BEST Drone to Buy in 2024 - Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3 vs Mavic 3 Pro

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BEGINNERS GUIDES
DJI Mini 3 Beginners Guide: • DJI MINI 3 Beginners G...
DJI Mini 4 Pro Beginners Guide: • DJI MINI 4 PRO Beginne...
DJI Air 3 Beginners Guide: • DJI AIR 3 Beginners Gu...
DJI Mavic 3 Beginners Guide: • DJI MAVIC 3 Beginners ...
DRONE LINKS
DJI Mini 3: geni.us/DJImini3
Get the DJI Mini 4 Pro: geni.us/MkDr5G
Get the DJI Air 3: geni.us/uir4Zk3
DJI Mavic 3 Classic: geni.us/MS8Bc
DJI Mavic 3 Pro: geni.us/nZ8TD
DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine: geni.us/tpvPI
Gear Used in This Video:
△ Sony ZV-E1: geni.us/KEb4Z
△ Sony 35mm Lens: geni.us/1u0e26N
△ Rode Overhead Mic: geni.us/Aum0
△ Shimoda Backpack: geni.us/h9M6
△ Ulanzi Carbon Tripod: geni.us/ZSKW
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CONTACT ME: www.jevendovey.com/
Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
00:00 - Ultimate Drone Buyers Guide for Beginners
01:12 - Price
02:51 - Controllers
03:47 - Weight
04:25 - Size
05:26 - Wind Resistance
05:51 - Sensor & Cameras
06:22 - Camera Options
08:45 - Obstacle Avoidance & Tracking
10:26 - Color Grading
12:57 - Flight Time
13:55 - Speed
14:53 - Frame Rates & Resolution
15:46 - Vertical Shooting
16:21 - Controller Strength
16:59 - How to Decide
18:26 - Comparison Tool
18:55 - The Best Drone Is….

[@JevenDovey]

Which drone is your favorite?

[@macfawlty]

I would always carry the best drone I own. There are many reasons why the Mavic 3 Pro stands out. I may have made an unintended mistake buying the M3 Classic instead of the Pro thinking only the Cine had 3 lenses. It's only another $500.

[@easyrasmi4745]

Air 3

[@Littlegemsofmaldives]

Air 3

[@Drones_Eye_View]

I own the Mini 3 Pro...would love the Air 3 but...

[@MavicAir2TW]

Thanks for sharing! I got RC Pro which is not compatible with Ocusync 4.0 drones (Air 3 and, Mini 4 Pro ). It stops me from buying new DJI drones. I keep flying my Mavic 3 with RC Pro.

[@TheJpeg44]

I have a mini 3 pro, an air 3 and a Mavic 3 classic. The one I use the most is the air 3, because of the combination of the 2 lenses and its flexibility . The image is good and the last update gives you a digital zoom good enough to be used in any situation . Thanks for your analysis

[@zacharystephens5972]

Finally someone made a lineup comparison, it’s been too long. This video helped me make up my mind. Thanks bro

[@theskybutlerllc]

Great review Jeven. I went thru a similar analysis and I decided on the Air 3 about a month ago. My business is based around using drones professionally, so I have to do a business case justification before I purchase anything new. The Mavic 3 Pro was my want, but the Air 3 was my justification. Half the price w/ Fly More, and the 3x sensors are the same size anyway. Between my Mavic 2 Pro, Air 2S and now the Air 3, I think I'm covered for a while. I'm really really liking the Air 3. If DJI would have put an adjustable aperture on the Air 3, I would have bought 2 and sold my remaining Mavic 2 Pro. Cheers! Ken

[@Blztrls]

I got the Mini 4 Pro as a beginner and I’m really happy with it. Thanks for this guide as it helped confirm I bought the right drone.

[@Leeroyz1]

You’ve definitely made my mind up with this video about what drone to buy now Jeven! After about a year of procrastinating! I’ve never flown a drone before and I don’t want anything to expensive or complicated to use at first. The DJI MINI 3 fly more combo kit with the RC controller I think would be the best suited for me at about $1,200.

