With the release of the DJI Air 3, individuals have a lot more alternatives for their very first drone or an extra one.
DJI has older drone designs, which are still really capable, and one that is still a preferred some years later on is the DJI Mavic 2 Pro.
So, how does the Air 3 hold up to an older design like the Mavic 2 Pro?
If you long for the current technological developments, remarkable flight functions, and extended abilities, the DJI Air 3 is the clear option. If you’re an expert focusing on extraordinary image quality and dependability, the Mavic 2 Pro continues to hold its ground.
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Keep checking out to find out whether to get or keep the older design, purchase the more recent one, and other options you may likewise think about.
DJI Air 3 introduction
As pointed out, the Air 3 is the most recent customer drone from DJI, and it’s getting rather popular.
While a few of the technologies it uses are recycled from older drones, it features brand-new innovations that are not in other designs.
Some of the functions that make this drone popular consist of:
- Dual video camera system– First seen in the DJI Mavic 3, the Air 3 functions 2 electronic cameras using various apertures and field of visions, permitting users to get video footage from double point of views in one take. Among the electronic cameras is an f1.7 wide-angle, 24mm equivalent, and the other is a 70m comparable f2.8 3X medium tele video camera. Both include a 1/1.3 CMOS sensing unit.
- 360-degree barrier avoidance– The Air 3 functions 360-degree barrier avoidance and an advanced APAS system that guarantees a smooth flight even as the drone evades challenges. These sensing units are active in all modes other than for Sport Mode.
- Longer flight time– While a lot of DJI drones are understood for lasting about 30 minutes, DJI has actually just recently launched drones with more than 40 minutes of flight time. The Air 3 is promoted to last 46 minutes in flight, which is sufficient for a lot of applications.
- Intelligent Flight Modes– The Air 3 functions smart modes like Hyperlapses, ActiveTrack, Panoramas, QuickShots, MasterShots, Waypoints, Cruise Control, and Night Mode. Much of these modes are updated, indicating they carry out much better and provide you more alternatives than older drones.
- Range– The Air 3 features the OcuSync 4.0 transmission system that provides a variety of approximately 12 miles. This is the most recent DJI transmission system we have actually not seen in other drones.
- Vertical shooting– The Air 3 permits you to tape-record videos in picture mode forsocial media content This function is allowed by immediately cropping the video footage, and it’s just offered for videos and is restricted to 2.7 K resolution.
- Maximum resolution– The Air 3 can shoot videos approximately 4K at 100 fps and take stills in 12 and 48 MP, making it fantastic for business or individual material production. It likewise supports 10-bit D-Log M and HLG, providing you much space for modifying.
✅ Pros
- Dual video camera system with flexible shooting alternatives
- 360-degree barrier avoidance for enhanced safety
- Longer flight time compared to older designs
- Improved and updated flight modes
- Longer variety with OcuSync 4.0 transmission
- Vertical shooting for social media content
- High-resolution video abilities and several still image alternatives
- Support for innovative color grading
❌ Cons
- Some users might discover the Quad Bayer innovation for stills challenging to utilize
- Requires extra devices like ND filters for optimum versatility in specific scenarios due to repaired aperture
” MORE: DJI Air 3 Review – Is This the Drone for You?
DJI Mavic 2 Pro introduction
DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Smart Controller
Drone Quadcopter UAV with Smart Controller with Hasselblad Camera 3-Axis Gimbal HDR 4K Video Adjustable Aperture 20MP 1″ CMOS Sensor, approximately 48mph, Gray
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09/26/2023 01:31 pm GMT
Released in August 2018, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is 5 years older than the Air 3.
However, it featured a large range of functions that made it the very best portable drone at the time, and it is still used for photography, videography, and photogrammetry for surveying tasks.
These functions consist of:
- One-inch sensing unit– One function that makes the Mavic 2 Pro still stand apart for many years is the 1-inch sensing unit co-engineered by Hasselblad, a Swedish business that DJI now owns. Hasselblad sensing units are understood in the drone market for their remarkable image quality. The Mavic 2 Pro can take 20 MP stills with this sensing unit and soar to 4K at 30 fps.
