I’m in the market for my very first drone and have been eyeing the DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo. I originally went to buy the Mini 4 Pro, but the salesperson recommended the Air 3S instead.
I’m comfortable with the Air 3S’s size and want something stable, easy to maneuver, and less likely to crash into trees or get carried away in high winds. The salesperson said the Air 3S handles better than the Mini 4 Pro in those situations, even though it’s bigger and more expensive.
I can afford the Air 3S, but I’m wondering if I should wait for a new Mini model with better features. Is the Air 3S a good pick for a beginner or should I hold out?
I own both the Air 3S and Mini 4 Pro, plus two Air 3 units.
What are you planning to shoot? What time of day? What weather conditions? The Air 3S has much better obstacle avoidance in low light thanks to its front-facing Lidar and 10-bit D-log-M performance. The Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 don’t impress me in low light—especially for obstacle avoidance.
If you’re flying in calm weather with good light, the Mini 4 Pro is great. But for wind resistance and low light performance, the Air 3S is hands down the better choice.
Most people will recommend the Mini 4 Pro, and it’s a great drone. I started with the Mini 3 Pro and loved it. But once I upgraded to a drone with a telephoto lens, I couldn’t go back.
The Air 3S is more future-proof if you’re planning to upgrade later. Just remember that if you’re in the US, you’ll need a TRUST certificate since it weighs more than 250g. It’s an easy 30-minute test online.