[@macfawlty]

Personally, I'd buy the Mini 4 Pro over the 3. Omnidirectional sensing, better transmission system, Mastershots, slow motion. The omni sensors will save your a$$, cuz most of my crashes were the result of sideways travel.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you for this very helpful comparison. Air 3 it is!

[@sdproduxions1849]

THIS was the video I was looking for! Thx

[@markcoeil]

Thank you for rich and informative video/guide/comparison. It's my first serious drone purchse, and you helped me a lot. Thumb up!

[@jakubvyhnanek]

I love my mini 3, such a reliable and small drone!

[@SabitTSDM07]

I'm certainly getting the Air 3. Gives me vibes of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 (my favorite drone). Definitely the perfect choice for me as I don't usually prefer too small or too large/expensive drones.

[@VictorReviewsGarage]

Bro, bro, this video has it all. Great man!

[@ryanvallee2909]

I like my mavic 3 pro but I use my mini 4 pro way more

[@jordy188]

Interesting, why if i may ask?

[@whotshisface]

​@@jordy188the Mavic is heavy, has more restrictions, is more expensive to buy and repair. If you're flying somewhere that you already have footage for, then it makes sense to just grab a mini etc if just for fun.

[@largeformatlandscape]

Likewise! My mavic is for photography, my mini is for playing, climbing, fun etc…

[@SaintThomas13]

So both of you guys would say for serious work use the air3

[@stephanuswidjaja105]

​@@whotshisface can you tell me what "has more restictions" mean? do you mean it cant fly above 120m?

[@Oakcitymedia]

Air 3 is the way to go if it fits your budget. It can withstand wind much better and do a bit more for business. The mini 4 is amazing too

[@RNTULexplores]

Great guide right before the holidays!! ✌️

[@dcpsir]

Super-detailed comparison. Impressed and Subscribed.

[@RonaldBrown59]

That was a complete drone buying guide, and a real asset for anyone looking to get their first drone, or even upgrading from an older one. Thanks for sharing Jeven.

[@JevenDovey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jonahkaiguam]

Wow freakn awesome drone guide. I have the M3 Standard and love it. I've also used it to capture video for clients back in September and they like it as they are hiring me again for another mountain bike race later this month. The M3 in Sport Mode on crazy fast at keeping up with some of these mountain biker riders. Also the 7x 165mm allows me to reach some of the contestants that were within a Restricted Airspace because of an old abandoned power plant and the M3 is out away from it

[@cayrick]

Jeven, well done. Very good review. Thanks!

[@bentboi6969]

Still rockin the mavic 2 pro and use it weekly for shoots. I definitely need to upgrade though my batteries are so swollen and flight time is like 10-15 mins max per battery which frustrates me so much. Thank you for this video!

[@joshuaharrell7187]

Just got into this, bought the Potensic Atom to learn on...I'm in love and will be buying one drone for each day of the month....will be trying a DJI next...have 1,000 acres out in the middle of nowhere so the geofencing shouldn't bother me. Thats why I avoided DJI to start....anyhow thank you for the video. 😊

[@davidevans6503]

I have the Phantom 4 pro 2.0 and I love it but im looking into the Air 3. I'm wondering if it would be a good switch or if I should stay with my P4.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown 👍

[@kyriakosdrivas1942]

Can you do tutorial on Mavic 3 pro cine. Perhaps settings that you preferred to use

[@Heimdall-hb5it]

I switched from the Air 3 to the Mini 4 Pro for portability. The Air 3 takes a huge amount of space in my camera bag and I didnt use the 3x Zoom as much as I would have expected tbh.

[@86Raxor]

Explain more. I have the Mini 4 pro, unopened still! But can't decide if I should stay with it or change it to Air 3. I think I'll be doing a little bit of everything. Tracking my wife and kids when playing in the garden. Inspecting my roof... and searching for dead trees/fire wood in the forest. Some scenery video and footage when on road trips. I do travel a lot in my profession so bringing a drone with me is a good way of doing something fun when I otherwise may end up bored in the hotel room or rentals. I think zoom would be nice, I actually use it quite often on my Google pixel phone. But maybe less so on a drone. I don't know. I would probably use the Dji Integra goggles as well and both of the drones are compatible with it. What would you do in my position?

