Thinking about the Air 3s vs Mini 4 Pro… what’s the real difference with bigger drones?

Buying Advice Forum
1

Hey everyone, I’m about to buy my first drone and I’m stuck between the Air 3s and the Mini 4 Pro. Planning to use it for both nature and city shots, plus maybe earn a little on the side with real estate work or something similar.

From what I’ve seen, the Air 3s seems better on paper—better camera, longer battery, faster, handles wind better, all that.

But a lot of folks keep pushing the Mini 4 Pro because it’s under 250g and has fewer rules tied to it.

I kinda get that I’d have to register the Air 3s and it needs to broadcast Remote ID. If I do anything more than casual flying, I’d need the Part 107 too. But is that really such a big deal?

People act like flying something heavier is way more trouble than it’s worth. Can someone explain why? Would love to hear some real-world examples. Thanks!

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You’re mostly right. In the US, if you’re just flying for fun, the big difference is that the heavier one needs to be registered—but that’s only $5.

Other than that, the rules are the same. The Mini 4 isn’t technically Category 1 either, since it doesn’t come with prop guards by default. That category really only matters when you’re flying over people.

Now if you’re going somewhere like Canada, then yeah, the Mini 4 makes more sense. Over there, drones under 250g have fewer restrictions and can fly in more places.

3

@Gentry
I’ve got a Mini 3 Pro and getting a waiver to fly over people and cars was way easier than I expected. It’s not officially Category 1, but once you add prop guards, a light, and broadcast Remote ID, the FAA is usually fine with approving it.

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@Orion
Yeah I’d bet the Air 3s could get that same kind of waiver too, since it meets the Category 2 rules already.

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@Orion
That waiver—do you get it from your state or is it through the FAA?

6

@Gentry
Thanks a ton, that really cleared things up. I was worried I’d pick the better drone and then get stuck not being able to use it freely.

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The M4P might not handle wind as well, but one thing I love about it is the size. It’s super easy to fly in tight spots. I shoot a lot under tree canopies and get some really smooth shots that I’d struggle to pull off with a bigger drone.

People think drones are just for high-up shots, but if you use them creatively, there’s a lot more you can do.

Also worth mentioning—the Air 3s doesn’t have a true vertical camera. The Mini 4 Pro does, and that might matter depending on what you’re filming.