- Decent flight time– The Mavic 2 Pro features a 31-minute flight time, which is long enough to tape-record video footage or gather images for photogrammetry. With a number of batteries, you will not need to fret about flight time.
- Variable aperture– The Mavic 2 Pro is among the couple of DJI drones with an adjustable aperture varying from f2.8 to f11. While you can constantly get ND filters for some shots, an adjustable aperture offers you more versatility in changing the quantity of light that gets to the lens.
- Color profiles– The Mavic 2 Pro supports HLG and D-Log M, using higher color depth.
- OcuSync 2.0– This drone includes OcuSync 2.0, which permits a variety of approximately 6 miles, enough time for a lot of jobs.
- Enhanced Intelligent Flight Modes— It consists of a range of Intelligent Flight Modes, such as ActiveTrack 2.0 for subject tracking, Hyperlapse for producing time-lapse videos, and Waypoints 2.0 for exact flight course preparation.
- Two shooting angles– This drone likewise features 2 angles: a wide-angle view equivalent to a 24MM lens and an HQ (high-quality) angle equivalent to 40mm. The capability to change in between these 2 angles on the Mavic 2 Pro opens a world of innovative chances for videographers and professional photographers.
- Obstacle avoidance— This drone has 360-degree barrier sensing units. The front, back, up, and down sensing units are active for manual or typical flight, while the side sensing units are just active throughout ActiveTrack and Tripod modes.
✅ Pros
- High-quality 1-inch sensing unit co-engineered by Hasselblad for outstanding image quality
- Decent flight time appropriate for numerous applications
- Adjustable aperture for exact control over direct exposure
- Support for innovative color profiles
- Two shooting angles for innovative versatility
- Effective barrier avoidance for manual and typical flight
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the DJI Air 3, possibly needing more regulative compliance
- Limited accessibility due to being changed by more recent designs
- There is no assistance for the current DJI controllers, making it less ergonomic for some users
- Limited to 4K at 30 fps for video recording, less appropriate for high-speed or slow-motion shots
” MORE: DJI Mavic 2 Pro Review
DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Mavic 2 Pro– The contrast
Below is a comprehensive contrast of how these drones carry out in numerous elements.
” MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro (Here’s My Choice)
Weight and style
While these drones are 5 years apart, they look comparable.
The Mavic Air 2 Pro came at a time when DJI was moving far from large drones like the Phantoms to more collapsible and portable drones, and they have actually utilized this style even in their newest releases like the Air 3 or the Mavic 3 Pro.
The Mavic 2 Pro is much heavier, weighing 907 grams compared to the Air 3’s 720 grams.
As such, both drones will need registration with the FAA, and if you remain in the UK, the Air 3 falls under the C1 classification, while the Mavic 2 Pro falls under the C2 classification.
This implies flying the Air 3 in a lot of locations will be much easier than the Mavic 2 Pro.
” MORE: Best 4K Drones Under 250 Grams
Price and accessibility
The Mavic 2 Pro is no longer in production and has actually considering that been changed by the Mavic 3 drones.
As an outcome, it is possible to get it for less than $1,000 with one battery, approximately $1,200 for the Fly More Combo, and approximately $1,599 with theSmart Controller
When it was very first launched, the Mavic 2 Pro retailed in between $1,300 and $1,500 for the drone and one battery and approximately $1,700 for the Fly More Combo.
The DJI Air 3 begins at $1,099 for the basic plan with the DJI RC-N2 controller, $1,349 with the DJI RC 2 controller, and $1,549 for the Fly More Combo, consisting of the DJI RC 2 controller.
Since the Air 3 is a current release, getting it on a lot of platforms is simple. You might need to purchase the Mavic 2 Pro from resellers, which might not constantly be mint quality.
Unless you get a substantial discount rate on the Mavic 2 Pro, there is a small distinction in between these drones’ costs, with the Mavic 2 Pro typically pricey if you opt for a brand-new one.
” MORE: Best and Cheapest Drones with Camera
Photography and video recording
Below are the primary distinctions in between these 2 drones’ electronic cameras.