[@alejandroolivas3476]

Awesome video man. Thanks a lot!

[@dbldare]

Great vid! Currently fly a Mini 3 Pro and an Air 3. Find myself flying my Air 3 more these days due to the 70mm, but still love the small size of the Mini. Both are great options.

[@chilly243]

On motorcycle trips (especially with space and weight sensitive offroad riding) for me there is really no other option than the Mini series. The M4P now gives me the peace of mind of obstacle avoidance and also tracking modes compared to the Mini 3 that I had before. Love it!

[@driewiel]

You will be disappointed by how user-unfriendly DJI's active track is in real life. You have to stop and stop and stop again and get nowhere. Try use the touchscreen with that circle thing while riding your bike. Impossible. And I wouldn't rely too much on the obstacle avoidance. It works 99% of time. But it is that 1% that is the problem. It means out of 100 minutes you have one full minute of crashes. What works better is follow-me using Dronelink, Maven, or Litchi. You just put the drone up and away from any danger and you can concentrate on riding instead of staring at a screen to see if the drone is still behind you or stuck between some branches. If you just want some shots of you riding in the local park, then active-track has more options for sure. If you actually have to go somewhere it sucks. I may be wrong. I hope I am wrong. But my guess is you use it one or two times and then don't bother anymore. What DJI is trying to do is invent a soup bowl with jet engines that moves to your spoon and tilt to pore in exactly the right amount using the advanced sensors and software, instead of just grabbing the spoon yourself. DJI doesn't make hiker/biker drones. It's not their thing. If I were to let you fly my $130 drone with follow-me, you would say 'Holy cow. It's so simple, so easy! Tie the small controller on the right side with the stick in reach, phone other end on your handlebar, push the button, and off we go. '

[@NeverGoFullRetard415]

​@@driewiel You're on of those humans that find any, and everything to complain about. Jeez .

[@driewiel]

@@NeverGoFullRetard415 And you're on of those humans with a completely empty KZbin channel posting useless comments. Jeez.

[@DatingElevated]

Does Dronelink, Maven, or Litchi work w/ the air 3? I wish we could get the SDK for the air 3@@driewiel

[@driewiel]

@@DatingElevatedNot sure if they work yet. It'll be on their website.

[@photographybyliamanderson1659]

incredible comparison video. so perfectly detailed. personally im using the mini 3. its my first one so didn't wanna spend a redivulous price when im not using it that much. I use it for doing wedding group photos and just pissing about making videos and still learning so I don't need colour grading and such.

[@abot4694]

I bought the mini 4 pro, have yet to take it out on its maiden flight but the major factors for my purchase was the sub 250g weight since I'm in Canada and I don't want to get a drone pilot license, omni-directional obstacle avoidance for a complete beginner, the improved signal with OC4 and the upgraded RC2, and then the new features and improved camera software. I could have saved a couple hundred getting the mini 3 pro, but I felt the upgrades were significant and worth the extra dollars.

[@zim7941]

I just did the same myself, just seemed better for beginners

[@njrivetelite]

I have the Mavic 2 Pro & I bought the Mini 4 Pro a mo ago.. I love the mini 4 Pro with 6 batteries but wish I could unlock it's height limits. My next drone will be the Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK It's pricey but I'm gonna put that baby to work.

[@joemzd]

Well, I lost my Phantom 3 over a cliff the other day, so this comparison video came at the best time!

[@LiveYoungTV]

Hi javen, can you make video on DJI 4g cellular dongle for DJI mini 3 pro

[@vincentmills4062]

Awesome Drone Video Derek... How far out were you ????

[@Erez84]

Best option for offroad motorcycle riding tracking, speed and footage?

[@MrToadColorado]

Excellent, tight presentation. Thank you!

[@JevenDovey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RogueOverland]

Good information. Thanks!

