DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Mavic 3 Pro

[Kyle Jones]

I have been playing with the Mini 4 Pro for a few days now. I did get the bundle that included the charging base station, extra batteries, and the RC2 controller that allows me not to have to use my phone to fly the thing. I've been enjoying it so far, practicing around my home in Montana. I'm attaching a couple of photos just for fun as well as a link to a video captured using the waypoints feature. It took me a few tries to set up the trip through the carport without triggering the obstacle detection and I would do the end differently if I tried it again, but it was really easy to set up. I'll be trying a more scenic area on Friday.

1) The view from high above the house - the Swan Range is in the background and Flathead Lake on the right

2) Me trying to fly the thing. I need to remember to pose better when I'm in the frame

3) A little trip around the yard pre-programmed using waypoints

 

[JimFox]

First off, what a great view you have Kyle. A super cool location. My first thought was a telescope would look really nice next to that flag pole!

The Mini 4 looks to do a really great job. I still haven't picked an upgrade for Mini 2, I bought a Nikon Z8 and Z6II combo as my aging Nikon DSLR's needed some new life, so I traded them all in except for the D850.

The video sure looked nice and crisp, I think the Mini 4 will do you well.

 

[AlanLichty]

Neat views from above your Montana abode. I like the view as you limbed up about the pines in the video.

 

[Jeffrey]

I have been playing with the Mini 4 Pro for a few days now. I did get the bundle that included the charging base station, extra batteries, and the RC2 controller that allows me not to have to use my phone to fly the thing. I've been enjoying it so far, practicing around my home in Montana.

Looks like you've updated your attitude about aerial photography, Kyle! Good for you.

 

[Jeffrey]

The Mini 4 looks to do a really great job.

All drones do a great job. Your choice depends on what is the job you require. If you want good looking internet pics and vids, then any one will do. I create large prints so I need large good quality files. My Mavic 3 Pro barely meets this need under good conditions. I personally don't know what I'd do with the files from a Mini or Air 3 or.....

 

[AlanLichty]

I have grown so accustomed to having 3 focal length choices in the air anymore and have no idea what I would do if I had to go back to a single lens. My flight plans are made knowing that I have these options available. Most of my "good spots" to launch from in the Gorge wouldn't be so wonderful at all if I could only shoot at 24mm.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

I do wish all the three focal lengths on the mavic 3 pro used the same sensor and give the same resolution images. If the next iteration does that I will be very tempted to upgrade.

 

[JimFox]

All drones do a great job. Your choice depends on what is the job you require. If you want good looking internet pics and vids, then any one will do. I create large prints so I need large good quality files. My Mavic 3 Pro barely meets this need under good conditions. I personally don't know what I'd do with the files from a Mini or Air 3 or.....

Good point Jeffrey. I think for video the Mini series is great, at least for myself on YouTube. Even for photos, I think the mini series are okay, the mini 4 that Kyle has I would think would be pretty good. But if someones purpose is large prints, then the Mavic 3 Pro is probably the way to go.

I still haven't upgraded my Mini 2. I had thought I would. I had settled on the Mavic 3 Pro. But in the end, I decided I just wasn't using my drone enough to warrant spending the money on it, and instead bought a heavier duty Astro Mount.

 

[Kyle Jones]

Looks like you've updated your attitude about aerial photography, Kyle! Good for you.

I spent enough time with one in Norway that decided they were fun and a nice way to create video. I have a lot of practicing to do. Here's a quick phone edit of a trip up Kootenai falls. I had set up a full waypoint flight but it stopped about half way through. I think it lost gps from the canyon walls. The second leg is manual flying, so it's not as smooth. The third leg is waypoints again. Still having fun.

 

[AlanLichty]

I spent enough time with one in Norway that decided they were fun and a nice way to create video. I have a lot of practicing to do. Here's a quick phone edit of a trip up Kootenai falls. I had set up a full waypoint flight but it stopped about half way through. I think it lost gps from the canyon walls. The second leg is manual flying, so it's not as smooth. The third leg is waypoints again. Still having fun.

Aerial tripods go where you can't. Nice views of Kootenai Falls.

 

[JimFox]

I spent enough time with one in Norway that decided they were fun and a nice way to create video. I have a lot of practicing to do. Here's a quick phone edit of a trip up Kootenai falls. I had set up a full waypoint flight but it stopped about half way through. I think it lost gps from the canyon walls. The second leg is manual flying, so it's not as smooth. The third leg is waypoints again. Still having fun.

I like this Kyle. You should add music to your videos.

The Waypoints look pretty cool, I personally like the challenge of flying it by hand though and getting the turns to look smooth as silk. It does take some practice, and I can tell when I haven't flown mine in a while, but for me at least, I enjoy flying it by hand while video'ing.

 

[Kyle Jones]

I'll add music when I do them for real. These are pretty much tests edited on my phone.

 

[JimFox]

I'll add music when I do them for real. These are pretty much tests edited on my phone.

Gotcha

 

[JJ’s Grandad]

Hi guys , I’m knew to this forum & came across it whilst looking for info on the benefits of either the Air3 or the Mavic 3 Pro , I currently have the Air 2S and whilst I absolutely love it , it’s now that I want more in cameras & the extra added safety options so was wondering what advice anyone could help with. This is coming to you all from Spain & thanks in advance.

 

[AlanLichty]

Hi guys , I’m knew to this forum & came across it whilst looking for info on the benefits of either the Air3 or the Mavic 3 Pro , I currently have the Air 2S and whilst I absolutely love it , it’s now that I want more in cameras & the extra added safety options so was wondering what advice anyone could help with. This is coming to you all from Spain & thanks in advance.

A lot depends on your budget for this choice. Your Air 2S has a pretty good 24mm lens for starters so no gain in image quality with the Air 3 there although the Air 3 does have the same 70mm lens as the Mavic 3 Pro. I use the 70mm a lot with my Mavic 3 Pro so that part is a nice plus for the Air 3 over your Air 2S. The Mavic 3 Pro does have an excellent 24mm system that would be a step up from either the Air 3 or the Air 2S. I personally love having the 70mm and 166mm focal length choices and use both frequently since this more closely tracks how I use my lenses with my DSLR when shooting on the ground.

If you can afford the step up to the Mavic 3 Pro it would be well worthwhile for my use case but I can't really speak for how you intend to use one. Good luck in either case.

 

[JimFox]

Hi guys , I’m knew to this forum & came across it whilst looking for info on the benefits of either the Air3 or the Mavic 3 Pro , I currently have the Air 2S and whilst I absolutely love it , it’s now that I want more in cameras & the extra added safety options so was wondering what advice anyone could help with. This is coming to you all from Spain & thanks in advance.

Welcome to FocalWorld! It's so awesome to have you join us from Spain!

I would agree with Alan, that the Mavic 3 Pro is what you would want as an upgrade, it's a huge step up from the Air2s. If it's too pricey, then go for the Air 3. But I think the 3 Pro is worth the extra money, so it would be worth saving up for it if money is an issue.

And please post and share some of your photos! It would be great to your view on Spain.

 

[JJ’s Grandad]

Appreciate your reply & I’ll keep you posted

 

[rainy]

Very useful information, thanks

 

[JimFox]

Very useful information, thanks

Thank you! And it's great to have you join us!