” MORE: Best Affordable Drones for Photography
Sensor size
While the Mavic 2 Pro was launched practically 5 years earlier, its video camera functions remain in some aspects remarkable to the Air 3.
The Mavic 2 Pro includes a bigger sensing unit, which, on paper, is expected to carry out much better in low-light conditions.
But thanks to the developments in imaging innovation, the sensing unit size ought to not be an offer breaker considering that it’s now possible to get outstanding video footage from a smaller sized sensing unit.
Variable aperture
One location that the Mavic 2 Pro is by far the much better drone is the variable aperture, which offers you a comprehensive variety to deal with.
The Air 3 attempts to make up for this with 2 electronic cameras, each with various apertures, however it just offers you 2 alternatives of aperture. To get more versatility, you will need to use ND filters.
” MORE: Best DJI Alternatives – What Drones Are Better Than DJI?
Dual video camera system
Speaking of 2 electronic cameras, the Air 3 provides a hassle-free method to take the exact same shot from 2 point of views, so you can select one throughout modifying or integrate them.
However, while the Mavic 2 Pro does not have 2 electronic cameras, it has 2 views you can change in between. One is the 24MM broad angle, and the other is the 40MM HQ view.
You can attain practically the exact same versatility as you would from a dual-camera system.
Maximum resolution
On the other hand, the Air 3 can movie at 4K at 100fps, which works fantastic when you require high-resolution slow-motion videos.
The Mavic 2 Pro stops at 4K at 30fps, which suffices for a lot of shots, however for sluggish movement, you will need to contend 2.7 K.
Both drones likewise support D-Log M and HLG, so you will have lots of color alternatives to experiment with, despite your selected drone.
How about still images? You can get 20 MP stills from the Mavic 2 Pro, which suffices. The Air 3 permits you to take 12 and 48-MP stills.
However, the 48 MP quality of the Air 3 is allowed by Quad Bayer innovation.
That implies it’s basically a 12-MP sensing unit, however the pixel clustering makes it possible to attain 48 MP.
Some users have concerns with the Quad Bayer-enabled resolution, declaring it has sound or unforeseeable outcomes.
DJI has actually been improving this function, so you might improve outcomes with the Air 3, however you might need to attempt this by hand and compare it with a real 20-MP video camera from the Mavic 2 Pro.
” MORE: Best 4k Video Drones Under $500
Vertical shooting mode
The vertical shooting mode is an outstanding addition for material developers who wish to publish and shoot material without much cropping.
It just appears in the Air 3, where the video camera is created to immediately crop the video footage to a lower resolution (2.7 K).
But if you’ve got the time, you can utilize either of these drones and by hand crop it.
Flight functions
So, which of these 2 drones offers you a much better flying experience and comfort when flying? Let’s learn.
- Obstacle avoidance– Both drones include barrier avoidance, however the Air 3 has the upper hand. For beginners, it includes 360-degree barrier avoidance, which is completely active. This function is likewise advanced, using a smoother flight when utilizing smart modes. As pointed out previously, 360-degree barrier noticing is just active in ActiveTrack and Tripod modes, so you need to constantly take care in manual flight.
- Wind resistance– Both drones aregood at handling strong winds The Air 3 is promoted to manage winds of approximately 26 MPH, and a test of this drone versus a leaf blower revealed the Air 3 held its position well. The Mavic 2 Pro can manage wind gusts of approximately 40 MPH, however it needs to turn off the sensing units to attain a leading speed and keep notifying the high wind speed.
- Flight time– The Air 3 includes an advanced battery that provides a flight time of 40 to 46 minutes, which is rather long. The Mavic 2 Pro is from an older generation of drones that maxed at 30 minutes of flight time, which might not be as long as the Air 3, however it sufficed then and is still enough now for a lot of activities. There is constantly the choice of getting more batteries.
” MORE: How Does Weather Affect Drones? (Explained for Beginners)
Intelligent Flight Modes
As obvious in current drone releases, DJI has actually beenworking on its flight modes The Air 3 and the Mavic 2 Pro function popular Intelligent Flight Modes like ActiveTrack, QuickShots, and Hyperlapses.
