With the launch of the new DJI Mavic 3 in late 2021, you might be wondering whether to opt for the Mavic 3 or the popular DJI Air 2S. Join us for a deep dive comparison into the differences between the flagship DJI Mavic 3 and fan-favourite DJI Air 2S.
Spec Comparison
Just after a quick breakdown of key drone specs? Check out the table below for all the specs.
| DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Air 2S | |
| Weight | 900 g | 595 g |
| Max Flight Time | 46 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Max Speed | 68 KM/h |
68 KM/h |
| Primary Camera | 4/3" Hasselblad | 1" CMOS |
| Photo Performance | 20 MP | 20 MP |
| Video Performance | 5.1K/50fps 4K/120fps 1080p/200fps |
5.4K/30fps 4K/60fps 1080p/120fps |
| Secondary Camera | 1/2" Telephoto | - |
| Zoom | 7X Optical 28X Hybrid |
4X Digital |
| Video Transmission | O3+ | O3 |
| Max Video Range | 15 KM w. DJI RC Pro | 10 KM |
| Retail Price | $3099 | $1699 |
| Fly More Combo Price | $4199 | $2099 |
Read More: Introducing DJI Mavic 3: The New Standard
Camera Performance
Mavic 3 | 5.1K video - 20 MP photo - 28X Hybrid Zoom
As DJI’s latest flagship camera drone, the Mavic 3 features an innovative new dual camera design for the first time on a Mavic series drone! What’s powering the Mavic 3’s advanced new camera performance? A massive 4/3” Hasselblad CMOS sensor that’s capable of capturing incredible 5.1K footage and stunningly detailed 20MP stills.
Thought that was it? Think again! The Mavic 3 also features a secondary 1/2" CMOS telephoto camera to help you capture shots from far away with up to 7X optical zoom. If that wasn’t enough, you can pair the digital and optical zoom for up to 28X hybrid zoom.
Air 2S | 5.4K video - 20 MP photo
With its 1” CMOS sensor, the Air 2S delivers the best camera performance yet on an Air series drone. Capable of delivering 20MP stills filled with rich details, the Air 2S is perfect for capturing awesome aerial images. More interested in video? The Air 2S delivers the highest maximum video resolution of any DJI camera drone with support for insane 5.4K video capture.
Similarities and Differences
The Mavic 3 and Air 2S share a number of similar features under the hood, including 10-bit D-log recording and HDR image capture. Whilst on paper it may seem that the higher 5.4K resolution of the Air 2S would outperform the Mavic 3, it's important to note the frame rates of each recording resolution.
For high frame rate recording, your best option is the Mavic 3 with support for 120fps recording at 4K and up to 50fps recording at 5.1K. The Air 2S on the other hand supports 120fps at just 1080p and up to 60fps at 4K.
One feature exclusive to the Mavic 3 is variable aperture control which can make a huge difference when composing the perfect shot up in the air. With variable aperture control, you’ll have full control over all three elements of the exposure triangle, allowing you to make fine tune adjustments and manipulate settings to your liking. On the Air 2S users are limited to ISO and shutter speed control.
Read More: Is the DJI Mavic 3 Fly More Combo Worth It?
Flight Performance
Mavic 3 | 46 minute flight time - 68 KM/h top speed - O3+ transmission
With a maximum flight speed of 68 KM/h, the Mavic 3 can cover crazy distances in a matter of seconds. The Mavic 3 is powered by an all new Intelligent Flight Battery design that delivers more flight time than ever before on a Mavic series drone. With this new Intelligent Flight Battery, Mavic 3 can achieve an absurd maximum flight time of 46 minutes, 50% more than the previous generation DJI Mavic 2!
With the updated O3+ video transmission technology, Mavic 3 can fly further than any DJI drone has ever been able to fly, with an incredible 15 KM wireless video transmission range when flown with the DJI RC Pro remote controller.
Air 2S | 31 minute flight time - 68 KM/h top speed - O3 transmission
The Air 2S does not fall far behind the Mavic 3 when it comes to flight performance, featuring the same maximum flight speed of 68 KM/h.
However, with its smaller body, the Air 2S uses a smaller Intelligent Flight Battery that provides a maximum flight time of 31 minutes. Additionally, the Air 2S uses a slightly older version of DJI’s OcuSync wireless video transmission system, sporting a max transmission range of 12 KM.
Similarities and Differences
The Mavic 3 and Air 2S share a number of similar features under the hood, including 10-bit D-log recording and HDR image capture. Whilst on paper it may seem that the higher 5.4K resolution of the Air 2S would outperform
One feature exclusive to the Mavic 3 is variable aperture control which can make a huge difference when composing the perfect shot up in the air. With variable aperture control, you’ll have full control over all three elements of the exposure triangle, allowing you to make fine tune adjustments and manipulate settings to your liking. On the Air 2S users are limited to ISO and shutter speed control.
Read More: DJI Maintenance Service | Now Available at D1 Store
Safety Features
Mavic 3 | Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance - APAS 5.0 - ADS-B
The safest DJI drone to date, the DJI Mavic 3 features all the bells and whistles when it comes to safety features. With omnidirectional obstacle avoidance sensors, the Mavic 3 can sense obstacles from all around and effectively avoid them to keep your drone in one piece. Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance also aids ActiveTrack 5.0, allowing the Mavic 3 to track subjects quickly and effectively whilst avoiding obstacles.
Also featured on the Mavic 3 are APAS 5.0 and ADS-B, two advanced safety protocols that aid overall flight safety by gathering information from nearby aircraft to ensure that crashes and interceptions are avoided.
Air 2S | 4 Direction Obstacle Avoidance - APAS 4.0 - ADS-B
The Air 2S features practically all of the important safety features found on the Mavic 3. However, being released prior to the Mavic 3, these features are not as advanced as those found on the Mavic 3. For example, both the Air 2S and Mavic 3 feature the APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System), however the Mavic 3 features the updated APAS 5.0 compared to the Air 2S’s APAS 4.0.
The Air 2S features 4 direction obstacle avoidance including new upwards obstacle sensors that support advanced safety when the drone is flying at full speed. These upwards obstacle avoidance sensors are unique to the Air 2S and are yet to appear on another DJI drone.
Read More: Is the DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo Worth it?
Which Mavic is For Me?
With a starting price of $1699, nothing beats the DJI Air 2S at its price point. It’s the complete package with a 5.4K 1” CMOS sensor, over half an hour of flight time and tonnes of Intelligent Flight Features. With the Air 2S, you’ll also receive the benefits of advanced intelligent flight features including ActiveTrack 4.0, MasterShots and more.
If you’re serious about aerial photography and want the absolute best possible, there’s no better option than the Mavic 3. With its dual-camera system, the Mavic 3 is designed to be DJI’s top dog for years to come.
Still Need a Hand?
If you’ve still got questions and want to learn more about the DJI Mavic 3, DJI Air 2S or any other DJI product, we’re more than happy to help. Reach out to us at D1 Store by visiting one of our convenient locations around Australia for hands-on help from our Product Specialists or contact us at sales@d1store.com.au.
