DJI is the dominant player in the consumer and prosumer drone market, with its Mavic series being one of the most popular product lines. The recently released Mavic 3 offers significant upgrades over previous models, while the Air 2s, launched in 2021, brings some high-end features to a more affordable price point.
But how exactly do these two drones compare? Which one is the better buy for your needs and budget? This in-depth feature breakdown has all the details you need to decide.
Camera and Image Quality
The camera systems are where we see the biggest differences between the Mavic 3 and Air 2s.
The Mavic 3 packs an astounding dual-camera setup. The main camera uses a large Four Thirds 20MP CMOS sensor and Hasselblad optics, making it the first drone to feature this professional-level camera configuration. Image quality is excellent, with high dynamic range and Hasselblad‘s signature color science.
The second camera has a 162mm telephoto lens, enabling 28x hybrid zoom. This adds unique perspectives and compression effects for video and stills.
By comparison, the Air 2s has a single 1-inch CMOS 20MP sensor. While very good for a consumer drone, the smaller sensor can‘t quite match the dynamic range and low light performance of the Mavic 3.
The Mavic 3 also supports Apple ProRes video, giving more post-processing flexibility for professional productions. The ability to record 5.1K video at 50fps versus the 4K 60fps cap on the Air 2S also makes the Mavic 3 better suited for films and documentaries.
Intelligent Features
Both drones come loaded with automated flight modes and AI-powered imaging features, but the Mavic 3 nudges ahead here too.
The latest generation APAS and ActiveTrack systems on the Mavic 3 allow more seamless obstacle avoidance and better subject tracking respectively. Shot suggestions and composition tools accessible through the DJI app also simplify getting pro-level aerial images.
That said, the Air 2s inherits most of the excellent QuickShot modes from DJI‘s consumer drones like the Mavic Mini series. These help new pilots capture dramatic footage with no prior experience. The MasterShots feature also auto-generates an entire video from a single tap.
While the Mavic 3 has a slight edge for autonomous imaging, both models give excellent results for the target user‘s skill level.
Transmission and Control
The Mavic 3 offers a best-in-class 15km HD video transmission range using DJI‘s O3+ system. That allows capturing unique perspectives by pushing the operational range to its limit. In contrast, the Air 2S maxes out at 12km.
The Mavic 3 is also compatible with DJI‘s smart controller remote which has an integrated screen. This allows keeping your phone in your pocket while still getting a live feed and telemetry data. The Air 2s uses a more standard design requiring a connected mobile device.
Battery life is 46 minutes on the Mavic 3 versus just 31 minutes on the Air 2S. The quick-charging Mavic 3 fly more combo‘s additional batteries help extend flight sessions as needed.
Ruggedness and Portability
There‘s no question that the Mavic series pioneered folding drones, and the Mavic 3 continues that legacy. Even with the larger camera housing, it remains highly portable at just 895g takeoff weight.
The drone folds down small enough to fit into a jacket pocket or small camera bag. That‘s ideal for travel and field work where bulk and weight come at a premium.
The Mavic 3 also debuts a locking gimbal mechanism to keep the camera secure and stabilized during transport. This greatly reduces the risk of damage compared to the exposed gimbal on the Air 2S.
Both drones feature robust construction that makes them suitable for outdoor operation in less than ideal conditions. But the Mavic 3‘s design tweaks give it the durability advantage.
Safety and Regulation
Safety continues to be a prime focus area as drones gain popularity across different applications. Both the Mavic 3 and Air 2S integrate multiple vision and positioning sensors to enable precise hovering and collision avoidance. However, the more advanced APAS 5.0 system on the Mavic 3 allows it to smoothly maneuver around obstacles with minimal pilot intervention.
The Mavic 3 also introduces an enhanced return-to-home capability that can plot a safe path back to the takeoff point in complex environments.
Regulation is still catching up to drone tech globally, but the Mavic 3 carries the new C1 classification in Europe. This allows flights closer to people and over populated areas to capture footage that was previously off-limits. The waivers needed for similar operations with the Air 2S make the Mavic 3 much better suited for urban aerial filming projects.
As regulations continue evolving, the advanced safety features and certifications position the Mavic 3 as a future-proof investment for commercial operators. The Air 2S suffers from more limited automated capabilities and stricter operational constraints that translate to lost business opportunities.
Price and Value
The base Mavic 3 model with the standard RC-N1 remote retails for $2,199, with the more fully-featured Fly More Combo bundle costing $2,999. Stepping up to the Mavic 3 Cine with its integrated 1TB SSD brings the total to $4,999.
In comparison, the Air 2S Fly More Combo currently prices out at $1,299.
That‘s a massive price delta, but the Mavic 3 clearly occupies the high end for consumer drones. The superior camera, safety systems, and advanced professional features justify the premium over the still very capable Air 2S.
Considering that low-end professional camera drones still cost upwards of $10,000, the Mavic 3 delivers outstanding value at a fraction of that investment. It brings true pro-grade aerial imaging and reliability that independent content creators depend on within reach.
The Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 represents a significant generational leap compared to the incremental update we see with the Air 2S. It brings best-in-class performance across critical areas like camera quality, flight time, transmission range, and automated features.
As expected, you pay a hefty premium over the Air 2S, but the jump in image quality and creative flexibility makes the Mavic 3 an easy recommendation for:
- Professional aerial photographers
- Videographers and filmmakers
- Commercial inspection and mapping operators
- Technophiles seeking the latest drone innovations
For more casual users not pushing creative boundaries, the Air 2S remains a very capable drone at literally half the price. It retains the outstanding portability, ease of use, and automated QuickShots that DJI pioneered.
Ultimately, your budget and aspirations as a pilot determine which model fits best. But the Mavic 3 stretches what‘s possible with a consumer drone today, fully earning its flagship status in DJI‘s storied product lineup.