However, the Air 3 includes the current variations that are enhanced compared to the older ones in the Mavic 2 Pro. When looking at the Intelligent Flight Modes,
Below are the distinctions in between these 2 drones.
ActiveTrack
The Air 3 includes the current ActiveTrack 5.0 compared to the Mavic 2 Pro’s ActiveTrack 2.0. That’s a distinction of 3 generations.
As anticipated, ActiveTrack 5.0 offers a more fluid flight experience, smoother video, and 8 various instructions to track the topic.
ActiveTrack 2.0 was great when launched, however you are restricted in tracking the topic in 3 various methods. The Point of Interest and Spotlight functions are likewise updated.” MORE: Follow Me and ActiveTrack on DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)
Cruise control
Cruise control is a function that initially appeared on the Air drones however has actually been around considering that the Mavic 3 drones.
This function permits the drone to keep flying at a consistent speed as you utilize the gimbal and works fantastic for some shots or when you require to get to a particular area.
While it sounds brand-new, this function is offered in the Mavic 2 Pro however under a various name: TapFly. drone fly at a constant speed With TapFly, you can let the
forward, in reverse, or switch to Free, where you have more control over the drone.
Night mode
This function is created to make it much easier to take night images by immediately changing the ISO and sound.
The Mavic 2 Pro fairs well for nighttime cinematography thanks to the bigger sensing unit that lets more light in and the HyperLight function, an upgrade that works likewise to the Night Mode in the Air 3. video This video reveals a contrast in between the Air 3 and the Mavic 3 for night shots, while this
reveals a contrast in between the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 3.
While there are some distinctions, these contrasts reveal that the Mavic 2 Pro and the Air 3 suffice when shooting nighttime video footage for social networks material or any other kind of material.” MORE: Drone Night Flight: How to Safely and Legally Fly a Drone at Night
Waypoints
Both drones have the Waypoints include that lets you preplan the flight, informing the drone what to do at each point. apps like Litchi This is the very first time Waypoints appeared on an Air drone, as the majority of people have actually needed to depend on
when utilizing drones like the Air two, however the Mavic 2 Pro has actually had this function for a while.
Waypoints can be found in convenient when you require to duplicate a specific chance at various times or movie yourself participating in your preferred activity without needing to keep taking a look at the controller.
Since both drones have this function, it’s a matter of which video footage you like most from the 2.” MORE: DJI Waypoints (Explained for Beginners)
Range and transmission
Again, the distinction in when these drones were launched programs in the variety you can get.
The Mavic 2 Pro features the OcuSync 2.0, which provides a variety of approximately 6 miles, while the Air 3 features the current OcuSync 4.0, which assures a variety of approximately 12 miles.
The Air 3 has the upper hand here.
The brand-new OcuSync system has more antennas, carries out much better in locations with disturbance, and transfers a higher-quality live feed than the Mavic 2 Pro.
It demonstrates how DJI’s transmission system has actually altered for many years.
I just recently needed to fly the Mavic 2 Pro for a long-range flight after among our business drones was harmed.
I kept losing the signal for flights longer than 2 kilometers, which was rather discouraging, having actually gotten utilized to more powerful transmissions.
You would need to fly really far to experience such with the Air 3, and even for short-range flights, the Air 3 will be way much better.” MORE: Long Range Drones: Ultimate Guide
Controller style and compatibility
Controller ergonomics is another factor to select one drone over the other. The Mavic 2 Pro includes a various controller from what you might have seen in the drones launched just recently.
It’s smaller sized, and the smart device addresses the bottom, not the top.
Compared to the RC-N1 that features the Air Two, Mini, and Mavic 3 drones, the Mavic 2 Pro’s controller is rather uneasy.
Luckily, you do not need to utilize it for the drones launched after the Mavic 2 Pro.