[@Eshayzbra96]

I bought the Mini 4 pro fly more plus. I went with the mini 4 because it comes will all the good tech, and, I'm a novice. I don't know if it will become a passion or stoarge, so at a reasonable price I went with the safest and cheapest option which also happens to be very well versed with its tracking technology, camera quality and versatility. The mini 4 pro weighs 250 grams full load baring (w/ battery) so it will be eligible for pretty much everyone around the world, and if you travel that means you most likely won't need to have a special license or permit (not all countries are like this). For example I live in Australia and the Mini 4 pro is in an excluded category for citizens, meaning I just have to do a free online quiz and register my drone in order to fly it and use it commercially. Also, it's very compact for travelling. Feels no more than a small satchel on the waist with all the gear you get with the fly more package. IF YOU ARE NEW, go for the Mini 4 pro. It's simply safer for cost and you get a significant update on the much needed technology the expensive drones get. Your photos will still be high quality and being new you should be using this drone to learn while still also being able to market if you decide to go commercial with drone operation. I was going to buy a mini 3 until I saw that it is considerably bare compared to its younger counterpart.

[@j.pravin9833]

Air 3 is the sweet spot🔥

[@askarzhumai9988]

Hi Jeven,Which the drone, you recommend buy ?

[@Visaliaipa]

I’m just researching which drone to get and I’m torn between the Mini 4 pro, Mavic 3 pro and Mavic Cine pro……this video helps tremendously.

[@seacat]

Found a used unit of Mavic air 3 FM which cost about the same as a brand new Mini 4 pro FM... does it worth to get the air 3 instead? (maybe about USD80 differences)

[@AmitVermaFilms]

Really very nice and informative video ❤

[@gregv2821]

Your videos are so freaking good. Good, useful content, quick, to the point with none of that campy "look at me, iIm trying to be likable" dumb stuff.

[@TechLineHD]

As a Mavic 3 user, I watched this video to see if I really need the Mini 4 Pro as a travel companion. Thank you for the excellent video!

[@JevenDovey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DavidWaldrip]

Did you decide you need it or no?

[@TechLineHD]

@@DavidWaldrip yes I got it as a travel drone. It feels that it is lighter than 1 Mavic 3 Pro battery. Now I took it to the trip to Mauritius

[@ExploringWithJosh]

SAME

[@nps-ddpsavinglives]

Great overview!

[@EastPalestineDrone-py6rs]

I have a Mini 2 and a Mavic 3 with the RC Pro. I only use the mavic now because of ease of use with controller

[@VeganLinked]

Damn, this was good, thank you

[@VeganLinked]

The mavic 3 pro has 10-bit 422? Is that just on the wide lens in D-log?

[@AvtoFin]

I goed from mini 3 pro to Air 3 )) both are amazing drones

[@gusparlow]

Excellent video!

[@ikhsanmuchlisien71]

nice information for me, thank sir... i am from Indonesia

[@dorknerd]

What grading is available on the Mini3 Pro?

[@user-ob9dc8uz5b]

I'm a 15 years-old and i have the mini 3. I have been flying it and i really enjoyed it because of its compatibility . Do you thing i should upgrade?

[@shermanllewellyn1282]

Absolutely DJI Mavic 3 Pro! 😍

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

Enjoying the mini 4 pro right now. Only fly for fun of hobby, It's more than adequate.

[@pdub422]

Good content, one thing i noticed you kept calling the 1/1.3" sensor a "1 and 1 third inch sensor". 1 and 1/3" would be 4/3, or the micro four thirds from the mavic 3 whereas 1/1.3" is much smaller (0.77") and falls in-between the 4/3 and the 1/2" sensor

[@carlraetzsch]

Exactly right

[@JamesT65]

I just upgraded my old p3s into a pro body shell and upgraded the video with a better aerial transmitter, it does 1.5 on video and 4k on wifi. About as good as it gets

[@don-xl]

Great review and comparison, Jeven! Much appreciated @JevenDovey

[@cornflakes1275]

it really falls down into budget but as long as its DJi you will never get wrong..😊 even mini 3 pro are still the best for its price in 2023..

[@LenMiDrones]

why haven't they updated the active track on the Mini 3 pro as well as? the precise landing and the remote still could be backwards compatible

[@jeroendekok6974]

Wow that night shot at 15:12 is amazing! Is it coming out of the Air 3?

