BEST Drone to Buy in 2024 - Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3 vs Mavic 3 Pro

BEGINNERS GUIDES

DRONE LINKS

Gear Used in This Video:


Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Ultimate Drone Buyers Guide for Beginners
01:12 - Price
02:51 - Controllers
03:47 - Weight
04:25 - Size
05:26 - Wind Resistance
05:51 - Sensor & Cameras
06:22 - Camera Options
08:45 - Obstacle Avoidance & Tracking
10:26 - Color Grading
12:57 - Flight Time
13:55 - Speed
14:53 - Frame Rates & Resolution
15:46 - Vertical Shooting
16:21 - Controller Strength
16:59 - How to Decide
18:26 - Comparison Tool
18:55 - The Best Drone Is….

[Heimdall-hbit]

I switched from the Air 3 to the Mini 4 Pro for portability. The Air 3 takes a huge amount of space in my camera bag and I didnt use the 3x Zoom as much as I would have expected tbh.

[TheJpeg]

I have a mini 3 pro, an air 3 and a Mavic 3 classic. The one I use the most is the air 3, because of the combination of the 2 lenses and its flexibility . The image is good and the last update gives you a digital zoom good enough to be used in any situation . Thanks for your analysis

[Leeroyz]

You’ve definitely made my mind up with this video about what drone to buy now Jeven! After about a year of procrastinating! I’ve never flown a drone before and I don’t want anything to expensive or complicated to use at first. The DJI MINI 3 fly more combo kit with the RC controller I think would be the best suited for me at about $1, 200.

[Oakcitymedia]

Air 3 is the way to go if it fits your budget. It can withstand wind much better and do a bit more for business. The mini 4 is amazing too

[RonaldBrown]

That was a complete drone buying guide, and a real asset for anyone looking to get their first drone, or even upgrading from an older one. Thanks for sharing Jeven.

[ericneo]

+1 for actually saying which you prefer and why, instead of dodging the question.

[abot]

I bought the mini 4 pro, have yet to take it out on its maiden flight but the major factors for my purchase was the sub 250g weight since I'm in Canada and I don't want to get a drone pilot license, omni-directional obstacle avoidance for a complete beginner, the improved signal with OC4 and the upgraded RC2, and then the new features and improved camera software. I could have saved a couple hundred getting the mini 3 pro, but I felt the upgrades were significant and worth the extra dollars.

[ryanvallee]

I like my mavic 3 pro but I use my mini 4 pro way more

[Blztrls]

I got the Mini 4 Pro as a beginner and I’m really happy with it. Thanks for this guide as it helped confirm I bought the right drone.

[chilly]

On motorcycle trips (especially with space and weight sensitive offroad riding) for me there is really no other option than the Mini series. The M4P now gives me the peace of mind of obstacle avoidance and also tracking modes compared to the Mini 3 that I had before. Love it!

[TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you for this very helpful comparison. Air 3 it is!

[theskybutlerllc]

Great review Jeven. I went thru a similar analysis and I decided on the Air 3 about a month ago. My business is based around using drones professionally, so I have to do a business case justification before I purchase anything new. The Mavic 3 Pro was my want, but the Air 3 was my justification. Half the price w/ Fly More, and the 3x sensors are the same size anyway. Between my Mavic 2 Pro, Air 2S and now the Air 3, I think I'm covered for a while. I'm really really liking the Air 3. If DJI would have put an adjustable aperture on the Air 3, I would have bought 2 and sold my remaining Mavic 2 Pro. Cheers! Ken

[Eshayzbra]

I bought the Mini 4 pro fly more plus. I went with the mini 4 because it comes will all the good tech, and, I'm a novice. I don't know if it will become a passion or stoarge, so at a reasonable price I went with the safest and cheapest option which also happens to be very well versed with its tracking technology, camera quality and versatility.

The mini 4 pro weighs 250 grams full load baring (w/ battery) so it will be eligible for pretty much everyone around the world, and if you travel that means you most likely won't need to have a special license or permit (not all countries are like this). For example I live in Australia and the Mini 4 pro is in an excluded category for citizens, meaning I just have to do a free online quiz and register my drone in order to fly it and use it commercially. Also, it's very compact for travelling. Feels no more than a small satchel on the waist with all the gear you get with the fly more package.

IF YOU ARE NEW, go for the Mini 4 pro. It's simply safer for cost and you get a significant update on the much needed technology the expensive drones get. Your photos will still be high quality and being new you should be using this drone to learn while still also being able to market if you decide to go commercial with drone operation.

I was going to buy a mini 3 until I saw that it is considerably bare compared to its younger counterpart.

[TechLineHD]

As a Mavic 3 user, I watched this video to see if I really need the Mini 4 Pro as a travel companion. Thank you for the excellent video!

[zacharystephens]

Finally someone made a lineup comparison, it’s been too long. This video helped me make up my mind. Thanks bro

[pdub]

Good content, one thing i noticed you kept calling the 1/1.3" sensor a "1 and 1 third inch sensor". 1 and 1/3" would be 4/3, or the micro four thirds from the mavic 3 whereas 1/1.3" is much smaller (0.77") and falls in-between the 4/3 and the 1/2" sensor

[BenjaminGib]

Thank you for doing price first! Absolutely superb video.

[SabitTSDM]

I'm certainly getting the Air 3. Gives me vibes of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 (my favorite drone). Definitely the perfect choice for me as I don't usually prefer too small or too large/expensive drones.

[sleuth_canine]

I get the feeling this guy may not be the impartial average unaffiliated consumer he would have us believe .

[LabpupsOfficial]

Thank you for making such a comprehensive comparison video! I've been considering buying a drone for getting those amazing shots.