Get the Air 3S ($1,209) if you want the best value: a 1-inch main camera and 70 mm tele, forward LiDAR, a 20 km O4 link and 45 minutes of flight, at half the Mavic 3 Pro's price. Get the Mavic 3 Pro ($2,419) if image quality and reach come first: its 4/3 Hasselblad sensor with an adjustable aperture, 5.1K video and a third 166 mm camera give professionals more options. Both are over 250 g and need FAA registration.
Specs side by side
| Air 3S | Mavic 3 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Our price (standard kit) | $1,209 | $2,419 |
| Fly More Combo | $1,759 | $3,299 |
| Controller in standard kit | RC-N3 | DJI RC (built-in screen) |
| Takeoff weight | 724 g | 958 g |
| Wide camera | 1 in, 50 MP, 24 mm f/1.8 | 4/3 in, 20 MP, 24 mm f/2.8 to f/11 |
| 70 mm camera | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, f/2.8 | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, f/2.8 |
| 166 mm camera | None | 1/2 in, 12 MP, f/3.4 |
| Main video | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow-mo | 5.1K/50, DCI 4K/120 |
| Log profiles | D-Log M | D-Log, D-Log M |
| Max flight time | 45 min | 43 min |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional vision + forward LiDAR | Omnidirectional vision |
| Video link (FCC) | O4, 20 km | O3+, 15 km |
| Internal storage | 42 GB | 8 GB |
| Wind resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s |
Prices are our current prices. Specs are DJI's published figures.
The key differences
Main camera. The Mavic 3 Pro's 4/3 sensor is larger than the Air 3S's 1-inch sensor, which shows in dynamic range and low-light detail. Its lens also has an adjustable f/2.8 to f/11 aperture. It records 5.1K and the full D-Log profile, which colorists prefer for heavy grading. The Air 3S's 50 MP wide camera is sharp and excellent in most light, but the Mavic 3 Pro is the more professional tool.
Telephoto reach. Both have a 70 mm 48 MP medium tele with the same sensor size. Only the Mavic 3 Pro adds the 166 mm camera, useful for wildlife, events, inspections and anything you can't fly close to. Its smaller 1/2-inch sensor is weaker in low light.
Night and safety. The Air 3S has forward LiDAR that DJI rates for obstacle measurement out to 25 m at night, and the newer O4 link rated 20 km FCC. The Mavic 3 Pro relies on vision sensors that need light, with a 15 km O3+ link.
Size and cost. The Air 3S is 234 g lighter, flies 2 minutes longer, and costs $1,210 less. Its standard kit uses the RC-N3 with your phone. The Mavic 3 Pro's standard kit includes the DJI RC screen controller.
Who each one is for
- Air 3S: travel and content creators, hobbyists stepping up from a Mini, real estate shooters on a budget, and anyone flying at dusk.
- Mavic 3 Pro: paid filmmakers, landscape photographers who print large, wildlife and event shooters who need 166 mm, and editors who grade in D-Log.
The Mavic 4 Pro factor
At the same $2,419, the Mavic 4 Pro adds a 100 MP 4/3 camera, 6K video, a 168 mm 50 MP tele, forward LiDAR and 51 minutes of flight. Our stock is limited because DJI never launched it on its US store. If one is available, it's the stronger buy over the Mavic 3 Pro. See Air 3S vs Mavic 4 Pro.
Common mistakes
- Paying for three cameras you won't use. If you rarely shoot past 70 mm, the Air 3S covers you.
- Expecting the tele cameras to match the main camera at night. Smaller sensors mean more noise.
- Forgetting registration. Both need FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) and Remote ID.
Quick answers
Which is better for real estate? The Air 3S does it well for less. The Mavic 3 Pro is better for twilight shots and high-end listings. Paid work needs Part 107.
Which is easier to travel with? The Air 3S, at 724 g and a smaller folded size.
Read the Air 3S guide or ask a drone pilot about your shoots.
Related guides
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