DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Mini 3 Pro vs DJI Air 3
BIKMAN TECHChoosing the right drone can feel like navigating a sky full of options. DJI, a leader in the field, offers a fantastic lineup, but which one is perfect for you? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aerial videographer, the choice between the DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Mini 3 Pro, and DJI Air 3 can be tough. In this comprehensive guide, we at BIKMAN TECH will break down the key differences in camera performance, flight safety, and intelligent features to help you make an informed decision and take your content creation to new heights. Let's dive in!
1. Design and Portability: The Weight Game
One of the most significant distinctions lies in size and weight. Both the 🟨 Mini 4 Pro and 🟦 Mini 3 Pro weigh in at under 249 grams (about 8.8 ounces). This is a huge advantage in many regions, as drones in this weight class often have fewer regulations and don't require registration. They are incredibly portable, easily fitting into a small bag. The 🟩 Air 3, on the other hand, is a more substantial aircraft at 720 g (25.4 oz). While still foldable and portable, its larger size means it will require registration in most places and is better suited for planned shoots where a dedicated case is used.
2. Camera System Showdown: Single vs. Dual Lens 📸
The camera is where these drones truly shine, but they offer different creative tools. Both the 🟨 Mini 4 Pro and 🟦 Mini 3 Pro feature a single, powerful 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of shooting stunning 48MP photos and up to 4K/60fps HDR video. They also both support True Vertical Shooting, perfect for social media content.
However, the 🟨 Mini 4 Pro pulls ahead with more professional video features, including 4K/100fps slow-motion and 10-bit D-Log M/HLG color profiles, offering greater flexibility in post-production. The 🟦 Mini 3 Pro is still excellent, offering a 10-bit D-Cinelike profile.
The 🟩 Air 3 changes the game entirely with its innovative dual-camera system. It has a wide-angle camera with the same 1/1.3-inch sensor as the Mini models, plus a 3x medium telephoto camera. This dual setup provides incredible creative versatility, allowing you to capture sweeping landscapes and then punch in for compressed, cinematic shots without losing quality. Both cameras on the 🟩 Air 3 support 4K/60fps HDR and 10-bit D-Log M/HLG color profiles.
3. Safety and Flight Performance: See Everything 🛡️
Confidence in flight is crucial, and obstacle sensing is key. This is where we see a major generational leap. The 🟦 Mini 3 Pro features a respectable tri-directional obstacle sensing system (forward, backward, and downward). It's a solid system that helps avoid common collisions.
The 🟨 Mini 4 Pro and 🟩 Air 3 take safety to the next level with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. With sensors covering all directions—forward, backward, left, right, upward, and downward—these drones create a 360-degree protective bubble. This enables more advanced flight assistance systems (APAS 5.0), allowing the drone to autonomously and smoothly navigate complex environments. For pilots flying near trees or other obstacles, this comprehensive coverage is a massive advantage.
4. Transmission and Flight Time: Go the Distance 🔋
A stable connection to your drone is non-negotiable. The 🟦 Mini 3 Pro uses DJI's reliable O3 transmission system, offering a crisp 1080p live feed up to 12 km (about 7.5 miles) away. For most users, this is more than enough.
The 🟨 Mini 4 Pro and 🟩 Air 3 are equipped with the next-generation O4 HD video transmission system. This provides a more robust connection, especially in areas with signal interference, and extends the maximum range up to 20 km (about 12.4 miles). In terms of endurance, the 🟩 Air 3 leads the pack with an impressive maximum flight time of 46 minutes. The 🟨 Mini 4 Pro and 🟦 Mini 3 Pro are nearly identical, offering up to 34 minutes with their standard intelligent flight battery.
5. Intelligent Flight Modes: Smart and Creative
DJI's intelligent features make capturing complex shots effortless. All three drones share core features like MasterShots and Hyperlapse. However, their subject-tracking capabilities differ. The 🟦 Mini 3 Pro uses the FocusTrack suite (including ActiveTrack 4.0), which does a great job of following subjects.
Thanks to its omnidirectional sensors, the 🟨 Mini 4 Pro introduces ActiveTrack 360°, which allows for more dynamic and complex tracking paths with full control. The 🟩 Air 3 also benefits from its 360° sensors, offering a highly reliable FocusTrack suite that can be used with both its wide and telephoto cameras. Additionally, both the 🟨 Mini 4 Pro and 🟩 Air 3 support Waypoint Flight, allowing you to plan and repeat automated flight routes for precise, repeatable shots.
6. Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | 🟨 DJI Mini 4 Pro | 🟦 DJI Mini 3 Pro | 🟩 DJI Air 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | < 249 g | < 249 g | 720 g |
| Camera System | Single 1/1.3-inch CMOS | Single 1/1.3-inch CMOS | Dual (Wide & 3x Tele) 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/100fps | 4K/60fps | 4K/100fps |
| Color Profile | 10-bit D-Log M | 10-bit D-Cinelike | 10-bit D-Log M |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional | Tri-directional | Omnidirectional |
| Transmission | O4 (20 km) | O3 (12 km) | O4 (20 km) |
| Max Flight Time | 34 min | 34 min | 46 min |
Which DJI Drone is Right For You?
Ultimately, the best drone depends entirely on your needs. The 🟦 DJI Mini 3 Pro remains a fantastic choice for beginners and hobbyists who want a powerful, ultra-portable drone without breaking the bank. It offers incredible value and stellar image quality. The 🟨 DJI Mini 4 Pro is the undisputed king of the sub-250g category, perfect for travelers, content creators, and serious enthusiasts who demand the best safety features and pro-level video quality in the most compact package. Finally, the 🟩 DJI Air 3 is the ultimate tool for prosumers and videographers who need the creative flexibility of a dual-camera system, the longest flight time, and top-tier performance. It's a true aerial powerhouse. We hope this comparison from BIKMAN TECH has cleared the skies for you! Feel free to click to find the best deals on these incredible drones. Let us know in the comments which one you're choosing, and don't forget to share this post!