DJI later on made the Mavic 2 Pro suitable with the Smart Controller that featured an integrated screen and was more comfy to utilize. this Smart Controller However, DJI RC has actually considering that been changed by the DJI RC 2 and the
, and the Mavic 2 Pro is incompatible. the RC-N1 On the other hand, the Air 3 features the RC-N2, an upgrade from
, and the DJI RC 2, an upgrade from the DJI RC.
If you do not mind utilizing your smart device as the screen, you can opt for the RC-N2, however if you wish to get rid of the inconvenience of linking your smart device each time you wish to fly, the DJI RC 2 is a much better option.
Unfortunately, these brand-new controllers are not suitable with any other drone yet, however they might deal with future drones that might feature the O4 system.
Besides taking a look at the ergonomics, it will be a concern of whether to choose out-of-date or the current controllers.” MORE: Best Drone Controllers
DJI Air 3 vs. the DJI Mavic 2 Pro– Which should you select?
Both drones are major competitors. Regardless of the big generational space, both outcomes are not substantially various.
I have actually stumbled upon individuals who have actually updated to the current drone designs, and I likewise understand of expert photographers and videographers who will not let go of their Mavic 2 Pro.
Either of these drones is much better for you, depending upon your desires.” MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro: Which One is Right for You?
Why select the DJI Air 3?latest innovations in drone technology The Air 3 is a standout option for those who value innovative innovation and the
With its double video camera system, extended flight time, boosted barrier avoidance, and smart modes, it’s clear that DJI has actually pressed the limits of what a customer drone can do.
If you’re a material developer seeking to catch vibrant shots from several angles in a single take, the double video camera system of the Air 3 offers unequaled versatility.
The 360-degree barrier avoidance and advanced APAS system deal comfort throughout flights, even in complicated environments.
The longer flight time and extended variety make it a flexible tool for numerous applications, from cinematography to surveying.
Furthermore, the Air 3’s assistance for high-resolution video (4K at 100 fps), several still image alternatives (12 MP and 48 MP), and advanced color profiles (10-bit D-Log M and HLG) make it a strong competitor for those looking for the greatest quality material production.” MORE: DJI Air 3 Beginners Guide (Step-by-Step Guide)
Why select the Mavic 2 Pro?
Despite being an older design, the Mavic 2 Pro still shines in specific elements, making it an engaging option.
Its remarkable Hasselblad video camera with a 1-inch sensing unit and adjustable aperture provides extraordinary image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
The tested dependability of the Mavic 2 Pro and its comprehensive smart modes make it an outstanding tool for expert photographers and videographers.
If you focus on image quality above all else and need the versatility of changing the aperture for various lighting scenarios, the Mavic 2 Pro stays a leading competitor.
Its trusted efficiency, quality color profiles, and barrier avoidance system make sure a efficient and safe flying experience.
However, bear in mind that the Mavic 3 series drones have actually changed the Mavic 2 Pro, and it is no longer in production. Mavic 3 Classic If you liked the Air 3 however the smaller sized sensing unit or absence of variable aperture is an offer breaker to you, think about having a look at the
, which has an even larger sensing unit and all the functions you get in the Air 3 other than for the vertical shooting mode, however you likewise get to shoot in 5.1 K.” MORE: Best Camera Drones Under $2,000
DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 2 Pro– My option
While the Mavic 2 Pro holds its ground in a number of elements, I would not go for it. The app it utilizes, the controllers, and some functions have actually been updated.
I advise the Air 3 considering that it provides advanced functions like updated smart modes, longer flight time, and in general much better efficiency.” MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S (Here’s My Choice)
Best SD cards for these dronescompatible SD cards Once you have actually picked the drone that will fit your requirements, below are some
you can purchase to begin shooting video footage as quickly as your drone gets here.
Best SD cards for the DJI Air 3” MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Air 3
Best SD cards for the DJI Mavic 2 Pro TIP:
The Mavic 2 Pro has an optimum SD card size of 128 GB, while drones like the Air 3 have an optimum SD card size of 256 GB. When acquiring, Bear that in mind. If something occurs to your drone, getting 2 SD cards is likewise recommended to guarantee you do not constantly lose all your video footage.” MORE: How to Format SD Cards in DJI Drones (Quick Steps with Photos)
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