[@anish40a]

very good comparison

[@LenMiDrones]

I notice you left them any three pro price out of there because they are both the same price as the mini 4 which is ridiculous. so aggravated with DJI for this last lineup

[@D8Droner-xj5tg]

I vote for dji air 3 sir these drone is so very amazing when it comes to photography and videography is so fabulous❤❤❤.

[@cheekyoscar1353]

firstly the contents of your video is absolutely spot-on really good summary10/10 🏆 . My only criticism is like most of the KZbin reviews again just going too fast . there's a lot of information to process, slowing it down which just make it a little bit easier . For my needs are use a mini 3 pro & mavic 3 pro both on a Rc pro controller . The perfect combination .. 2 drones and one controller fits nicely . You can't always fly the bigger drone due to drone regulations in certain areas. Thanks for the video a really good summary I would definitely be passing it on to a few friends who may be getting into the hobby ..

[@Robcadams1974]

Doesn't the mini 3 pro have obstacle avoidance and tracking?

[@myke321321321]

Some good info although the Mini 3 shouldn't have been mentioned or compared as its been superseded my the Mini 4.

[@cre8tivity06]

I’m currently flying both the DJi Air 2S and the Mavic 3 Pro and I use the DJI RC Pro controller for both. I think in this video you said the RC Pro could only be used on the mavic 3 versions.

[@michaelwhitefield151]

There compatible with both, after a firmware update, currently using an Air 2s with the rc pro, and looking and purchasing the mavic 3 pro, how do you find switching between the two?

[@LethalityYT]

How hard was it to get the air 3 registered and all the other stuff it takes to be able to freely fly it without any big restrictions?

[@createwithlens3153]

superb...

[@andreineagu65]

Q: can you connect FPV to Mavic 3 pro?

[@anything7087]

What about max fly heights of mini4 pro it needs unlock? How?

[@ivangrifi]

Great video, super useful and amazing shots!

[@Hassanakora]

What 4k camera you will recommend, if i don't wana use colour grading to make it look better? Not for filming just for events recording Record and upload?

[@JevenDovey]

All of these look good on the standard profile. Look at the other features to see what makes the most sense for you. I prefer the Air3

[@tonygee3284]

Mini 4 pro does it for me its a little beast

[@chejda6066]

Thanks!

[@JevenDovey]

No problem!

[@MrElScorpio]

Hello, guys. Please tell me which drone is best for industrial and real estate filming: Mini 4 Pro, Air 3 or Mavic 3 Classic?

[@lodewicus1]

I love my the air 3... The best

[@timothygeithner6714]

4 pro is the best for me. Its extremely regulation friendly

[@MarcellJjr]

Air 2s still rocking it

[@antonio_travels]

Still using my trusty Spark, but will be getting the Air for xmas 😄

[@JevenDovey]

nice!

[@Colbyjack582]

Air 3 is great because it’s not too big or too small, it has great wind resistance, long battery life and beautiful camera footage

[@bensmith136842]

Waiting on Air 3s

[@D_humpa]

Is the vertical shooting 2.7k on the Air 3 sufficient enough for social media? I had an Air 2 just sold it. Not sure which one to get out of mini pro 4 and air 3 Please help. Great video

[@Kkkm872]

What did you buy ?

[@D_humpa]

@Kkkm872 i went the Air 3, its absolutely brilliant

[@LechsVideoverse]

Mini 3 Pro shoots Videos in DLOG / RAW 10 Bit aswell.

[@user-qh8nz4su5k]

Good pro you are heroes

[@joshuaharrell7187]

I'm going to buy the Air 3 next based on this review...trying to find where to buy the warranty from DJI??? Maybe it's not available thru Amazon? Thats where I buy most of my stuff. I'll keep looking. Thanks again for the video.

