilot license..only few will go through that hassle@@kogosgrain
@@matthiaslachmund3303 i see you are from Europe. The new EASA rule that will take effect in 01/2024 will require a license for all drones that have a camera on and are not characterized as "toys", no matter the weight. So, even mini 4 pro will need a license, since it is a C0 label drone. So, you will need 1) registration and 2) A1/A3 open category license. Passing the exams and taking the license is easy, and you can do it for free. Just search on youtube for "drone Luxemburg license". This license is valid for all Europe countries, and it takes about 2 hours of e-learning courses, than take the exams. It is easy to get it. Also, mini 4 pro, as it is a C0 labeled drone, will have a limit of 120m height according to new rules, but this will not apply for air 3, as a C1 drone.