[@jesuslovestoastyaya]

when your drone arrives and you register it the first time you turn it on it will prompt you to buy Fly More warranty

[@callagainphotography128]

Seriously think you should try flying a Mini 3 Pro and you'd realise it does have obstacle avoidance (Granted only forward and rear), also shoots in D-log 10bit Raw in video. Please make sure you are giving the correct information in your video's considering this was only uploaded 3 weeks ago. Grated Mini 4 is better with 360 obstacle avoidance and updated options in the software, but still a good budget option for new flyers.

[@LechsVideoverse]

Was looking for this corrections. Mini 3 Pro shoots in RAW 10 Bit aswell! Important Info!

[@RichardDraggin99]

I concur.

[@johnl69]

He stated Mini 3 doesn't have obstacle avoidance . Fact

[@connoredwards-ie4uv]

Mavic 3 classic is the best for sure for money spent

[@Flyingchef84]

I like doong fishing and boating sometime on the beach, is Dji mini pro 4 is good with the beach ? As is windy around the beach?

[@josiahhendricks11]

I took my MP4 on its maiden voyage on a very windy day yesterday.......making me consider returning for air 3 tbh just looked very easy to move and often cuz get moved by gusts of wind

[@Flow_8_]

So you can't do quick shots with the mini 3 remote that holds your phone. There is no option for it.

[@Debasinghofficialvlog2000]

Second hand how much bro

[@nufforme]

Is the dude by side of theses products i was looking for

[@roberthutchinson664]

For Someone Who Is upgrading from the mavic 2 pro is the Air 3 okay and comparable in photo and video qaulity?

[@algebruh_m8652]

Unfortunately in my experience it was a bit of a downgrade. Don't get me wrong I'm glad to have a new modern drone with the new app and features but the camera doesn't hold up to even the Mavic 2 Pro. I hesitated on buying the M3 Classic as it was a lot more expensive but came with less stuff in the box. The 48MP DJI claims on the Air 3 is utter BS and still very much looks like a 12MP sensor (Which it is). Part of me wishes I spent the extra $250 for the Classic 3 but besides the downgrade from the camera I love everything the Fly More combo has to offer and the new RC-2 controller

[@len9483]

So if I bought the Mavic 3 and the RC Pro, I would be able to tether it to the Intrega goggles so my wife could watch in FPV and I could use the screen to fly? Am I able to attach my Ipad to the RC Pro? Old eyes.

[@captureprojectone8471]

Awesome content just crossed your channel job well done! We live in the same neighborhood which was documented in this video I have walked those trails myself, if you ever need help or a BTS shooter reach out let grab a coffee and nerd out on equipment. I own 3 drones myself and shoot with Canon if not shooting with a drone. Best regards, Mark @Capture Project One

[@GASHTASB1st]

Hi jeven, where is the mini 3 pro, after that your content is very good

[@JevenDovey]

As I mentioned in the video I did the newest version of each drone. The Mini 4 Pro is out

[@macfawlty]

Tight review of the current models. Great b-roll destinations. Fortunately for me, there are fewer drone models than guitars. The Mavic 2 Pro served me very well for nearly 4 years until I finally pulled the trigger on the Mavic 3 Classic. I really wanted the M3 Pro, but ya know…$$. Buying the MA2 (as a backup when the M2P was being repaired) was a disappointment. Better features, but bad camera. IMO, wind tolerance is the difference between flying and not flying. In Hawaii, the wind is always a factor. In Moab Utah off-roading last month, wind was howling. The M3C probably would have been fine, but poor light quality made it not worth the risk, plus I was returning the next day. Not flying in epic destinations due to wind is a waste. Aperture control is huge, IMO. ISO is not a good exposure control method in-flight. I’m really torn right now between the MA3 (70mm lens), the Mini 4 Pro (country restrictions) and the Avata (that FPV look), but the noise is an annoyance to others in the vicinity. Do you think I should just mount a GoPro to my M3C? I really like the look of the MA3 70mm and that different look cuts in well.

[@charleswachira62]

You have said dji mini 3 and 4 do not have obstacle avoidance. What I know is that mini 3 does not have that facility but the mini 3 pro has obstacle sensing and avoidance. The mini 4 is more advanced and has 4 fish eye omnidirectional obstacle sensing and avoidance facilities.